Children at age 5 and above take interest in different hobbies they parents may have. If you are into fishing and you are not taking your child in, you might be missing out on a lot of fun. Kids often have remarkable patience when it comes to fishing. Especially when they are provided with the right fishing rods.
When fishing with your child, one of the key factors is ensuring they actually catch a fish. To make that possible, it is important to have the appropriate kid friendly fishing rods on hand. One great thing about children’s fishing poles is they are very affordable.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the tried and tested kid’s fishing rods available in the market. Before we start with the recommendations, let us first understand the importance of choosing the right fishing rod for your child.
Choosing the Right Fishing Rod for Kids
When it comes to creating a starter kit, it is essential to choose the right gear for their skill level. One of the important components of this kid is the design. A kid’s fishing pole should be designed specifically for kids.
The fishing rods should be smaller compared to the normal adult fishing pole. Other important factors to look at are the length, weight, usability, and durability. But before you consider all of that, you need to first determine what type of fishing they will do.
- Reel Style
When it comes to choosing a beginner friendly pole, you also need to consider the style of reel to be used. There are two preferred styles of reel, the spinning reel and spincast reel.
Spincast reels feature a push-button that releases the line automatically. This mechanism can make casting a simple and easy process. With that, you may want to go with this kind of reel as it is very easy to use and does not require any skill set to accomplish.
Some rod and reel combos come with kid friendly designs that feature cartoon characters. The appearance of the rod may encourage your kid to fish even more.
As your kid advances in casting, you can move them using a spinning reel. Having your child use a spinning reel will be a good transition stage to a more adult set up.
- Rod Length and Material
After choosing the reel style, you can move on to choosing the rod length. You want your kid to have a rod length that is long enough for him to be comfortable. Most kid’s rod measures between three to four feet long. This measurement allows balance between comfort and performance. As your child becomes more advanced in casting, you can make adjustments on the length.
Aside from the length, you also need to consider the durability of the rod. Materials like graphite, fiberglass, and composite blends can be a great option.
- Fishing Accessories
Many child rod and reel combos come with add-ons. These add-on accessories can be another way for them to learn more about the fishing process.
Different Types of Fishing Rods Available
- Spinning Rods
This type of rod is beginner friendly because it is very easy to use. It includes a spinning reel, which is versatile and suitable for casting and bait fishing.
- Surf Rods
Surf rods are the heaviest and longest rod. They are designed to cast long distances.
- Casting Rods
A casting rod allows for better control for handling. This type of rod is beginner friendly because the reel is easy to use and doesn’t tangle much.
- Overhead Rods
If you’ll be fishing in the deep sea, then you might want to use an overhead rod. This type of rod is shorter yet more powerful compared to casting rod. Overhead rods are suited for bigger fishes.
- Trolling Rods
This type of rod is a lot stiffer and features larger reels. Trolling requires a moving boat to attract fishes. The rod is attached to the moving boat, allowing the lure to move throughout the water. It is best to use on oceans, big lakes, and ponds.
- Fly Rods
If you are on to fly fishing, then you only need to get yourself a fly fishing rod. This type of rod is suitable for freshwater and saltwater use.
- Telescopic Rods
If you need a more compact rod that is travel friendly, you can get a telescopic rod. It is designed to be used with spinning reels to catch fishes of small to medium sizes.
Top Features to Look for in Kids Fishing Rods:
The right fishing rods ensure catch for your kids. Before buying their first starting kit, here are some factors to keep in mind.
- Spincast reel
Spin cast reels feature a push-button mechanism that is designed for youngsters at age 4-6.
- Tangle free rods
Look for tangle free rod specially designed for kids. These types of fishing rods come paired with a spincast reel combo.
- Non slip grips
One of the most important factors to look at when shopping for a kid’s fishing pole is the grips. It is important that the grips are not slippery even after getting wet.
- Durable rods
Look for rods that are lightweight yet durable. Materials used for freshwater spin cast rods are a good option.
10 Kids Approved Fishing Rods
This rod is strong and sturdy so you don’t have to worry about it breaking during a fishing session. It also comes in a variety of lengths for better casting. Although, it may be a bit on the pricier side considering that it doesn’t have a line included.
This rod features a button release mechanism which when pushed automatically releases the line. The length is perfect for kids 4 and above and works well even on distance casting. Another bonus point for this rod is the fun children theme it has. Your kids will surely enjoy the cartoon characters imprinted on the rod.
This rod features an aluminum spool with 4 pound monofilament line that impressively cast smooth.
This fishing rod is more durable compared to other kid’s first kit. With a length of 8-feet long, weighing 5 lbs, and with bright colored rods.
The Zebco Roam is a 6 ft fiberglass rod with a push-button reel, perfect for kids. It comes pre-spooled with a 10-lb line and features a comfortable grip. Our testers, ages 8 and older, found the rod length and easy-to-cast reel enjoyable. The Zebco Roam stood out as the only rod that didn’t lead to line breakage or the need for adult assistance. Young fishers were able to cast the line effortlessly.
The Ugly Stik Dock Runner is a 3 ft rod with a 30-size spinning reel pre-spooled with a 6 lb line. It’s great for young fishers or tight spaces like docks or kayaks. Assembly is minimal, just string the line, and it’s noticeably better quality than other kids’ rods. Testers found it manageable after practicing with the reel type, which is slightly harder. Even smaller testers could handle it without causing any obstructions.
The Zebco Dock Demon is a 30″ rod with a spinning reel, ideal for tight spaces. It features an EVA easy-grip handle, ball bearing drive, and a changeable left/right hand retrieve. Testers praised its comfortable hold and easy casting without snagging on obstacles.
The Kalex Telescopic Kit includes a rod, reel, extra line, and accessories. It comes neatly packaged and protected with bubble wrap. The rod features a comfortable EVA handle and a smooth-spinning reel. It is also collapsible for easy travel, and a travel bag is included.
The Plusinno Kids Pole comes with a convenient carry case that includes a tackle box with bobbers, weights, and lures. With its push-button reel and telescoping rod, it’s perfect for young fishers. This kit provides everything kids need to feel like pro fishermen and start their fishing journey.
Maintenance and Care for Kids Fishing Rods
After choosing your young angler ‘s pole, knowing how to use them is not the only thing that they should learn. Knowing proper maintenance is as important as knowing how to cast. Rod maintenance is the key to prolong the life of the rod while enhancing it’s performance. Here are some simple steps on how to maintain your kid’s pole.
- Firstly, it’s important to clean your rod after each fishing trip, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Salt residue can cause corrosion over time, while dirt and sand can harm the rod’s delicate components. To clean your rod effectively, give it a gentle rinse with warm soapy water, followed by a thorough rinse with fresh water. This simple process will help remove any harmful substances and keep your rod in great shape.
- Secondly, proper drying is essential after cleaning your rod. Storing a damp rod can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can have a detrimental effect on its overall condition. To prevent this, allow your rod to air dry completely before putting it away. Simply lean it vertically in a safe place, and let nature do the rest.
- Thirdly, it’s crucial to inspect your rod regularly for any signs of damage. Look out for cracks, chips, or loose fittings, paying particular attention to the guides. Ensure that they’re securely in place and free from any cracks or rough edges that could potentially damage your fishing line. By catching any issues early on, you can prevent further damage and address any necessary repairs promptly.
- When it comes to storing, choose a suitable location. Opt for a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. This will help protect it from environmental factors that could potentially cause bending or warping. Utilize a rack or a similar storage solution that keeps the rod off the ground and either in a horizontal or vertical position. Proper storage is key to maintaining the rod’s structural integrity.
- When transporting, take extra care to prevent any damage. This is particularly important for multi-piece rods or delicate options such as fly rods. Utilize a rod tube or case designed specifically for this purpose to provide maximum protection during transit.
Teaching Kids to Fish with a Rod
Fishing is a great family activity. It is a great way to spend time with your kids, while teaching them patience and responsibility. Below are some of the basic steps on how to teach your kids to fish:
- Understand fishing basics at home. Give your child fishing lessons starting from the basic gears to basic techniques. Make sure to simplify some terms and use visuals to help them understand better.
- Practice the basics of fishing. In an open area, you can practice the basics. Practice tying a knot, setting the bobber, hooking the bait, and casting the line. Demonstrate how basic things are done and correct them along the way.
- Preparation. Make sure you have everything ready. Bring some snacks, chairs, mats, hats, and other things you know your kids will need when fishing.
- Choose the equipment. Avoid choosing any fishing equipment that is not appropriate with their age. Make sure that the gears are all beginner-friendly.
- Safety first. Before anything else, know that safety should always come first. Prepare some fishing outfit that is both safe and comfortable. Anticipate any injuries and make sure you have come prepared.
- Look for locations. Target an area where you know will have plenty of fishes. Some fishes that are ideal for kids to catch are pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, and green sunfish.
- Use live baits. Using live baits such as worms, crickets, and minnows makes fishing extra fun for your child. It also adds a bit of excitement.
Conclusion:
Selecting the perfect fishing rod for your little one is a big deal. It’s all about nurturing their love for the great outdoors and teaching them valuable life skills. And let’s not forget the fun they’re going to have! A kids approved pole is the way to go. It’ll make sure their fishing experience is safe and enjoyable, while also sparking a lifelong passion for casting lines.
As parents, it’s up to us to guide and support our young anglers every step of the way. By investing in the right equipment, we’re setting the stage for a future generation of fishermen.
If you’ve got any questions or need some suggestions on which fishing rods are best for kids, feel free to leave us a comment! We’d be happy to help and provide you with thorough reviews.
Additional Resources:
- https://ultimatebass.com/fishing/articles/angler-how-tos/a-parents-guide-to-choosing-a-rod-for-kids/
- https://captainexperiences.com/blog/young-anglers-best-kids-fishing-poles
- https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-kids-fishing-poles/
- https://fishingfather.com/bestkidsfishingrods/
- https://fishing.scoutlife.org/3-best-fishing-rods-for-young-anglers/
