Top 9 Best Kids Fishing Poles Reviewed
If you’re looking for the best kids fishing poles, you’re in the right place.
When I made this list, I thought about kids. They are smaller, sometimes not as careful, and like things that look nice. So, their fishing rods should be shorter, stronger in case they drop them, and have designs that they find interesting.
All the fishing poles on this list meet those requirements. And the good news is, they are not expensive. None of them cost more than $50. Most of them are even less than $30.
So, here are the 9 best fishing poles for kids.
QUICK OVERVIEW
Top 9 Best Kids Fishing Poles
PRODUCTS
FEATURES
- Blank Material: Composite
- Handle Material: Cork + EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 3 ft
- Blank Material: Fiberglass
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 4.9 ft
- Blank Material: Composite
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 5.5 ft
- Blank Material: Fiberglass
- Handle Material: Plastic
- Rod Length: 2.4 ft
- Blank Material: Carbon Fiber
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 3.9-5.9 ft
- Blank Material: Fiberglass
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 2.5 ft
- Blank Material: Fiberglass
- Handle Material: Plastic
- Rod Length: 2.4-5.5 ft
- Blank Material: Fiberglass
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 5-6.5 ft
- Blank Material: Fiberglass
- Handle Material: EVA Foam
- Rod Length: 3.9-5.9 ft
🏆 OUR EDITOR’S Pick
Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
Best Kids Fishing Poles
- Durable Aluminum Body
- Versatile Sling Mounts
- Inline Bolt System
1. Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
Features:
The first fishing rod and reel combo on our list is perfect for young anglers who are ready for more serious fishing. The Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo is not only sleek and stylish, but it also offers a solid setup.
This fishing rod combo features a composite blank and a spinning reel. The composite blank is made with carbon fiber for sensitivity and fiberglass for power and toughness. Ugly Stik is known for making durable rods that can withstand rough handling by kids, thanks to their Ugly Tech Construction.
The spinning reel included in this combo is a great transition for young anglers who want to move on from spincast reels. It offers a good balance between baitcasting reels and spincast reels.
With a length of 3 ft, this fishing pole is easy for most kids to handle. If you feel that your child has outgrown their spincast reel, this high-quality rod and reel combo could be the perfect upgrade.
2. Lanaak Fishing Kit
Features:
Next on our list is the Lanaak Fishing Kit, which we believe is the best fishing kit for youths. This fishing kit stands out for its style, length, and power.
As children grow older, they often prefer to use fishing rods that have a more mature and grown-up style. The Lanaak Fishing Kit offers a design that appeals to youths, with less emphasis on vibrant colors and cartoons that may make them feel like kids.
In addition, as youths develop their fishing skills, they may want to target larger fish. The Lanaak Fishing Kit features a robust fiberglass blank that can handle the challenge of catching bigger fish.
To make things even more convenient, the reel comes pre-spooled with fishing line, saving you time and effort.
With its combination of style, length, power, and added convenience, the Lanaak Fishing Kit is an excellent choice for youth anglers and one of the best fishing kits available.
3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spincast Combo
Features:
For youths looking for a reliable 2-piece fishing pole, we recommend the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spincast Combo. This rod and reel combo is designed to offer strength and durability, making it an excellent choice for young anglers.
The composite blank construction of the rod combines the sensitivity of carbon fiber with the robustness of fiberglass. This allows youths to feel even the slightest fish bites while still having a sturdy and resilient rod. The Ugly Tech Construction further enhances the durability of the reel, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of fishing.
In terms of design, the color scheme of this combo is less “kiddy,” making it more suitable for teenagers who prefer a more mature look.
Overall, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spincast Combo is an ideal fishing pole for youths who are serious about their fishing adventures.
4. Zebco Splash Rod And Reel Combo
Features:
The Zebco Splash Rod and Reel Combo is designed specifically for careless and inattentive children. This kids fishing pole is engineered to float on water, making it perfect for those little ones who may accidentally drop their fishing rod into the water.
Youngsters can sometimes be less mindful and may drop their fishing pole multiple times. With the floating feature of the Zebco Splash Combo, parents can easily retrieve the rod and continue fishing without any worries.
Additionally, this combo includes a casting plug, allowing children to practice their casting skills from the comfort of their own home.
Overall, the Zebco Splash Rod and Reel Combo is the ideal choice for more slipshod kids, offering a long-lasting fiberglass blank and the convenience of the floating design.
5. ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Starter Kit
Features:
The ODDPRO Kids Fishing Starter Kit is a fantastic all-in-one fishing kit for young anglers. It includes a wide range of lures and tackle, making it suitable for various fishing techniques like fly fishing, jigging, and bottom fishing.
One of the standout features of this kit is its compact storage bag. Measuring just 16 inches in length, it can easily fit in a backpack or be stored in the trunk of a car, providing convenience for transportation.
Additionally, the kit comes with fishing line and a casting plug, allowing young kids to practice their casting skills at home.
Overall, the ODDPRO Kids Fishing Starter Kit offers a comprehensive set of fishing gear in a compact and convenient package.
6. Zebco Dock Demon Spincast Combo
Features:
The Zebco Dock Demon Spincast Combo is a perfect choice for young anglers. With its compact size of 2.5 ft, it is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 5 years old. The rod features vibrant colors and a sturdy fiberglass construction, making it both visually appealing and durable for young anglers. This combo provides an excellent introduction to fishing for your little one.
7. Zebco Star Wars Spincast Combo
Features:
For children aged 6-9, the Zebco Star Wars Spincast Combo is an excellent choice. With a length of 4 ft, it is specifically designed for kids in this age range. The rod is made from durable fiberglass, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of fishing. The added bonus is that it features Star Wars-themed graphics, making it especially appealing for young fans of the franchise. This combo provides a fun and enjoyable fishing experience for children aged 6-9.
8. Zebco 33 Rod And Reel Combo
Features:
If the other 2-piece kids fishing pole seemed too expensive, the Zebco 33 Rod and Reel Combo offers an excellent alternative without breaking the bank.
In terms of price, it is approximately half the cost of the Ugly Stik GX2, making it a much more affordable option for those with limited funds.
However, it is worth noting that the Zebco 33 may be slightly less sensitive and robust. Nevertheless, it is perfectly adequate for catching smaller panfish, so this aspect shouldn’t pose a significant concern.
9. Plusinno Kids Fishing Kit
Features:
The Plusinno Kids Fishing Kit is the final option on the list and stands out as the top choice for a low-cost fishing kit.
When it comes to the assortment of lures and tackle, it is on par with the other kits, offering a comparable variety.
The main reason for its lower price is that the rod and reel are of slightly inferior quality. However, it’s important to note that the Plusinno Kids Fishing Kit still provides a decent fishing pole that is capable of catching fish, although it may not be as impressive as the other two kits.
If you found the other two fishing kits to be a bit pricey, the Plusinno Kids Fishing Kit is worth considering as an alternative.
Things To Consider When Buying A Fishing Pole For Kids
Imagine if you were out with your kid and he or she asked you to buy a fishing rod that he or she saw.
Would you know how to judge whether it’s a good rod?
This guide will cover what to take into account when buying a rod for your kid.
Pole Length
Ensuring the appropriate length for your child’s fishing pole is essential. If the pole is too long, your child may encounter difficulties in casting. Conversely, if it is too short, it can feel awkward for them. In either case, frustration may arise, leading to a potential loss of interest in fishing altogether. To assist you in determining the suitable size of fishing pole for your kids, here are the rod lengths I recommend.
To ensure an appropriate fishing pole length for your children, I recommend starting with a 2-foot pole for 3-year-olds. As they grow older, you can increase the length by 0.5 feet for each passing year. Once your child reaches 10 years old, it is advisable to acquire a rod that is 5 feet or longer. At this stage, you might even consider transitioning them to an adult rod, treating them more like an adult angler.
It is important to note that the suggested lengths provided are general guidelines. You have the flexibility to deviate from them based on your child’s height. If your child is taller or shorter compared to others their age, you can adjust the length of the fishing pole accordingly to ensure a comfortable and suitable fit.
Weight
While a fishing pole may feel light and manageable to an adult, it can be overwhelming for a child whose muscles are still developing. To ensure that the weight of the rod is appropriate for your child, it is best to let them test it out themselves. Ask your child to swing the rod around a few times and observe the speed and ease of their movements. If they can swing it effortlessly without any strain or difficulty, it is a clear indication that the kids rod is light enough and suitable for your child’s use. By allowing them to test the rod’s weight firsthand, you can ensure that they feel comfortable and confident while handling it.
Durability
Children, being naturally curious and prone to accidents, may occasionally exhibit carelessness and break things. It is normal to expect that your child may drop the new fishing rod you purchased or unintentionally strike it against a rock during their initial fishing trips.
Although kids’ rods do not necessarily require the same level of power as adult fishing poles, they do need to be more durable and capable of withstanding accidental abuse. Recognizing that accidents can happen, it is essential to choose a fishing rod specifically designed for children that offers increased resilience and durability.
By opting for a rod that is built to endure unintentional mishaps, you can minimize the likelihood of significant damage and ensure that your child’s fishing experience remains enjoyable and uninterrupted.
Target Fish
It goes without saying that bigger fish like muskies are out of the question. However, even smaller fish like trout may be too much for a kids’ fishing rod.
As the more experienced angler, help your kid to adjust the tackle if he or she wants to go after slightly larger fish.
Aesthetics
Design plays a significant role when it comes to children’s fishing rods. Choosing a visually appealing rod can have a tremendous impact on getting your child to develop an interest in fishing.
While it is crucial to consider their genuine enjoyment of fishing as a hobby rather than solely focusing on playing with the rod, an attractive design can be influential in sparking their initial interest. For children who may require some time to warm up to the idea of fishing, a fishing rod featuring their favorite characters or themes, such as a Star Wars rod, can make a notable difference.
The appeal of a well-designed rod can serve as a bridge between your child’s initial hesitation and becoming your future fishing buddy. By incorporating their interests and preferences into the fishing experience, you increase the likelihood of fostering a genuine interest in the hobby and creating lasting memories together.
Final Verdict
The responsibility falls upon you to impart the art of fishing to the next generation. It can be challenging to ignite their interest, but with our recommended options, you’ll find this formidable task much more manageable.
To reemphasize, if you aim to elevate your child’s fishing experience to new heights, the Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo is an outstanding choice. Its exceptional features and performance will contribute to their growth as anglers.
However, if your young angler is still in the learning process and getting acquainted with fishing, it would be more suitable to opt for one of the other available options. These alternatives will provide them with the necessary tools and support to develop their skills and gradually enhance their fishing abilities.