Best Kids Fishing Poles of 2022

Rod and reel combinations on kid’s fishing poles make it easy to get any young person started fishing. They take the guesswork out of matching a rod, a reel, and a line. Fishing poles for kids come in various sizes to fit kids of different ages, with types suitable for all kinds of fishing.

How do you know which kid’s fishing poles are right for your future fishing buddy? Look for ease of use is key, but also durability, length, weight, ergonomics, and budget. We rounded up five of the best kid’s fishing poles available today and the attributes of each one to help you narrow down your options.

Best Rod and Reel Combo: Zebco Dock Demon Spincast ReelBest Budget: Youth Fishing Rod & Reel Combo by WakemanBest for Lakes: Zebco 33 Micro Spincast ComboBest Collapsible: Zebco Rambler Fishing Reel and Rod ComboBest for Bass: Zebco Roam Spinning Reel Combo

Best Rod and Reel Combo: Zebco Dock Demon Spincast Reel

Why it Made the Cut: The Zebco Dock Demon fiberglass rod is small and easy to transport, but it’s tough, so it’ll stand up to all that accidental abuse kids can heap on a fishing rod. The six-pound-test line is light enough for kids to feel the slightest bites from trout, bass, bluegill, and crappie.  

Key Features

Materials: Solid fiberglass rod for durabilityLength and Action: 30 inches overall length, medium actionReel: Right-hand retrieve spincaster with anti-reverse setting, spooled with 6-pound-test line

Pros

Sturdy and durable rod and reel that’s dependableFiberglass rod construction offers both sensitivity and backboneEconomically priced, leaving plenty of cash for hooks, bobbers, and bait

Cons

30-inch rod limits casting distancePre-spooled fishing line is not the best qualityNo hooks, bobbers, or sinkers are included with the combo

Zebco’s Dock Demon rod and reel combo is small but mighty. The 30-inch fiberglass rod is short in length, but virtually unbreakable while still sensitive enough to detect light bites. Paired with the Zebco entry-level push button spincast reel, the Dock Demon rod and reel combo is perfect for any new angler.

The no-frills Zebco spincast reel has a simple push button design that’s easy to cast, and pre-spooled with 6-pound-test line. The grip is sized for a kid’s hands, so he or she will always have control of the rod. This one is just right for introducing the youngest anglers to fishing.

Best Budget: Youth Fishing Rod & Reel Combo by Wakeman

Why it Made the Cut: This inexpensive package offers young anglers a complete package ready to hit the fishing hole without a big investment from adults. The package includes three fishing hooks, three sinkers, and a bobber to help your little angler get started.

Key Features

Materials: Solid fiberglass rod for durabilityLength: Medium-light action 4’2” overall rod lengthReel: Right hand retrieve with anti-reverse setting, spooled with 6-pound-test line

Pros

4-foot 2-inch fiberglass rod helps with making longer castsRod and reel combo kit comes with a small selection of tackle & a plastic casting weight for building confidenceAvailable in pink or blue

Cons

Plastic rod handle may not be ultra-durableThe reel drag system is ineffectiveTwo-piece design may cause issues for beginners

Wakeman offers a terrific rod and reel combination for youth anglers at an affordable price. Their Youth Fishing Rod & Reel Combo consists of a 4 foot 2 inch rod built of durable fiberglass, an easy-to-use spincasting reel spooled with 6-pound-test line, and hooks, weights, and a bobber. It’s all a young person needs to drop some bait in front of a bluegill, trout, or bass at a pond, creek, stream, or dock. A practice casting weight is ideal for teaching your young person how to cast. And you have a choice of colors.

Best for Lakes: Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Combo

Why it Made the Cut: Underspin reels bridge the gap between spincast and spinning reels, providing budding anglers a smooth transition to the next step. The design helps youngsters work on the casting mechanics needed for spinning reels, and cover more water in the process.

Key Features

Materials: Fiberglass rodLength: 4 foot, 6 inchesReel: Changeable right- or left-hand retrieve, lightweight graphite frame, spooled with 4-pound-test Cajun line.

Pros

Teaches the mechanics of spinning with the convenience of closed-faced reelsBuilt-in bite alertSmooth, adjustable dragIncludes 9-piece tackle kit

Cons

Too light to handle large bassCan only cast lures up to 1/8-ounce

Zebco’s 33 Micro Spincast Combo is perfect kids fishing pole for lakes. The design of the underspin reel teaches beginning anglers the mechanics of casting a spinning reel, while maintaining the tangle-free nature of a closed-faced reel. All the angler has to do is activate the trigger and send baits up to 1/8-ounce sailing across the lake. The easy casting helps anglers cover more water while preparing for the next phase of their angling journey.

You can tackle panfish and stocker trout with the moderate action and ultra-light power of the fiberglass rod. The included nine-piece Northland Tackle kit gives you everything you need to target panfish and trout right out of the box. The reel features a built-in bite alert, so even inattentive anglers will be clued in on strikes.

Best Collapsible: Zebco Rambler Fishing Reel and Rod Combo

Why it Made the Cut: Zebco’s telescoping Rambler fishing rod and reel combo is engineered to be both packable and effective at catching fish. Designed for kids between 10 and 14 years of age, it’s ideal for taking on a road trip or on vacation because it telescopes down to an easily packable length. The handle can go on the right or left hand side, so both right-handers and left-handers can easily use it.

Key Features

Materials: Fiberglass rodLength: 5 foot 3 inches when extended for fishing; 24.5 inches collapsedReel: Changeable right- or left-hand retrieve, all-metal gears for durability spooled with 8-pound-test Cajun line

Pros

Rod and reel combo designed for travelSturdy construction while retaining sensitivityRobust reel with reversible handle, all-metal gears, and pre-spooled line

Cons

Hard plastic handle not comfortable for use over long periodsTelescoping rods don’t feel as balanced in the hands as non-telescoping rods

The Zebco Rambler, a telescoping rod and reel combination with a built-in carabiner, is made for travel. It collapses down to a  suitcase-friendly 24 1/2 inches, and you can hang the combo on a backpack for hiking into a remote lake or pond. Designed for anglers between 10 and 14 years of age, it’s easy to cast and strong. The reel features a patented “no-tangle” design so that you can spend more time fishing and less time pulling apart bird’s nests created in the mono. At 5’3” long when extended, the Rambler is long enough for great casting and sturdy enough to fight a big bass, but still sensitive enough to make reeling a panfish a lot of fun.

Best for Bass: Zebco Roam Spinning Reel Combo

Why it Made the Cut: Zebco’s Roam Spinning reel paired with a durable fiberglass rod is an inexpensive way for kids to step up to larger fish like bass or walleye without breaking the bank. The package comes pre-spooled with 10-pound test line, which should handle just about anything your youngster will run into.

Key Features

Materials: Fiberglass rodLength: 6 foot 6 inchesReel: Instant anti-reverse, changeable right- or left-hand retrieve, all-metal gears for durability spooled with 10-pound-test Cajun line.

Pros

Instant anti-reverse provides solid hooksetsShock Ring guides resist the damage kids often inflictDurable fiberglass rod features ComfortGrip handle perfect for kid’s hands

Cons

Too long for the youngest anglersTen-pound test line is a little heavy for panfish

When your little guy is ready to start chasing larger fish such as bass and walleye, consider the Zebco Roam kids fishing pole. This combo features a durable fiberglass rod with enough backbone to handle bigger fish, but isn’t so expensive that you’d be upset if it went overboard or lost a fight with the car door. Shock Ring guides stand up to abuse, so you won’t have to worry about losing an insert if the rod is dropped. A soft, ComfortGrip handle conforms to small hands to provide plenty of purchase to keep it topside. The reel has an instant anti-reverse system, so junior can send the hook home as soon as the bobber dips. The reel comes pre-spooled with 10-pound-test Cajun line, which is sufficient to handle just about anything in the local lake.

Things to Consider Before Buying Kid’s Fishing Pool

There are a handful of things that you should consider before buying kids fishing poles for the youngsters in your life. Consider the following when making your selection:

Pole Length

For kids ages 3 to 5, a 2- to 3-foot rod is a good fit. For anglers 6-9 years old, rods 4 to 5 feet are about right. If your fishing adventure includes kids 10 to 14 years old, look for a rod 5 feet and over in length. 

Reel Style

Spincast reels are easiest the use, thanks to their push-button actuation. These are the best choice for those just starting out. As your little angler matures, consider moving over to an underspin reel, which will introduce them to the motions involved in casting a spinning reel. And when they really get the hang of it, grab that spinning combo.

Species Pursued

Panfish are tailor-made for young anglers. Their willingness to bite and scrappy nature make them perfect targets. Just about every kid’s combo can handle bluegills and sunnies, but you’ll need to up-size the tackle a bit if you plan on hooking bass, trout, or catfish.

Visual Appeal

Kids are very visual, so consider looks, too. Remember, this is all about fun, so make the tackle as appealing as it is functional!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Choosing a high-quality kid’s fishing pole allows you to focus on teaching young anglers how to cast, retrieve, and reel in a fish—instead of trying to fix a bent rod guide or, worse, go home because something broke. For those just starting, it’s hard to beat Zebco’s Dock Demon combo. The short, nearly unbreakable rod with an easy-to-use reel is perfect for introducing your child to fishing. Any of the rods you choose are sure to brighten up any kid’s day when you can enjoy a day on the water together.

How We Made Our Picks

After decades of fishing with kids in various capacities, including as a scouting leader and volunteering at more than 50 kids summer fishing clinics over the years, I learned that down-sized rod and reel combos are perfect for kids who are just starting out. 

I focused on rod and reel combos that were specifically designed for kids. Then, I pared down my selection to those I know will stand up to the tough treatment these outfits are typically subject to and will catch fish. These are the areas I evaluated to make my picks:

Durable Rods: Kids can be tough on tackle, and all of these rod and reel combos are designed to stand up to that abuse. Because of this, I selected rods built from fiberglass. Graphite rods are more responsive, but the forgiving nature of fiberglass handles the bumps and bruises little anglers dish out. I also looked for rods with sturdy guides that won’t lose inserts or bend easily if they dropped on the dock.Sturdy Reels: Reels have many moving parts, so I looked to manufacturers with a proven track record of delivering reels that last. I looked for quality components like all-metal gears whenever possible. Drag performance isn’t a big concern with the smaller fish these combos are designed for, but I selected reels that won’t bind under pressure. Ease of Use: Fishing is supposed to be fun, but it can be frustrating if you spend all of your time untangling bird’s nests created by inferior reel mechanisms and mismatched tackle. I looked for rod and reel combos that worked well together, creating an easy-to-cast package.  

The post Best Kids Fishing Poles of 2022 appeared first on Field & Stream.