Best Fishing Rod for Toddlers and Young Kids

I love fishing. Having a kid has really cut into my fishing time, but it is of course all worth it to see my little guy learn each and every day. Now, he may not like fishing anytime soon, if ever, but I have done my part to at least introduce the sport to him. I’m a sucker for Instagram adds and couldn’t pass up this toy from Peach and Pear that is an electronic fish. The tail moves, causing the fish to jump around like it’s out of water. Our little one loves it. He’s also very interested in my fly fishing rods. The neon flyline catches his attention. And he really took to playing with my practice rod.

I dream of the day him and I can fish together and have looked into rods that may be suitable for him at a young age. I came to the sport late, really taking an interest in the past couple of years. As a child I’d fish golf course ponds, but without any luck. Fast forward a couple decades and I moved from the 16th green obstacle to mountain streams. For me, it doesn’t get much better than wet wading on a warm summer day several thousand feet above sea level. And one of the best things about fishing is the gear. There is a never ending supply of gear to be had. From rods to fly lines to flies and clothing – you will spend a small fortune to catch tiny fish. Fishing with kids is a much different experience, but there is still gear to be had. The most basic is fishing rod. I like to fly fish, but a young child may be take to that right away. You’re just going to have to judge your child and your patience. But below I list a few rods that may work for your fishing outing.

Best spin fishing rod for a young kid

Zebco 202 Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

If you want to get to the fishing, this favorite and classic Zebco 202 reel and rod combo is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to use, comes highly rated and even includes tackle. As passionate as I am about fly fishing, this has a good chance of being the first fishing rod I purchase for my son. I want to get him on the water and catching fish as soon as possible. The fact is, it’s much easier to do so with a rod like this. It’s 5 feet 6 inches long, allowing younger fisherman to manage it more easily than longer rods. Line management is significantly easier with the enclosed system. The tackle pack includes 6 hooks, 6 split-shot sinkers, 3 swimbaits, 3 jig heads, 6 curly-tail grubs, 1 spinner attachment, and 2 bobbers. This is a great rod for kids targeting small fish. It is only right-hand retrieve thought. And if you want to have some fun, check out their Star Wars themed fishing rod.

Best fly fishing rod for a young kid

Wild Water Fly Fishing 5 Foot 6 Inch, 4-Piece, 3-Weight Fly Rod Complete Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Package

You can spend thousands on a fly fishing combo. You may have. But one of the best rods for beginners and young kids is the Wild Water Fly Fishing lineup. Their 9 foot 5/6 weight was my first fly fishing rod and several rods later, I still use it. In fact I had bought and “upgrade” rod, but found myself going back to the Wild Water rod because it fit me and my casting style. As I was considering one for child, who is many years from casting a fly rod, I immediately looked to see what Wild Water had available. And I wasn’t disappointed. This Wild Water 5 foot 6 inch three weight fly rod is perfect for the young fly fisher chasing trout in mountain streams or smaller fish near shore.  Intended as a backpacking rod, the short length will give your child a bit more control on when casting and traveling. The line is solid, though could be upgraded if need be. The reel does it’s job and likely won’t be much of a concern for little ones. This set also comes with necessary fly fishing accessories such as flies, fly box, nippers, rod tube and leader. I actually still use wild water nippers several years after purchasing the set. And if you’d like more flies, they have a 60-piece set with a range of them.

Best Tenkara Rod for a young kid

TINY TENKARA CO. Tiny Ten 5 Foot Mini Ultralight Carbon Fiber Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod

 

I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried tenkara fishing, but it’s a blast. There’s something about how simple it is that is tremendously appealing. You have a rod, a leader and a fly. These rods also collapse down relatively small. So small, that I always have one in my truck, stowed under the seat. My Sawtooth Tenkara Rod from Tenkara Rod Co. extends from 36 inches to 12 feet. But the one I found while searching for the best tenkara rod for kids is less than half that length when extended. At only five feet long once extended, and just barely larger than a dollar bill when collapsed, the Tiny Tenkara Tiny Ten 5 rod would be an ideal fly fishing rod for young kids on small streams. With its short stature it should help reduce the amount of branches and bushes that get whacked. It’s much more controllable for tiny hands and arms. There’s a simplicity to it that’ll kids to focus on fishing and not line, reels, leaders and tippets. A longer rod will allow kids to reach more water, and fortunately Tiny Tenkara makes an 8 foot version.

 

Best toy fishing rod for a young kid

BESSENTIALS Magnet Baby Bath Fishing Toys

If you only buy one rod for your young child, consider this one. Let’s face, kids will most likely get bored fishing long before they hook one. Giving them some toys to play with while you cast a few lines is a win-win situation. They get to play and you get to fish. What I really like about this fishing rod toy is that it is magnetic versus hooks when securing the fish, the fish (or whales in this case) move in the water without batteries. You can also reel in the fish and net them with the included frog net. It’s also BPA free and fights mold so you can play with this in the tub. Bring this with you when you hit the water and ensure someone walks away successfully. Legos are also a solid choice to entertain kids while parents fish.