Getting your kids involved in fishing can make some amazing family memories. We love to go fishing with our kids and we have fished from when we were just little kids.
A fishing tradition that keeps getting passed down through the generations with grandparents.
If you are looking to get kids involved in fishing we’ve put together the Best Fishing Poles for Kids. This should make your life a bit easier when trying to find the right one for children.
The key for finding a good fishing rod for kids can strictly come down to age to make things easier for them to learn how to fish and have some fun along the way. This will also make your life easier and make for a fun, easy fishing trip for the entire family.
Here are some of our recommendations based on our 30 years of fishing experience with kids and being kids!
You can find out all the latest prices by clicking on the links below in the chart.
Kids Fishing Poles Comparison Chart
Above is the summary of all the fishing rods below for children that we would recommend.
We’ve outlined by Age Group and included the Good and Not So Good items about each children’s fishing pole in the review below with more details.
Fishing Poles for Kids Age 2 – 5
1. Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kits
Shakespeare kids fishing poles are some of the best options for smaller children. I have used these with both our kids over the years and have worked out well for kids just starting to fish. These ones are also the best option for fishing poles for toddlers.
Good:
- Enclosed spincast reel so little kids just need to press a button to release the line.
- Usually comes with a little practice tackle that doesn’t have a hook for practicing fishing in before you give them a hook.
- Comes in many different themes from Disney Princesses, Mickey Mouse, Moana, Batman, Avengers, and more! You’ll be sure to find one that is just right for kids.
- The handle is easy for kids to grip.
- 1-piece rod is nice and short for kids with no need to take apart.
- 30 inches long, great for boat fishing or fishing off the dock.
Not So Good:
- It won’t be able to handle if your child catches a big fish. It will ruin the line and best it to just re-spool it afterwards with a fresh fishing line to help prevent tangles.
2. Zebco Spincast Combo
Zebco Spincast Combo fishing rod can be another good option for kids fishing rod. We love this brand and quality has lasted a long time. I still have my Zebco fishing rod from 30 years ago!
Good:
- Enclosed spincast reel so little kids just need to press a button to release the line. Be sure to get the Zebco Dock Demon Spincast Reel for the enclosed reel.
- Comes in many different colours – red, purple, black.
- The handle is easy for kids to grip.
- 1-piece kids fishing rods are nice and short for kids with no need to take apart.
- 30 inches long, great for boat fishing or fishing off the dock.
Not So Good:
- Usually, no extra hooks or accessories come with this rod so you’ll have to purchase some extras.
- Limited themes for some kids that are drawn to more character-type products.
- It won’t be able to handle if your child catches a big fish. It will ruin the line and best it to just re-spool it afterwards with a fresh fishing line to help prevent tangles.
Overall for kids aged 2-5, I would highly recommend the spincast (enclosed reel) this just makes it so much easier for the kids to learn when they are really small. Great for toddlers and lets kids be more independent.
Fishing Poles for Kids Age 6-9
3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo
This is a great option to get little kids into fishing with a spinning reel without having too long of a fishing pole.
Good:
- Spinning reel to let kids learn how to use the open reel while fishing.
- The handle is easy for kids to grip.
- 1-piece kids fishing rods are nice and short for kids with no need to take apart.
- 36 inches long, great for boat fishing or fishing off the dock.
Not So Good:
- No extra hooks or accessories come with this rod so you’ll have to purchase some extras.
- No other colours or themes for kids to choose from.
- Kids new to fishing may not like the spinning reel because it take a bit more technique to learn.
4. PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole
PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole is a great option for children’s fishing rod. The telescopic rod allows for a longer rod which can be helpful if fishing from the shoreline.
Good:
- Enclosed spincast reel so little kids just need to press a button to release the line.
- Comes in many different colors – pink, blue, camouflage, and more.
- The handle is easy for kids to grip.
- Telescopic rod. Makes it easier to pack away and less chance of kids breaking off the top of the fishing rod.
- 47″ inches long, great for shoreline fishing.
- Comes with a started tackle kit for kids.
Not So Good:
- I wouldn’t recommend this for a first fishing rod, the telescopic rod can sometimes twist so the eyelets don’t always line up and can cause kids some frustrations. If kids are old enough to understand then this is fine.
- Limited themes and colours for some kids that are drawn to more character-type products. But, there is a pink girls fishing pole which is great for fisher girls.
5. Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box
The Lanaak kids fishing pole is a great option for a full set for kids to get started with fishing.
Good:
- Enclosed spincast reel so kids can just click the button to cast.
- Full start-up set with a tackle box, bait net, hooks and carrying case.
- Comes in many different colours – blue, pink, red.
- Telescopic rod. Makes it easier to pack away and less chance of kids breaking off the top of the fishing rod.
- 65″ inches long, great for kids who are a little bit taller.
Not So Good:
- The telescopic rod can sometimes twist so the eyelets don’t always line up and can cause kids some frustrations. If kids are old enough to understand then this is fine.
Fishing Poles for Kids Age 10-14
6. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Jr. Fishing Rod
This is a great fishing pole for pre-teens or kids who are evolving into better fishing anglers.
Good:
- Spinning reel helps develop young anglers with more technique. A spinning reel is also able to change from left-hand to right-handed anglers.
- 2 piece rod which helps with getting the length in the when casting from the shoreline. Easy to come apart and prevent the tips from breaking when packing in a car.
- 5’6″ inches long, great for shoreline fishing and taller kids.
- Comes with the combo of the spinning reel and rod.
Not So Good:
- This fishing pole only comes in the spinning reel, so I would suggest that kids practice a bit with this rod before their fishing trip to get the hang of using this versus the spincast reel.
- No variety of colours to choose from.
7. Zebco Roam Spinning Reel
A perfect fishing rod for kids who are going to stay fishing for a few more years and get some use out of the fishing rod.
Good:
- Spinning reel helps develop young anglers with more technique. A spinning reel is also able to change from left-hand to right-handed anglers.
- Zebco is good quality fishing rods. This fishing pole should last your child into their teenager years.
- 2 piece rod which helps with getting the length in the when casting from the shoreline. Easy to come apart and prevent the tips from breaking when packing in a car.
- 6’6″ inches long, great for shoreline fishing and taller kids.
- Comes with the combo of the spinning reel and rod.
Not So Good:
- This fishing pole only comes in the spinning reel, so I would suggest that kids practice a bit with this rod before their fishing trip to get the hang of using this versus the spincast reel.
- No variety of colours to choose from.
Fishing Poles for Kids 14+
Kids older than 14 can typically use an adult fishing pole and can go based on a couple conditions. Choose a shorter rod if you plan on doing more boat fishing and a longer rod if you plan on doing more shoreline fishing.
Kids Fishing Gear
Here are some other ideas for some great kids fishing gear. Its always great to have kids get involved too with making their fishing kit and getting ready for the fun fishing day.
- Tackle Box – Kids love to have their own sometimes and this can let them play with their and not mess up your own tackle box. These tackle boxes are good for kids.
- Fishing Net – This one is great because it is collapsable and takes up less space.
- Tackle & Fish Hooks – Kids love to have their own tackle and hooks. They will have fun choosing the hooks or start them off with a beginner kit.
- Fish Cleaning Knife, glove and cleaning board. I was taught at a young age and this can be a great opportunity to teach your kids.
- Fishing Rod Carrier – If you are going to be doing some travelling this can be a great gift idea to give kids so that their rod doesn’t get broken while in transit to a lake or river.
- Lifejacket – These have been some of our favourite life jackets for kids.
You’ll be able to find one of these above fishing rods for children to suit any kid; including fishing poles for girls, toddler fishing poles, kids new to fishing or kids who have grown up fishing and now into their youth.
Kids fishing poles should be a fun and easy purchase so I hope this has helped you find the perfect kids fishing pole for someone in your family.
Best Fishing Poles for Toddlers: Shakespeare Fishing Pole
Best Fishing Poles for Pre-teen & Teenagers: Zebco Roam Spinning Reel
Best Fishing Kits for Kids: PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole
Fishing Reminders
- Always check with local fishing authorities on fishing restrictions and if licenses are required. With every place, we have fished kids can fish with no license but you will still need to abide by the laws for types of fish and how many. Check out your local fisheries site, this is the British Columbia fishing regulations.
- Be safe! Have lifejackets, water and plenty of snacks along for kids to eat.
- Be respectful of the waterways and do not pollute the waters.
Looking for some more outdoor family fun information?
- Complete Camping Checklist with Kids
- Boating safety with Kids
- Fishing in New Zealand
- Camping Food Checklist – Printable
