Best Kids Fishing Pole [2023]

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best kids fishing pole is, I’d recommend the PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole.

If you want to share your love of fishing with your kids or grandkids, then there’s a lot to be said for getting them their very own kit. There are some great options to choose from to get your children excited about going on a fishing trip with you. So, here’s our guide to finding the best kid’s fishing pole so you can all get out on the water together.

Here are the Kids Fishing Poles I will be reviewing:

• PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole
• Ugly Stik GX2 Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
• Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kits
• PLUSINNO Telescopic Kids Pole and Tackle Box
• Zebco Splash Junior Reel and Rod Combo
• ODDSPRO Kid’s Fishing Pole
• Zebco Dock Demon
• Kids Fishing Pole and Reel Combo Kit
• Kid Casters Shimmer and Shine
• Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box
• YONGZHI Kids Fishing Pole With Spinning Reels
• Play22 Kids Fishing Pole
• Youth Fishing Rod And Reel Combo – 4’2”
• Lvaen Kids Telescopic Fishing Pole
  

What To Consider When Buying a Kids Fishing Pole

If you want to get your kids excited about fishing, you need to make sure you get the right pole for them. If you get one that’s not suitable, then your kids might have a bad experience. If that happens, it’ll be an uphill struggle to get them to try it again. So, here are some things to consider when picking the best fishing pole for your child.

Weight

The exact weight that will work is largely going to depend on the age of your child. When thinking about the weight, it’s often better to err on the side of caution. The rod should be light enough that they can easily cast it with one hand and stay in control.

If you know how much weight they can comfortably hold, take about 30% off that to get an upper weight limit for the pole.

Length

The length of the pole is going to be very closely related to the weight. It also has a lot of the same considerations – get a pole that’s too long, and your child is going to have a tough time handling it. Obviously, shorter poles aren’t going to be as effective at catching fish, but they are going to be a lot easier to handle.

A good length for their first time out is around 3-4 feet.

A good option is to choose one of the telescopic rods. With these, you can grow the pole with your child. If that’s your plan, you just need to keep an eye on the mechanisms that hold the pole at a certain size.

Handle

The handle on a kid’s rod should be comfortable and sized to match their hands. Good materials are EVA foam and rubber. Handles made from these are soft and durable. The longer the rod is, the more important the quality of the handle will be.

Material

Rods can be delicate, and kids can be less than careful. So, when you buy a rod for a child, you might want to take a moment to consider what it’s made from. 

A lot of fishing rods are made from fiberglass and graphite. The more expensive ones might also have some carbon fiber as well. Any rod made from these materials or a blend of them will be a reasonable option. They should be both strong and flexible.

The higher quality materials cost more, but they will likely save you money in the long run. After all, a cheap pole isn’t so inexpensive if you keep having to replace it.

Ease Of Use

Learning to effectively use a fishing rod can be a challenging and frustrating experience, even for adults. So it pays to find a simplified pole for your child to learn with. Once they get the hang of casting their line, you can move onto more complex setups. 

Features to look for include no tangle lines. These are often achieved by running the line inside the pole. This can save a lot of heartache and frustration, especially for younger kids. 

Simple one-button spincast mechanisms can be a great option. With this sort of system, your child can focus on mastering the basics first. They also keep their fingers protected from the reel mechanism.

More intricate fishing rods are fascinating and can be really enjoyable to use. However, most kids will be interested in just getting their line in the water and catching a fish. They’ll learn to love the intricacies of rod mechanics as they get more into the sport.

How Portable

Transporting a fishing pole can be notoriously difficult. Once you give a child a fishing pole, they will likely want to be responsible for it. At the very least, they are likely to want to carry it to and from the car. So, finding one that folds down or, in an ideal world, comes with a carry case can save on a lot of fishing pole related mishaps!

Design

The look of the fishing rod is going to matter a great deal to your child. While you might be focused on how effective it is, they are going to be much more interested in how it looks. You really have two options here. You can go for one that is designed to appeal to kids. There are some great themed or colorful rods. Otherwise, you’ll want to try and find one that looks like a miniature version of a grownup rod. The age of your child will be a big determiner in which way you swing on this decision.

My Kids Fishing Pole Reviews

We’ve reviewed the best fishing poles for kids below.

PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole – Rainbow Series

If you’re looking to get your kids excited about fishing, this is a great option. It should appeal to most kids and parents as well.

The design is bright and colorful, with a few options to suit your child. Even so, it looks and acts like a good quality grownup pole. You can certainly expect to catch plenty of fish with this rod.

There’s a choice of pole sizes, which is ideal. You can get the right rod to match your child’s size and strength. There are three options – 3.9ft, 4.9ft, and 5.9ft.

The kit comes with a tackle box for your child filled with their own set of lures. There is also a carry bag into which you can fit both the tackle box and the rod. This is due to the fact that the rod is telescopic. It has a nice smooth motion that makes it really easy to put up and down. You can be ready to go in just a couple of minutes.

The reel is a spincast, so it is fully enclosed to keep your kid’s fingers safe. With push-button casting, it’s a really intuitive and easy to learn rod.

The pole is made from epoxy, and the handle is EVA foam. This combination makes for a durable rod with a comfortable handle.

The weak point on this rod, as will all these kid’s rods, is the reel. It’s plastic in construction and a little on the weak side. If there’s a component on this rod that’s going to break, it will be the reel.

All in all, though, this is a really good all-around fishing pole that should see your kids catching plenty of fish of their own.

Ugly Stik GX2 Rod and Spinning Reel Combo

This is probably the best option for older kids who already have a little experience of fishing. This is due to the length of the pole being 5 feet 6 inches. It’s on the longer end of the range for kids. It also has a slightly more complex reel mechanism, which is why a bit of experience will go a long way.

The rod comes in two pieces. So, transport is easy. It’s made from graphite and carbon fiber, so it is a good quality rod that will stand up to a lot of use, even in ungentle hands. 

This rod comes with the signature Ugly Stik Clear Tip. The advantage of this is that it makes it really easy to spot when there’s a nibble. It reduces the number of fishes your child will lose. 

The reel mechanism is smooth for both casts and retrievals. However, the reel is the weakest point on this combo. The rod is exceptional, and the reel is OK. This means you’ll need to maintain it. Or it might be something you replace down the line.

The handle has been designed with smaller hands in mind. This has led to a split grip, which makes it easier for kids to control the rod. Both grips are made in EVA foam, so they are comfortable even after hours of fishing. A big bonus of this rod is that it can easily be adapted for left-handed use.

It comes with a 6lb line. With that, you get a range of 145 yards. If you switch down to 4lb line, you can extend that to around 255 yards with no trouble.

Shakespeare Youth Fishing Kits

If you have an especially young child, then this may be your best option. This rod is only 2 feet 6 inches in length and is super lightweight. That makes it just about right for kids who aren’t ready for a bigger pole.

This rod is ideal for teaching young kids how to cast a line. It comes with a floating practice weight in the shape of a fish. Young kids will be able to enjoy casting their line and pretending to fish along with their family.

The only downside to the practice weight is that it’s not perfectly attached. It’s quite common for it to come off after a while. You can easily replace it, though, so it’s not a total loss, just something to be aware of.

The biggest selling point of these rods is that they come with different themes. You can choose Cars, Barbie, Moana, and Thomas the Tank Engine, to name a few. A lot of the branding is actually only on the packaging, so it’s worth giving it to your child with the packaging attached, as it will make it more appealing. There is some decoration on the rod, but it’s more minimal.

Casting is done by pressing an easy to use thumb button. There is a finger guard to help your child learn how to hold the rod and to keep their fingers safe. There is an on/off anti-reverse bearing, so it’s a really simple to use pole. 

Once your kids are ready, you can attach a hook and let them cast into the water. The line is long enough for them to have a good experience and to reel in some fish. 

There are two things to beware of, though, once you head out to the water. The first is that if the line does get tangled, it is very difficult to do anything about it. You have to unscrew the mechanism. The second thing to watch for is that this rod doesn’t float. So if it’s dropped, it’s going to sink right down. It can be worth attaching a string to the handle or just choosing your fishing spot with care.

PLUSINNO Telescopic Kids Pole and Tackle Box

If you’re looking for a full kit with everything you need to get fishing, then this is a great choice. It comes with the line already fitted and all the lures and hooks you need to get out and catch some fish.

The rod is telescopic, so it’s really compact for transport. At full length, it’s just shy of 5ft. So it’s a manageable length for most kids and even adult beginners. 

The handle is made from EVA foam and sized for small hands. It’s a nice and grippy handle, so kids are less likely to drop it, even with wet hands. You can confidently take kids out on the water to use this rod.

The reel is a spincast reel. It’s a good safe option for young kids. As it comes pre-spooled, it’s no hassle at all. It has a push-button cast, which is really easy for kids to get the hang of.

The rod is an epoxy plastic mix. So, it’s pretty durable as far as fishing rods go. You can find stronger ones, but it does offer good strength for the price.

A nice feature of this rod is the choice of colors. You can choose to get it in blue, orange, pink or yellow. The color has been really well done. It’s bright and attractive but doesn’t feel like it’s too childish. So it should appeal to most kids. 

The whole set is a great way to get kids excited about fishing. With all the different lures and accessories to explore, it’s sure to get kids excited about trying everything out.

Zebco Splash Junior Reel and Rod Combo

Zebco has a good reputation, and they’ve used all their experience to put together a really nice and attractive 4ft pole. It’s a good size that will work well for younger kids and inexperienced older kids. Although it is one, they may soon grow out of.

The design is really colorful and attractive. The packaging even comes with a pair of rubber bracelets for your kids to wear to declare their love for all things angling.

The rod is made from a material you don’t see much of called Z-glass. It’s a special tempered material that is very lightweight and reasonably durable. The handle is a more traditional EVA foam, which offers a comfortable experience for kids.

The rod is a two-piece design. It’s quick and easy to put together. In two pieces, it’s small and easy to transport.

The reel is probably the strongest feature of this rod. It’s one of the very few kid’s rods with adjustable drag. It also has anti-reverse. It’s only in a right-handed configuration, however. It comes pre-spooled with a 6lb line, so you’re ready to go straight away.

The line is designed to be no tangle and does perform pretty well at this.

This is a good pole if you’re looking for something a little more high spec but sized for younger kids. The only real downside is that it’s not as durable as some of the other options, so it will be more suited to careful children.

ODDSPRO Kid’s Fishing Pole

This is another good option for anyone looking for a complete kit for their child. This is especially good if your child wants something that looks and feels just like an adult rod. It does come with color options and has some camo print sections as well, so it’s not a boring rod by any means. But it does still feel more grown up than many other kid’s rods.

Along with the rod, you get a tackle box, net, and selection of crankbaits, float bobbers, jig heads, sinkers, and more! Pretty much wherever you head out to fish, you’re going to find something in this box that will work.

The carry bag that comes with the kit is worth mentioning. You can fit everything into it, including the rod. It’s a really good quality bag that will stand up to a lot of use. It just gives everything that grownup feels that some kids really appreciate.

The rod is epoxy with an EVA foam split grip handle. This makes it durable, flexible, and comfortable to use. The split-grip is especially good for helping kids control their rod as they’re learning.

The reel is once again the weak point in the rod. It’s made from plastic, so it is the most breakable part. It does perform well and has a simple push button casting style. However, if your child drops their rod a few times, it’s likely to be the first part to show signs of damage.

The most common complaint about this rod is that it doesn’t come with any instructions. It’s not terribly complicated. But, without instruction it means that you need to have some idea what you’re doing. So, this is not the best choice if you’re all learning a new skill together.

Zebco Dock Demon

The Zenbo Dock Demon is an ultra-small and lightweight adult rod. At only 2.5 feet in length, it is, however, a good option for kids as well. You just need to ensure that you select the spincast version, not the spinning one.

The rod is brightly colored in either red or purple, so it is very attractive to kids and adults alike.

Because the rod is designed for adults, it is made from high-quality carbon fiber. This makes it even lighter than you’d imagine a 2.5 foot rod to be. It’s also strong, flexible, and durable.

The handle is comfortable. It’s made with EVA foam and is small in size, just like the rest of the rod.

The reel is a standard spincast reel. There are no special features to make it easier for a child to use. It does, however, have some more advanced features like an adjustable drag dial.

The rod it’s designed to be no tangle. But the line it comes with is pretty low quality, so it may tangle anyway. It may be a good idea to change the line before you head out.

This is a really good option if you want a rod that will teach your child how to use a standard reel. However, this means the learning curve may be higher if your child has never fished before. 

As the name suggests, this rod is best suited to dock fishing. If you plan to use this in other fishing spots, you may find your child outgrows it quickly.

Kids Fishing Pole and Reel Combo Kit

This is a really neat little kit. It comes nicely packaged up with a telescopic pole and a small tackle box. You get a small selection of lures and hooks to get you started. You will likely need to add to the set, and there are only a few options, but it is a nice touch for your child to get their own kit.

The pole is 4.5 feet long when fully extended. You do also have the option to use it at smaller extensions. This makes it a good rod for younger children as it can grow with them. When it’s fully folded down, it’s only 13.8 inches. That makes it super portable.

The rod is made from fiberglass, so it is both flexible and durable. The only weak point is the tip, which some parents have found breaks off easily if the rod hits the deck.

The reel is pretty standard for a kids pole. It’s a spincast reel with a push button mechanism. So it’s pretty easy to use, but is also one of the weaker points of the design.

The rod is brightly colored. You have a choice of blue or red, so there should be an option to suit most kids.

The only reason you might not pick this kit over some of the others is that it doesn’t come with its own carry bag. The rod and the tackle box are just two separate pieces. However, since a carryall is pretty easy to find, it’s not a reason to avoid this rod if you think that otherwise, it’s right.

Kid Casters Shimmer and Shine

This is a rod aimed at toddlers and preschool kids. It’s bright, colorful, and designed to be easy to use and tangle-free.

The rod is only 2.8 feet long. That makes it about right for kids under the age of 8. This is added to by the fact that the rod is made from plastic, so it’s not terribly flexible. Don’t expect to be pulling in any big fish with this rod. Which since it’s a learning rod shouldn’t be a problem.

The line is integrated into the pole. This means that it won’t get tangled, which will reduce the frustration for younger kids as they learn how to cast. However, the downside to this is that it is very difficult to replace the line if it breaks. You have to take the rod apart in order to change the line out.

The reel is a standard spincast reel with a push button mechanism. It should be easy for any child to learn to cast with. Especially as the rod comes with a practice casting plug to help them learn.

This is very much a pole aimed at young kids who are going to want to try fishing but probably don’t have the patience to stick with it for too long. This is illustrated by the fact that the handle is made of the same plastic as the rest of the rod. There is no foam padding for comfort. So if your child has sticking power and will be using this rod for a long time, then you might want to look for something else.

This rod is ideal for a first practice rod for toddlers and preschool kids to learn how to cast.

Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box

This pole is part of a 47 piece kit. If your child is keen to learn about fishing and would appreciate having their own set, then this is a great option. It really does have everything you’ll need to get going.

The set includes a telescopic pole with a spincast reel. At full length, it’s 5 feet 1 inch, which is a good size for young anglers to control. When folded down, it’s just 17 inches. The tackle box comes fully loaded with floating bobs, jig heads, plastic worms, and a full set of hooks and sinkers.

The handle on the pole is made from EVA foam, so it is really comfortable. It’s also sized well for little hands.

The rod is made from a mix of plastics (FRP and ABS). Generally, it’s not a bad mix, but there are definitely stronger options around. The reel is probably the weakest part and won’t stand up to a large number of drops. So, as will all fishing poles, it’s worth treating this one with a little care.

Casting is done with a push-button system. That makes it easy for anyone to learn. The included nets mean that even if the fish aren’t biting, your child can have endless fun hunting for bait or playing with the minnows. This can be a handy distraction as it’s not uncommon for the reel to jam, which takes a bit of time and fiddling to sort out.

As a nice touch, there is an included beginners guide book. It has clear instructions and good diagrams to help you and your child get started. It’s a great addition, especially if you aren’t’ the most confident angler around.

YONGZHI Kids Fishing Pole With Spinning Reels

If your child already has some experience fishing and is ready to graduate to a pole with a spinning reel, then this is a great choice. If your child has never held a rod before and is on the younger side, then you might be better off looking at the option with a spincast reel.

The rod is telescopic. At full length, it’s 5 feet long, which is a good size for kids who are more confident and a little older.

The rod is made from high-quality materials. The pole is made with layers of carbon fiber, which makes it durable and flexible. The guide ring is ceramic, so it’s light and reasonably strong. The handle is a split handle for comfort and control. It’s made with EVA foam, so it should be comfortable for long periods of use.

The handle can easily be switched. So if your child is left-handed, this is a great option to go for.

The kit comes with a full selection of things you’ll need. So you get a range of lures and hooks to suit all types of freshwater fishing. There is also a reel of replacement line. It’s a decent monofilament 12lb line, so it’s certainly a nice addition to have. There is even a fishing starter guide so your child can get some tips before they head out to the water.

You have two color choices with this rod. It comes in either blue or gold. Whichever color you pick, there is a matching shoulder bag that is sized for kids. You can fit all the kit, including the rod, into this bag for easy transport.

Play22 Kids Fishing Pole

This lightweight fishing pole set is a bit of a mixed bag. It falls very much on the line between a lightweight adult pole and a kids pole.

At 5 foot 4 inches, it is a lot of pole to handle for many kids. So it is probably more suited to older kids and teens. It’s a telescopic pole and folds down to 14 inches. So it’s a good size for keeping in the car.

The packaging it comes with makes it look more like a toy than a real fishing rod. With that in mind, you might want to take the kit out of the bag before giving it to your child, especially if they are a preteen. The kit itself looks grownup and sleek, so it will probably be received better without the clear fronted plastic carry bag.

The set comes with everything you need to get out on the water. There is a fully stocked tackle box, and the line comes pre spooled. There is even a bait net if you want to catch your own.

The reel is a spincast with push button mechanism. This is probably the feature that most strongly makes this a child-friendly rod. It’s easy to use and is a good option for getting used to casting, especially with a longer rod.

Given the split personality of this rod, it’s probably best suited to older and taller kids, who don’t have much experience fishing, and who don’t want a childish fishing rod.

Youth Fishing Rod And Reel Combo – 4’2”

This rod is a lovely simple affair. If you’re not fussed about getting all the bells and whistles that are thrown in with some other rods, then this is a really good option.

The rod is 4 feet 2 inches long. It comes in two pieces, so you can take it apart for transport. The rod is made from fiberglass, so it’s flexible and durable. It also offers an exciting fishing experience.

The handle is a trigger grip style handle, so there is a hook to rest your index finger while casting. This makes it easy to keep your grip as the handle is otherwise smooth and lacking contours. It’s EVA foam coated, so it is comfortable.

This rod comes with a small number of extras, including a couple of hooks and lures. It’s not enough to use on a fishing trip, so it’s not a great addition. However, the included practice casting weight is nice to have. This gives your kid the chance to practice casting before you get out to the water.

The included reel is a spincast with a simple push button mechanism. It’s an easy rod to learn to use. 

The rod comes in two different colors, either blue or pink. Despite being quite bright metallic colors, the overall design of this rod is quite sleek. It should certainly appeal to any kids who like to feel more grown up.

The only word of warning about this rod is that some parents have reported that the quality is a little variable. So, if you’re getting this rod for a special occasion, it might be worth getting it a little early and trying it out before you give it.

Lvaen Kids Telescopic Fishing Pole

This is a great complete set to give your child. They will feel really grown up with their own kit and carry case.

A really nice feature of this set is that it comes with a hard carry case. You can either carry it like a briefcase or attach a strap for ease. The hard case makes it really easy to transport and protects the rod as well. You can even fit the rod inside the case with the reel attached still.

Inside the kit, you get a full assortment of items and space to add more of your own. There is a well-stocked tackle box with a wide range of lures and hooks. You get some spare fishing line as the reel comes pre-spooled. There is even a handy foldable scissor.

The reel is a spincast with push button action. It’s reasonably high quality and pretty easy to use.

The rod is just shy of 4 feet long. It’s a really good length for kids to get the hang of and feel as if they are in control.

The handle is a trigger-style one. There is a grip for your index finger beneath the reel. There is foam padding, but it doesn’t go all the way around the handle. It’s just on the underside of the handle. So this may not be the most comfortable handle for long fishing excursions, but it is very grippy.

The rod is a carbon-based rod. So it’s not a top range carbon fiber rod. Instead, it’s a compound material. It’s still flexible but not as strong as a carbon fiber rod would be. Some parents have found that it is a little more delicate than they expected it to be.

The Catch Of The Day?

If you’re looking for the best fishing pole for kids, we’d recommend going for the PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole (rainbow series). It comes as a complete set with everything you need to get started. The choice of pole lengths allows you to pick the right rod length for your child without the need to compromise. It’s a good all-around rod that should last a long time. The fact that it’s bright and colorful is just a bonus.