Best Fishing Rods For Kids

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2
Test Winner: Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2
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Do you remember when your father handed you your first ever fishing rod? If you are anything like the average child, to be honest, you probably were disappointed that it was not an action figure or a Barbie doll. But, chances are, you quickly fell in love with the craft and now, it may be time to offer the same experience for your little one/ones. Early on, children should learn the basics of fishing so that in the future, they can take this experience to the next level. But, everyone has to start somewhere and the following kids fishing rods allow your children a great way to become witness to the glorious world of fishing.

Standout Picks

Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2
With all the integrated features like spinning reels of the GX2 from Shakespeare, your child will be mastering the art of fishing in absolutely no-time. It also helps that this comes with a dependable fishing reel.
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$39.95
Kids Fishing Rod
What is extremely convenient about this next entry is it comes with lures, floats and a plethora of other fishing items for your child to enjoy. In addition, its comfortable grip makes it easy to handle. So, if you are looking for best youth fishing pole, you should check this one out, as it has made on our top ten list.
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BnM TL Rigged Bamboo
This bamboo rod actually comes in three different pieces that each measure four feet in length. What is nice is it is adaptable to children of multiple ages due to its versatility.
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$22.77
Zebco 202 Flatboard
For you and your child’s convenience, the reel of this model comes pre-spooled with 10-pound monofilament fishing line. Plus, the EVA handle ensures that comfortability will not be a concern.
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Shakespeare Kits
Sometimes, it is easier for adolescents to adapt to something if they can relate to it. Enter in Shakespeare’s fishing kits as they are designed with a plethora of popular children’s movies in mind.
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$16.99
Kid Casters Jimmy Houston
This is another children's fishing rod that is highly adaptable to youth due to its design. Because it comes with a practice casting plug and a safe plastic hook, this can become a great training tool.
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Zebco Dock Demon
Even though this next model has been criticized for its small nature and proneness to tangling, it is engineered with a durable glass rod that has been known to handle some serious fish.
Plusinno
This is another fishing kit set that comes with anything and everything a young fisherman could want. But, the product itself is easy to store due to its telescopic design.
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Iebiyo Rod
There is a lot to like about this next entry including the waterproof fishing bag that comes with your purchase. But, several buyers have panned the durability of the fishing rod so be aware it may not last too long.
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Tight Lines Combo Set
When you are dealing with fishing rods for kids, you may have to come to terms with their limitations in certain areas. That perfectly explains this combo set as it has several redeeming qualities but does have limitations.
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Criteria Used for Evaluation

Ease of Use

It is one thing for a professional fisherman to get ahold of a brand-new fishing rod and an entirely different animal when a kid picks one up. To no one’s surprise, it is going to be much easier for the professional to understand the mechanics and engineering behind the fishing rod and its system. So, in order to facilitate this for younger audiences, the fishing rods need to be dumbed down. This is not an insult to children and instead is a reminder that everyone starts somewhere and beginner steps are always necessary. For fishing rods for kids, this ultimately means that a fishing rod will be all-but gutted of any moving components to keep the size of the rod and the reel small.

But, as all kids’ versions will apply this general concept, you also want to ensure that the best fishing rod for kids you are looking into does not have a habit of tangling. Even the most esteemed fishermen in the world will get their fishing lines tangled from time to time, but the less chance of it happening the better. Basically, they are kids and the experience should be kept as user-friendly as possible.

Durability

When you are in the market for a product that you will primarily use, it is a little easier to judge the durability. Even though a product will only be as durable as the materials utilized and the construction method, you are ultimately the one left to handle the item you invest in. However, this is complicated with a kid’s item as they are the ones in control. Because of this, the important of the durability is amplified. After all, children could care less about the build quality of a product as they just want to have fun. The last thing you want to do is fill your child with an insurmountable amount of hype and anticipation to go fishing only to see the rod break on their first use.

Two quite common methods of construction for fishing rods are fiberglass and graphite. While each offers specific performance advantages, you do not need to worry too much about those as it is for your small child. But, both offer an ideal amount of durability but are not necessarily indestructible, either.

Accessories

Providing your child with one of the best fishing rods on the market is your number one goal here. But, they will need more than that to fish with success. On top of this, accessories such as fishing line, a reel, floats, lures, and any other items in a fishing box will need to be obtained. Well, why not just invest in a total package that provides everything you are looking for? Guess what, some sellers do just that.

Investing in a rod that already has a pre-spooled line and all the lures and hooks a child could want will make things easier for yourself. Plus, fish can be picky creatures and some will not bite unless you through in bait that they are interested in. Remember, the experience is one thing but providing your child with the thrill of reeling in an actual fish is another.

Top 10 Picks

1. Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$39.95
Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2
Amazon Link

With all the integrated features like spinning reels of the GX2 from Shakespeare, your child will be mastering the art of fishing in absolutely no-time. It also helps that this comes with a dependable fishing reel.

Read more

Usability
For both added response and strength, there is a clear tip design integrated. In addition, the machined aluminum spool and ball bearing ensure a smooth operation.

Overall Handling
The EVA grips that are implemented are lightweight and intended for smaller hands. Because of this, your children should be comfortable all throughout their experience.

Durability
As this is modeled after the Ugly Stik, it is durable, strong, and lightweight. Particularly, this is because the rod is constructed of graphite and fiberglass.

Portability
In terms of weight, this is certainly not going to be hard to transport. Plus, this best fishing rod for kids is a two-piece design and that will help a little in terms of keeping it compact.

Extra Accessories
Even though this combines a durable rod with a dependable fishing reel, one obvious omission is the fishing line. Indeed, you will need to supply your own before your child takes it out for a spin.

Overall
What makes this one of the best fishing rods for kids is its superb combination of durability and usability. That is a duo that is very difficult to find in many designs out there.

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$39.95

2. Kids Fishing Rod

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kids Fishing Rod
Amazon Link

What is extremely convenient about this next entry is it comes with lures, floats and a plethora of other fishing items for your child to enjoy. In addition, its comfortable grip makes it easy to handle. So, if you are looking for best youth fishing pole, you should check this one out, as it has made on our top ten list.

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Usability
This is one of the best kids fishing poles mainly adaptable for children age four and older. Yet, as one buyer noted, this design will become outdated for them when they begin to become experienced with the craft.

Overall Handling
Due to the handle of the design and the engineering of the pole, this is made easy for children to handle. Plus, the grip does offer much-needed comfortable when needed.

Durability
While one consumer reported that the spindle fell off within the first five minutes they used it, another claimed it would be ideal as a cat toy due to its durability.

Portability
One of the main reasons this design is perfect for transport is because it is retractable. On top of being lightweight, you can save a ton of space with its folding design.

Extra Accessories
In addition to the fishing rod that comes with this set, you also receive a fishing box that is equipped with floats, lures, and a plethora of other fishing items.

Overall
All in all, this seems to be one of the more consistent designs in terms of kids’ fishing rods. But, know this, at a certain age in their youth this fishing rod will become obsolete to your child.

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3. BnM TL Rigged Bamboo

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$22.77
BnM TL Rigged Bamboo
Amazon Link

This bamboo rod actually comes in three different pieces that each measure four feet in length. What is nice is it is adaptable to children of multiple ages due to its versatility.

Read more

Usability
As compared to others, this is a more advanced model. One buyer even pointed out that if you remove the bottom piece and wrap the line around the top, you can simplify the experience.

Overall Handling
There have been little to no issues reported from buyers about the handling of this fishing rod. All things considered, that is never a bad deal.

Durability
This is dubbed as being a children's fishing pole that was meticulously designed to provide superior durability. Now, keep in mind that you should not jam the individual pieces together when assembling it.

Portability
According to one consumer, the bamboo pole can be quite annoying to disassemble. However, it does break down into three pieces which are ideal for transport.

Extra Accessories
Beyond the bamboo pole, you also receive a fishing line, hook, and a float. Overall, these components allow this product to be ideal for panfishing.

Overall
Granted there have been a few reviewers who have criticized the construction of this model, it remains one of the best in the world for kids due to its versatility.

Amazon Link
$22.77

4. Zebco 202 Flatboard

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Zebco 202 Flatboard
Amazon Link

For you and your child’s convenience, the reel of this model comes pre-spooled with 10-pound monofilament fishing line. Plus, the EVA handle ensures that comfortability will not be a concern.

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Usability
Overall, the fishing line on this fishing rod could be a tad long for some tikes. Yet, the reel does come with 10-pound monofilament line that has been pre-spooled which is convenient.

Overall Handling
Because the handle is made from EVA foam material, it is both dense and durable. For fishing poles, an EVA handle is about as good as it gets.

Durability
Despite the durable ABS housing and the stainless steel pickup pin, the general consensus among the consumer industry seems to be that caution needs to be taken when handling this.

Portability
As you can see via the photo of this entry, it is foldable. What this means for you is when you need to save space, you can.

Extra Accessories
For your convenience, this is a combo deal that comes with a Zebco 202 reel, a fishing wallet, and a six-inch two-piece rod.

Overall
Thanks to its superior handling due to the EVA foam material, the pre-spooled reel, and the ability for it to be folded, this children's fishing pole is one of the best-rounded products on the market.

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5. Shakespeare Kits

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$16.99
Shakespeare Kits
Amazon Link

Sometimes, it is easier for adolescents to adapt to something if they can relate to it. Enter in Shakespeare’s fishing kits as they are designed with a plethora of popular children’s movies in mind.

Read more

Usability
With the 30-inch length, a round knob that is easy to grab, the finger guard for superior hand placement, and the thumb button extension for easy casting, this is no-doubt suitable for children.

Overall Handling
Shakespeare integrated an EVA handle knob for each and every one of their wide variety of designs and the result is lightweight comfort.

Durability
Even though the reel may have its flaws, the fiberglass rod is arguably the strongest aspect of this fishing rod. Of course, the machined ported and double anodized aluminum spool helps.

Portability
Simply because of the 30-inch length, this fishing pole for little kids automatically becomes easy to transport.

Extra Accessories
Shakespeare does not include any extra fishing accessories with your purchase but they do provide you with the fishing rod, reel, and even some fishing line.

Overall
If your child is a fanatic of popular franchises such as Toy Story, Mickey Mouse, and Cars (to name a few) they will love this children's fishing rod. But, the quality is not lacking, either.

Amazon Link
$16.99

6. Kid Casters Jimmy Houston

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kid Casters Jimmy Houston
Amazon Link

This is another children's fishing rod that is highly adaptable to youth due to its design. Because it comes with a practice casting plug and a safe plastic hook, this can become a great training tool.

Read more

Usability
The safe plastic hook will tie to any line and the practice casting plug is designed with a large hole for an easy attachment. As previously mentioned, this makes it ideal for practicing.

Overall Handling
Overall, your child should not have any issues when handling this fishing kit. This is made possible as the handle conforms to your little one’s hands.

Durability
The quality control could be in question here as the fish hook is made with cheap plastic. As a whole, this may not be ideal for a reckless child.

Portability
Due to the quality of this design, you should be a little cautious when transporting it. Still, at less than 30 inches in length, it is very portable.

Extra Accessories
Included with your purchase are three sponge fish training lures that will actually transform into full sponges after they are cast.

Overall
Such a subtle detail like the sponge lures transforming into a full sponge can be enough to sell children. Even if they have no desire to fish, this can still provide entertainment.

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7. Zebco Dock Demon

Where to buy
Zebco Dock Demon
Amazon Link

Even though this next model has been criticized for its small nature and proneness to tangling, it is engineered with a durable glass rod that has been known to handle some serious fish.

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Usability
A few nice features about this model are the six-pound of a line that comes pre-spooled and the changeable left and right hand retrieve system.

Overall Handling
All you really need to know about the handling is that it comes equipped with an EVA foam handle. As you know, this is as good as it gets.

Durability
A majority of fishing rods you find for kids will probably end up being flimsy and easily breakable. Yet, thanks to the solid glass core, this is certainly not one of those rods.

Portability
At a compact 30 inches in length, finding a suitable location for this rod on your family trips should be a hassle in the slightest.

Extra Accessories
Once again, the pre-spooled line does come with this fishing rod but the same can’t be claimed for any sort of hook or lure. Admittedly, this addition would have been nice.

Overall
Despite the shortcomings that are clearly present, such as its prone nature to become tangled and difficulty of casting, this is a suitable model thanks to its glass rod and EVA handle.

8. Plusinno

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Plusinno
Amazon Link

This is another fishing kit set that comes with anything and everything a young fisherman could want. But, the product itself is easy to store due to its telescopic design.

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Usability
Outside of the suitable size of this fishing pole, it has actually been claimed as being difficult to cast. So, keep that in mind for your little ones.

Overall Handling
Due to the fact that this handle will fit comfortably in-between your child’s fingers and also wind when retrieving line, it is clear that the handling was a priority.

Durability
At its core, this is comprised of a combination of plastic and aluminum. Yet, as one buyer reported, caution must be taken with children that are aggressive with toys.

Portability
As this fishing pole was outfitted with a telescopic design, it becomes that much easier to store away and transport during exciting adventures.

Extra Accessories
In addition to the rod itself, your kids will also get to enjoy the spincast reel, fishing line, and all the equipment that is included.

Overall
To be honest, much like most fishing rods for kids, this design is probably not going to enthrall you. But, it serves its purpose as being a logical product to allow your child to go fishing.

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9. Iebiyo Rod

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Iebiyo Rod
Amazon Link

There is a lot to like about this next entry including the waterproof fishing bag that comes with your purchase. But, several buyers have panned the durability of the fishing rod so be aware it may not last too long.

Read more

Usability
A specific consumer actually recommended that this children's fishing pole only be used for children ages 10 or older. Yet, others have claimed the opposite and that their younger child enjoyed it.

Overall Handling
Potential complaints about their hands becoming fatigued should not be an issue for you as your children will be holding an ergonomic handle that is engineered to reduce stress.

Durability
Even though a combination of ABS plastic and fiberglass has been utilized, several consumers have heavily criticized the durability of this model.

Portability
Included with your investment is a waterproof fishing bag that is comprised of 600D oxford material. The collapsible fishing rod will fit right inside.

Extra Accessories
Outside of the lures and hooks, everything is needed (including the fishing reel and line) to start fishing right away.

Overall
Yes, the durability of this product does raise some red flags. Yet, the overall portability of this entry must be commended due to its collapsibility and included a waterproof bag. If you ask as this is the best fishing rod for 12 year old kids, as they seem to enjoy it most.

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10. Tight Lines Combo Set

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Tight Lines Combo Set
Amazon Link

When you are dealing with fishing rods for kids, you may have to come to terms with their limitations in certain areas. That perfectly explains this combo set as it has several redeeming qualities but does have limitations.

Read more

Usability
Thanks in large part to the easy assembly, which includes the spool, and overall ease of use, your child should not endure much frustration when operating this.

Overall Handling
For a secure and comfortable grip even during light rainfall, this has been engineered with a kid-sized ergonomic handle.

Durability
Per the product description, it is advised to not allow the lightweight frame to fool you. Then again, there have been durability issues in the past for some consumers.

Portability
Much like the last entry, this is another model that features a collapsible rod and an included sack for transporting it anywhere you please.

Extra Accessories
This truly is an all-in-one value as you are provided an entire fishing kit. Included with this are a fully equipped fishing box, the fishing pole, a travel bag, an interactive eBook and a spincast reel.

Overall
Well, do you believe the positives outweigh the negatives in this case? If not, then you already know your interest level in this particular product.

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