Table of Contents

7 Best Fishing Poles for Kids (2025 Reviews)

best fishing poles for kids
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the guardian, lonely planet, usa today, forbes
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If you love fishing and want to introduce your child to the sport, you’re going to need to get them their own fishing pole. Having a fishing rod that’s sized correctly and easy to use can make all the difference when you’re trying to teach them how to bait a hook, cast, retrieve, or reel in their catch.

There are plenty of options on the market, and kids’ fishing poles usually combine rod and reel, making it easy to get your child started. I’ve pulled together a list of the best fishing poles that’ll help encourage your child’s love of fishing.

Best Fishing Poles for Kids

  • 1. Play22 Fishing Pole For Kids

    (Best for older kids — $$)

    Why it’s great: This fishing pole and kit is a great starter pack for kids of all ages who want to learn to fish. It comes with a tackle box, carry bag, 36 pieces of tackle, bait net, and has a spincast reel. The telescopic pole is made of aluminum and is 65 inches long, making it a great choice for older kids. It also has foam handles which offer plenty of grip for kids ages five to twelve. While the length is better for older kids, the lightweight design and easy-to-use spincast reel make it possible for younger kids to handle it as well. The tackle box has a few dividers to keep everything organized and the carry bag can fit the pole, tackle box, and net easily.

    Keep in mind: This is not the most durable pole, but it’s a great set to get beginners started.

    Good for: Older kids who need a beginner fishing pole.

    Play22 Fishing Pole For Kids

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. QudraKast Kids Fishing Pole

    (Most fun — $$)

    Why it’s great: This fishing pole is both adorable and functional. It has a super cute dinosaur pattern that will get your child excited about using their new fishing pole. You can also choose from a couple of different patterns to find the one that your child likes the best. The pole is lightweight and you can choose from two different lengths to make sure you get the right size for your little one. It has a spincast reel with push-button casting and tangle-prevent technology, making it super easy for kids to use. It’s also telescopic, making it easy to transport, and it comes with a tackle box and a selection of tackle.

    Keep in mind: Only some of the sets come with a carry bag, so double-check that when you’re looking at the different print options to make sure you’re getting it if you want it.

    Good for: Kids who want a fishing pole with a fun design.

    QudraKast Kids Fishing Pole

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole

    (Most options — $$)

    Why it’s great: This fishing pole is made of fiber-reinforced plastic and will stand up to anything your child throws at it. It comes with an EVA handle for comfort and a secure grip for little hands. You can choose from three different lengths, making it suitable for all ages. You can also choose from a variety of colors and packs with slightly different accessories. They all come with a carry bag, tackle box, and various tackle for different fishing situations. The pole is telescopic and folds down for easy portability. Like most kids’ poles, it has a spincast reel that’s simple to use.

    Keep in mind: Not all the sets come with instructions on how to set up a line, so make sure you choose one that has the guide included for beginners.

    Good for: Beginners of all ages who want to choose their pole and accessories.

    PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Shakespeare Iron Man Fishing Kit

    (Best for toddlers/preschoolers — $$)

    Why it’s great: This fishing pole was designed just for little ones and is 300 inches long. You can choose from a bunch of different designs, including Marvel, Disney, and other characters. It has a spincast reel tha0t’s easy for young kids to use with the push of a button. Plus, it has an E0VA handle that’s comfortable for your child to grip and a finger guard for added safety. It comes with a monofilament fishing line, which doesn’t tangle easily and is strong. It also comes with a weighted fish to teach your child how to cast and reel.

    Keep in mind: This doesn’t come with any tackle or other accessories and is designed more as a training pole.

    Good for: Toddlers and preschoolers who want to learn to fish.

    Shakespeare Iron Man Fishing Kit

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Zebco Splash Kids Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

    (Best budget option — $)

    Why it’s great: Zebco makes a variety of great kids’ fishing poles, but this is the perfect choice for beginners. It’s extremely affordable and it comes in either blue or pink. It has a spincast reel with an oversized knob that’s easy for kids to use. It’s lightweight and will even float if it accidentally gets dropped in the water. It can handle a four to eight-pound line weight and is sized for kids ages 3-5 years old. It’s made of fiberglass and is durable enough to handle young kids’ rough treatment.

    Keep in mind: This one doesn’t come with any accessories and is designed for younger kids to learn how to use a fishing pole.

    Good for: Parents who want an affordable fishing pole to see if their child takes to the sport.

    Zebco Splash Kids Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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  • 6. Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box

    (Most Complete Kit — $$$)

    Why it’s great: This fishing pole comes with everything your child could need to learn to fish. The rod is telescopic and 65 inches long, making it a great choice for older kids. The kit comes with a carry bag, net, tackle box, a beginner’s guide, and 41 pieces of tackle to suit any occasion. It has a spincast reel with push-button operation, making it easy for kids to use. It’s made of fiberglass, which is strong and durable, and it has an EVA handle for comfort and grip.

    Keep in mind: This rod doesn’t have any size options, so it’s best for older kids who can handle the length and weight.

    Good for: Older kids who need a complete beginner set with their fishing pole.

    Lanaak Kids Fishing Pole and Tackle Box

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole

    (Most Versatile — $$)

    Why it’s great: Oddspro’s fishing pole is available in three different lengths, making it a great choice for kids ages 3-15 years old. The pole is telescopic and folds down compactly for easy storage and portability. The kit comes with a carry bag, tackle box, and an assortment of tackle that’s suitable for any fishing occasion. It comes in four different color options with camo, so there’s something for everyone. It has an EVA handle, providing comfort and grip for small hands. This rod has a spincast reel that’s easy to use, making this a great kit for beginners.

    Keep in mind: This rod is suitable for beginners, but you may want to upgrade if your child really enjoys fishing.

    Good for: Kids who need a fishing pole they can use for any fishing situation.

    ODDSPRO Kids Fishing Pole

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

Play22 Fishing Pole For Kids

The Play22 Fishing Pole For Kids is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

Play22 Fishing Pole For Kids

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Fishing Poles for Kids

  • 1. What kind of fishing pole is best for kids?

    It’s important to find a good quality fishing pole that’s easy to use. It needs to be sized for smaller hands, so a shorter rod that’s three to four feet is a good size to start. A spincast reel is also a great choice for kids because it’s a simple push-button design that makes them easy to cast. They also have a covered reel spool, which helps to keep the line from getting tangled.

  • 2. What size fishing pole should I get for my child?

    While there’s no specific size that works best for all kids, there are some guidelines you can follow to get you in the ballpark.

    • Ages 3-5: 2- to 3-foot rod
    • Ages 6-9: 4- to 5-foot rod
    • Ages 10-14: 5 foot or longer

    The best thing you can do is have your child test it out and see if they can handle it. If so, then it’s a good size.

  • 3. What line weight is best for kids?

    Most kids’ fishing rods are designed to handle fish weighing less than six pounds. Obviously, it’s hard to guess what size fish your little one will catch, so it’s best to go with the max of six pounds if you can.

  • 4. What materials are best in a kids’ fishing rod?

    Since kids can be hard on anything they touch, it’s best to get a fishing pole made of durable materials. These include graphite, fiberglass, or composite blends. For toddlers and younger kids, you can get a rod with less expensive materials to see if they like the sport before investing in a higher-quality pole.

  • 5. How much does a kids’ fishing pole cost?

    Pricing varies based on a variety of factors. You can find some that are less than $20, but you get what you pay for. When you’re searching for a fishing pole for your child, you can get a decent rod in the $20 to $30 range to start. If your little one ends up loving the sport, you can always upgrade as they get older and their skill progresses.

Conclusion

A high-quality fishing pole can make all the difference when your child is trying to learn the sport. The better the quality, the easier it is for your little one to use and to learn the basics of casting and fishing. Nothing is worse than a bent or broken rod or tangled line.

Each of the options on this list offers something a little different. From budget-friendly to higher quality fishing poles, there’s something for everyone.