A couple of weeks ago I went on the search to try and find my nephew a fishing pole at Walmart because he said he wanted to go with me. I didn’t want to break the bank for him, but still wanted good quality, and here is what I found
All these poles are good or better for different reasons. Each one is made for different types of fishing. Here is a little more about all those poles.
1. Carbon Fiber and Cork Rod and Ambidextrous Reel Combo with Carry Case by Wakeman Outdoor
This rod and reel combo features a compact, telescoping design with a fully extended length of 65 inches and just 17.5 inches when completely collapsed. Making it super easy for your kids to make things nice and neat putting them away. Also if you are going camping or just to the river, it makes backpacking really easy and accessible.
The telescopic rod is made of carbon fiber so it is going to be really light as well, making it easy for the kid. It is still strong, so don’t worry. It can handle a lot more than you might think after feeling it.
This is really nice because it comes with a reel as well. The rod is also going to be really durable being made out of aluminum.
Like I said it is going to be easy to carry, not only because it is light but because it comes with a carrying case. This great because it means it is easy for the young ones to carry instead of you.
I really like this rod reel combo because it is made by a well-trusted brand and you know you can count on them. It has a more professional look to it as well so if you have a kid that says “those are for kids/babies, then this is going to be really good for them
Plus it is only about $40, making it easy on you too. To take a closer look at our number one choice, click here.
2. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Shakespeare is another great company that will take well care of you if you ever had anything go wrong with your equipment. This rod and reel combo actually comes with a 7-year warranty, which I don’t think you will ever have to use in the first place, but if you do it is there.
This Ugly Srik GX2 makes fishing easy and fun for both you and them. It comes in either a one or two-piece set. So it isn’t as easy for carrying around or storage, but still a great rod and reel. It comes from as short as 5 feet to as tall as 7 feet.
It is made with a combination of Graphite and fiberglass, making it strong and light once again. the spinning reel is where I like this rod a lot. it is made really well and will last a really long time. I don’t think you will really have any issues with it. Yes, your line will get tangled up but that is from the technique of the user, not the rod or reel.
This rod and reel combo is a little more expensive at $50. And between that and not being able to break down like number one is really the only reason why I put this at number two. If you don’t care for either of those, then this is a great option for you.
This rod really is an amazing option. To get a closer look, you can click here.
3. Shakespeare Amphibian Youth Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Okay, I will be honest, I did not know much about this rod at first. It looks pretty cheaply made. But I did know it is made by Shakespeare, it is rated really well by other users, and it is stinking cheap.
With all of those three factors, I think it is great. It is sitting at 5 and a half feet long and breaks down into two pieces. For a basic rod, I think that this is a great option. It’s got everything that a beginner needs, and it comes in two different colors.
There are a ton of reviews about this one. They say it has lasted them forever and for that they love it.
If you just want a cheap set up so your kid can come tag along and you know they really don’t care all that much, this is a great option and will save you money.
If you are interested in this rod, you can find it by clicking right here.
4. Strike Series Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo by Wakeman
Another great combo by Wakeman in my opinion. This Strike Series is one that is at a great price and will also last you a good amount of time.
This rod and reel combo is actually one for bigger fish. So if you are going out on a boat or just a place where there might be some bass, walleye, pike, catfish and more.
It has a really nice handle that will make sure your kiddos are comfortable and will make it so you don’t have to hold it for them.
This is a fiberglass rod and a medium action, meaning it can bend but doesn’t bend too much. This is how you know what type of fish it is capable of handling. The reel has a spool adjusting drag and a forward/reverse switch and you will come to appreciate it. Well, maybe not you, but at least your kid.
This setup comes in 4 different colors which may not make a lot of difference for you, but will definitely help your kid pick the one that he/she wants. It adds a little bit of fun. Plus, if you are planning on taking more than one kid, you can get a couple of rods in different colors and you can tell them apart.
It comes in one size and is 78 inches. I think you can find them in more sizes, but the link that I provided you takes you to this one.
5. Abu Garcia Cardinal Bruiser Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
This Cardinal Bruiser is made for saltwater fishing. The reel on this thing is really durable and you can trust it won’t break and can take some heavy fish, maybe heavier than your kid can even handle. (Kidding for the most part)
This combo is good for those that are going into saltwater and looking for a challenge with bigger fish. It comes pre-spooled with 20-pound high-performance monofilament line.
It comes is 7,8, and 9 feet long, so it is really good for a bigger kid, maybe not your 6-year old.
This rod and reel combo is going to last you a long time and it wants you to push its limits, so have fun with it. It is still a decent price at $40. It is more expensive than some of the other options, so it’s best if you are really planning on getting your kid into fishing!
To take a look at this awesome rod and reel combo, click here.
6. Spawn Series Kids Spincast Combo and Tackle Set by Wakeman
Okay unlike number 5, this one is not meant for bigger kids. It is only 51 inches tall and can’t handle big fish. It can take fish that are roughly 10 pounds or less. This is great for a kid that wants to tag along with you though and doesn’t care too much if he/she actually catches anything. It’s basic and comes with all you’ll really need.
It is great because it comes pre-spooled with 65 yards of line. My guess is if it’s the kiddos first time out, they will get it caught on things left and right, so it won’t be too annoying to have to cut the line.
It is a fiberglass rod as well, so not extremely durable, but it will be really light.
They can really feel like they are doing it all with the tackle box it comes with. Tackle Set includes 3 hooks, 3 sinkers, 1 bobber float, and 1 practice cast weight.
And hey, for just $12, I’ll take 3.
To take a closer look at this set, you can click here.
7. Fly Fishing Pole – Reel Combo with Carry Case and Accessories by Wakeman Outdoors
This is a rod that is most different and if your kid wants to get into fly fishing, I think you found the right one here. It comes with almost everything they will need and at a really good price as well. This is not the easiest rod to use, but it is for fly fishing, which is naturally harder anyway.
It breaks down into 3 pieces and fully extends at 97 inches. If you think it is too big for your kid, it really just depends. If they actually want to get into it and have fun but learn, I would stick with this.
The collapsible rod is made of fiberglass material. This makes the fishing rod durable and strong without making it heavy.
The included reel comes pre-spooled with 45 feet of line and 2 dry flies, so it’s ready to fish right away. It can be mounted for right or left-handed use as well so it can work for anyone.
It comes with a carrying case as well, keeping it well protected and easy to store and carry around, even for a youngster.
It is made by Wakeman, so like I mentioned, you are getting good quality.
I would have put this much higher on my list, but I figured most people aren’t coming here looking for fly rods. But hey if you are… HERE IS THE ONE.
8. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Catfish Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
This 7-foot spinning rod comes in 2 pieces and has a super durable aluminum spool. This also comes with a 7-year rod warranty, which I once again do not think you will ever need to use.
This is another one I don’t know have a ton of experience with, but it has such good reviews I couldn’t leave it out.
“I bought 1 of these combos because we were catching some good size cats that we were loosing on 12 lb line and smaller rod/reel combos. Used it the first weekend I had it and it far exceeded my expectations. I went back and bought 2 more… No complaints at all.”
A customer on Purefishing.com
Overall a really great combo and really good for that price as well. It’s about $50. If you want to get your kid really into fishing, invest in this rod. Plus you can’t really go wrong with a 7-year warranty.
To take a closer look, you can click here.
9. Zebco Quantum Splash Junior 402 Spincast Combo
Here is a rod that is well-loved by customers, is pretty simple, and inexpensive. The rod definitely designed for a young audience. It has an easy cast system as well as quick anti-reverse.
The rod comes with wristbands that helps keep the rod in your kids’ hands without them having to grip it super hard. Zebco has also designed it be lightweight so it won’t be too hard for your child to carry around. The less complaining, the better the experience for everyone, right?
The rod itself is pretty short with a length of 38.5 inches.
This is the kind of fishing pole that you get for your kid who just wants to get into fishing but has little-to-no experience. If you get this option, you won’t have a ton to worry about.
There are two fun colors, one designed for pink and one blue.
For around $25, your kid will be able to enjoy his/her time and will be able to get the hang of the basics before moving onto a more sophisticated rod.
If you are interested in checking out this nice rod and reel combo, you can click here.
10. 64-Inch Fiberglass and Stainless Steel Rod and Reel Combo by Wakeman Outdoors
And finally last but not le….well I guess it is the least in this list, but hey it still made top 10.
This rod is really good for those just looking to go out to the pond and catch some smaller fish. Really anything less than 10 pounds or so.
It is 64 inches so it would fit a good amount of kids and is spin-cast which I think is a really good reel for kids. It comes pre-spooled with 50 yards of line, which is nice. One of the best things about this rod is that it is really cheap, just about $17. If you are not sure if your child will love fishing, this is a great set up to get.
This is a good rod still, it is pretty cheaply made and only comes in one size, and for this reason, it is lower on my list. But, it still does have color options!
If you want to check out this rod and reel combo, you can click right here!
Hopefully, all of this was a little helpful to you and you can get the right rod for you or your kids! Overall those are all good rods but find out which best fits him or her! Most importantly have fun and help them love this new hobby of theirs!
