NFT: Buying Help: RE Kids Fishing Pole and gear

Will you be fishing fresh or salt water?

Most likely the cheap Walmart one is a good place to start. I'd look at shorter rods because it will be easier for her to handle. A trip to your local bait and tackle shop is a good way to get set up for your area too. Go during the week when it's a little slower and the guy at the shop will have more time to talk to you. More and more women are getting into fishing nowadays, great to hear your kid is one of them.

We are in upstate NH, we have Rite-Aid, dollar store and Aubuchon for stores in town. All other stores are 25 mins away. Dicks sporting is 40 mins. I was hoping to order online. If the answer is just get a cheap Disney one, then I'll try the dollar store in town.

...6 year old? Rule of thumb I've used with my kids is the pole should always be roughly as long as they are tall for them to handle it ok. At that age I'd lean toward one of the in between youth models (bigger than the Disney poles but smaller than the 5 1/2' youth models).

Dicks has several from Shakespeare like the Ugly Stick junior or the Salamander Youth that are 3 1/2 - 4 1/2' tall and run $15-25.

set. Personally I would stay away from the character types such as Disney, Marvel, etc., since you're paying a premium for the name alone. I would also call the Aubuchon hardware store to see if they carry fishing equipment and make it an outing with your girls

Guy in Virginia just broke a 25 year old state record last month by catching in 68lb. catfish on a $20 pole from Walmart.

getting fishing gear?

It's an hour and half of time there and back spent with your two kids and most likely something the older one will always remember.
Make it an adventure for them

The Zebco push button reel will be easier and more enjoyable to learn how to cast than a spinning or casting reel. My daughters first rod and reel was a Zebco and she loved it. It didn't take long for her to move up to a spinning combo.

and buying hand crafted "artisan" fly fishing lures.

My last fishing outing:

"Motley, why do you have 3 fishing poles?"

"Because I can."

and I think this is the best combo to get for a kid (see link below). It is inexpensive and the rod is bullet proof.

As far as fishing tackle is concerned. Just get some very small hooks, a couple of small bobbers and just dig up some worms. You will catch a lot of little fish which is what will get them into fishing.
Amazon Rod/Reel Combo - ( New Window )

In comment 13999874 EricJ said:

Quote:

and I think this is the best combo to get for a kid (see link below). It is inexpensive and the rod is bullet proof. As far as fishing tackle is concerned. Just get some very small hooks, a couple of small bobbers and just dig up some worms. You will catch a lot of little fish which is what will get them into fishing. Amazon Rod/Reel Combo - ( New Window )

Perfect.

12 of them really cheap
Bobbers - ( New Window )

that would work for those smaller fish
Hooks - ( New Window )

Get a Shakespeare closed bail under spin combo for 30 bucks. Great rod for variety of panfish. Easy to cast, release action of lever easier than push button.

I have a small cars pole that worked fine for the 3 year old but harder to cast. More oversight needed

Cast and retrieve. Not cast and sit

thanks.

Ugly stick rod maybe light action and 5’6” long with spin reel (ask for help if you need it). For line ask fora good 6 lb. test, bobbers, hooks and worms. She will have a blast. Use point tip pliers to remove hooks. She will have lots of fun.
Remember if you want to catch fish you have to fish where they are. Once she starts to get bored it’s time to leave for ice cream. Have fun!

In comment 13999836 rasbutant said:

Quote:

We are in upstate NH, we have Rite-Aid, dollar store and Aubuchon for stores in town. All other stores are 25 mins away. Dicks sporting is 40 mins. I was hoping to order online. If the answer is just get a cheap Disney one, then I'll try the dollar store in town.

Ugly stick is the way to go

In comment 13999942 Giant John said:

Quote:

Have fun!

he said the stores are too far and he needs to order online

it actually further way. I was thinking there was one in North Conway, but there isn't. There are however a ton of stores there i'm sure i could find something. But online is easier if you know what you are looking for.

Thanks, Again to all that responded.

In comment 13999874 EricJ said:

Quote:

and I think this is the best combo to get for a kid (see link below). It is inexpensive and the rod is bullet proof. As far as fishing tackle is concerned. Just get some very small hooks, a couple of small bobbers and just dig up some worms. You will catch a lot of little fish which is what will get them into fishing. Amazon Rod/Reel Combo - ( New Window )

The Ugly Stick is a great option for children when beginning fishing

Taking your children fishing with you IMO is one of life's joys for a dad. Good for you! She will have a blast and you will have a blast watching her.

You asked about accessories. IMO keep it simple to start. Just get some pre-rigged leaders with hooks, some split shot weights, and some bobbers. Then buy some red worms and find a local pond/lake that has some bluegills and she should have plenty of excitement and fun. IMO for a child first fishing nothing beats feeling a tug on the end of a line and watching a bobber getting pulled under. You may also want to get a pair of needle nose pliers to help you with hook removal.

for a novice with a 6 year old. Here's the princess version, complete with a few bobbers:

https://www.amazon.com/Zebco-Spin-Cast-Combo-Tackle-10/dp/B003LZHJAA

(including Amazon despite OOS because the pictures are better)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Zebco-Ladies-202-Spincast-Combo/21777449

Can't go wrong.

Not just bobbers in that kit, but hooks and plastic grubs as well. There's line on the reel already, so it's basically plug and play.

What it doesn't include, which I like for kids, are plastic casting plugs:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Jimmy-Houston-Kid-Casters-Practice-Cast-Plugs/37821748

This is pickup only, but they have other casting plugs that you can get online if you don't have a store with stock nearby. This will let them get the hang of casting before you get to the water.

As mentioned, this can be a great activity for kids - and it promotes being outdoors, away from the stupid screens/cell phones/tablets that have permeated our society, and is great for teaching kids concentration. I've been taking my kids since they were little, and despite spending a small fortune on the hobby it has been worth every penny.

Dont have the attention span to fish. Some adults too

For a 6 year old, I'd say it's easier to learn to cast with a closed face, push button spincast reel rather than the spinning reel.

In comment 13999874 EricJ said:

Quote:

and I think this is the best combo to get for a kid (see link below). It is inexpensive and the rod is bullet proof. As far as fishing tackle is concerned. Just get some very small hooks, a couple of small bobbers and just dig up some worms. You will catch a lot of little fish which is what will get them into fishing. Amazon Rod/Reel Combo - ( New Window )

Eric nailed it right here. By 6 she should be able to figure out a regular spinning reel. A push button would be good for the 3 yr old. Small hooks, cut up worms and a bobber is a great way to learn.

Also quick safety tip with the little ones, make sure they are wearing sunglasses. With hooks flying everywhere while they learn to cast it's a good idea to have their eyes protected. Goodluck and catch'em up!

In comment 14000266 BigBlue in Keys said:

Quote:

In comment 13999874 EricJ said: Quote: and I think this is the best combo to get for a kid (see link below). It is inexpensive and the rod is bullet proof. As far as fishing tackle is concerned. Just get some very small hooks, a couple of small bobbers and just dig up some worms. You will catch a lot of little fish which is what will get them into fishing. Amazon Rod/Reel Combo - ( New Window ) Eric nailed it right here. By 6 she should be able to figure out a regular spinning reel. A push button would be good for the 3 yr old. Small hooks, cut up worms and a bobber is a great way to learn. Also quick safety tip with the little ones, make sure they are wearing sunglasses. With hooks flying everywhere while they learn to cast it's a good idea to have their eyes protected. Goodluck and catch'em up!

Disagree - the regular spinning reel can be a bit tricky for the little ones, and let's remember that dad's a novice here.

The spincaster is the far more bulletproof move.