Looking for an adventurous activity to take up with your child but want to avoid crowded sports arenas? You might be onto something if you were thinking of fishing! A serious fishing game talks of vigilance, patience, and excitement. Oh, and you might just bag a gift with fins and gills by the end of it.
But before you gear up with your nets and poles and all things close, you have got to know exactly what you are looking for. With a range of options available out there in the market today, deciding on one can get quite confusing. In case you are not aware of what specifications are best for your child, the process can get even more frustrating and mind-boggling.
Need to make sure that you do not end up making the wrong choice? Worry not in the slightest, because we have got you covered!
Wakeman Outdoors’ Carbon Fiber, Cork Rod and Ambidextrous Reel Combo
Wakeman Outdoor’s rod and reel combo is an instrument rather compact and elegant looking. It has a telescoping design to it, which stretches at a length of 65 inches on a full extension. That being said, it stands at 17.5 inches when it is completely collapsed.
This length makes it convenient and easy to adjust for your children, especially if they are just getting into the fishing activity. It stays put when packed and reduces the chances of being tampered with.
The compact packing and set up ensures its safety and accessibility, more so if you are going backpacking in a complicated area, camping, or such.
Focussing more on the features, its telescopic rod uses carbon fiber, which makes the instrument fairly light and easy for a kid to get used to. Regardless, it is very sturdy and strong, withstanding quite the force and pressure.
The set is also inclusive of a reel, and the rod is also available in aluminum, which adds to the durability.
Being a well-trusted and popular brand, Wakeman Outdoor offers this combo at a pretty affordable price too.
Be sure to check it out right here!
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Spinning Combo
Similar to the one we saw before, Shakespeare is yet another company that offers promising rods amongst all other fishing equipment. This particular model is a combination of a rod and reel.
Despite being as sturdy and durable, it comes with a 7-year warranty if at all something were to happen. Additionally, what it also offers is an option for single or double-piece sets.
While the Ugly Stik GX2 could stretch from 5 feet up to 7 feet, the fact can make it a little tricky for portability and storage purposes. Regardless, the rod and reel are of a prime quality, made from a combination of graphite and fiberglass.
As compared to the previous model, this one is slightly more expensive but given the material which makes it light yet strong makes it worth it. To get a step closer to your cart, you can find the product right here!
Shakespeare’s Amphibian Youth Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
A set that might seem cheaply made at first, Shakespeare’s Amphibian Youth Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo are surprisingly quite promising. Not to mention, the ratings and reviews have been great!
It stretches at five and a half feet in length and can be broken down into two parts. This makes it a good and reasonable option for beginners. Your child will also have an option to pick their preferred color!
Despite the super low pricing, this set is more durable than any other, and the review speaks for itself. Go ahead and get a closer look at it right here!
Wakeman Outdoors’ Strike Series Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Wakeman Outdoor seldom disappoints, and the pattern is an apartment in their Strike Series Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo as well. Starting at affordable prices, the series lasts for quite a long time.
However, what sets it apart is the fact that it is fashioned to catch the larger species of fish. Meaning, if you are out to get yourself some bass, walleye, catfish, pike, or a similar kind, this is the choice to go with.
The grip is big and comfortable so that it does not slip out of your little one’s fingers. Made up of a fiberglass rod, it offers a medium action and can thus bend to an extent.
Additionally, the reel comes with an adjustable spool drag helping your child to hit forward and reverse switch, which is a unique and handy feature. Although it does come in one size only, which is 78 inches, you can go the extra mile and enquire about customizable options.
Lastly, while it might not seem like a big deal to you, the rod is available in a range of 4 different colors, letting your kids go crazy with their innocent excitement. To know more, click right here!
Abu Garcia Cardinal Bruiser Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Made especially for saltwater fishing is the Abu Garcia Cardinal Bruiser Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo. The reel offered is extremely durable and can withstand the force and pressure induced by the water or fish, what have you.
So as an alternative to the previous model, you could also think about this one. The combination is pre-spooled that comes with a high-performance monofilament line of 20-pound.
The options available are 7 feet, 8 feet, and 9 feet, which is convenient to pick depending upon the age or structure of your child. Like most others we looked at before, this set is also a long-lasting one with a fairly reasonable price.
Sure, it could seem a little more costly than the others, but if you are thinking of getting your child into some serious fishing game, this is not a bad option at all. Take a step closer to this model right here!
Wakeman Outdoors’ Spawn Series Kids Spincast Combo and Tackle Set
Unlike a couple of models from before, this 51-inch rod is not meant for big fish that go beyond 10 pounds.
If you are only in for the basics of fishing, this is a good option, which comes with a pre-spooled 65 yards of line.
This has a fiberglass rod-like most others and includes a tackle set of 3 hooks and sinkers and one bobber float and practice cast weight.
Given that it provides you the basics, the set is pretty affordable. Have a look at it right here!
Wakeman Outdoors’ Fly Fishing Pole – Reel Combo with Carry Case and Accessories
If your kid seems like someone who would be into fly fishing and the extra bits that come with it, you have found yourself a great combo. Versatile as it is, the pricing is not extravagant either!
However, for an activity as tricky as fly fishing, the equipment is a little difficult to get used to as well. A rod that fully extends up to 97 inches, you can break it down into three pieces exactly.
The collapsible rod, too, like most others, is made of fiberglass, so it is durable and light.
The reel is a pre-spooled 45 feet of line and also has two dry flies. For the sake of convenience, you can mount it for both right and left hand. The carrying case ensures protection and accessibility for the youngster. Get a closer look right here!
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Catfish Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Catfish Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is 7 feet in length and consists of 2 pieces. The spool is an aluminum one, which is very long-lasting and withstanding.
Being as strong and sturdy as it is, it does not really need the seven-year warranty that it comes with, but hey, better safe than sorry!
The reviews have been phenomenal, and the combo offers a whole lot, given the price at which it is available.
Your investment in this combo cannot go wrong, and get a step closer to your cart right here!
Zebco Quantum Splash Junior 402 Spincast Combo
Simple, affordable, and with good reviews, we have here the Zebco Quantum Splash Junior 402 Spincast Combo!
Designed for a fairly young target population, this combo also has an easy cast system with an additional quick anti-reverse.
The rod is available in combination with wristbands that help your child have a sturdy grip. That being said, the weight is not awfully much and stands at a length of 38.5 inches in itself.
It has your typical options of blue or pink, and the rod is quite sophisticated to suit the looks of it. To feed your interests, find yourself right here!
Wakeman Outdoors’ 64-Inch Fiberglass and Stainless Steel Rod and Reel Combo
Finishing up the list, we have another Wakeman Outdoors combo to tempt your fishing rod shopping vibes. Again, this rod is a great choice if you are one to go out to the pond and get yourself some small fish up to about 10 pounds or so.
Sitting at 64 inches in length, this is a good fit for your kid, especially for its spin-cast reel. Pre-spooled with 50 yards of line, this is quite the cheap option that helps you get your child into the whole fishing fad.
While it does not have variations in sizes, it does offer you multiple colors. And to get a deeper insight into the product, click right here!
If you want to check out this rod and reel combo, you can click right here!
Bunch of things you NEED to know before buying a new fishing rod
Not to sound like a broken record, but buying the right kind of fishing pole is very important. And just, funnily enough, it is oftentimes overlooked! It is one of the major determining factors of whether you will have success or a wasted day out there by the waters.
Throughout the list, you might have come across certain specifications and technical terms of the equipment fairly new to you. And for that reason, specifically, it becomes crucial to understand what each term means.
Given the fact that different specifications and settings affect the way you fish, applying the knowledge when you are buying the right kind of fishing pole for your kid serves positively.
Under this segment, one of the focuses is bite direction. Getting yourself stuck with the wrong kind of equipment can have you confused between a bite, snag, hang-up, collisions, and such — which, let us face it, can be quite embarrassing.
This confusion is ever more apparent if your child is having their first shot at fishing. So until they can learn to determine the difference, finding the perfect match is a good facilitator.
Length
Moving on to the rod length right from sitting at the tiny end, which is about 4 feet, to the gigantic one, which is up to fourteen feet, you have the flexibility to exercise your choice.
Most of the bass fishing rods sit right from 6 feet up to 8 feet, given that they are measured from the tip to the butt. Besides, the general rule of considering your pole’s length is the same, and the selection of which is respective. Meaning, if your rod length is on the shorter end, the distance reached and attained is short. As opposed to the lengths on the higher end, which naturally offer a wider radius in the waters.
At this point, you might wonder why this becomes of importance. The reason behind this is that shorter rods serve a great impact when you are fishing in a close combat area. The tiny body gives way to a lesser bend and stretches in the equipment, especially when you are in the middle of an enticing and vigorous fight with your targeted fish.
You may have noticed or heard of Kayak Anglers preferring these kinds of bodies for the reason of saving up space for walleye and other similar species.
Longer rods, on the other hand, naturally cover more water spaces by casting a greater radius. These are especially useful when walking baits or even deep diving crankbaits. Similar is the case for other power fishing and reaction baits.
Material
Generally, you might observe or read that rods and poles are made out of graphite, fiberglass, and sometimes, an amalgamation of both.
The reason behind going for graphite is that lighter and stiffer equipment is produced. However, they do tend to break off or crack much more easily than, say, fiberglass or an alloy rod would.
Due to their brittle nature and light weightedness, they tend to become more sensitive and are better or suitable only to detect lighter bites.
On the contrary, rods made out of the heavier fiberglass material end up having a lot more flexibility, durability, and strength. They are oftentimes deemed as virtually unbreakable, and it seems obvious as to why the fishing audience leans towards this material.
Lastly, rods that are fashioned out of a combination of both graphite and fiberglass are generally for anglers who are out fishing in a variety of locations, conditions, and things like that — this is the reason that these rods act as the more versatile option for their versatile situations.
But given the higher possibility that your child might be a newbie in the activity of fishing, it is recommended for you to begin with the first type, followed by the second.
The third variety is usually for the more experienced fishing crew, but if your kid is an experienced oldie, and is planning for a serious track, then, by all means, go ahead!
Rod Power
To clarify in non-technical words, the power of a rod reflects in its ability to bend. So, the greater the power, the more will be its flexibility to bend.
The accurate and perfect combinations of action and power give you better access and clutch of your bait. So generally, what you want for your kid is a light or an ultralight rod that will help them skill upon catching the smaller species of fish such as trout or even panfish. These will have a greater bend, and detection will be comparatively easier even for a beginner, not just a child.
Rod Handle
As you might have noticed, most of the fishing poles and rods are fashioned either out of cork or foam. There might be times when you find an amalgamation of both, too, just like that of graphite and fiberglass in the body.
The choice between a short and a large handle is completely in your hands, and here is what will help you make a choice. Firstly, and quite obviously, it affects the distance your child ends up covering.
While a longer handle allows you to use both hands, the energy applied is also greater. The grip that you have is also much more than a short handle.
However, rods with a shorter handle serve quite the purpose when it comes to roll casting or to cast with just one hand. The same is the case if you want to cast a much precise shot within a limited distance.
Additionally, you might find some rods that offer a pistol or split grip, which deems useful when aiming for a precise cast within a limited or set distance. It contributes to the advantage of keeping the rod light in weight too.
The choice is yours!
Endnotes
Fishing is undoubtedly an extremely fun activity to invest your time in. And obviously, you have found yourself pondering upon it quite seriously! Make sure to know your options well, and pick the right kind of fishing pole for your kid as per the parameters and options mentioned above.
Sure, the task is a big one and can be overwhelming. But we do hope that through this list and a bunch-full of pointers, we were able to make it somewhat less technical for you.
So go ahead — slouch a little deeper into your couch and worry a little less because you can never go wrong with any of these products!
