Kids Fishing Gear

• Rod
• Reel
• Line
• Weights
• Swivels
• Hooks
• Bobbers
• Baits

Selecting the right kids fishing gear is very important in determining how successful an outing to the lake will be with the kids. There is really two categories of kids fishing gear, those items for very young kids that are more novelty items and then kids sized fishing gear such as rods, reels, and other accessories built in kids sizes, but still quality equipment. The reason that I want to discuss each group separately is that while most people correlate kids fishing gear with snoopy and mickey mouse fishing poles they should not think that is the only kind of kids fishing gear. There are many kids ages 6 – 12 that are very good young anglers and setting them up with a Disney rod and reel is not going to result in an enjoyable day on the lake. The cheap kids fishing poles serve a purpose of getting a very young kid 3 – 5 years old interested enough to go fishing and not just throw rocks in the water. But the second your kids can cast a basic rig in the intended direction it is time to step up the rod and reel to a more suitable piece of equipment for the task at hand. Some kids may need to stay with a push button reel until they are able to accurately coordinate holding the line with their finger and releasing it at the right time with a spinning reel.

One critical part of the kids fishing gear needs to be a proper fishing license. Each state has their own rules about fishing licenses for kids, here is a link to a list of all 50 states, rules regarding fishing licenses. It is a good idea to also check the laws regarding kids ages and life vest rules, many states have mandatory life vest laws for children under a specific age generally 16, depending on the state. If you will be fishing from a boat make sure you have your child in a life vest if required by law, as well as make sure the vest is worn properly and not taken off part way through the day.

If you bought your child a simple kids fishing reel and rod and they really enjoy fishing and you are doing it more and more it is a good idea to step up to a solid spinning reel with a decent rod, depending on the type of fish you are pursuing your local fishing and tackle shop can help guide you into making the right purchase. Rods for bluegill, bass, and trout, can often be the same for the most simple of methods of fishing but if your kid gets the fishing bug they may want a rod that will help them toss artificial lures so they can go on the hunt and pursue the fish walking the bank rather than sitting waiting with bait under a bobber.

The Bass Pro Shops is an excellent place to shop online when looking for kids fishing gear. They have all kinds of selection of rods and reels that will suit the needs of the avid young angler as well as the traditional assortment of mickey mouse and sponge bob themed rods that hopefully will help entice the younger generation of anglers.

There are some specific tools you may want to check out for your young angler. For the kid that likes to tie their own rigs and unhook their own fish the Xtools pliers and line cutter are good option as they are made out of a buoyant foam material that will float if dropped in the water and the line cutter is made with a dull edge that is not sharp to the touch but when used correctly will cut the line.

If you are planning on taking your child out in a boat with you alone, it is always a good idea to make sure you are prepared to launch a boat by yourself. While most kids are willing to help when needed launching a boat is something that should be left to the adults until a child is old enough to drive and can help out that way, until then it is good to just be used to launching by yourself so there is no problems.

Before taking a child out fishing for the first time, it is always a good idea to rig up the rod and reel that they will be using on the lake with a casting bobber on the end of the line. Take the casting bobber out into the yard or street and teach your son or daughter how to make the proper cast. If you did not grow up fishing, but your kid is anxiously waiting to learn what it is like, then a call to any local tackle shop will get you all the information that you need. Tell the employees at the shop that you have a young child interested in learning about fishing and that you would like to know a time that you could come in and have some questions answered and things taught to your child and if they have a time during the week that would be slow. Any reputable local fishing shop will be more than willing to spend the 30 minutes to answer your questions and many even take your kid out to the parking lot with a rod and reel and teach them to make a cast with a casting bobber.