Recommendation for rod/reel for kids?

My 3 kids wants to fish, mostly lakes and ponds. My youngest is 7, 9 and 11 (girl, girl, boy) I don't want to sink a lot of money into this endeavor if it turns out they don't like it. I went to Bass Pro shop and looked around and they had the Shakespearean youth combo that comes with s table box along with the rod and reel. But reading the reviews it seems dodgy with the reel falling apart etc. Then I looked at zebco 202 that Wally world is selling for $10 or something ridiculous and that looks more promising but I'm totally clueless when it comes to fishing. I want to pick it back up as well so it'll be a learning experience for my kids and me.

Any suggestions?

 

I am faced with the same. My daughter is 7 and has taken an interest in fishing. I started her off with the Dock Demon. It has been great for little ponds and when we are out in the kayak. I got it at either dicks or Walmart.

Today I bought her the 5.5 ugly stick GX2. All have been casting reels as I have not tried her with a spinning reel yet.

I did not want to spend 50 today but everything else just felt cheap. Plus it has a 7 year warranty so I figured why not.

Best of luck-

 

Garage sales. You should be able to find something very good and cheap.

 

Just put the word out to friends and family that your looking for kid friendly fishing rigs. All fishermen have old rigs they'd donate.
My 8 year old grandson learned to use a spinning reel in five minutes.

 

This is funny,the first thing I did was look at the location to if he was near me. I got lots of high end fishing gear that I want to give to someone who will use it.

 

Zebco spin cast combo, a Zebco 33 reel with a decent 6 ft two-piece rod; $18 at Walmart--kids have been starting out with and continuing to use these for 60+ years. My grandchildren each got one when they were 7 or 8...

Zebco 33 spin cast reel (first sold in 1954):

 

My son (9) uses A Pflueger President spinning ultra lite. That may be more than you want to spend but I found out that the Shakespeare reels (Walmart) last about a year and act up. I used them for a number of years buying a new one each year for trout fishing. Finally spent the money on a Pflueger and it has been a really great rod and reel. They make the Trion series that are less and really nice also. It took my son about 3 casts to get the hang of the spinning reel. I'd go with that if I were you instead of the cheap spincasters.

Here's a couple in a less than $50 price range.

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_in_...409791&ie=UTF8&qid=1498451324&rnid=2528832011

 

Thank you everyone for the feedback, and thank @koditten for the kind gesture, too bad you're half way across the country LOL

I ended up going w/ a Zebco 202 for $10.31 each. Can't really beat that for them to start with and if they really like it then I can step up to the higher end stuff like what you suggested @medic2230 but for now this is what they get and they're going to like it LOL.

 

Thank you for the follow up. You guys have fun.

 

good thing i checked my post because i wasn't getting alerts and wondered why no one has any input. Then I just went to check my post and there it was, lots of suggestions and help.

 

My daughter's 2.5, and I've gone through 2 of those little kid's Shakespeare rods. I guess it's time to Upgrade...

 

that's awesome, i can't imagine being a kid and catching your first fish...i hope my kids get lucky that'll get them hooked (pun intended)

 

I took her out on the bass boat over the weekend. Set her up with a bobber and a worm while I casted for smallies. The kid out-fished me, lol! After the first fish, she was all over it. She caught like six to my three! Given, I spent most of my time putting worms on her hook.

 

2 of 4 poles arrived, pretty impressed with the combo

 

They'll be out there catching fish in no time.

 

@WBF610

 

My little man, 7, just started using a spinning rod last week. I showed him once and let him roll with it. He caught on quick. I'm sure your kids will be fine with those. Good luck, and post some pics of the success.

 

This is a 5.5' medium weight. I was hoping something would latch onto the spinner he was throwing. No luck that day.

 

We didn't catch anything the other day either.

 

Thanks, we're excited and hopefully they'll catch something. That's the point right, the thrill of catching will bring them back.

I think my 7 year old might have a challenge but with practice she'll be fine. Plus I'll watch them and give guidance.

Hopefully he still had fun tho