What’s the Best Kids Fishing Pole? Top 6 Tested and Reviewed by an Experienced Dad

My daughters have tested (and broken) quite a few kids’ fishing poles in the market. These six survivors earned their spots on our list the hard way – especially our #1 pick.

Last updated: December 23rd, 2024

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Best Overall: Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo

Why I Chose It

Here’s the #1 thing you should think about when buying a kids’ fishing rod, and why the Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo nails it: durability.

The rod in this combo follows the same material makeup of Ugly Stik’s GX2 rods for adults minus the graphite.

Generally, I tend to stay away from rods with graphite as I feel they break easier when touched by another hard object. There are exceptions though, covered later in this article.

The rod’s soft EVA split grip is a smart addition, giving kids better control while preparing them for their future bass fishing adventures.

The GX2 reel’s stainless steel cover and metal gears outperform most combo reels I’ve seen. One of my daughters used a GX2 reel for quite a while, and the push-button design made it perfect for her to cast and retrieve.

I tested this combo at a kids’ fishing rodeo, and it cast beautifully. When I asked one young angler who was using this rod about it, he said “It’s my favorite rod and better than my sister’s Barbie pole.”

That pretty much says it all.

While it only comes in one size, this combo is ideal for both beginners and kids who already know their way around a rod.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a solid rod that checks all the boxes for kids, then the Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo is the perfect choice.

Best Budget: Zebco 202 Spincast Combo

Why I Chose It

Here’s how you can get your kids fishing without breaking the bank: the Zebco 202 Spincast Combo. It has been my daughter’s secret weapon and delivers impressive durability at an affordable price point.

The combo includes a 5’6″ fiberglass rod which comes pre-spooled with a 10lb Cajun brand monofilament line, ready for action right out of the box.

The reel is a stainless steel 202 push-button and is practically drop-proof. My middle daughter used hers for years as her go-to pole, mastering the intuitive drag system that tightens when turned right and loosens when turned left – no reading required.

The anti-reverse feature prevents frustrating tangles, something every parent will appreciate.

While it’s not as sensitive as the Ugly Stik GX2 or other rods, that’s a reasonable trade-off for a combo under $20.

Overall, if you need a durable, beginner-friendly setup that won’t strain your wallet, this Zebco 202 Combo delivers where it counts: durability, strength, and easy casting.

Best for Kids Under 6: Zebco Kids Splash Jr. Spincast Combo

Why I Chose It

Parents, do this at home if you want to increase your kids’ confidence with their first fishing rod: start with the Zebco Kids Splash Jr. Spincast Combo.

This combo includes a simple 4′ fiberglass rod which comes pre-spooled with 6lb. Monofilament line. It features a brilliant flat tangle-free tip that saved me countless hours of untangling when my kids were learning to cast.

The size 20 reel has all-metal gears, a 2.6:1 gear ratio, and a metal outer cover – making the entire combo virtually kid-proof.

I bought several of these as my kids’ first rods, and they proved their worth through years of use – even surviving impromptu “Launch Barbie” distance casting competitions.

The bright colors and designs caught my kids’ attention, while the durable construction held up to real-world kid testing (though you’ll still want to avoid extreme scenarios like slamming it in the door).

While your children will eventually outgrow the 4′ length, I believe this rod offers the perfect introduction to fishing for the under-6 crowd.

For older kids, consider the longer Shakespeare Catch More Fish Combo instead.

Best for Kids 7-12 Years Old: Zebco 33 Spincast Combo

Why I Chose It

When it comes to getting 7-12-year-old kids excited about fishing, I only trust one combo: the Zebco 33 Spincast.

It includes a 6′ fiberglass rod with enough sensitivity for detecting bottom bites and a reel that makes fishing more interactive than ever. I know it better because I personally owned a Zebco 33 when I was about 9 years old.

At the kids’ fishing rodeo, I heard an interesting clicking sound and tracked it to a young angler using a Zebco 33 and catching bream. That’s when I discovered its Bite Alert feature – a cool addition that clicks whenever line pulls out, making strikes more exciting for young anglers.

The Zebco 33’s metal reel with stainless steel cover means it can withstand a beating. It sports a 4.1:1 gear ratio and an ambidextrous handle that works for both left and right-handed kids.

Unlike its cousin the Zebco 33 CustomZ Combo (costing about $10 more), this model skips the split grip – which is fine since I feel kids this age struggle with it.

Overall, I highly recommend the Zebco 33 Spincast Combo for kids 8-12 who are looking to take the next step in the fishing journey. 

Best Kids Spinning: Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spinning Combo

Why I Chose It

Here’s something important I’ve told countless parents, but they refused to believe me: the right spinning combo can take your kid’s fishing to the next level.

The Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spinning Combo, with its 5’6″ fiberglass-graphite blend rod, offers the perfect introduction to more advanced fishing techniques.

I waited until my kids were 12 before introducing them to spinning gear, and this rod was my choice.

As mentioned earlier in this article, I generally tend to stay away from rods with graphite. However, in this rod, the added graphite provides the sensitivity needed to feel those subtle bites, while still maintaining Ugly Stik’s legendary durability.

All my daughters’ rods lasted until they upgraded to adult poles at 16.

The spinning reel in the combo comes with a 5.2:1 gear ratio.

While testing it, I was a bit disappointed by the not-so-smooth retrieve, which is due to the single ball bearing. While I’d prefer two bearings, I still think the reel is durable enough.

I find this sub-$50 Ugly Stik GX2 combo to be similar to the ProFISHiency Splattered Micro Spinning Combo that I tested. However, the Ugly Stik’s superior rod quality gives it the edge.

Best Kids Fly Rod: White River Fly Shop Cricket Youth Fly Rod Combo

Why I Chose It

Wish I had known this earlier: The secret to teaching kids fly fishing isn’t just better instruction – it’s better-sized gear.

The White River Cricket Youth Fly Rod Combo is essentially a mini version of White River’s $200 Prestige series, scaled perfectly for kids between 7 and 12 years old.

I tested this combo while hiking in Tennessee, and its 4-piece design collapsed neatly into the included carrying case during packing. The rod in the combo comes ready for action, pre-spooled with 100′ of weight-forward floating line and an extra 70 yards of 20lb backing.

The graphite construction means you’ll need to teach your kids careful handling. As mentioned before, graphite rods can break easily under uneven pressure.

That said, this rod is an example of where graphite is useful. It offers a lightweight feel and sensitivity crucial for learning proper casting techniques.

Both the rod and reel are properly sized for young anglers, making this sub-$70 White River Cricket Youth Combo the perfect gear for introducing your kids to fly fishing.

Methodology 

During my years teaching my daughters how to fish, I’ve gone through quite a bit of fishing poles.

But I’ve also come across some really high-quality rods that I would recommend to parents who are looking for a fishing pole for their kids. 

Here are some parameters that I used to come up with this guide to choosing the best kids’ fishing pole. 

• Rod Durability: The most important quality of a kids’ fishing pole is durability. Let’s face it, kids are rough, and the last thing you want to do is buy a rod that breaks on the first fishing trip.
  
  For this reason, we’ll be leaning fiberglass over graphite in this guide. 

• Reel Durability: When it comes to fishing reels for kids, it’s important that the reel has all metal parts including the cover. Throughout the guide, we have looked at numerous factors that go into selecting a durable reel for your child.

• Ease of Use: Introducing a kid to fishing takes patience and preemptive planning. Having a rod and reel combination that works seamlessly can play a crucial role in making your child’s experience a fun one.
  
  Bird nests, broken rods, and tangled line around the rod tip can often lead to frustration in both the child and the parent. In this guide, we’ve looked at combos that rise to the top in terms of how easy they are for a kid to use. 

What to Look for When Choosing Kids’ Fishing Pole

Throughout my review, I have gone through key factors that I look for when choosing a kids’ fishing pole. Here is a quick guide to help you select the best fishing pole for your youngster. 

Rod Material 

Durability is the most important quality that a rod should have when it comes to kids’ fishing poles. 

You should be looking for a rod that is made with a fiberglass blank because this will allow the rod to be dropped and banged against other objects without breaking. 

Graphite rods are more susceptible to breaking when coming into contact with other objects. 

While graphite is sensitive, it’s really not necessary with kids who are just learning the fundamentals so you should always look for a fiberglass rod when choosing a kids’ fishing pole.

Size

When picking a rod and reel for your child, it’s important to keep an eye out for the size of the rod. Anything under 5’ is best for kids under 12. 

Kids struggle with rod control because they just aren’t familiar with how a fishing pole works when they are introduced to it. 

A shorter rod allows them more command of the line, the lure, and hopefully, the fish!

Reel

While push-button reels are virtually non-existent in the adult fishing world, they are wildly popular among kids. 

The reason is their simplicity. Push-button reels also have one mechanism to cast: one button! 

Another benefit to having a push-button reel is the fishing line is covered by the reel cover preventing any outside involvement from curious hands!  

Final Thoughts

While some people might not give much thought to choosing a kids’ fishing pole for their child, I believe it’s very important. 

A child’s first fishing trip and trips after need to be as smooth and hassle-free as possible. The kid should be able to focus on catching fish and enjoying their time out on the water. 

Selecting the perfect rod and reel can make the difference between your kids embracing this great hobby or pushing it away. 

So let’s review our top pick!

For the category of Best Kids’ Fishing Pole Overall, I choose the Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo.

The rod excelled in all the categories that define a great youth fishing pole including durability, size, and quality reel. 

While the Ugly Stik GX2 won overall, you really can’t go wrong with all the rods mentioned in this guide I’ve put together. 

Give them a try and tell me what you think! I’d love to hear from you!