A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Rod for Kids

There is a certain amount of preparation that goes into taking your kids fishing for the first time. Even though they can use the same tackle box, hooks, and lures, you should still get them each their own fishing rod. It needs to be simplified for use by children, so it’s shorter and lighter, with features designed with them in mind. Rather than risking your kid’s interest in fishing being dampened by giving them an adult-sized pole, consider their age and skill level when making your purchase.

rods

Rather than focusing solely on the length, here are some other considerations to help you select the best fishing rod for your young angler:

Tips For Picking The Perfect Rod And Reel For Kids New To Fishing

1. Length of the rod

When looking for a rod for your kids, it’s important to consider how long it is. Children who are on the shorter side will benefit from a lighter, shorter pole. Don’t risk your kid’s casting ability by giving them a rod that’s too short. They should be able to stand comfortably at the pole, which is roughly their height. When using a longer fishing pole, children may feel less in control of the situation, which can affect their enjoyment of fishing.  For effective casting, a child of four years old needs a rod that is between three and four feet in length. You should upgrade to longer poles as your kid learns to cast more precisely and consistently.

Here’s a rule of thumb to follow when selecting the rod:

3-5 years old- 2-3 feet long rod
6-9 years old- 4-5 feet long rod
10 years and above- Over 5 feet long rod (Taking into account your kid’s stature and level of expertise,

Children who have mastered casting and reeling in may benefit from using longer rods of 7 to 8 feet in length.

2. Reel style

Closed-faced reels (also known as ‘push-button’ or’spincast’ reels) and open-faced reels are both available (spinning reels). These two work best with entry-level fishing rods. Using a spincast reel is a good place to start because it has a button that allows you to easily unwind the line. Young fishermen will appreciate how simple and straightforward it is to cast because the line won’t get tangled. You can get a kid-friendly rod and reel set, or just the reel. One featuring well-known children’s cartoon characters could be an option because it gives kids’ fishing equipment a bit of personality.

Choose spinning reels if your kid is over 7 or has some fishing experience. Even though learning to use open-faced reels takes more time, they will better prepare your child for fishing as an adult. Since they are less likely to accumulate salt deposits on their surfaces and are therefore less likely to experience mechanical issues, they are also the best choice for fishing in saltwater.

3. Rod’s material

The rod’s durability is directly proportional to the quality of the material it’s made from. If you want to save money and not have to buy a new rod after every trip, pick a material that can withstand the inevitable knocks and steps of your children. A rod made of fiberglass, graphite, or a composite blend is a good option because it is light and strong enough to withstand a child’s use.

Fiberglass rods

The best poles to get your kids started with are made of fiberglass. They won’t break the bank, and they’re sturdy enough to withstand your kid’s erratic movements as he or she learns to cast and reel. The lack of sensitivity in fiberglass rods makes it difficult for young anglers to react quickly to a bite.

Graphite rods

For more experienced anglers among the younger set, graphite rods are a viable alternative. Their acute sensibility facilitates the detection of even the most imperceptible bites. In addition to being lightweight, flexible, and long-lasting, the graphite rods also have a high strength-to-weight ratio. However, they are more costly than alternatives and are easily damaged if not handled properly.

Composite rods

Rather than using just one material, composite rods combine several different types of materials. The blended materials used to make the rods allow them to be lightweight, flexible, and long-lasting. And unlike graphite rods, they won’t break the bank while still delivering solid performance.

4. Weight

The material used greatly affects the rod’s weight. The plastic ones are usually the lightest, but they aren’t the best for kids because they break too easily. Fiberglass or composite rods are good options because they are both lightweight and strong. But before placing an order, make sure your child can comfortably handle the rod by checking its exact weight under the specifications.

5. Additional child-friendly angling accessories

If you’re looking for a fishing rod for your kid, one that’s both easy to use and comfortable for them to hold, that’s what you should go for. The casting plugs, bobbers, extra hooks, and snap swivels included with some fishing rod and reel sets are ideal for beginners. You can, however, get a regular rod and reel and supplement it with the necessary safety gear.

6. Tangle free rods

It’s not easy to teach your kids how to fish, especially if you don’t invest in a quality rod so they don’t tangle the line. Let’s pretend there’s a line inside the rod’s shaft. As they don’t get tangled easily, these are perfect for young children.

What Other Considerations Should You Make When Selecting A Fishing Rod For Children?

The above-mentioned specifications are certainly important, but there are a few other factors that should weigh heavily in your decision:

Fishing location

Do you want to fish from a boat on the shore of a lake, stream, or pond? If you plan on trolling from a boat rather than casting into a small lake or pond, you should use stronger rods.

Your kid’s fishing experience

With some experience under their belts, your kids could benefit more from using fly rods than those just starting out. Both the optimal rod length and the rod’s specific type are based on the angler’s prior experience. Larger, open-faced reels are an option, as experienced anglers will know how to best handle the line as they cast and haul in their catch.

Your child’s age

Older kids can learn to fish with open-faced spinning reels and fly rods with your help. Older children are more amenable to being introduced to fly rods than younger ones. Therefore, spinning rods with closed reels are the best place to start with children ages two to four.

Conclusion

If you want to introduce your kid to the sport of fishing, you’ll need to equip them with an appropriate angling rod and other gear. To begin, you should always think about using shorter, lighter, and tangle-free rods with closed-faced reels made of strong material. Introduce your kid to open-faced spinning rods and fly rods as they gain experience to get them ready for adult fishing. Also, as your kid gets older and more experienced, you may want to get them graphite rods to help them learn to feel for tiny bites.

 

 

 

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