Good kids fishing rod & reel?

[Swamp Donkey]

I have a 3 1/2 year old son and bought him a real nice open faced spincast fishing rod. I knew it would not be ideal for him at that age, but hey it was 50% off. It is a small browning rod and reel. While about 1 out of every 5 casts seem to work, it is still quite a chore to keep him going, because he wants to do it all himself and I want to let him. Here is the million dollar question..... what has worked for your kids? I am leery of the 7 dollar walmart fishing rods because I think I will spend more time trying to fix and untangle the thing. Price will be taken into consideration, because I can see on cast where the whole thing goes into the lake. That is where a 7 dollar wallmart one would come in handy. I even did that as a kid. LOL What works? Be fishing mostly for walleye in the 2lb range and the odd rainbow from a creek. Any tips on line would also be great.

 

[Jengle]

Have to get up early in the morning to beat an old Zebco 33. They are great for kids, and seem to be more durable than the others in that one's price range. Easy for kids to operate is one of the main pluses of this one. As for line, I have used most and keep coming back to Stren. Based on what you said above, I would go with in 8-10lb test. For the walleye, I would think you would need some type of thin wire leader for those toothy creatures. Good luck.

 

[Hohn]

I think the Zebco 202 is the official first rod/reel of the world



jlh

 

[Swamp Donkey]

Thanks guys... ... I will go on the hunt for one of the ones you mentioned.

 

[DieselMinded]

Zebco Rhino



They can take a beatin'



DM

 

[JPope]

"Have to get up early in the morning to beat an old Zebco 33. They are great for kids... "



Very good for adults also. With kids I have found that when you try to buy the smaller outfits (not a quality ultralight) they have a lot of problems especially with the lighter lines (<8#). Monafilament is enough of a problem for kids and adults, but the really light stuff can be real problem for kids!!!!



Also please remember to teach how to discard old line, broken off line etc. properly!!!! Keeps it out of propellor shafts/grease seals, and off of wildlife!!!