Best Kids Fishing Poles
Best Fishing Poles for Kids and Toddlers in 2025.
Fishing is an amazing sport to teach children. It teaches patience waiting for the bite and hand-eye coordination baiting the hook, casting, reeling in and unhooking the fish. Fishing also is a great way to get your child away from screen time and outside for a little Vitamin D in the sunshine.
While we can't give you all of the "hot" fishing holes or guarantee you won't get skunked, we can give a few pointers for finding the best fishing pole for your kid, depending on their age and skill level.
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Best Fishing Poles for Babies & Young Toddlers
Sure your baby may not be able to cast yet, but If you want them to pick up on the idea of fishing or have something to play with while you're catching fish in the summer or on the ice in the winter, it's never to early to pick up a toy fishing pole. These are basically bath toys, but since they float you can bring them to the beach, on the boat or on the ice in the winter.
Top Pick: Fishing Pole Toy Set for 18mo+
Bath toy, including fishing rod, fishing net, 3*squirts toy, 2* strain scoop toy and organizer bag. great toys for kid to play in bathtub or swimming pool
Fishing toy, Children can learn about grasping fish with rod and net
Floating bath toy, Soft rubber characters squirt water when squeezed(starfish, Puffer, Crab), Helps baby develop fine motor skills
Bathroom toy, Water can be scooped from the two cute fish
Fish game with organizer bag, leaving your baby’s toys dry, clean and mold free
Ideal gift for toddler 18 months up
Why We Love it: This bath toy fishing pole has an actual plastic hook helping your child learn motor skills and the basic idea of catching fish on a hook. The fish hook on with a large opening making it easier than other options that may be more frustrating for your child. We also enjoy that this set comes with a mesh bag making it easier to tote around.
Runner-Up Pick: Magnetic Fishing Pole Toy
This cute whale swims through the tub when you wind its dial clockwise and release it in the water; Your child will love following the whale and they will not even realize they are taking a bath
Challenging Fishing Game: Experience the fun of fishing indoors; The toy rod is made entirely from strong safe plastics and uses corrosion-resistant magnets; The 360-degree rotating fishing rod can adjust the fishing line at will, so that the child can easily hook the whale when fishing
Great for Play Anywhere: This baby bath toy is great both for in or out of the water; You can play with it in the bathtub, pool, beach or even just on the floor; If the floating fish is a little challenging for your little baby, then it’s even more simple to play with on the floor and can later be played with in the water when your baby is ready for water fishing
Ideal for ages 3+
This bath toy set contains a magnetic fishing rod and 2 magnetic whales
Why We Love it: Although this fishing set is rated for children 3 and up, the magnetic pole and fish are a little easier to use than our top pick with the actual plastic hook.
Best Fishing Poles for Toddlers and Early Learners
When picking a fishing pole for toddlers/younger kids, you'll want to look for:
Length: You don't want something too long for shorter children. Look for around 29 inches to 4 feet max
Anti-tangle features: look for no-tangle reel and line.
Open vs Closed Faced Reel: the reel is the part that the line spools on. Most little kids' poles come with a closed faced reel so little fingers don't get in the way or create big tangled bird's nest of the line and the push-button is easier to operate.
Top Pick: Zebco Floating Fishing Pole
Splash Floating Blue Combo 29" 6#
Ideal for Kids Aged 3-5
Casting Plug Included
Comfortable EVA Rod Handle Designed for Child-Sized Hands
Patented No-tangle Design
Durable Fiberglass Rod
Oversized Handle Knob for Ease-of-Use and Comfort
Pre-spooled with 6 lb Zebco Line
QuickSet Anti-Reverse
Right-Hand Retrieve
Dial-Adjustable Drag
Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin
Why We Love it: The biggest reason we're recommending this fishing pole for kids is because IT FLOATS. Seriously, that's pretty much the cincher on this baby because your child will either accidentally throw their pole into the lake learning to cast or drop it in randomly. No more worrying about your child losing their learner pole in the lake, this is hands down the best option for your toddler/early learner.
This fishing pole for kids is already set up with pre-spooled line so you're ready to go right out of the box. It's also short enough to possibly double as an ice fishing pole in the winter. Again, no more worrying about the pole falling into the ice fishing hole either!
Runner-Up Pick: Kids Casters Youth Fishing Poles
Introduce your child to the joys of fishing with these popular cartoon fishing rods! After seeing their favorite characters on these youth fishing poles they'll be hooked for life on a safe and traditional pastime
This kid's fishing pole comes equipped with a practice plug so your child can safely cast in a pond, lake, or in the backyard
Fishing rod for kids comes with a pre-spooled, 6-pound line in a covered reel with a standard 3.1:1 gear ratio. This fishing pole is ready to go right off the package
This lake tested fishing rod and reel combo is the perfect size for young kids. At only 29.5" long, it can be easily held and controlled by a child. Build a strong fishing foundation with our fun and durable fishing pole for kids!
Why We Love it: This is the pole you'll want if you think you might need a little extra bribery since it comes in several favorite cartoon characters. Similar to our top pick, this fishing pole comes pre-spooled with 6lb line and has a fake casting fish so your child can practice casting (or if he/she isn't quite ready for a real hook yet).
Best Fishing Poles for Kids 6-9
When picking a fishing pole for bigger kids, you'll want to look for:
Length: Youth size fishing poles should be in the 4'-5' range
Anti-tangle features: look for no-tangle reel and line.
Open vs Closed Faced Reels: we said it before, but just in case you skipped over that section, the reel is the part that the line spools on. For bigger kids with better coordination or experience, you may want to go with an open faced reel since it's a little faster to fix if they get tangled. For the younger end of the 6-9 age range or for kids just learning, you may still want to stick to the closed faced reel since the push button is a little less difficult to operate.
Top Pick: Zebco 4' Kids Fishing Rod + Reel
4’ 2-Piece rod and reel combo
Pre-Spooled with 6-Pound Zebco Line
EVA Foam Handle
Right-Hand or Left-Hand Retrieve
Why We Love it: This is the perfect size rod and reel to learn the open reel system. The 6lb line is perfect for most panfish.
Runner-Up Pick: Shakespeare Closed Faced Reel and 4'6" Fishing Pole
Shakespeare Customize-It Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
4’6" 2-Piece rod and reel combo
Pre-Spooled with 6LB line
170 stickers included
Why We Love it: Shakespeare is a well-known name in the fishing industry, and this pole brings their quality to a closed-reel fishing pole for kids. Although the size may not be suitable for larger fish or older children, it's a great in-between choice for younger kids learning to fish.
Best Fishing Poles for Older Kids 9+
For older kids and teens, you can basically move directly into the adult poles. Features to look for are:
Length: Use longer poles for casting and shorter or ice-specific poles for ice fishing.
Anti-tangle features: look for no-tangle reel and line. This is still important for older kids and adults because no one wants to deal with a tangled mess when the fish are biting.
Open vs Closed Faced Reels: by now we're a broken record, but again the reel is the part that the line spools on. Open faced reels are pretty standard for adult reels, but you can still get a closed face for kids less experienced with fishing.
Type of pole: Ultra light poles are best for panfish. These are going to be lighter and bend easier making it easier to tell when the fish is "on" whereas Medium to Medium-heavy poles are stiffer and can be used to cast heavier bait further.
Rod + Reel combos: at this stage, you can customize your setup a little more by buying the rod separate from the reel. For ease of shopping, we've picked only rod + reel sets.
Top Pick: Zebco Medium Power Pole with Open Reel
Fast action 6-foot, 6-inch, 2-piece rod with Medium power. Ideal for Panfish, Trout, Walleye, Bass and More!
Light and durable IM7 graphite rod with deluxe tough D-Ring guides for smooth casts/retrieves and built-in Hook Keeper. Natural cork rod handle.
Instant Anti-Reverse for an instant no-play hookset with a changeable right or left-hand retrieve
6 Bearings (5 + Clutch) for super smooth retrieves and instant anti-reverse
Zebco Brands products are warranted for a period of one (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials.
Why We Love it: This is a well-rounded medium power pole great for most panfish. The reel can be set up for right or left handers as well.
Runner-Up Pick: Zebco Fishing Pole + Closed Reel
QuickSet Anti-Reverse; All-metal gears; Patented no-tangle design; Changeable right- or left-hand retrieve; Pre-spooled with 8 lb Zebco Cajun Line
5-foot 3-inch Durable fiberglass telescopic rod (24.5-inches collapsed);
Moderate action; Medium power; ideal for use with lures weighing 1/16-1/4 oz
Compact telescopic rod for easy carrying, great for hiking, camping, and kayaking
Right-sized gear that fits your size, age, and style; Built-in carabiner for hands-free portability
Why We Love it: Not only does the pole collapse for easy storage and transport, the reel can be switched to either right or left handed. This fishing pole setup is great for kids since it's not too big and is easier for beginners with the closed reel system.
Best Kids Fishing Pole + Tackle Sets
If you're new to the sport of fishing yourself and don't already have a bunch of fishing gear laying around, you may want to consider a complete set with tackle, pole and reel for your child. While these sets don't typically have all the high-end components, you'll be able to get up and running quickly and they make perfect Birthday or Christmas presents.
Top Pick: Kids Fishing Pole + Closed Reel Starter Kit
PLUSINNO fishing kit comes with everything a beginner needs.It's an all-in-one fishing road with fishing line and tackle box including a selection of lures and fishing accessories suited to a range of different fishing situations. A carry bag is also offered.
Bright and colorful design with a stable epoxy construction combined with soft EVA and plastic. this makes it just sturdy enough for durable use yet lightweight and easy for kids to hold.
Equipped with a spincast fishing reel, which is closed and pre-spooled, no tangles, and it's Push-button design which makes casting so much easier for kids. Simply push the button to release the line and cast.
PLUSINNO Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod features a collapsible design which makes it just portable enough to carry along with you. A blue bag also makes it easy to carry the pole and all the other accessories and protects it from getting damaged.
Why We Love it: This is the perfect setup for teaching a kid to fish. The beginner-friendly closed reel is pre-spooled and it comes with all of the tackle to get started as well as a carrying bag.
Runner-Up Pick: Kids Fishing Pole + Open Reel Kit
PLUSINNO fishing kit comes with everything a beginner needs.It's an all-in-one fishing road with fishing line and tackle box including a selection of lures and fishing accessories suited to a range of different fishing situations. A carry bag is also offered.
Bright and colorful design with a stable epoxy construction combined with soft EVA and plastic. this makes it just sturdy enough for durable use yet lightweight and easy for kids to hold.
Equipped with a spincast fishing reel, which is closed and pre-spooled, no tangles, and it's Push-button design which makes casting so much easier for kids. Simply push the button to release the line and cast.
PLUSINNO Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod features a collapsible design which makes it just portable enough to carry along with you. A blue bag also makes it easy to carry the pole and all the other accessories and protects it from getting damaged.
Why We Love it: Like our first pick, this set includes all of the tackle for your child to get started fishing. The only reason it's not our first choice is because it does have the open reel that may be more difficult for younger children. However, it's a great choice to teach your child the open reel system.
