I have a 10, 8, 5 year old that want to fish! What is the easiest/best/most affordable set up for rod and reel? Something that wont continue to break? Thanks in advance!

Right now many of the local Academy Stores have some serious clearance sales on different combo's. I'm guessing you could easily pick up 3 combo's in the $5-$10 range each and see how they like fishing. The ones I saw were better than the toy Barbi / Snoopy outfits and potentially decent starter kits. Other options, if I was choosing from past experience the Ugly Stiks were tough as nails and whatever price range Zebco or Daiwa Spincast reel would do the job nicely. At that age its more about catching fish than the art or experience of fishing. Find a local pond with sunfish, try a bobber, #8 or #10 long shank hook, a small pinch on weight and Crappie Nibbles (corn, bacon, worms etc.) and go to town. Watch their back casts, make sure you are near all of them but none of them are real near each other and make an experience out of it. Have fun!!!

Id buy 4 setups, Zebco 33 is a great reel. The 4th setup is for when you are fixing the others. LOL

I'm with this guy. Zebco 33's are a great starter reel. Put them on an Ugly Stik and you have a kid proof setup.

If you want to spend a few bucks more get the Zebco Bullet. Great spincast reel that will last

I have a 10 y/o nephew who can use a baitcaster somewhat, but we got him a zebco bullet to use as he gets better with his baitcaster, and it has been great. He has had it a year and it has held up to almost everyday use as he lives 100 yards from one of their private lakes.

He's had a few Z'co 33's and they were no as durable.

The 8 and 10 year old can probably use a spinning rod, I would choose that over a spin cast reel.

The 5 year old, some sort of spin cast either a 33 or bullet.

Buy nice durable reels and cheap rods, the rods will break sooner than later

Spincast are the best to start with for the mechanics of fishing. Spinning are two handed casts, managing slack, line twist, etc prone.

For what it's worth my son moved to a baitcaster at 4 years old. Now at 7 years old he uses all of my rods with minimal adjustments, if any.

4 year old on a bait caster, that’s pretty good…

If you are going to be fishing with them whenever they go... get them some good stuff.. dont take them fishing until you have a spot picked out where they are going to catch fish. Get them to practice casting in the yard before they go.. Let them know you expect them to take great care of their stuff and that you didnt buy them junk.. I bought my sisters 4 grandkids, age 6 to 14 the ones below.. even the youngest can cast a baitcaster now.

https://pfluegerfishing.com/collections/combos/products/president-spinning-combo

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/...6eclu2pck38zprctfac/16eclu2pck38zprctfac

Thanks everyone! Will give these a look and they are going to love it - we will be at a private lake with GREAT fishing so I know they will love it.

what size rod would you get for kids?

5'6 - 6'

No need to get them anything longer. Think of tree overhang, casting ease, etc.

Also I will add:

Mash the barbs down on all the hooks BEFORE you take them out fishing. That way when they stick it in you it'll be easier to get it out!

Ask me how I know

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