Fishing with kids

I've never really been much of a fisherman. Only really been a handful of times and never caught anything worth bragging about.

But my kids want to go fishing. Next weekend we're camping in Idaho and we have a family "tournament" every year there in this little creek full of brook trout. We've gone the last few years, but I think my kids have outgrown their kiddie poles. They've used their Paw Patrol and Frozen poles only so far.

So I'm thinking of upgrading to some real poles for them. My buddy recommended spincast reels. That's what's on their toy poles but we've only ever dropped in off a bridge, not casted. I tried casting them a few times and the reels are kinda junk.

I know they make better ones and maybe that's the route to go for ease of use for kids? Do you think a regular spinning reel is too advanced for 5 and 7 year olds? I had a spinning reel when I was a kid, but probably not at 5. I'm just wondering is I'm going to end up casting for them on a spinning reel. That's a bit of a pain. Eventually I'm sure they'll figure it out though and I think long term a spinning reel is probably better? But I don't really know what I'm talking about either.

So what say you oh wise mule? What do you recommend for kids fishing poles/reels?

Do they still make a Zebco 202? it was good enough when I was that age.

Btw, you can go fishing or you can take your kids fishing but you can’t do both.

Torren61 said:

Do they still make a Zebco 202? it was good enough when I was that age.

Btw, you can go fishing or you can take your kids fishing but you can’t do both.

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I dont about that specific model, but there's lots of cheap Zebco options.

This little creek we're fishing is pretty perfect for kids. Just put a worm on your hook and drop it in the water. You'll catch something. They aren't big, but they are plentiful

This was 2 years ago. Still using those kiddie poles. Definitely due for an upgrade. They were proud of their haul though

Yeah just go to your favorite sporting goods store and by a couple of spin cast rod and reel combos at a price you like. Can't really go wrong these days. Zebco or Shakespeare or really anything in the low price range works fine for those.

The Zebco 202 are out there, but the 33 combos are not really anymore and a better reel.

Zebco 33 combo

Torren61 said:

Btw, you can go fishing or you can take your kids fishing but you can’t do both.

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This is absolutely true, lol. Lord knows I’ve tried to do both.

Torren61 said:

Btw, you can go fishing or you can take your kids fishing but you can’t do both.

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100% amen brother!!!!!

Maybe a couple of WalMart Zebco spincasts for another year or so, but I'd get em in spinning rigs as soon as possible. I'd probably grab one this year as an extra and see how it goes. Might surprise you.
Reminded myself below, a closed face spinning rig was A's go to. Good rig.

My grandfather taught me and I've passed that on. My family are addicts.

Sorry.....you opened the door








We did fishing birthday parties a few times. Best kid parties ever. Parents had a blast too.



Still going strong. I consider getting him fishing to be some of my very best life's work.

rcole_sooner said:

Yeah just go to your favorite sporting goods store and by a couple of spin cast rod and reel combos at a price you like. Can't really go wrong these days. Zebco or Shakespeare or really anything in the low price range works fine for those.

The Zebco 202 are out there, but the 33 combos are not really anymore and a better reel.

Zebco 33 combo

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I guess I was also kinda hung up on the length as well. I saw a bunch of cheap rigs, but 6' poles. I was hoping for something shorter. Maybe that doesn't matter

For travel the pole is 2 piece, so it breaks down. But the length could be a problem for very young kiddos.

Looking I don't think outside of kids rod and reels the rods are gong to get much shorter. A few were 4'6".

I’d try to avoid 6’

A bit more expensive at $30.

Zebco 33 Micro Adventure Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 36-Inch Telescopic Rod

Walmart here had some Zebco kits for $15. I'll probably go with those. But I have a girly girl who really wants a pink one and they didn't have pink, so I'll have to go to an actual sporting goods store today and try to find one. If not, she'll just have to live with it.

Who said:

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My buddy at work just suggested that.

My dad took me fishing when I was maybe 9 or 10 and I promptly caught a catfish and grabbing it ran one of the sharp things under my fingernail.
So much for that...

Few year later I learn how to flyfish...First actual cast it wraps around my body and the hook ends up in my cheek right under my left eye..

The real fun started on the way to the emergency room when my brother explained how they were going to take out the hook..

As much as I hate mail order stuff, amazon has a bunch of kids fishing gear including pink rods for girls

You could probably have it tomorrow

rcole_sooner said:

A bit more expensive at $30.

Zebco 33 Micro Adventure Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 36-Inch Telescopic Rod

Amazon.com : Zebco 33 Micro Adventure Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 36-Inch Telescopic Rod, Ultra-Light Power, Moderate Action, Silver/Green : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Zebco 33 Micro Adventure Spincast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo, 36-Inch Telescopic Rod, Ultra-Light Power, Moderate Action, Silver/Green : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

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^^^^^ +1 on this.... ^^^^^

Torren61 said:

Do they still make a Zebco 202? it was good enough when I was that age.

Btw, you can go fishing or you can take your kids fishing but you can’t do both.

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Zebcos are great, even for adults. They make for a perfect panfish rig, when coupled with a light or ultralight casting rod.

This is what you need....