what’s a good fishing setup for my little one

[UphillHabit]

I'm thinking about taking my 5-year-old out fishing for the first time. I've seen some basic kids' fishing rods at the local store, but I'm not sure if that's the right way to go. I didn't grow up with fishing, so I could really use some advice on what to look for in a setup that's simple and effective. Mostly, I just want to make it a fun outing for my kid. Any tips on what kind of gear or bait works well for beginners?

 

[xchecker]

Do you fish? You make sound like you're a beginner too...not that I'm much better, but I fish once a year for a week.

 

[Eastenerwesterner]

I had look up if they still make it, Zebco 202 with a pole can be had for $20.
Put a worm on a hook, sinker and a bobber for the kid to watch. Stay with a smaller/medium bobber, the red and white kind. Mickey ones tend to go down hard.

 

[xchecker]

I had look up if they still make it, Zebco 202 with a pole can be had for $20.

Was thinking the same thing! Great Minds!...lol. I think I used one of those when I was 7 or 8. I would pass on the worm and just use some power bait or salmon eggs. Also helps to know what kind of fish are in the lake. Make sure you bring a net and some fish gloves.

https://www.amazon.com/Zebco-Quantu...82da01b6c5a5&qid=1756518147&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

 

[Eastenerwesterner]

My old man started us on free bait casting reels. He soon learned that spending some $ gave him some fishing time.

 

[Eastenerwesterner]

For giggles I looked up my next kid fishing set up
My grandparents bought me a Zebco 444 trigger reel and rod. Had an issue with it and Zebco replaced it. Although they didn't make the 444 anymore, they replaced with a FL44.
EBay prices for 444-$49. FL44- $194. Still have that 44 and use it as my ultralight.

My grandparents probably didn't pay more than $15 for the rod and reel 55 years ago.

Sorry to OP for the thread hijack. I hope that Zebco quality is as good as it was.