what's a good fishing setup for my kid's first time

[UphillHabit]

I'm thinking about taking my 5-year-old out fishing for the first time, but I’m pretty clueless about the whole thing. I saw some kids’ fishing rods at the store and it got me wondering if those would be good to start with. I didn’t do much fishing growing up, so I'm just looking for some simple advice on what to get and how to make it fun for them. Any thoughts on the best setup for a beginner?

 

[Night-king]

Keep it simple, grab a cheap spincast combo, some worms, and hit a pond with hungry bluegill. Short trips, snacks, and letting the kid reel em in makes it pure fun.

 

[vickoy_]

Just remember to keep it fun instead of stressing about actually catching fish. If your kid is up for it, let them help with baiting the hooks and make a big deal out of every little nibble you get. Be ready, though most of your time will probably be spent untangling lines and answering all sorts of curious questions

The main goal here is to create some memories that could spark a love for the outdoors that lasts a lifetime

 

[guntha45]

I would recommend a closed face reel as opposed to an open face or bait caster. Flipping over the bail and holding, then releasing the line on an open face reel can be more difficult than just using the push button of the closed face reel.
The little kiddie starter kits at Walmart would work fine.
I also recommend going someplace where you are guaranteed to catch fish. It doesn't matter if they are junk fish or not, Yellow Perch, Sunfish, etc. A kid just wants to catch fish, not wait for a good one that might not show up..... Boredom can ruin the experience.

 

[blue raven]

Keep it simple with small rod, light line, worms and snacks, and yes the snacks matter more than any gear when you’re that age.

 

[guntha45]

I would add to blue raven post to use a bobber with the worms so going by feel is required. Being able to visually see the bobber moving when the fish is biting is exciting...

 

[Wonder man]

The Zebco Dock Demon is spot on for a 5-year-old.