What Size Fishing Rod for an 8-Year-Old?

Taking your child fishing can be an exciting and enjoyable adventure. If you’re planning to teach your 8-year-old kid how to fish, you’re probably looking for the best kids’ fishing rod.

So, what size fishing rod for an 8-year-old? An 8-year-old child can use a 5 to 6 feet long fishing rod. This fishing rod length is ideal for children who have some experience fishing and already know the basics. A spinning rod, telescopic rod, or two-piece fishing rod is a great choice for an 8-year-old child who knows using fishing gear.

Keep reading to learn about different fishing rod sizes for children and how to pick the right size of fishing rod for your kid. 

Different Fishing Rod Sizes

Size is one of the first things you must consider when choosing a new fishing rod for a child. Rod length can range from 4 to 14 feet for adults and 3 to 6 feet for children. 

When it comes to kids’ fishing rods, the rod’s size will depend on a child’s age and level of fishing experience. Choosing a shorter fishing pole that fits a child’s size will lead to more accurate casts.

Let’s check out the different kids’ fishing pole sizes you can choose from:

  • For a 3-year-old child, choose a 2 to 3 feet long kids’ fishing pole. While the size matters, it’s not the only thing you need to consider in this case. For a 3-year-old toddler, pick a simple, one-piece fishing rod with a line running through the rod’s center, lowering the possibility of tangles.
  • For children ages, 5 to 9, look for a 4 to 5 feet long fishing rod. Most children this age have fished before and have basic knowledge about fishing. If your child has no experience with fishing, choose a 4 feet long rod. 
  • Children, aged 10 to 12 shouldn’t use fishing rods longer than 7 feet. Ideally, look for 5 to 6 feet long rods. Even if your child has been fishing since kindergarten, don’t buy a larger rod because most kids aren’t tall enough to safely handle a longer rod. 

How Do You Pick the Right Size Fishing Rod?

There are several ways to introduce children to fishing, but the best way about it is to purchase a kid-friendly fishing rod. When you know what to look for, picking out the right size fishing rod for a child isn’t hard. 

Ideally, a kid’s fishing rod’s length should be equal to or close to your child’s current height. A 10-year-old child may be 50 to 59 inches tall, which is just under 5 feet tall. Having said that, a 5-feet long rod is the right size fishing rod for a 10-year-old child.

The tallest 14-year-old children are just under 70 inches tall, meaning they could handle a 6-feet long fishing rod. Some 14-year-olds even know how to use a bait caster and could comfortably go fishing using an adult-size fishing rod. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod

What to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod

There are several things to consider when choosing a kid’s fishing rod. Here are a few things to look for in the best kids’ fishing rod:

1. Length of the Rod

The one thing to remember when looking for kids’ fishing poles is that the shorter the person fishing, the smaller and lighter the fishing rod should be. The length of the rod you’ll choose in the end will depend on your kid’s age, height, experience, and ability to handle the rod.

2. Weight

Another important thing to consider is the weight of the rod. Kids’ fishing poles must be lightweight enough so children can easily cast the line into the water and reel it in. 

The lightest kids’ fishing rods are made of plastic, but these aren’t very durable and might break on the very first day on the water. Instead of a plastic rod, consider a composite or fiberglass rod, as these materials are both lightweight and durable. 

3. Reel Style

The reel style for a children’s fishing rod will either be a spin cast or a spinning reel. A spin cast reel is an excellent choice for beginners and young children because it casts the line from a fixed spool, keeping the line tangle-free. 

A spinning reel is a good option for teenagers or children who know how to handle a spin cast reel. 

4. Fish Species Pursued

When looking for the best fishing rod for kids, think about the fish species your child will target. Panfish are an ideal catch for young anglers. Panfish are known for their eagerness to bite and combatant nature, which makes them attractive for children to catch.

Most beginner-style fishing kits can handle bluegills and sunfish, but you’ll need to size up the tackle and consider a sturdier rod if your child is planning to catch trout, catfish, or bass. 

How Long Should a Fishing Rod Be for an 8-Year-Old?

A 5 to 6 feet long fishing pole is the best for an 8-year-old child. Most 8-year-old children have learned fishing basics and know how to handle a rod.

A spinning rod, a two-piece rod, or a shorter telescopic rod are good choices for an 8-year-old child. But the ultimate choice will depend on the kid’s experience level, coordination, and ability to handle a rod. 

Conclusion

Most 8-year-old children can quickly learn how to use a spin cast or spinning reel and already know how to tie knots. Being a child with small hands and fingers gives young anglers an advantage when tying tiny hooks and thin lines.

A 5 to 6 feet long fishing rod is a great option for 8-year-old children who have experience fishing and are familiar with handling a fishing rod. The easiest way to find the right rod size for your child is to choose a rod equal to or close to your kid’s current height.