There is something really special about the first time you take your child fishing. Standing shoulder to shoulder at the edge of the water, teaching patience, and watching their face light up when the bobber finally dips — fishing with kids is the stuff that lifelong memories are made of. Fishing with kids has a way of slowing everything down in the best possible way, and Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops understands this.
Spring, especially, feels like an open invitation to get outside again. The weather is milder, fish are more active, and cabin fever has officially worn thin. Fishing with kids during this season does not require a complicated setup or years of experience. It requires intention, a little preparation, and the right gear to keep things simple.
If you have been thinking about trying fishing with kids but are unsure where to start, we’ve got you covered with this guide of everything you need from Bass Pro Shops + Cabela’s. Right now through March 25, during the Spring Classic Fishing Sale, take advantage of Bass Pro Shops + Cabela’s up to 50% off deals on everything you need to get started. With the right essentials in place, fishing with kids becomes less about stress and more about connection. Here’s how to get started.
7 Dad-Approved Essentials for Fishing with Kids This Spring
1. ProFishiency Wild Child Spinning Combo
The right rod and reel can instantly boost confidence when you are fishing with kids, and the ProFishiency Wild Child Spinning Combo strikes that balance between simple and capable. The smooth 5.2 to 1 gear ratio and 4 plus 1 bearing system make reeling feel effortless, while the 12 pound max drag is strong enough to handle bigger surprises without overwhelming beginners who are fishing with kids for the first time. The 6 foot 6 inch fiberglass rod offers medium action forgiveness, and the split grip handle with comfortable golf style grips feels steady in smaller hands, which helps reduce frustration and keeps the focus on fun.
Regular price: $74.99
Sale price: $55.98
2. Bass Pro Shops XPS Backpack Tackle Bag
When you are fishing with kids, staying organized is the difference between a smooth afternoon and constant scrambling, and the Bass Pro Shops XPS Backpack Tackle Bag keeps everything right where you need it. Built with tough 600 denier polyester and an abrasion resistant base, it handles docks, grass, and muddy banks without wearing down, which is exactly what you want when fishing with kids means moving around a lot. The double decker design gives you serious storage without extra bulk, and the removable divider lets you customize space for larger gear or extra boxes, while the padded straps make it comfortable to carry when little feet decide to wander farther than expected.
Regular price: $59.99
Sale price: $34.98
3. XPS Braid Fishing Line
Regular price: $17.99
Sale price: $9.98
Regular price: $34.99
Sale price: $27.98
5. Zebco Bill Dance Spinning Combo
The Zebco Bill Dance Spinning Combo is an affordable and easy to use setup designed for anglers who want a dependable rod and reel without complicated gear. Built for everyday freshwater fishing, the combo pairs a sensitive spinning rod with a smooth reel so anglers can target species like bass, trout, and walleye with confidence. It is designed to be durable while still offering enough sensitivity to detect light bites, helping anglers feel strikes quickly and react faster.
6. White River Fly Shop Trout Starter 16-Pack Fly Assortment
If you are stepping into fly fishing while fishing with kids, simplicity is your best friend, and the White River Fly Shop Trout Starter 16 Pack Fly Assortment takes the guesswork out of what to tie on first. This collection includes proven patterns like Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, Elk Hair Caddis, and Hi Vis Parachute Adams, giving you options whether you are bouncing a nymph along the bottom or drifting a dry fly across the surface. Having two of each pattern means you are covered when flies get lost in trees or rocks, which happens more often when fishing with kids who are still mastering their casts.
Regular price: $29.99
Sale price: $19.98
7. Zebco Bill Dance Rod and Reel Spincast Combo
If you want fishing with kids to feel simple from the very first cast, the Zebco Bill Dance Spincast Combo is about as close to foolproof as it gets. The push button design takes the intimidation out of casting, which is huge when fishing with kids who are still figuring out timing and coordination. The reel features stainless steel covers, a smooth three bearing system with instant anti reverse, and comes pre spooled with 10 pound line, so you can skip the complicated setup and head straight to the water.
Regular price: $64.99
Sale price: $44.98
8. Salt Fisher 33 Spinning Combo
If you are introducing kids to saltwater fishing, the Zebco 33 Salt Fisher Spincast Combo is a simple and reliable setup that takes much of the frustration out of learning to fish. Spincast reels are known for their push button design, which makes casting far easier for beginners compared with traditional spinning or baitcasting gear. That simplicity makes this combo a great choice when fishing with kids who are just learning how to handle a rod.
Regular price: $49.99
Sale price: $29.98
9. Redington Trout Field Kit Outfit
10. Bass Pro Shops Tournament Fishing Mesh Life Jacket
The Bass Pro Shops Tournament Mesh Life Vest is designed for anglers who want safety on the water without sacrificing comfort or mobility. Built with a durable nylon ripstop shell and a soft polyester liner, the vest features mesh panels across the shoulders and upper back to improve airflow and reduce weight, which helps keep you cooler during long days of fishing. A neoprene collar adds extra comfort around the neck, while lightweight polyethylene foam provides buoyancy without feeling bulky.
Regular price: $49.99
Sale price: $39.98
Kick Off Spring By Taking The Kids Fishing
Spring doesn’t last forever, and neither does the season when your kids still want to spend every spare minute with you. Fishing with kids is one of those activities that feels small in the moment but grows into something bigger over time. It becomes the story they tell about their first catch and the mornings they spent beside you.
Right now is the ideal window to make it happen. During the Spring Classic Fishing Sale running now through March 25 Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are offering savings of uo to 50% off, which makes gearing up for fishing with kids even more accessible. The sale is not the reason to go, but it certainly removes some of the hesitation that keeps plans from turning into action.
Take advantage of the season and the opportunity in front of you. Visit Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s and explore the Spring Classic Fishing Sale while it is running. Gear up, pick a weekend, and commit to fishing with kids this spring. The fish might not always bite, but the memories will stick!
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