Think 5 year old. My daughter just isn't ready to move from a spin cast reel. 

 

I'm looking to buy a few setups that have decent, at least metal gear spin cast reels and a decent rod. I'd like to upgrade from the $30 combo that literally will fall apart if a 1lb bass eats their bait. 

 

A couple questions.

 

Does a spin cast reel fit normally on a spinning or casting rod? 

Recommendations on a rod that is 5ft or less that has some quality?

any casting rods 5 ft or less, 2 power?

Any recommendation on a decent spin cast reel?

 

At five, the kiddie poles like Barbie or princesses is ideal. Not only that, they actually work quite well and they are extremely light. 
 

even a 5’ rod will start to feel heavy to them after some time. I’m speaking from experience from when my daughter was five. She’s now 22 and I still have her princess kiddie rod. 
 

I was going through exactly what you’re going through now. My how time flies. 
 

To answer your question, spincast reel will fit on casting rods for the most part. The zebco 33 is a great little reel but to be honest at age 5, it might feel or start to feel heavy sooner than later for a 5 year old. 
 

Your local Walmarts and other sports stores will have those low end casting rods 6’ (that fit both casting and spincast reels) and under and while they won’t be the most sensitive rods, they don’t need to be. 
 

Age

5 and under - Barbie/Kiddie pole

5-6 - Depending in their enthusiasm and skill, a spinning set up is the next consideration

7 - I taught my daughter how to use a casting reel. It’s possible but only consider it if they’re willing or if you’re going to use this as an excuse to “acquire” a new set up. 
 

If needed, I’ll show you how to make what I call a rod “leash”, which is akin a surf board leash. My son accidentally casted two of his rods into the lake never to be found again. And if he did that with one of my curados? I’m diving, lol. That said, the leash totally eliminates that possibility. 

My boy is 5 and won one of these a couple months ago in a fishing derby (dad, humble brag lol).  I had seen them before and just dismissed them because they look weird but I've been pleasantly surprised by it so far.  I'd like to get him something better still but longer rods just seem to be too much for a 5 year old.  I'll give him a couple more years before we start to splurge a bit more.

 

Dock Demon or nothing ...

 

 

Its a good kids combo and IMO an upgrade from the snoopy/princess rods

 

https://www.amazon.com/Zebco-Spinning-Spincast-Fiberglass-Anti-Reverse/dp/B07XW34KKX?th=1

 

 

The dock demon is a tough little booger. 

I believe you can get some of those kids combos in a line bit longer lengths. 
4’ ish or so. Should be great. 

8 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

Dock Demon or nothing ...

 

 

Its a good kids combo and IMO an upgrade from the snoopy/princess rods

 

https://www.amazon.com/Zebco-Spinning-Spincast-Fiberglass-Anti-Reverse/dp/B07XW34KKX?th=1

 

 

Absolutely! I forgot about those. 

Another vote for the Dock Demon! I buy those for all my friends kids.

 

I also keep Zebco 202 reels for older kids. They are $5 at Walmart. I keep a couple extras in case one jams up. We use these with a Field and Stream 5'6" medium 2 piece casting rod.

 

Zebco also makes a 202 combo with a 5'6" that is around $15.

 

I also tried a Zebco Omega Z02Pro. This is their smaller 20 size and comes with 6lb test line. It was $85 and is overkill. I don't like the push button either. It has a rubber cover over the push button which is loosely attached to the internal thumb button and feels weird. We went back to the $5 Zebco 202 reels.

I figured it out. $5 zebco hot cast with a budget reel.

41 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

I figured it out. $5 zebco hot cast with a budget reel.

Awesome! 4'6" is a good length. What reel is that?

18 minutes ago, Crankin4Bass said:

Awesome! 4'6" is a good length. What reel is that?

Daiwa steez ct sv. In all seriousness, it’s the reel I put in my 9 year olds hand again while trying to get him to love fishing and it just clicked. He now loves throwing a 6’6 loomis around with one like a sword at docks. It’s a ridiculous price to pay (pink one is mine) but it’s worth it if I can summon the magic to make them love the sport 

The dock demon is the way to go at that age.