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There are many fishing poles for sale, but most are made for adults. Add to the mix that your child is left handed, and finding a decent pole becomes quite a challenge. Because of this, I have reviewed what I feel are five of the best left handed kid’s fishing pole options available. For this review I have given my Editor’s Choice as I always do, but I have also given a couple of options for starter kits and options that are more than starter kits.
| Amazon | Bass Pro Shops | |
| Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo – Editor’s Choice | Check Price Here | Check Price Here |
| Byzy Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – Starter Kit | Check Price Here | N/A |
| Plusinno Kid’s Fishing Pole Kit – Starter Kit | Check Price Here | N/A |
| BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit | Check Price Here | N/A |
| Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo | Check Price Here | Check Price Here |
Editor’s Choice Best Left Handed Kid’s Fishing Pole
Zebco 33 Spincast Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo
The Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel & 2 Piece Fishing Rod Combo is my Editor’s Choice for the best left handed kid’s fishing pole. The editor’s choice provides the perfect mix of quality and price. In this specific case, I also chose this combo specifically for the enclosed real. I believe this is a great choice for your kid to use as a starter rod and reel.
Simply put, Zebco has been making some variant of the Zebco 33 since 1954. Even though this reel has gone through some changes over the years, it is still a go to for kids and new anglers of all ages. This small and lightweight fishing rod and reel combo is not explicitly designed for kids, but it is small enough and my 7 year old handles it well. This combo has to be one of the best choices for you to get your kid started fishing.
Review
- The reel allows for both left and right-handed handle positioning, so everybody can use it.
- The rod is a moderate to fast action rod made of fiberglass that provides good balance, decent casting distance, accuracy, and a good durability for the price too.
- It’s an excellent middle-of-the-line rod that doesn’t really excel in any category but has no significant faults or drawbacks.
- The tough D-ring guides, combined with the reel’s decent retrieval rate, allow for fast and smooth retrieval, and the guides allow for smooth casting.
- I really love the quick-set anti-reverse feature for my son.
- The reel features dual ceramic pick-up pins, which also help with smooth retrieval and a decent amount of abrasion resistance.
Pros:
- Good price
- Rod and reel included
- Very smooth casting
- Fast and smooth retrieval
- Lightweight
- Short design is ideal for kids
- Left and right-handed use
Cons:
- Somewhat limited durability for a long term use rod and reel
- Not designed for large fish
Best Left Handed Kid’s Fishing Pole -Starter Kits
Byzy Telescopic Fishing Rod and Real Combo
The Byzy Telescopic Fishing Rod and Real Combo kit is not explicitly designed for kids. However, for someone that is able to use a spinning reel, this a great starter kit. The kit comes with two rods and two reels, some starting tackle, and a carrying case. All components are lightweight, with the rods being relatively short and the whole kit comes at a very modest price. For me all of these factors make the Byzy kit ideal for kids and beginners alike.
Review
- You get two telescopic fishing rods – one that is 5.2 feet and the other 4.3 feet – with both lengths ideal for kids.
- The poles are made of aluminum alloy and fiberglass.
- These rods aren’t the most durable out there, but they should be sufficient for starter rods for kids that are just getting introduced to fishing.
- The reels are about the same, not excellent but also not bad.
- They are made with fairly solid materials, and they have a fast retrieval rate, too, both crucial factors when kids are concerned.
- These fishing reels both have handles that can be mounted on the reel’s left or right.
- I also like that this is a full kit that comes with two rods and reels and hooks, lures, line, grubs, and more.
Pros:
- Excellent for family fishing
- Dual rods and reels included
- Durable enough for lightweight and basic use
- Suitable rod lengths for kids
- Very lightweight design
- Comes with many extras
- Great price
Cons:
- This is a great starter kit but may not be sufficient for serious fishing
- Somewhat limited durability
PLUSINNO Kids Fishing Pole
The Plusinno Kid’s Fishing Pole and kit is actually designed specifically for kids. This is a small and lightweight fishing rod that comes with a decent reel. It’s a basic and inexpensive rod designed for kids, which can be used by left and right-handed people alike.
Review
- This fishing pole weighs just 2.2 ounces and is 3.94 feet long, making it ideal for kids.
- I like that the rod features a telescopic design, making it suitable for travel and storage.
- This set comes with a pole and has a decent reel, nothing overly impressive, but it allows for left and right-handed use.
- I found this kit to be decently durable and the reel has a good retrieval rate.
- My son really liked the soft foam handles that are comfortable to hold.
- This kit also comes with hooks, lures, fake grubs, and a few other items to get them started.
Pros:
- Great price
- Short and lightweight – ideal for kids
- Left and right handed use
- Soft foam grips
- Comes with plenty of accessories
Cons:
- This is a great starter kit but may not be sufficient for serious fishing
- Somewhat limited durability
Best Left Handed Kid’s Fishing Pole – Beyond Starter Kits
BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit
For me, the BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit is a left handed kid’s fishing pole that is more than a starter kit. This is a pole and reel that could last quite a while for your kid. This kit is an inexpensive all-in-one telescopic fishing pole and reel combo that comes with lures, line, hooks, a carrying case, and everything your child needs to get started – all for a great price.
Review
- The BlueFire Fishing Rod Kit comes with a high-density carbon fiber telescopic fishing pole that can easily collapse down to size for transportation and storage.
- This is a very lightweight rod, so kids shouldn’t have much of a problem holding it for long periods.
- I found the rod to be quite sturdy, stable, and durable, which is always essential for kids.
- The reel features a 5.2:1 gear ratio, which allows for smooth and fast lure retrieval, so your child doesn’t have to crank on the handle too much.
- It’s a really durable and smooth reel that is ideal for kids and beginners alike.
- The guides are also built for smoothness and speed.
- This kit comes with various accessories, including a carrying case, hooks, grubs, lures, lines, and more.
- Of course, the reel handle can be switched from the right to the left hand side in just a couple of minutes.
Pros:
- Great for kids and beginners
- Telescopic rod for portability
- Fairly durable for the price
- Great price
- Fast and smooth retrieval
- Comes with all the accessories needed to get started
- For left and right-handed people
Cons:
- Reel and rod don’t lock together too securely
- Handle grip leaves a lot to be desired
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
Another left handed kid’s fishing pole choice that can be more than a starter kit is the Ugly Stik GX2 Rod & Reel Combo. This affordable fishing rod and reel combo is ideal for youths, beginners, and experienced anglers. It’s lightweight, strong, and perfect for small arms and hands. The handle can be mounted on either side of the reel for both right and left handed use.
Review
- This 5’6” rod and reel combo comes in well under a pound, making it more than small and light enough for kids to use with ease.
- It’s not super long, and it’s not designed for catching huge fish, but it can handle smaller and medium-size fish with ease.
- This rod is made with a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber, which provides a decent amount of durability.
- A big attraction is that it has excellent sensitivity, so your kids can feel the smallest of nibbles.
- The Ugly Stik GX2 comes with small and lightweight EVA grips that are perfect for small hands to hold onto.
- The reel is not the best; it’s made of machined aluminum and has a single ball bearing, but it should be more than enough for some fishing fun with the kids.
Pros:
- Perfect size for kids
- Very lightweight
- Durable enough for basic use
- Excellent sensitivity
- Small and lightweight EVA grips
- Great price
- Comes in various sizes
- For left and right-handed use
Cons:
- This rod is great for smaller panfish but you may need to upgrade for larger fish
- EVA grips could be more durable
Conclusion
As you can see, specifically designed left handed kid’s fishing poles are not overly easy to find, but I have done my best to find great choices that can be used left handed. When you want a left handed kid’s fishing pole, look for one that features an interchangeable left/right reel handle, a lightweight design, and a relatively short pole length.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Left Handed Kid’s Fishing Pole
How do I convert a fishing reel to left-handed?
If you want to convert a fishing reel to left-handed, you will need to reverse the direction of the spool. To do this, you will need to unscrew the back of the reel and remove the spool. Then, you will need to turn the spool around so that it winds in the opposite direction. Finally, you will need to screw the back of the reel back on.
Is there a left-handed fishing rod?
There is no such thing as a left-handed fishing rod. Fishing rods are designed to be used with both hands, so they are not made specifically for left-handed people. Many left-handed people use right-handed fishing rods without any problems. If you are a left-handed person and you find it difficult to use a right-handed fishing rod, you can try using a left-handed reel. This will help you to control the rod better with your left hand.
How do left handers hold a fishing rod?
There is no one correct way for left handers to hold a fishing rod. Many left handers find it comfortable to hold the rod in their left hand and use their right hand to reel in the fish. Others find it easier to hold the rod in their right hand and use their left hand to reel in the fish. Experiment with different techniques until you find the one that works best for you.
Why are fishing reels left-handed?
Fishing reels are designed to be used with the left hand. This is because most people are right-handed, and using the left hand to control the reel gives the right hand more freedom to cast the line. Left-handed people can use right-handed fishing reels, but they may find it more difficult to control the reel with their left hand.
What size fishing rod is right for my child?
The size of fishing rod that is right for your child will depend on their age, height, and strength. If you are not sure which size to choose, you can ask a salesperson at a fishing tackle store for help. They will be able to advise you on the best size of rod for your child.
How do you tell if a fishing reel is left or right-handed?
You can tell if a fishing reel is left or right-handed by looking at the direction of the spool. If the spool winds in a clockwise direction, it is a right-handed reel. If the spool winds in a counterclockwise direction, it is a left-handed reel.
Do I fish right or left-handed?
You can fish right or left-handed, depending on which hand you find it more comfortable to use. If you are not sure which hand to use, you can try both and see which feels better. Many people find that they are equally comfortable using either hand.
What side is the reel on a left-handed Baitcaster?
The reel is on the right side when you are using a left-handed Baitcaster. This is because most people are right-handed, and using the left hand to control the reel gives the right hand more freedom to cast the line. Left-handed people can use right-handed Baitcasters, but they may find it more difficult to control the reel with their left hand.
How do you change from left-handed to right-handed?
If you want to convert a fishing reel to right-handed, you will need to reverse the direction of the spool. To do this, you will need to unscrew the back of the reel and remove the spool. Then, you will need to turn the spool around so that it winds in the opposite direction. Finally, you will need to screw the back of the reel back on.
Feature Photo by Ben Wilkins
