Hey there, today let's chat about all the amazing things you need to include in your kids tackle box.
Are you looking to put together a kids tackle box? I am here to help you with just that.
As a mom of 4, who grew up loving fishing in the upper Midwest, and has gifted a kids tackle box a time or 2, I know just what you need to include.
You are going to learn about which are the best tackle boxes for kids, what you should include inside those tackle boxes, kids' fishing gear they may need, and more.
After learning about the best kids tackle box and tackle to pick out, you will be more than ready for assembly!
Let's jump into everything you will need for a kids tackle box and then some.
My post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my full disclosure.
Best Kids Tackle Box
Hey friend!
Whether you are putting together this kids tackle box as a Christmas present, birthday present, or just to kick off fishing season, I know your kiddo is going to be pumped!
I am so excited to be talking to you about how to put together a kid’s tackle box because I love fishing.
It is one of my favorite ways to relax, and then bam! You can get so exciting on the turn of a dime when that big whopper chomps on your line.
My kids have just as much fun fishing as I do. My husband, who did little fishing and way more hunting growing up, has even learned to like fishing too.
I am so jazzed that you are passing on the love of fishing to your little one.
My dad always says, the memories you will remember the most are those when you were hunting and fishing.
He is right! Those memories for me are pretty vivid, even from a young age.
Have the best time building memories to last a lifetime!
Kids Tackle Box
Like I said above, I have 4 kids and they each have their own tackle box.
They get lures and other tackle at Christmas and birthdays and like that they can put it in their own tackle box. Keep them all separate from each other.
2 of my kids have the Plano One, Two, and Three Tray Tackle Box and the other 2 have a Spiderwire bag similar to the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag. You can’t go wrong with these tackle boxes.
Whichever kids tackle box you choose, pick one that they can grow into so you don’t have to do an upgrade in the near future.
To me, that is just a waste of money.
Let’s talk about the Plano Tackle Box first.
It is a hard-sided box that holds a decent amount of tackle.
It is durable and you can choose from 1, 2, or 3 trays.
My boys were thrilled to get this as a birthday present a few years ago. They have the Plano tackle box with 1 tray.
Now let’s get into the Spiderwire Wolf Tackle Bag.
This is a soft-sided bag and it can hold a lot of tackle. It is well constructed and closes up nicely.
The best part about this bag is that it has a shoulder strap. It makes it so easy to carry when your hands are full of the rest of your fishing gear.
My daughter put pink ribbons on it so she knows which is hers and not her brother’s.
I almost forgot, we have gifted this Flambeau Tackle Box to a few nephews and it is a great option as well.
Kids Tackle Box - Tackle
Now it is time to add some fun into the kids tackle box.
First up:
1. SNACKS!!!
Kids are all about snacks, they are always hungry.
Include a few snacks so they don’t get hangry while fishing. That can kill your fishing trip in a hot minute.
My son was so excited there were snacks inside his that he has called it his “snackle box” ever since.
Mr. Small Fry is going to need more snacks when he is fishing than what you can pack in his tackle box.
And food makes great entertainment and a time passer for him.
We got this soft-sided cooler just for fishing last year and it is so nice. I love that it collapses to store.
2. Tackle
There is so much fishing tackle out there that if you are not familiar with it, it will be hard to know where to start.
The question you need to ask is what kind of fish is this kiddo trying to catch? That will help narrow it down.
We fish for panfish (Sunfish, Crappies, and some Bass) and Northern Pike mostly. If this sounds familiar, here are some great items to add.
Remember, you only have to add a few items. You don’t have to fill up the tackle box right away.
Tackle makes great Christmas and birthday gift ideas when you are stuck!
Add in a few bobbers.
The best bobbers I have used are Thill bobbers.
We have always had good luck with these.
If I were you, I would add in a Super Spot lure.
They have been amazing while we fish for Northern Pike. We have never been skunked with these on the line.
There are multiple colors to choose from and between all 6 of us, we have quite a few.
Another option to add-in is a fishing lure spoon.
We have had good luck catching off the “Fire Tiger” and “Red and White”.
Fishing Grubs have been a staple with all the fishermen I know.
They work great for bringing in those Crappies.
And if your kiddo is small enough, they will like squeezing these while they are still in the package.
Considered it a squishy fidget in the boat.
And my last tidbit to add is a Bass Frog for bass fishing.
First of all, the name is just fun to say.
And second, your kiddo will have fun trying to fish with a “frog”.
3. I need your help!
This year, we hope to try and catch some Walleye.
If you have any tips for fishing them or tackle to use, leave them in the comments below. We are new to it and will take all the help we can get with it.
Kids Fishing Gear
If you feel like a tackle box and its fillings aren’t present enough, consider adding in some other fishing gear your kiddo will need.
1. Life Jacket
I am a huge believer in every kiddo wearing a life jacket whenever they are fishing or even going for a boat ride.
The thing is, they aren’t cheap if you have to buy more than 1 like we do, but they do save lives so you can’t complain that much.
The ones that we have had experience with are Sterns both classic and Hydroprene, O’Neil, and Gogokids.
Make sure you know how much your kiddo weighs since they made per weight range. This will ensure your kiddo has the best-fitting life jacket.
All of my kids grew like weeds over the last year. I am sure we will have to buy a life jacket or 2.
Let me know in the comments below if there are other great life jacket brands that I should be considering for my kids.
2. Fishing Pole
Rod and Reel 1
All of my kids have a Crappie Max RT1 and you can pick that up at Cabela’s.
My parents got these and gifted them to my kids in their favorite color. Easy to keep track of whose is whose!
Here are the options that I would choose when buying for a kiddo.
Reel Size – 500
Length – 4’6”
Power – Ultra Light
Gear Ratio – 4.8:1
I have ordered a fishing rod and reel from Cabela’s and had it shipped to our house. It arrived in perfect condition.
Rod and Reel 2
The Ugly Stick GX2 is also a great option. It is a spinning reel and rod combo.
I always go with the 1-piece rod, but you pick whichever you like best. The reason I go with the 1-piece rod is that I feel like it is sturdier if I have a bigger fish on the line.
If I were buying one for a kiddo, I would get the "20 Size Reel 4'8" Ultra Light – 1pc".
Cane Pole
If you are feeling adventurous, you can get your kiddo a cane pole. These are made for pan fishing.
If you aren't familiar with cane poles, they are telescoping poles and you swing your line out into the water. When a fish gets on the line, you pull and lift it into the boat.
Kids have a blast with these.
If you are fishing with them, be ready to duck and cover – it can get a little crazy when the fish are really biting.
This post was all about how to put together the best kids tackle box.
Let me know in the comments below your favorite fishing story. It can be the fisherman’s version.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.