thinking about taking my kid fishing for the first time

[UphillHabit]

I've been thinking it would be nice to take my 5-year-old fishing soon, but I'm not really sure where to start. I didn't do much fishing as a kid, so I could use some advice. Are those kid-sized rods at places like Walmart okay for beginners? I just want something simple for a fun day out. Any tips on what bait to use or how to keep it interesting for a little one would be great too.

 

[Billinthedesert]

Don't know where you are in New Mexico, but if you are near any clear trout streams, consider fly fishing. No need for elaborate expert casting techniques. Just "dapping" a fly on the water (while trying to be as sneaky and concealed as possible) can yield an instant and very exciting strike. From Japan, we have recently inherited their tenkara tradition -- a simple, telescoping rod and just ten or so feet of line. There is no reel. The thing about fly fishing is that you are constantly active, moving -- basically hunting the fish. It isn't boring for little ones the way tossing out bait or a bobber and waiting and waiting and waiting can be.
https://www.amazon.com/Aventik-Fres...ocphy=9030634&hvtargid=pla-2281435178618&th=1