I bought a "Taz" fishing pole about 6 years ago to use for bait fishing. It works great because of its length. it's easy to get back into little bait holes on small creeks which are usually lined with brush and hard to get a 7' rod into without getting tangled. Best $9 i ever spent.

Awesome article! We were seeing a lot of trophy carp in a pond near our resort in Florida, so I went out and grabbed a 'snoopy' pole... Hooked into one and boy was it a blast! It was a long testy fight but we finally landed him. 30#'s... It really does test you and it's a lot of fun.

John, I remember reading that article in the magazine some years back. I believe that you went saltwater fishing for that one. I have 3 children and have never allowed them to get the Barbie/Snoopy/Power Rangers combos, simply for the reason you state above. The money is better spent on a good light/medium action rod and a better made spincaster. The idea is to make it as easy as possible to cast and catch fish. I guarantee it will keep the kids coming back more than the chance to use a Barbie pole.

Great final point.

Many have asked "What is a good rod/reel for a beginner?", thinking they need something cheap and basic, and a lot of people give them that answer.

I have news for you - once you start fishing with your new gear, you won't want to stop. Don't buy something you'll outgrow/outperform in a few outings. Buy the best gear you're willing to spend on right away, and it will last you as long as you want it to.

I used aq "Tweety Bird" rod for a bit. The rod is so tiny I can throw it in the back of the jeep and not worry about it. I didn't buy it, it was a trash pick that just needed line disentangled, but I am really cheap...

Given the luck I had fishing at Nausett Light beach on Cape Cod last week, I could have been using a Barbie rod and would have fit right in with the herds of people on the beach.
Mr. Merwin, I told the folks at Blackbeards about your recommendation that I visit them. They appreciated the endorsement and it is a great bait and tackle shop indeed.

Douglas:
Thanks for letting me know what happened. Sorry your fishing wasn't better. The Cape in July and August can be tough. I'll be down there in late September and hoping for better luck...

Mr. Merwin,
I was told the people in boats were having great catches. Next time I'll spring for the $600 for a charter.
Night fishing from shore was impossible due to the no-see-ums. September should be fine with the crowds gone.
The cape is a neat place, just too many people. Makes me wonder what happens to all the septic effluent.

haha
My niece won a adult fishing contest with a 9lb. bass with a Care Bear pole.

I had one just like every other kid that starts out fishing young, but i wound up throwing it into the lake while trying to get the casting down.

How about the Popeil Pocket Fisherman? See those at garage sales all the time and remember the TV ads years ago. Talk about a minimalist fishing rig!