I would agree with REW. The 1000 Series Shimanos are real easy for small kids to learn to cast, plus they are pretty cheap when you combine them with a rod/reel combo. I got a pair for my kids at Bass Pro a couple of years ago, paid about $30 each, with them already spooled with line. I wouldn't spend a lot of money for their first rod/reels, because: 1) They won't appreciate a really nice set-up until they're older, 2) Little kids sometimes equate to broken rod tips or rods/reels overboard, 3) If they decide they don't like fishing, like my oldest son, you're not out a lot of money, 4) If they do get hooked on fishing, like my two younger boys, they can still use it to chase panfish in the local lakes and rivers without me having to be there watching like a hawk.