I use 29.95 combo packages of rod, reel & line on sale either from Cabela's or WalMart. They have 8# mono with casting reels and are very sensitive and really easy for kids to use. If they go overboard(the rods), no big loss. Shakespeare reels and Whuppin Stick rods(Cabela's) or Shakespeare rods(Walmart). Use either crappie rigs or spreaders.