We purchased the Fogo Rocket Rod Fishing Rod (Rocket Fish to our twins) for our twin boys (almost 4 years old.) Overall they performed really well, and the boys love them. We did have one son jam the line inside the reel a couple of times, but it was easily repaired while we were still on the boat. The boys even like casting them in our back yard for fun. Our little guys can be tough on anything, and thus far their new "Rocket Fish" have held up well.

The fishing rocket is OK to use for fun, but it will not work good if you are fishing from boat or in river with curnt. The Rod is for fun not fishing.

I have taught fishing at a camp for kids 20+ years, and have seen many children delight in the mastery of their fishing techniques. Nothing like observing a child catch their first fish all on their own, it truly is something they will remember for their lifetime! I recently had a 2nd grader show up with this rod, and witnessed only frustration and disappointment. (The safety of this rod while fishing with a group truly came into question too, but that is another issue.) Secondly, why reduce your child's ability to master small and large motor skills by 'copping out' from buying the traditional rod? Take it from my experience, buy your child a traditional rod and closed-faced reel by Zebco or Shakespeare (lots less expensive) and take the time to help them develop the motor skills to master the art of fishing. They will feel so much more accomplished when they've experienced a good cast and caught a fish all by themselves then cheating with this tragic invention.

my 8 yr old was very excited to get this toy. We've practiced in the backyard and we're now ready for the real thing. It took me some time to figure out hor to re-string the rod after line got snagged, but I did. It only comes with one launcher thing for your line and hook, but there is a replacement for three of them for around $[...]

We bought one of these for our youngest son's third birthday, and of course we had to by another one for his four year old brother to avoid fighting. I have to say that despite some mixed reviews, it works as advertised. We never had any problems with snaggles, and the hook deployed everytime. I wonder if people were using enough weight on their line? Or had some other problems with their rig? The kids caught three fish between them with these rods, and I caught one while showing them how to use it. Neither my wife nor I caught one with our conventional rods, so perhaps we should consider switching, too...