Firstly what are you targeting? Surf / inland / land based / boat? what species?
You dont have to have it all to start. the bare minimum is rod, reel, few hoots and bait (maybe license? kids usually dont need one). Go fishing a few time and you can always upgrade if you are very interested.
Firstly what are you targeting? Surf / inland / land based / boat? what species?
Whatever is safest and easiest. There are a few places here by the ocean with no surf. I'm no angler myself, so the novelty will probably wear off quickly (or so I hope 😅).
These are two fishing channels that focus on South East QLD.
They teach the basics and help out with locations etc….
https://www.youtube.com/@teammadmullet
https://www.youtube.com/@Wayne.Groomes.Fishing
When I used to fish at that age all the junk plastic equipment thankfully didn't exist. Drop into your local Cashies where a reel will set you back $5, then get a basic tackle kit (plus first-aid kit).
Just buy a small fishing rod from K-Mart. It will cost you almost nothing. Importantly, don't expect to actually CATCH any fish, unless you know someone who can take you out on their BOAT. Many kids find fishing off a 'jetty'/'wharf' fun, even though there is almost no chance they will catch anything; because they enjoy hanging out with their parent, outside, doing something 'real' (not on a screen). Do the whole thing with 'lures', not 'organic bait'.
And here's the most important thing:
Make very sure that you are VERY CAREFUL that your boy does not end up with a barbed hook in his finger/hand/head. It is surprising how easily this can accidentally happen.
My teenage son and his mates go fishing off jetties and they catch quite a bit of fish.
The times I have gone with him, I see many other catching fish, particularly squid
Agree with everything in your post. No chance of catching anything from a jetty if lures are used. Remote chance of catching something if organic bait is used. The waters are mostly fished out when land based. Much higher chances of catching anything from a boat.
Last time a friend lent him a fishing rod, he caught a sting ray. Big one too! But we're in the Sunshine Coast; maybe more sealife here… We see if often when swimming (come to think of it, I saw it when living in Sydney too).
Yeah, I'm very wary of hooks. Hate it when people go fishing in beaches where people — and kids! — are swimming in. Drives me Berserk!
Anaconda sell some too…
https://www.anacondastores.com/fishing/fishing-combos/kids-c…