Of course children are the future of fishing. But I think there is a mistake made in some circles that some flashy toy is the answer to enjoying it.
Kids should be mentored in fishing like everything else. We all fish for various reasons, but at the end of the day many of them are the same. Relaxation, being in the outdoors, experiencing nature, gathering food, and spending time with family and friends are first and foremost.
Having value these things and becoming a good sportsman or sportswoman is much more important than getting kids some kind of silly throw-away-in-a-year type of equipment.
If you want kids to value fishing equipment, than get them something worth valuing. For instance, when my dad was teaching me to fish and I was old enough, he built me a flyrod. It was just a 7′ fiberglass rod, but at that time it was something special. I still have that rod to this day.
I’m all for getting kids on the water, but using that sentiment to sell some cheap gimmick doesn’t seem right to me; even if it seems to be a popular marketing plan these days.
Once again, just my .02, from a curmudgeon.