It's about volume at that age not size. To get them hooked you have to get them in a spot where the action is non stop and easy. Kids that have never fished before will not be able to cast. Cottage lake or any lake with easy to find and catch bluegill or crappie is perfect. My son is 5 and I take him places where he can catch non stop 6" bass, crappie and bluegill. The adult has to put his fishing ambitions on the back burner until the kid is ready to go to the next level.