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All the replies are sound and this just my outlook on this, if your children want a rod and reel, you will need to keep in mind space in the car so going for a 12‘ 2 piece carp rod will be no good.

Brands such as Shakespeare can provide smaller rods that can do an adequate job in various lengths for various techniques.

I picked up a Shakespeare set reduced heavily to £3.99, chucked all the nonsense lures and hooks away ( safely), purchased decent hooks, floats, ledgering bombs, shot, etc for about £10.00

So ended up with a

6' rod, reel and small tackle box ......ok so they are not great but for a young boy trying it out for the first time, not watching where he stands, understanding how to cast, it is ideal and throw away at the price.

First session this week in a shallow and fairly clear river (not ideal) he caught with my help 12 chub, 5 minnows, 2 roach, 1 grayling and 2 brown trout all small except for the grayling that was on the large side but didn‘t have my scales, each one was as enjoyable to catch as the next one.

Google "float rigs" "leger rigs" and "fishing knots” you can print them off to remind you how to set up the end/terminal tackle.

Some advice from your local tackle shop on the terminal tackle will be important and ask how to unhook, handle and return the fish back safely.

My advice is not to buy "cheap" just inexpensive tackle, they can go further later on with mind blowing prices for rods, reels etc.