Small World Toys Magnetic Fishing Game, Catch of The Day Shark Fishing Toy for Kids Ages 3+, Includes Kids Fishing Pole and 1 Shark for Toddler Bath Toys, Water Fish Toys for Pools & Tubs

Yes, this pole sucks and yes, I still gave it 5 stars. The reason? The pole, quite honestly, is good enough. Once you put the lure on it will cast and it does reel and it does work. I am guessing that if you are buying this toy, you most likely want your kids to enjoy fishing or they already do. Right? If so, then you probably already have a kid pole or are going to. I have twins who are 3 and they had a blast...so that they both could play I used one of their "real" kid poles and let the other one use the one that came with it...no complaints from either. In fact, normally when things are not the same, there is a huge fight. This time however, the fish was SO entertaining that they did not care about the pool.About the fish: its swims and its mouth opens (obviously to get the magnetic lure, which is definitely strong enough). Then, when you catch it, it starts flopping around. I just received it in the mail today and it is a big hit in our kiddie pool out back. Anything that can entertain 3 year olds for over an hour straight is a winner in my book.So, if you are contemplating buying it for the "fun" factor--do it.

Bought this for my son since he likes fishing and I was looking for something to teach him how to use a real fishing pole. This is as close to the real thing as I could find without it being flimsy or easily breakable. The two lures don't really change in difficulty level (it's magnet based, and a relatively strong magnet), and the fish seems sturdy enough to hold up to abuse. I didn't have any issues with the fish falling off the hook, which I was surprised about because the fish is somewhat heavy. The reel has a "cranking" sound to it like a real one, and the string is thick enough to stand up to multiple wet/dry states.Two things to point out with this - As I said the magnet is relatively strong, and the fish is pretty big. Because of that, if you want to play with this in the bathtub, be prepared for some difficulty and kids getting frustrated. The lure easily attaches to the tub because of how strong the magnet is, and the fish being big means it swims in a circle (which tends to mean along the edges of the tub). So you're trying to catch the fish along the edge of the tub with a magnetic lure that easily attaches to the tub edge. This toy is better suited for small pools because of that.

Not water tight! Batteries rust out in one day. Cute and had the potential to be fun, but the design of the battery compartment is ridiculous.

This is a great toy. As a first-time father, I have bought far too many toys in the last few years, always looking to find a new all-star toy that will truly make me feel like I got my money's worth. For the youngest years, it's that unavoidable Sophie the Giraffe Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether. And those crinkly fabric books. Then there's the foam blocks Edushape Educolor Building Blocks, Set of 30, which are good for years of fun. Then Legos. Probably also include the Plasmacar PlasmaCar Bluein that category, if you have an open floorplan with tile like we do.I'd rank this fish up there with those others. My son is 2, and is fascinated by it. I have to help him maneuver the 'bait' into the fish's mouth, but he loves it every time the fish clamps down on it and starts swimming furiously. We eventually 'fight' the fish long enough that we can pull him in and let him go, at which point he starts swimming lazily around in a broad circle again. At first I thought that was a design flaw, but then realized it's brilliant - the fish will eventually come back around if you miss him the first (or fifth) time.Over the summer, we had some other kids over at various times, including an 18-month old, 4-yo, 5yo, 7yo, and 9yo. All of them thought it was fun and wanted a turn. I don't think this submersible electronic fish will last until my 2-yo is 9, but I do expect he will want me to replace it whenever it dies. And at this price, I happily will.

I love this toy. I got it for my daughter's 3rd birthday at the end of July(2012). She played with it in a large wading pool a few times. I took it out just before Christmas (2012) to show a friend, but could not get it to work. The light comes on, but no movement at all. It was only used in August and September. This is an awesome toy, but it didn't last very long for me. It was only used a few times and then put away for the cooler months. We only used it in the wading pool not in the bath tub or pond. I am almost tempted to give it another try. I am going to go through the reviews and see how many have had the same problem. Also, the rod and reel is so-so. I put the lures on my daughter's real rod and reel after the string broke on the toy one and was retracted into the spool.