>>2005280https://fishingbooker.com/blog/types-of-fishing-reels/When I was a kid, I learned how to fish using spincasting reels with worms and bobbers... (you can use small lures with them too, though it's not great) They aren't exactly exciting, but they are pretty simple and easy to handle.
Now though, in my 30s, I own several spinning reels. This type is tricky to learn though and would probably NOT be appropriate for kid-size fingers (unless you can maybe find a kid-size version). If you watch some YT videos demonstrating how they work, you'll see what I mean.
(I've never used a Baitcasting reel)
I don't really know what exactly to recommend though. If you're both new, maybe start with some cheap spincasters (a Bass Pro or whatever should have cheap rod/reel combos available). If it turns out you love fishing, look into getting and learning how to use spinning reels later, as he gets older, as they provide much more control over how you cast, which is really important for fishing with lures.
For your first experience, if you're looking for the most action (and with an 8yo, you probably are), actually get 3 or 4 rod/reels. Use two for fishing with small lures (cast them out, slowly reel back in, cast again... until a fish bites) and use the other(s) for setting worms/minnows and bobbers at the same time.
You're probably going to want to watch some YT videos to learn how to effectively fish with lures vs bobber, etc.
