For adults, a light spininning outfit with 6-8# test line is great to start. Ditto on Stren or Trilene for a good no frills mono that won't break the bank. For kids, I prefer a good ol cane pole and bobber. Second would be the little Snoopy, Barbie, GIJoe or whatever closed face rod & reel setups are good for panfish and your child has their own fishing gear.

For hooks, I really have liked the Tru-Turns and am starting to play with circle hooks. For panfish, a small TruTurn is hard to beat.

For sinkers, the easily removable split shot are good and Thill are top of the line bobbers.