Best Rod/Reel for a youngster

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 7 months ago by BasserTX.

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October 18, 2008 at 2:11 pm #371584

fishok
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I was wanting to see if I could get some advice from some of you with young kids/grandkids on the type of rod and reel to start them out with. I am looking for a new rod and reel for my five year old. Right now he has a kiddie version rod and reel from bass pro but you couldnt land 1lb bass with it. I think a bait caster is out of the question but does anyone have any recommendation on rod length and type of reel or even a specific combo some of your kids use? Thank you. JasonJason Ferbrache – Edmond, OK 1995 Basscat Eyra

October 18, 2008 at 4:29 pm #371590

basscathash
Participant

A spinning reel with at least a 5 1/2 ft. pole would be a good start. Shorter poles would actually be harder to cast and handle a fish. Good luck and keep those youngsters involved in fishing. Brian

October 18, 2008 at 5:29 pm #371592

jrmeade77
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Any combo with a zebco 33 on it would be a good choice. I picked a couple up at Dicks on sale for under $30 each. http://www.dickssportingg…dex.jsp?productId=2955228 – Jason

October 18, 2008 at 5:39 pm #371595

Gary Hollander
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Agree with Jason. I got my son a Zebco 33 when he was around 4 and he quickly learned to cast accurately with a 5.5 Falcon pistol grip I had extra. I put a buzz bait on it with a plastic 3-blade, and he could watch it coming back. Easy to retrieve and kept his interest. For the record, he took his first boat ride at 3 months. I got my daughter a spinning reel with self-centering bail and again put it on a tip-shortened extra Falcon Silver serie I had. I put a little Timber Tiger #1 which she could easily cast and see coming back (ran about 1 foot under surface) and again kept her interested, plus the sun fish would not leave it alone! They are both in college now, but we still have their original stuff. My son quickly graduated up to a bait-caster around age 11 and has been using one (Abu Garcia 4600) ever since. He is fishing at the college level as his studies and schedule permit–will graduate this coming spring. Good luck and enjoy them while you can.

October 18, 2008 at 10:57 pm #371598

basscat35
Participant

i think a 6 bass pro extreme rod would be perfect my brother has 1 and it handles fish realy well and its a good feeling rod.

October 18, 2008 at 11:13 pm #371601

Scott Dominick
Participant

……….a Ryobi (sp?) bait caster. Man i can pick a bird nest out of anything now. Bought it at a Pawn shop! Still have the reel and still fish with it on certain occasions. God bless you for paying attention to the youth!

October 19, 2008 at 2:23 pm #371603

BasserTX
Participant

I have a 7 , 6 and a 4 yr ( all boys ) I taught em all on about a 6 spinning reel. The key seemed to be to practice a lot at the house before the pressure at the lake. I would tie a full size brush hog on to start, and let em fling in towards a big bucket or something. I let them cast till they had enough, every day for a week or two. They learn fast. Getting them to learn to feel a bite is another thing

October 20, 2008 at 2:13 am #371606

BasserTX
Participant

Always pays to take the future anglers out. This was yesterday. I took my youngest out on Lake Austin. He picked the spot, and suggested a purple and black jig. Pretty cool when he helped me land this 8.1 lbs and 5.0 lbs. Not to bad for Lake Austin, but nothing special either for this lake. He caught a 3.00 that came off at the boat. Ryder will be 4 yrs old in December. My bros had a little jackpot going on, too bad we did not get up in time to register, would have won it all. But he had a great time, that was all that mattered. ( so did I )

October 20, 2008 at 3:04 am #371609

fishok
Participant

Thanks for all the replys and ideas guys. I hadnt even thought about making sure he has a bait that he can at least feel/see to keep him interested – that is a good idea. Im definately going to get him going doing some practicing at the house first. Those are some great pics BasserTX. That is exactly what I am looking forward to doing with my son!Jason Ferbrache – Edmond, OK 1995 Basscat Eyra

October 20, 2008 at 3:22 am #371612

BasserTX
Participant

FishOk, It is really great. Couple more tips for ya. Once the kiddo learns to cast the problem is, they love to reel. I found pegging a 3/8 oz tung weight to a t-rig senko or such is the best method for giving them at least a chance of getting a bite. That way, the bait at least hits the bottom. You just cannot give them a crack bait to throw when they are so young. That will cause a problem for sure. Take Care, Eric
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