Rod and reel selection

[WIZARD]

Hey Fellas,

I have the opportunity to help a 10 year old young man begin his fishing career. My question is the type of reel, push button or spinning, and the length of rod. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[RoadToad]

I would start with a 5'6" rod, with a spincast (push-button) reel. Then, he can concentrate on getting the casting motion down, without having to fool with a bailer. And keep it simple. I think just a little 1/16 oz. jig with a white grub, tipped with a wax worm, with a clip-on bobber above it is a great kid's rig.

Be careful. Introducing kids to fishing is one of the few things in life that are even more addictive than fishing itself!

[MsgMills]

I would start with a 5'6" rod, with a spincast (push-button) reel. Then, he can concentrate on getting the casting motion down, without having to fool with a bailer. And keep it simple. I think just a little 1/16 oz. jig with a white grub, tipped with a wax worm, with a clip-on bobber above it is a great kid's rig.

Be careful. Introducing kids to fishing is one of the few things in life that are even more addictive than fishing itself!

Sounds like RoadToad has got all the right stuff covered as far as the rod and reel goes for your question. Plus he has added the basic bait, hook and float to use to get anyone started in the crazy world of fishing......

[cra97]

I can tell you that the rods and reels I got for my kids, from the donation a friend on here made, were 5'6 push-button and they were perfect. My "almost" 3 year old can even cast them now that I have been working with him in the yard. He can now get it out about 30 feet or so be himself. I don't know who was happier, me or him when he finally got it down Good luck.

Rob

[EtecRanger205]

I concur with the comments made, alot of problems can happen if you try and teach kids to cast with some of the really short micky mouse combos.
The best combo I have found if the Zebo 33 and a 5-6 rod. Best of luck and you will enjoy the time you take a kid fishing.

[HoggsBack]

i agree zebco 33 combo is great for a kid my son is 5 i started him on zebco202 combo whichs works well too.have fun.

[wkerber]

I've got to got the other direction. I'd get him a decent spinning rod/reel combo with a 6' med action rod. I was using a spinning reel at 10. If you take him out and spend the day focusing on him and how to cast the spinning rig, he'll pick it up in no time and you'll be proud of getting him into a decent rig.

[oldmanboat]

zebco 33 combo would be my pick

[WIZARD]

Hey guys, Thanks for the great information. I will go with the zebco 33 and a 5'-6" rod. It is probably going to have wait a couple of weeks though, sittin here in the hospital from a heart attack on Saturday. Depending on what they find Monday, will determine how soon we go. Jeremy was up for a visit this morning. He is excited but also understands. Oh well.

[cra97]

PM me with your address and I will pick it up for you, so you can head out the door when you are able too my friend. Hope you feel better soon.

Rob

[WIZARD]

Thanks to all for the information. Thought I would update you on our progress. Jeremy and I have been out to local ponds 4 times now. On the third outing he progressed from the Zebco to a spinning reel. We were out on Tuesday and he caught mmore than 20 fish in 2 1/2 hours, small bass, bluegill and some keeper crappie. I think I have had more fun that he has. Got a full release from the Doc. yesterday so I will get the boat on the lake this weekend for the first time in 6 or 7 weeks. Jeremy and I will be taking the boater safety online in the nest couple of weeks. My biggest concern is that our fishing success on Nolin or Green will be substantially less that the "hidden" farm pond we have been fishing. I am trying to brace him that not all trips will yield alot of fish. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Paul

[Noker]

You just got to keep tellin him that and eventually after a few times strikin out hell learn and get more persistant at catchin alot of fish then youll really have him addicted! =)