Buying rod/reel for a youngster?

[moskeeter56]

Slab Shaker rod with a closed face underspin reel is what I have purchased for all of my grandkids. Not too cheap, sensitive enough to catch fish but not expensive enough to break your bank account.

Sent from my XT1710-02 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Locator79]

I chose a slightly different path when doing this. I bought a rig that of medium quality, open face, and added some responsibility on the back end. I told them that if they take care of what they have, and show it some respect, that I would pony up for the good stuff in a year or so. It has worked so far and I'm about to have to get up off my wallet. They also have learned how nice it is to pick up a rod and go fish in a pond or wherever, and not have to fool with the many malfunctions of a neglected rod. Also, when they come to me needing line or something tied on, I work with them to learn the knots and different lures for different times. They turn the reel and keep the tension on the line as the new line is installed. Anything in my box is OK for them to use, but they have to ask and tell me what it will do and we talk of how to use it. It's starting to show, and I look so forward to the next lesson.

I did that too... Now my daughter is wanting her 3rd St croix

Sent from my Z983 using Tapatalk

[EWS]

I did that too... Now my daughter is wanting her 3rd St croix

Sent from my Z983 using Tapatalk

She's got some expensive taste.

[Dutchman]

i started out letting my kids use "my stuff" . For me that was a big mistake. Some of my stuff is 20+ years old because I take care of it. My children have always been well behaved, but it stressed me teaching them to fish with my expensive rods/reels . They had to learn that a rod is not a Tonka toy . So, I bought 10 used zebco 33 reels / 10 cheap zebco rods . Little over 100.00 in everything. Each kid had a couple of rods rigged up before we left home, that way when they tangled/ broke off , they had another rig ready to go . I don't know how it can get better for everyone than that . With all the multiple rigs to replace the 1s they tangled , I believe I was able to fish some as well . Now they can use any of my stuff , and we have a great team !!

[elkhunter]

The Ugly Stik is nearly indestructible. A decent reel can be had for around $25.

[DRFISHDUCK]

Wichita Ks Walmart has Ugly Stiks w reels for $20

Sent from my SM-G530P using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Fish on Line]

Remembering when I was a kid Cane poles were the only Option .. When my Uncle came home from the Navy he brought home a new Weapon... A 5 ft steel rod with a baitcaster reel.. the new Weapon had a black braided line that would only cast short distances but further than the Cane Pole --- Enter something never encountered - the dreaded BACKLASH ... 99 out of 100 was the ratio but we caught Bass up to 3 pounds ... We had a Luckey 13 , a Heddon lure , a Hulla Popper and a Black 8 inch worm -- Then a Cousin came to Grandmaws Pond... He brought a Spin Cast reel with a fiberglass rod and fished Minnows under a Cork.... that Thang would fling a bait three times as far and never had a backlash ... I thought he cleaned every bass out of the pond but he left 2 for seed.... If a kid has Patience they will overcome, if not they walk away.... Just do not put a Bait Caster Reel in their hands then let them practice casting at home with the plug a while then different lead weights to learn they all cast Differently . start with spinning after they are old enough

[ccollins]

You need to go get what your happy with, don't matter if it's cheap or not if it makes you happy it will make them happy if they have nothing as of now. My first rod and reel my dad found on the side of the rd I don't know if it was cheap or expensive all I know is it worked and when it didn't work I even enjoyed working on it because I had nothing else to do we was poor. I wish I still had it today if it worked I would use it if it didn't well I would work on it.

[Lloakley930]

I’d go with something I would use as an all around good rod/reel. I’d buy separate and build my own combo.

[Spoonminnow]

Like G and others have suggested, a Zebco spincast reel (#33) on a casting or spinning, 5'6" light-action rod can't be beat for a child. Easy to use, good gear ratio and casts light lures or and floats with live bait at least 35' or more. Last year my 5 year old grandson got a thrill catching his first yellow perch using one and now wants to fish in my pond every time he visits.