Fly Rod For 8yr Old Son

[tinner]

Anybody had past experience with buying their kids first fly rod? I'm assuming a good medium action, 7"6" - 8' 4 or 5 weight rod would be good but not sure. The shortest rod I have is a 8'6" 5/6 weight and he has trouble handling it. Any pointers from past experience would be appreciated.

[mhall02]

I would try to find the Eagle Claw 7' six weight fiberglass, that was my first decent fly rod. Might get one here (haven't ordered anything from this site):

http://www.troutlet.com/Eagle-Claw-Feather...-Rods-P217.aspx

Here is discussion of it:

http://ozarkanglers.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8380

[ness]

Cabela's has some pretty good choices. I got my 13-year olds a couple last summer. One was a Traditional II, and the other name escapes me. Pretty nice rods -- moderate action, nicely finished. Got a couple cheapy reels there too. I actually fish the Trad II occasionally and really like it. Both 4-weights, 7-1/2 feet.

I think you're right about sizing down a little for the youngsters. 7-1/2 feet is a little easier to handle. 4-weight is a good choice, depending on what you're doing. If it's panfish & trout that's good, or a 3-weight would be fine too. A 5-weight would work, but it's maybe more that you need.

[Zack Hoyt]

I like the Journey by Ross Reels. Great action and easy to learn with. Color is a little wild, but usable. It is fully setup for a kid. The big seller for me was the smaller handle.

http://www.rossreels.com/products/fly-fish...ney-fly-rod.cfm

[Brian Wise]

Hey Tim,

I'm with zhoyt. My 6 year old just got a Journey for his birthday and it really is cool. The only thing I worry about is the fact that he 'will' grow out of it at some point for sure....but he loves it right now!!

Brian

[Zack Hoyt]

No kiddos here Brian....just dogs. I got it because I had a few casting clinics with kiddos not to mention a few guiding trips with father and son. This was great get them casting. A 9ft rod is a tad big for a short feller to learn on. I have a close friend who got one fo the pink ones for his daughter(7yr old I believe) and she loves it. She could cast his 9', but was having to ruin the technique to get a good cast. The smaller rod let her learn the basics quicker and not get worn out. It also matches her bright pink vest and hat.

[jOrOb]

I bought a 7ft 4 wt Hobbs Creek outfit from BPS. It was perfect for my 7 yr old at the time. He has since grown out of it, and now little sister, and eventually little brother, will take it up in turn. It has been a very serviceable rig which I have been pleased with. Also, it was pretty reasonably priced at the time, which meant that if he sat on it or did something else equally child like, it would not be a huge loss.

Plus, to tell you the truth, the little rig is pretty fun to fish with. I use it for bream, and have used it for trout during low water conditions.

I could not be more pleased with it.

[Micheal Kyle]

Yep I also like the Ross Journey rods

My 5 year old daughter has one and it fits her fine, When she out grows it her 3 year old sister can use it.

Cast really nice.

Michael