First Rod and Reel For My 3 1/2yr oldSon

[Bow Man]

Give me some recommendations for a good spinning rod and reel ( it can be a combo ) for my 31/2 yr old son for Christmas. I dont want any cheap plastic batman...etc...etc themed stuffed. Just a setup that would be good for him. ( to will need to take a beating, his only 3 1/2.) Was thinking around 50-75 dollars might go a little more. He is a big guy 38 inches and 30 pounds ( takes after dad LOL ).

Will take him out when i go bass fishing etc..etc.. I will wait until he is older to take him fly fishing.


cheers

 

[AKnook]

I have seen the Ross fly Start kits for around $100. I dont know how long they are though. For a starter rod I think they should work well. My boys are 4 and 1/2.... I may just take a look at the kit myself. Cheers.

 

[Bow Man]

I have seen the Ross fly Start kits for around $100. I dont know how long they are though. For a starter rod I think they should work well. My boys are 4 and 1/2.... I may just take a look at the kit myself. Cheers.

Dont want a fly combo, i am going to wait until hes older for that also want to be sure he enjoys fishing.

thanks

 

[Giuga10]

http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Fishing-Superlight-Spinning-Combos/product/120829053246143/

This setup is absolutely amazing. I love using it. Light enough for your little guy to handle too. I can't see him getting into the big fish like Pike ect right now so this combo should be great.

It's got a great backbone too. Landed an 8lb Steelhead on it.

Highly recommend this!

 

[Klik]

depends on your budget, there are many ultra light short rods and smooth small reels you can buy, that are made exclusively for pan fish and small game fish. very light small enough for his hands. i own a fenwick 5 6" ultra light hmg rod that i think so suitable for a 3 year old. and once he out grows it, you can just it as a pan fish rod.

 

[JustOneMoreTime]

SPIN CAST REELS are the Absolute BOMB for young kids and beginners alike.

You simply push one button to release the line.

• Less tangles
• Less stress, headaches
• MORE ENJOYMENT!

I still own (2) and still will use on "occasion".
Actually take them out with the BIG BOYS just to rub it in that it's knowing the water, the conditions that REALLY COUNTS.

Yeah, I also have some nice other setups....
But you cant go wrong with: SPIN CAST

Brands: Diawa, Zebco, Abu Garcia
Most run about $30-50 for a reel good one (Steel Casing, Decent bearings)

• That is what I have given to my nephews
• That is what I have personally used for years
• That is what works best!

My opinion of course.

 

[Bow Man]

Thanks everyone, so far good info here, was thinking about the spin cast reels, seems logical for youngsters.

What rods would evryone suggest? Was kind of thinking maybe a ugly stik ( so it can take a beating ).

 

[Klik]

sounds crazy, as it is going to be a gift. but take him with you, see which one he likes? US is not that light weight wise. at least not their adult rods.

 

[Bow Man]

sounds crazy, as it is going to be a gift. but take him with you, see which one he likes? US is not that light weight wise. at least not their adult rods.

Yeah he is coming with me this weekend, he has been to many tackle shops before, and knows how to handle a rod. All my luck he will gravitate towards the Gloomis.... LOL. In that case that one is for DAD.

 

[Klik]

as i said, basically invest into a rod and reel for yourself and let your son use it, making both men of the house happy. of course he has to like it also. then once he out grows it, you can always use it for pan fish or inland trout. but if you buy a cheap kids combo, once he out grows it it will collect dust. excluding my cp, i don't baby any of my fishing gear, they function just fine over past 18 years.

 

[hamiltonangler94]

X2 on a spincast. I would reccomend a zebco 303 with an uglystick

 

[BASSMASTER19]

id say take him shopping and surprise him that way, so he can see what he wants. imo its a more fun surprise plus you get exactly what you want. Spincast for sure as he may have trouble with a spinning or caster. sorry i can't give specifics i don't have much experience with them

 

[staffman]

I bought a good quality ice rod and coupled it with a zebco under spin reel for my grandson and a similar set up for my daughters when they were young.

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

I bought my little cousin 4(or something ahah) an Abu Garcia iconelli combo. Ran about 40$ but he wanted to have the same rod as me (veritos, sellus and dobynes whites) I actually fished it once to make sure he wouldn't destroy it, I kind of liked it. I think I saw them at BPS but I bought his at walmart


I do like the idea mentioned by staff man though

 

[CanadianAngler87]

Ice rod would be too small to learn to cast with I think it would put him at a disadvantage, especially when he moves up to a longer rod. A shorter rod forsure 5'6 and I'll second the Zebco 303 as they are bullet proof.

 

[Jacklake]

I had two little guys once - now one is 6'4"! I think your son's rod should be proportional to his size - most adult rods are just over a man's head. If your son is 38" then I would get a rod between 36' and 45". IMO he needs it light enough to handle, and a length that he can intuitively manage. I had my grandson out in the boat with a couple of my shorter 5' rods, and he could cast them OK, but wasn't always too careful where the tip was when turning around or putting it down.

I agree with JustOneMoreTime 100%.