[willisjj]

Wondering if I could get some advice on what size rod to get my 8 year old son. What would be easiest for him to cast? he currently fishes with spincast and spinning reels and pulled in a 24 lb. carp a couple of weeks ago on 8 lb. test, so he is a pretty good fisherman for an 8 year old but like me, is new to fly fishing. I just got my first flyrod, but between my excitement about getting started, and reading Kaufmann catalogs he thinks he may die if he doesn't also get a fly rod, lol. He is about average height for his age but is kind of lanky and a little skinny, lol. I think the lighter the better probably but I am sure some of yall have experience with kids and flyfishing and I would appreciate your thoughts! Thanks

Jeremy

[Fish Bones]

Hello Jeremy:

I’ve been teaching fly fishing classes at our local community college for 8 years. I have taught kids and adults of all ages the basic fly cast. The ideal fly rod for anyone to learn with, including an 8 year old, is a 5 or 6 wt (I prefer the 5wt) - Medium Action. 7’6� to 8'6" in length would be a good idea also. Don't go too short just because he's only 8.

The Medium Action is important. Too many newbies become discouraged trying to learn with a fast (or slow) action rod. The Medium Action is very forgiving of your casting techniques.

The fly line choice is almost as important as the rod. Make sure you get a good quality, weight forward, line that will work with him and not against him. In other words, don't skimp on price.

Cortland has assembled a new lightweight balanced fly fishing outfit specifically for kids. You get: 333HT premium fly line, lightweight graphite fly rod, lightweight single action fly reel, 333HT tapered leader, fly line backing. The outfit includes a FREE instructional videotape showing basic fly fishing techniques and equipment needed to become an expert fly fisher. The Full Creel has a Youth Department, that consists of fly gear for kids, at http://www.thefullcreel.com/files/index.php?id=217

The important thing is to not go to the local department store and get the cheepest thing on the rack. You don't have to spend a couple hundred dollars but you must get him some good equipment. The cheep stuff is usually hard to cast and makes learning very difficult. When that happends the youngster quickly becomes discouraged and gives up.

I hope this helps.

[willisjj]

Thanks Steve, that outfit looks like exactly what I need for my son, price included! I will be ordering one of those in about a month for his birthday (if he can wait that long, lol). Appreciate the help!

[Fish Bones]

You're very welcome. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.

Steve