kids fishing rods and reels , what rod type ( mfg. included ), reel type ( mfg included ) , and at what age of the child would you think would be best to get them started on the different types .
bait cast - like zebco 202's
bait cast - regular thumb controll
open face reel
fly rod reel
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Hi there lonehunter,
Lots of good subjects to mull over. I'll just put in my vote.
Casting, etc.
Spincast- Zebco sounds good, often sold in combo, all age beginners but..... I don't like them personnaly.
Casting, still fishing (piers, docks, foot bridges, bluffs, etc.)
Conventional Baitcasting- Small Abu Garcia reel with thumb bar and spool close enough for small thumbs, shorter, lighter weight, rough and tough rod like an Ugly Stick, 5 years old for dangling type fishing. I like it the best as it teaches (easiest to see and understand) the beginner how the line acts, how to keep tension on the line, drag, etc.
All types
Spinning- A nice light weight, 5 foot, shimano combo might be good. drag adjustment at the rear, 5 years old, Lots of complications if the child is inexperienced and or not careful with line handling.
That's it,
JapanRon
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thanks ron , this should do the trick , i'm getting a list together of what kinds of fishing stuff goes with each age group . your tips will be put to good use .
thanks , your pal lonehunter
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[font "Arial"][size 2]On the zebco, I think the 33 is a much better reel than the 202 and for about 8 bucks more it is worth it. The 202 is a good reel but it does not have ball bearings. The zebco 33 will be a good reel for the little ones, easy to cast. Also this reel will cover the older ages. [/size][/font]
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is the 33 a little larger or the same size ? i know shakespear make a smalller spincast , but it is not as reliable as the zebco design .
i like the zebco's for one other reason , having a child learn the basics of cleaning and/or repairing there own reels . i see a lot of guys who junk a reel not knowing whats wrong with it . or they spend a small fortune to have a minor repair job done . some of my reels are close to 40 years old . there in just as good condition as the day i got them . a little T.L.C. goes a long way .
i'll have to check out that 33 model , sounds like a smoother operating reel . do you have one
thanks for the tip byrumjr , your pal lonehunter
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[font "Arial"][size 2]The 33 is a little bit longer but no larger than the 202 reel and the handle and the height of the push button is the same on both. The 33 is not too hard to take apart and put back together it only has about 8 or 10 pieces, but to clean the reel you only have to take the back cover off and all gears and visible. I also know people that junk there reels when they won't work right manly because they only cost about 12 bucks. The 33 have a gear that drives the spool to make the reel take on line. Sometimes when this reel is had to turn or the gear is wore out, you can take the gear out and turn it around and put it back in and it will work like new. I have got a lot of reels from people and done that. I catch fish from Bream to Big Bass on my 33 and I have about 15 of them. The 33 will last most people many years of fishing. I fish more than most people do at least 15 day a month and I can get about 2 years out of one.
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THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S WORTH THE INVESTMENT . I CAN ALWAYS FIND A BUNCH OF REELS AT YARD SALES THAT WORK FINE WITH A LITTLE CLEAN UP . I NEVER THOUGHT OF FLIPPING THE GEARS OVER , THATS A GREAT TIP !
THANKS , LONEHUNTER
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Don't get a kid a "KID POLE". I see to many youngsters struggling with cheap stuff that doesn't work. A "good" Zebco 33 is fine but I like to work them into a nice ball bearing spinning outfit as soon as they can master the basics. It creates a one on one and developes confidance. A nice two handed lob is a great start for open face reel. Casting and practice and support will do the rest.
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a practice tip , we have the kids practice in the yard , first one to get it into the bucket gets to add an item to the pizza .
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