Spin-Cast From Zebco
A spin-cast reel paired with a small rod is one option for all-around freshwater fun for youngsters. If you have a 3- to 6-year-old who might need a little coaxing to get started, check out the character or themed rods such as the SpongeBob Squarepants or Dora the Explorer outfits from Zebco.
These push-button, spin-cast models are specially designed for little hands and the combo floats, just in case the rod is let go during a cast. Zebco's SpongeBob Squarepants kid's combo also comes with a casting plug for practice in the backyard.
Dora the Explorer and Diego models are also available. All three kits come with bobbers and feature a fully operational spin-cast reel paired with a junior-sized rod.
Spinning Rod From Eagle Claw
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Starting a child on a spinning rod is a possibility. You will find yourself untangling more knots with this approach, but longer casts and more time on the combo are possible. A decent spinning outfit is a standard in a fisherman's arsenal. An angler's first spinning combo will last up to 10 years, unless the combo meets a power window or something worse.
Eagle Claw has been producing quality spinning outfits for beginners and advanced anglers for 84 years. The company's Brave Eagle combo is perfect for anglers ready to try a spinning combo. This lineup features two popular spinning models which feature a two-piece rod.
Brave Eagles are 5-feet long and offer glass-blank construction and stainless guides. They come complete with a size 10 spinning reel loaded with line. Featuring a suggested lure weight of 1/8 to 3/8 oz., these medium action combos are designed for applications which call for 4- to 15-pound line. These factors will allow young anglers to tackle nearly all freshwater and light saltwater species.
Beginning Fly Kit From Scientific Anglers
Fly fishing is the most technical of all choices for young anglers. Flinging a fly can be done by anyone. There's more chance of injury and tangles, and then you even have to consider the risk of wading and if it's worth it. Maybe stick to a pond at first. To make rod selection easy, leave it to the folks at Scientific Anglers.
See the all-inclusive kit from Scientific Anglers, the Trout Fly Fishing Kit. This "ready to fish" kit is a four-piece outfit, perfect for stowing away when not in use or traveling. This factor alone will help protect the rod from accidents in transit. The high-quality, multi-piece rod is ready for trout with a 5- to 6-weight rating.
Youngsters will also find a preloaded, disc-drag reel ready to fish with specific line and flies designed for trout. The kit also includes a special two-in-one instructional DVD titled "Fly Fishing Made Easy" and "Panfish and Bass with Larry Dahlberg."
The allure of this combo is the price and its "ready to fish" qualities. The kit usually retails for about $99. A four-piece rod and a reel loaded with fly line alone can run $500 depending on the brand. To fish this rig, simply put the four pieces together, mount the reel, tie the leader onto the fly line, pick a fly and begin teaching a youngster.
