1st flyrod for 7-year-old son (I'm new here)

adfluvial angler · 12-07-2003, 07:41 AM

My 7-year-old son would like to learn how to fly fish. Can anyone give me some advice on the type (weight, length, etc) of outfit I should get him? I am also a novice fly fisherman but I already have a rod and reel that was my grandfather's. We will mostly be trolling wet flies from our row boat in Eastern Washington ... until our skills improve. Thanks.

gottafish · 12-07-2003, 08:18 AM

Welcome, Go to stewerts Fly shop in troutdale He has some nice fiberglass blanks that are very durable. He built my sone a rod that has even caught steelhead it was cheep to only like 70 buck for a reel line and rod. Jeff's a great guy and he even has rods for you. You wont get riped of in there ethier. I dont think he's in it for the money he just loves the sport.

Old Coot · 12-07-2003, 05:36 PM

For a small person, I would recommend a light rod - like a 4 wt, a short rod, like a 7-8 footer, and a double taper line at least one weight heavier than what the rod is rated for.

That advise is worth exactly what you paid me for it.

lilnorthfork · 12-07-2003, 06:26 PM

Like the other folks suggest, smaller and lighter. 7.5' to 8' 4 or 5 wt.. I wouldn't hesitate to start him off on an inexpensive setup - rod, reel, line, etc. for under $50. Scientific Anglers offers such a pkg. and most sporting goods shops carry them. If he has fun and catches some fish now, he'll have the rest of his life to feed his addiction.
Oh yeah, and by the way, three cheers to dad for introducing him to flyfishing. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Riverkeeper · 12-07-2003, 07:59 PM

I learned on a 7.5' 4 or 5wt fiberglass rod (I think fenwick) when I was 8 years old. Learned to cast on the lawn, then my dad took me to a couple of those put and take trout ponds, where I quickly learned how to put a dryfly down and what to do with a fish. Great way to get into some quick action w/ a short attention span. Sometimes when I've gone several trips without hooking a fish, I secretly think about going back to that pond...

[ 12-08-2003, 07:32 AM: Message edited by: Riverkeeper ]

draggin bottom · 12-07-2003, 08:04 PM

AA,
While you are looking at Angler's Workshop, give them a call. Last time I was in there, they were closing out some good lines. Echo has some great reels for a good price. IMHO, not much to look at, but will last a lot of years. You might also look at Echo's rods. Again, a very nice deal. I think they also put together kits for about $110. They are built for Mr. Rajeff in Vancouver, Wa, to his specs. Take it for what its worth.

DB

drbfish · 12-07-2003, 11:58 PM

Jeff is a great guy but I don't think I would drive from Spokane to visit his shop, lol.

For all beginers I would buy a cheap 4 wt rod and a cheap reel. For a 7 year old I would look for an 8 foot rod. Maybe a 7' 3 wt rod. BUT, I would go ahead and buy good line. Maybe not the $50 stuff but stay away from the $30 line (look for close out stuff, I often find great line for $30-I am talking about the stuff that lists at $30 or less). Good line will make a world of difference.

Building a rod is much much easyer then you would think, you can build a good rod even with no skills (I have none and I just finished my 5th rod). Look up anglers workshop or Hook and Hackle on the web for cheap, quality blanks and components.

reeldick · 12-08-2003, 07:51 AM

You can easily get a starter package for under $50. A seven year old doesn't have the skill to tell the difference between packages. He wants to get out there with dad and do what dad is doing. Many years ago my brother and I were started on flyfishing by my dad who took us out for sunfish. Easy to catch and plentiful in most ponds. Wonderful way to learn.

[ 12-08-2003, 08:55 AM: Message edited by: reeldick ]

Blue Tip Spinner · 12-08-2003, 11:11 PM

when my cousins were looking to start fly fishing, i sent them to fisherman's and had them buy one of the pre-done rods with reel and line and leader already to go. i think sportsmans in spokane will have something like that ready to go and all you have to do is just go pick it up. you might want to give that a thought. i think they spent about 100 on the whole thing. good luck and let us know how the first outing goes. BTS

greenbuttskunk · 12-09-2003, 02:19 PM

ad angler,
Drop me a message. I have some old flyrods missing a few inches of the tip, they are lighter and smaller, and they have reels. A good set up for a kid to mess around with. I'll practically give one away to you, how's that for a deal.
Good to get him into fishing early, he'll be tossing a full line in no time.
Greenbuttskunk