Talk to me About Fishing Rods

[mikethompson]

We booked a little cottage for a week in the summer and its in a gorgeous spot, right on a nice lake. My 4 year old son wants to do some fishing. I've got my fishing license coming in the mail, but I don't have any equipment at all.

I'm thinking about getting a kids setup for him and my daughter to share, something between a toy and a real rod, and something else for me.

Any reccomendations? It is like going on smokingpipes and not knowing anything about pipes - information overload. I've read a few suggestions for size and everything, but can anyone suggest some decent brands?

 

[pappymac]

Before I retired, I was the managing editor of a small monthly hunting & fishing magazine. I still fish occasionally (my son-in-law is a charter fishing captain here in Louisiana).

Both Zebco and Shakespeare make inexpensive kid's fishing combos using spin casting reels. Some people like spin casting reels but I've always felt these were more toys than real fishing reels. That being said, if you are fishing in a lake and they are going to be catching small fish from the bank, Either the Zebco or Shakespeare set-ups will be fine. Down here you can find them for around $15 American. I have no idea what they sell for up in Canada

Since you don't have any fishing equipment, may I assume you don't have any fishing experience? If you don't, I would suggest finding a combination rod & spinning reel. The spinning reel hangs under the rod instead of sitting on top of it. I suggest these because the learning curve on how to cast the bait is quite a bit lower than with a bait casting reel. I know a lot of charter fishing captains and they all have spinning reel set-up for the inexperienced fishing clients and children. Until you get the hang of it, a bait casting reel will often produce a backlash and the line will get knotted up on the reel.

I would find someone familiar with the lake and ask questions about what type of fish are in the water and what bait or lures you should buy. With young children fishing in a lake, you may want to use some type of worm fished under a float or bobber.

I also wouldn't plan on being able to fish while the children are fishing. You will probably be too busy helping them to fish.

 

[kcghost]

I would just get a Zebco and call it a day. It won't deliver the performance of a high end bait casting rod but is more than serviceable to the general public.

 

[scloyd]

When our kids were young, like yours, we rented a few cabins in Michigan and Wisconsin and always on a lake. I let them pick out their first Zebco combos for kids, similar to this.

We usually fished from shore or from a pier/dock. As they got older they moved up to bigger and better rod and reels.

As Pappymac said, don't plan on doing much fishing yourself...you'll be busy with the two kids. My kids never wanted to leave the bait in the water long enough for me to fish.

I kept their first combos for a long time in the garage, always made me smile when I saw them. Great memories.

 

[Tommy Boy]

Just remember to keep it simple so your kids will enjoy it. Closed faced rod reel combos, some bobbers, sinkers, small hooks and worms and you will get bites. Also a good idea to let them practice casting in the yard with a weight or a bobber to get the hang of it.

 

[troutface]

If you decide that fishing is right up your alley I would recommend that you eventually buy decent equipment. No need to spend $500 on a rod (yes, they exist), but there is a big difference between a $35 rod and a $100 rod. It will help you catch more fish, please believe me. Same with reels, no need to spend $275 when a $75 reel will do nicely. Good luck !

 

[mawnansmiff]

"Also a good idea to let them practice casting in the yard with a weight or a bobber to get the hang of it."

I taught the Missus how to cast by attaching an old spark plug to the line and taking her to one of the fields on the farm where she could practice without anyone getting hurt.

PS: It always made me laugh when reading the ads in fishing magazines for say a 'bass rod', as if the rod itself will attract only bass fish

Regards,

Jay.?

 

[sandollars]

"Also a good idea to let them practice casting in the yard with a weight or a bobber to get the hang of it."

I taught the Missus how to cast by attaching an old spark plug to the line and taking her to one of the fields on the farm where she could practise without anyone getting hurt.

Regards,

Jay.?

A sparkplug? If she catches an Aston Martin, can I have it?

 

[tbradsim1]

Pappymac gave very good info, Zebco and you will be busy with the kids.

 

[ashdigger]

"Also a good idea to let them practice casting in the yard with a weight or a bobber to get the hang of it."

I taught the Missus how to cast by attaching an old spark plug to the line and taking her to one of the fields on the farm where she could practice without anyone getting hurt.

PS: It always made me laugh when reading the ads in fishing magazines for say a 'bass rod', as if the rod itself will attract only bass fish

Regards,

Jay.?

The rod weight matters in most cases. A bass rod as an example can handle a higher weight that a general trout rod.

Marketers know most people don’t know what a 8 -14 pound rod is, but they know what a bass is.

Having said that it’s about practice and technique.

The example Scloyd gives is fantastic. I used to be hard core nut jobsville into fly fishing, but never had more fun than fishing with my kids Spider-Man rod and reel .......

......the one we bought came with a red plastic practice weight.

Also, it’s about the experience, not catching fish. If it were just about catching fish it would be called “shopping”.

 

[Peter Peachfuzz]

If logistics permits keep if simple with a cane rod and bobber. Known in uppie circles as a Tenkara rod

 

[mikethompson]

Both Zebco and Shakespeare make inexpensive kid's fishing combos using spin casting reels

I let them pick out their first Zebco combos for kids, similar to this.

I'm leaning to something like this, it is like $15

Just remember to keep it simple so your kids will enjoy it.

never had more fun than fishing with my kids Spider-Man rod and reel ...

Certainly that is the end game here. I'm not expecting to reel in a bunch of fish, just have fun with them out in the boat.

Also, it’s about the experience, not catching fish. If it were just about catching fish it would be called “shopping”.

Nice quote Tim, I'm going to save that in my back pocket for later.

As for lures and everything, I think my dad has an old box lying around somewhere, that I could borrow/adopt.

I know I won't have all the time in the world out there, but I'd still like to get a semi-decent setup for myself, just cause.

 

[scloyd]

I'm leaning to something like this, it is like $15

That looks perfect for the kids. Sounds like you're going to have a good time.

 

[carlomarx]

Go with the kids Zebco, maybe let them choose it? May I offer some advice based on teaching my kids to fish?
1. use barb less hooks or use pliers pinch back the barbs. Trust me on this.
2. pack plenty of snacks
3. don't plan on spending all day. Kid's attention span is short
4. be patient
5. see #4
You sound like a good Dad and have the right attitude about teaching your kids. Maybe a rod for each child? The Zebcos are inexpensive and each having their own might save some squabbling.
Most important advice is make it fun for them. Even if the fishing is slow you'll be making some wonderful memories for you and your kids.

 

[bullet08]

I do Zen Fishing. I stare at the water and fishes jump out of out.

Haven't fished in ages. But used to use Japanese gear back in 80s.

 

[mikethompson]

I do Zen Fishing. I stare at the water and fishes jump out of out.

Haven't fished in ages. But used to use Japanese gear back in 80s.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DcUusX1Js6R0&ved=2ahUKEwjk04qSzI3vAhVEjlkKHVFwC8QQ3ywwAHoECAIQAg&usg=AOvVaw0niboZfVRVpqZKVUdLKDqn

 

[warren]

Yup, Zebco. If you put him in the right spot so he gets a bite in ten minutes or so, before he gets bored, he'll be a fisherman for life. Then you can cater to him as he grows in size and ability. Great, expensive gear will be wasted until that happens. What he needs is anything that'll react to a bite, action at the end of line.

 

[STP]

Anything with a thumb release by Shakespeare, Ugly Stik, or Zebco... quickset anti-reverse reel will also be helpful. Have fun?

 

[Jaylotw]

For a young kid, anything will do...the spincasters are easy for the kids but a PITA for the adults when they get tangled. My dad taught me on a cheap o spinning reel when I was 3, so it’s possible.

I always recommend that people start their kids on real spinning reels, so that if the kid really gets into it, he isn’t hamstrung by only knowing how to use a button reel, most of which are pretty cheap and not rugged enough to take abuse and he’ll just want another one when it breaks. A real spinning reel isn’t much more complicated, and is easier to untangle, re-spool, can cast farther, and can handle bigger fish. If your kid ends up loving fishing (and I hope he does), you’ll be better off in the long run with a spinning combo. Just my opinion, of course.

Also, avoid the cheapest Spider-Man/Spongebob toys. The line they come with is garbage, they are barely able to last a session. Mid-range Zebco will be ok and they’re not much money if you go the spincast route, but a decent, ultralight spinning combo can be found in the same range.

‘Shakespeare, Zebco, UglyStik etc all make perfectly serviceable low-end stuff that will last until the kid can save his allowance for a new one. I’ve got a mid-80s Shakespeare spinning reel that is still in service and believe me when I say it’s been knocked around.

 

[Jaylotw]

...
1. use barb less hooks or use pliers pinch back the barbs. Trust me on this.
...

This advice is Golden.