Searching For The Ultimate Kid's Fly Rod (or, Is Yellow Fiberglass In My Future?)

Category:
fiberglass fly rods
fishing with kids
kid fly fishing
Underground Entertainment
Added Date:
Sunday, 8 Sep, 2013
Summary
We knew this day would come. One of the Underground's tax deductions is just old enough to make an attempt at fly fishing (though let's be real, we'll be lucky to fish ten minutes before the rock skipping begins).
 
Content
We knew this day would come. One of the Underground's tax deductions is just old enough to make an attempt at fly fishing (though let's be real, we'll be lucky to fish ten minutes before the rock skipping begins).

Bright yellow glass makes for a good spinning rod. Will it work for fly fishing too? Bright yellow glass makes for a good spinning rod. Will it work for fly fishing too? 

Adding to impetus is that one of Little M's posse is consumed with fishing. Last week at preschool he handed me a note (he'd dictated it to his mother). It asked me to take him fishing because "he has a lot of best friends, but they're all four."

The man who says "no" to that is a cold-hearted bastard. (I'll cop to "selfish bastard any day, but cold-hearted?)

Read More Tips for Your First Kids Fly Fishing Trip

Here's the problem.

I've got nothing for them to fish.

The Indestructible-But-OK-If-It-Isn't Gear Quest

I've got fly rods up the wazoo.

But given the measured-in-microseconds attention span of a five year-old -- and the sharp-edged environment surrounding most fly fishing streams (sharp-edged rocks, sharp-edged trees, other five year-olds with sharp-edged fly rods, etc) -- I'm not handing out no-longer-made Phillipsons.

Especially given that I've got to equip both tax deductions (no way the younger sister gets left behind) and the note writer.

I turn to the Undergrounders for help.

So far, the frontrunners are the Eagle Claw "Featherlight" line of fly rods. They're available in a 6'6" 3/4wt and a 7' 5wt, they're fiberglass (and presumably tough), and when the inevitable moment comes where a five year-old proves they're not indestructible, it's only $25 or so down the drain.


Critical Bonus Feature: They're bright yellow. Neon even. Kids love bright, and a bright yellow rod should be easier to find when someone sets one down and wanders away.

The 6' fiberglass spinning rod incarnation of these rods has proven the ideal fishing rod for the Kid's Fishing Day trips to the hatchery.

Today's Pop Quiz


    1. Has anyone cast the 6'6" and 7' Featherlight fly rods? Is one better suited for use by the Underground's newly-formed Institute of Destructive Testing && Rock Throwing
      ? (Keep in mind we'll be using 5wt fly lines).

    1. Any other suggestions?

    1. Any longtime fly fishermen can unearth a handful of 5wt fly lines, but expendable reels are another matter; what's the cheapest, bestest, most kid-friendly fly reel you've seen?


See you ducking four foot-high backcasts, Tom Chandler.

Read More The Underground Picks the Dozen Best Fly Rods of All Time Period
 
Reading Time:
5minutes
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Author
Destinations
 (1)
Nestled in the north end of the Sacramento Valley, Shasta County and its three Cities - Redding, Anderson, and Shasta Lake - are 545 miles north of Los Angeles; 162 miles north of ... moreSacramento; 433 miles south of Portland, Oregon; and 592 miles south of Seattle, Washington.

In 2004, as an effort to increase tourism in the area, the Sundial Bridge, designed by world-renowned architectural designer Santiago Calatrava, was completed. The Sundial Bridge casts its gnomon shadow upon a dial to the north of the bridge accurately once a year during the Summer Solstice. With the objective of providing pedestrian access to the north and south of Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Sundial Bridge has not only lived up to its purpose but has also become an icon for the City of Redding in the present day.

Redding is one of the best places to launch for Trophy Rainbow Trout & Trophy Steelhead Fishing in Northern California. A number of great rivers are within an easy drive and local guides can on any given day help you figure out where the fishing is great.

The Klamath river, Sacaramento river, Trinity River and the Feather river are all being frequented by local guides and fly fisher.
Fishing Waters
 (1)
Nestled in rocky basin along side steep canyon walls, this 40-mile Feather River tributary is known for its great beauty and abundant trout. By car, it a short drive from Sacramento. ... moreThe Yuba River continues through the canyons until it flattens around Parks Bar Bridge then runs parallel to highway.

Species include wild rainbow trout, steelhead in the fall, and striped bass. While rainbows tend to average about 12 inches, there are recent reports of 18-25 inch trout being found.
Game Fish Opportunities:
The American River watershed offers fishermen (and fisherwomen) a wide range of experiences, from fly-fishing in the clear streams of the Sierra Nevada to casting for steelhead in ... morethe lower American as it flows through Sacramento. The American River contains two main sections. The North Fork and the Lower American River

The North Fork of the American River is designated as a while trout water. Most of the North Fork flows through a deep canyon carved through metamorphic rock. It has a very rugged character with very steep slopes and a narrow bottom. Deep pools framed by sheer cliffs, waterfalls cascading from 40 to 70 feet, and benches, densely wooded with alder and willow are typical of the beauty found in the North Fork Canyon. The fishery is dominated by Rainbow trout, with an occasional Brown trout (the brown trout are usually lunkers!).

Fishing enthusiasts can choose from a number of trails to access the river canyon, most of them dropping steeply from the canyon rim down to the water. While visitation peaks in the summer, primarily driven by hikers/swimmers, late spring into mid-summer is typically the height of the boating season. The highest boatable reach is known as Generation Gap (12 miles), run by only the most experienced Class V boaters, which can only be accessed by a three-mile long walk. The next lower reach, known as Giant Gap (14 miles), is also Class V and is accessed by a two-mile hike down the Euchre Bar Trail. Although overnight camping permits are not required, if visitors want a campfire, they will need to obtain a fire permit.

The Lower American River is a short stretch of river, flowing through the city of Sacramento, is the most heavily used recreation river in California. It provides an urban greenway for trail and boating activities and is also known for its runs of steelhead trout and salmon.
The Sacramento River is the principal river of Northern California in the United States, and is the largest river in California. Rising in the Klamath Mountains, near Mount Shasta ... more(in Siskiyou county), the river flows south for 445 miles, through the northern section (Sacramento Valley) of the Central Valley, before reaching the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta and San Francisco Bay. It forms a common delta with the San Joaquin River before entering Suisun Bay, the northern arm of San Francisco Bay. The river drains about 27,500 square miles, with an average annual runoff of 22 million acre-feet, in 19 California counties, mostly within a region bounded by the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada known as the Sacramento Valley, but also extending as far as the volcanic plateaus of Northeastern California.
Trips
$
425
-
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 8 hours
The Yuba River is one of the most popular known fly fishing rivers in Northern California, and that is why it’s one of the most sought after rivers for fly fishing enthusiasts. This ... moreriver is one that can yield 20 fish one day and leave you scratching your head the next, that's why having a knowledgeable Yuba River Fly Fishing Guide is so important. The abundance of aquatic insects on this river is why it is so sought after, it's one of the few rivers in California that you can effectively fish dries year round. While the river plays host to a number of species, including steelhead and king salmon at times, the resident wild rainbows are the most sought after species throughout the year. They can be picky at times, but once you get in tune with their feeding habits you're bound to have a blast. The fishing on the Yuba is top-notch and I haven't found a river yet that is this much fun to fish. This river produces year-round spunky wild rainbow trout that can reach over 20".

Pound for pound the Yuba River trout is a species of its own. They are the toughest, hardest fighting trout you will ever hook into. If you've never had an 16" fish take you into your backing within seconds, then it’s time that you fish the Yuba River. In the fall, it is also home to a native/wild King Salmon run with some pushing 50lbs and big enough to devour any Yuba trout in its path. Nonetheless, it's the Yuba's steelhead that really puts the icing on the cake. Though not huge like the American river winter run steelhead (Yuba River steelhead range from 2-6 lbs), these half-pint steelhead are among the hardest fighting and the most beautiful fish you will ever have the pleasure of encountering. The Yuba gets a shot of them midsummer, then again from November to April. Not only is there year round fishing, but there is also an abundance of bug life as well ranging from BWO's, PMD's, Midges, Caddis, Skwalas, Golden Stones, March Browns, Hoppers and every so often a Salmon Fly, that will have these fish feeding no matter the time of year. There is even an egg bite on t he Yuba too, this happens during the salmon spawn in October, also during this time of year there is something special that happens on the river that I will show you too. Something you never thought possible and it will be our little secret. Even after all that the Yuba does, however, have something else to offer. As an added bonus from the fishing, there are a lot of wild critters roaming its banks as well, big bucks, strutting toms, beavers, otters, ducks, geese and even black bears. All that and great fishing, what more could you ask for.

-Brian
$
425
-
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 8 hours
Fly Fishing the American River in Northern Califronia will leave even the most advanced fly fisherman wanting more. That is why a knowledgable American River Fly Fishing Guide will ... morenot only educate you on the river sytem and its species, but show you the ins and outs, when, where, why, how and with what. Whether you are swinging for steelhead on the Lower American River or dry fly fishing the South Fork American River, you will be pleasantly pleased with the results.

The American River system is where you can start out fishing the Lower American River for shad, striper or steelhead while wet wading on a summer morning, then go eat lunch, get back on the road shoot up hwy 50 and within 45 minutes, have 30 fish on the South Fork American River fishing drys. Fishing the American River is one that can satisfy any fly fishing crave. The Lower American River is known for its shad, striper, steelhead and salmon runs. Shad start to enter the river in late spring, with some entering as early as April, the fishing starts to pick up in late May and early June, with July being the best. Even though the migration has ended the fishing can be great on those late July summer nights. If you have never fought a shad on a fly rod, I highly suggest it, they don’t call it the poor man’s tarpon for nothing. There are two methods used when shad fishing, one is swinging flys specifically tied for shad, the other is drifting flies under an indicator. Either technique is productive when used properly.

As far as stripers go, there are some resident fish in the river system year round, but can be extremely hard to catch due to the lack of numbers. When the weather warms so does the water as well as the Striper migration. The stripers start entering the river in early April and they are in the river system through September. Your best numbers in the lower part of the river is between April and May. June is a little slower due to the amount of shad that are in the river system and the stripers actively feeding on them, but once the shad are gone the fishing really heats up from late July through August, September and sometimes even October depending on the weather and water conditions. The best technique used for stripers is by stripping or swinging clousers with sink tips, full sinks and shoot head lines.

Now for the Steelhead, half pounders can be year round, but are mostly caught from late summer to spring. They can be caught using many techniques, from swinging to nymphing and even throwing drys. The best months to be on the water for half pounders are August through October along with March April and May. Don’t be discouraged by the word half pounder, this was the original run before the Eel and Mad river strain (winter run steelhead) was introduced in the 70's. These guys can put up a real fight for their size and most half pounders are wild fish ranging from 16-22" some even pushing 5 pounds and they are always full of spunk. The winter run doesn’t start showing up until the beginning of October, this is also peak time for the salmon run. The winter run steelhead that are on the American came from the Eel and Mad River systems, that was introduce by DFG to protect the steelhead population after the dams where e rected. These fish can be caught throughout the length of river from mid October all the way through March, sometimes even April. These fish range anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds. As far as fishing techniques goes, these big boys can be caught with the same techniques used on their half brothers, just scaled up a bit. If you want to get into steelhead and don't want to travel severals hours and possibly get a big goose egg, the American River is where its at. Not only is it our back yard, but we have 30+ years fishing this river system and we know where these fish hold throughout the year. Come enjoy some backyard fishing on a great river like the American river.

-Brian-
Outfitters
 (12)
We are a team of friendly and knowledgeable fly fishing guides, with a combined 40 years of fly fishing experience, dedicated to making your adventure on the water with us as enjoyable ... moreand informative as possible. We want you to succeed in all of your fishy endeavors, and we will take the time with you to make sure that you have all the techniques and skills necessary to catch fish wherever you go. Float or Walk and wade with us on one of Northern California's finest rivers and streams and we will accommodate our guiding style to meet your needs and abilities. With our extensive fly fishing knowledge and experience on waters all over Northern California, we will guide you on a fly fishing trip you will not soon forget.

NCFG practices catch and release on all boats. We respect the sport of fishing and wish to give all anglers the opportunity to experience the gratification we strive to give each of our clients.
Type:
Fishing
45 comments
Your probably right! But like you said I would look into them either once they are a little older or they know for sure they wan't to get into fly fishing!!
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Thanks for the tip about the Bug Launchers. They look interesting, but still too expensive given the predominantly pugilistic nature of most 5 year-olds. Maybe as a second fly rod...
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You should really look at the Bug Launchers by TFO they include thinner diameter compressed cork grips for a better fit in smaller hands. The yellow Bug Launcher logo stands out against a candy apple red blank. They have an extended reel seat allows smaller anglers to use two hands for more control. Two models, a 7’ 4/5 weight and an 8’ 5/6 weight, both are 2-piece and have a suggested retail of $79.95. ... more And they are strong I bought 2 for my niece and nephew they are 6 and 8 and have done everything but take a circular saw to them! My nephew "accidentally" hit a tree with it baseball swing style and it didn't even make a mark! I took one of them out and used it for a whole 9 hours dry flying on the Big Lost and it performed amazingly! It is a rod that I know they can keep well into their adult hood or at least until they take wood shop!!
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I use a plastic Orvis Clearwater reel (with many spools) for all my 6wt lines. Not exactly art, but I love the thing.
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I don’t want to eat fish but I like hamburgers; can we fish for cows instead? Cows are the fly fisherman's worst nightmare. Sure, they appear docile and confused, but like the killer rabbit of Monty Python fame, those cows are dynamite. Go with hot dogs instead.
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Tom, a couple of weeks ago I picked up at a garage sale an unopened Shakespeare "Complete Fly Fishing Kit" commonly found at big-box retailers like Walmart. It's basically crap -- the rod can in fact be used as a broomstick, the fly line, lacking a taper, becomes tough to cast past 30 or 40 feet, and I suspect the flies likely won't last beyond one or two fish, assuming they attract any hits at all. ... more The reel, though, a Shakespeare 1094, has potential for kids. It's aluminum, so relatively light in weight, can be palmed, looks sturdy enough to survive at least a couple of whacks against the rocks, and has far fewer screws than a Pflueger. In other words, as a device to hold line, it's serviceable, and if you can pick one up for, oh, 10 or 15 bucks, you'll likely be ahead of the game. The diameter is a smidge less than 3-1/2 inches -- dunno if that's a plus or a minus for a child's hand.
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Uncle Tom, Will you take me fly-fishing please? I want to hold a long pole for no apparent reason. I know you have guns but I'm afraid I will shoot myself. I don't want to eat fish but I like hamburgers; can we fish for cows instead? Sincerely, MAC
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I like the concept of a yellow rod for beginning, so long as it is for young anglers...say <10. When kids get into their early teens, they would be happier with something more modern, something with some performance. Now and then Cabelas puts their 3 forks rods on sale for around 30-40 bucks. Even at full price, they are a bargain. Their 7'6" 3wt is a great stream rod and easy to cast.....though ... more in my opinion it is no 3wt. It casts a 5wt line in tight beautifully and kids are going to be casting to close targets. You can buy "tuna can" martin clicker reels on Evil Bay cheap. Put a Cortland 333 line on it and you can be set up cheap, and with a rod that has some performance to it.
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Re: the question of reels, I'd suggest a plastic model. I had a couple of the plastic Loop reels. They were light and nearly indestructible if you didn't remove the spool. You won't cringe from the sound of aluminum on rock when it gets banged into a rock or dropped when the "focus" changes. The Loop's not readily available but _bay is full of $10 plastic reels. The cheapest I found is $6.95 w/ free ... more shipping.
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Cableas? The order clerks don't know the difference between a fly rod and deer scent. Come on give your independents a chance or you'll be buying all your flies and materials from them. I have an honest to goodness great rod. Greys GRXi 6'6" 5 weight. This isn't some buggy whip. It can toss hoppers, buggers and dry flies. Comes with a lifetime warranty. I have it on sale for $85 ( was $135). I'll ... more do free shipping and toss in a dozen flies with an order. Megabellas can't beat that. I have an overstock Cortland line for $20 to go with it.
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Good choice on the 6'6" Eagle Claw rods. I enjoy mine and a DT5 seems best. Cheap reel? My vote is for a Martin tuna can. I have a few and love them.
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Go for it! But be aware that proving defamation can't be easy for someone who's been officially documented as evil in legal proceedings.
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His name is Tom. So cynical for one so underemployed. I may be forced to sue you for defamation.
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His name is Tom.
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"one of Little M’s posse is consumed with fishing."
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Why three? I thought you have two kids? :)
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Hey kids! Three 6'6" Featherlights are on the way. I appreciated all the other suggestions, but cost considerations outweighed most others. If any of the kids actually take to fishing, I may hunt down an affordable Tenkara rod and see how they like it. Thanks for all the thoughts!
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I'm sure the Gecko rods are cool, but dang, the $300 to outfit all three (my two plus the other kid)? Not likely...
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I just gave an old reel of mine to a young guy that was hanging around the fly shop lots of saturdays.... the shakespear knockoffs of the medalist are almost always less than 20 and are almost indestructible and if you take them apart and clean them work well......
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go with the sure thing: fireworks. much safer than hooks flying through the air, as well.
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I third the Echo Gecko. Heck, there's a small but growing group of crazies on the Hawaiian coral flats who pursue juvenile trevally and bonefish (under the right wind conditions) with it.
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I think the critical break-the-tips part is when they're going from spot to spot. When fishing, I don't see this as an issue. Collapsing the rod to its 23" length will make transport much easier. When the tax deductions get bored, you can stash the collapsed rods easily in your backpack.
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One of my pals scored the 6-7 weight Eagle Claw and is using it for bass. A bit stiff but quite good for the price - and stiff ain't bad when a big deer hair popper is inbound and the wind shifts ... Extra bonus in that you can attach a small red pennant on the tip and attach it to their bike if the fishing bug dies out. That big "yaller" rod is an attention grabber if they tykes are using the crosswalk.
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How about the little mickey or donald poles with a torpedo bobber and a fly. My Dad got me started this way. Not a whole lot of money involved and you can change out the gear.
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Have a look at the Anglers Roost fly reels, one of the best deals around. You won't be disapointed.
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I second the Echo Gecko. However, I have spent a lot of time teaching kids (my shop has a Kids Fly Fishing Camp,) and the stand out favorite is the Redington Minnow outfit. Only a 2 year warranty, but it is a great stick. Comes with a decent reel and Rio Mainstream line. Don't worry too much about getting a longer (8') rod, the extra length allows for more reach for the vertically challenged. Just ... more have them cast two handed to start out. Also, with kids I find it very important to try and work "backwards" if you can hook a fish ASAP, the attention span increases dramatically after they get to touch a fish. You can also cast with them and hold the flyline so you can strip set for them and maintain tension while they manipulate the rod.
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The 6'6 is a nice casting little rod for the $ ( I have one as a backup in the jeep) The 7 isn't as good
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Tom, I bet the 6'6' Featherweight would be excellent and the price is hard to beat. However, I fish with my 2 and 4 year old a bunch and have had good luck with a couple other rods as well. Mike mentioned Tenkara and he's not mad to do so. While you have to be careful my kids have had more success with Tenkara than anything else. http://stalkingtheseam.com/2013/08/07/tenkara-the-new-black/ For more ... more durability and a rod you will enjoy as well the Echo Gecko is a great rod that we also fish a bunch. http://stalkingtheseam.com/2013/07/24/sweet-stick-for-kids-the-echo-gecko/ Good luck, can't wait to hear what you go with.
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Tom...I'd suggest the 6'6" Featherlight as well. I like it best with a 5WF fly line. There is no better starter (or price conscience) fly rod out there. I tend to like them matched with a Martin fly reel which eBay always seemed to be flooded with.
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With some electrical tape, a Pfluger Medalist, and the tip section of a solid glass "Wonder Rod" you will have a surprisingly good stick. I promise that you will use it yourself for small - tight - situations.
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My kids (7 and 8) both cast my 6 ft 6 inch featherlight all the time. Works just fine for bass and panfish. I say that is a winner. I set them up with wright and McGill 6 wts (the purple one for my daughter) but the fiberglass is flat out easier for them to cast. I fall back to that a lot.
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I have a vintage Berkley yellow 7.5 footer that my 2 1/2 year old uses (garage sale, $5). The reel is a cheepo Cabelas model (I forget which one--but it was cheap). It's lined with a Cortland DT6WT. Yeah, it's big for the little guy--sometimes he casts it 2 handed. But I have to say he's got a mean roll cast for a toddler. It's held up pretty well over the past year. Despite his best efforts all he's ... more managed to do is chip some paint from the tip. Baring a garage sale find, I'd look at the Eagle Claw Trail Master fly/spin combo. They're short and plenty tough. I'd tape the ferrules so the kids don't lose a section. (Pic of the little guy casting to cruising brookies: http://instagram.com/p/bR70F_C4x0/)
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I started my son with a dry fly (a Tom Thumb) and an Adjusta Bubble and a Johnson Century closed face reel when he was about five or six fishing from a canoe or boat on high mountain lakes in spots where we knew there would be a lot of small rainbows or brook trout.Closer to home the target was bluegills and baby bass. A cast and a slow retrieve will provide a lot of hook ups. When he became a little ... more bit older and became more coordinated we switched to an open face spinning reel and a light spinning rod and added a partridge and yellow dropper to the dry fly or a streamer for brookies He started using a fly rod when he was about 9 and graduated to his own 9 and a half foot Temple Fork 6 wt when he entered middle school We did not rush into stream fishing on the theory that success and pleasure trump tradition with kids. We live on a respectable sea run cut throat stream in a part of the world where dense timber and brush makes casting a challenge.When he was old enough to have sufficient control to stream fish successfully he made the transition on his own with out parental guidance. Today he is better at it than his mentor.
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So, what's your point? ;-)
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Dare I say it? Tenkara? We're going to hand a fragile, 10-foot long stick to kids whose awareness extends less than 6" in front of their noses? You're mad.
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Poppers
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Hey Tom, Check out this "Echo Gecko" rod from Rajeff Sports, A couple of folks I have talked to(with kids!...) regard these well, they cost more than the "OTHER YELLOW" rods, but reports are that they do work as actual rods- I have no affiliation/ interest etc...Just passing on what I've been given... http://www.rajeffsports.com/echo_gecko.php
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I agree with Mike. When working with kids that young I'd try a decomplicate things as much as possible. I get your concern about using a rod over 7' but since fly casting won't be involved its not that big of a deal. I've volunteered at a local kids fishing clinic the past few years where a lot the kids are about 5 or so and most of them handle the 8-9 ft. cane poles like pros.
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I went with an Eagle Claw 6'6" 4 weight for my 4.5 half year old daughter and 3 day old son. (It's never too early!) I haven't taken her to cast it yet, but I'm sure it'll do just fine. Especially at that price.
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For me it is definitely a 6 not a 5. I cast the 7.5' rod and it was one (maybe two) line weights heavier than listed. Why I was leaning towards the 6'6" model, figuring it was a 5wt. And yeah, I think a 7' rod might be too much for a 43" tall kid.
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I have the 7' Featherlight. It is a good rod, I highly recommend it. In my hands it starts making some unwanted sideways movements when casting beyond 60ft, in close it casts very very nicely. I think it works perfectly with a Rio Gold 6wt. For me it is definitely a 6 not a 5. Ask Cameron from TFM for details on the other tapers of the Featherlight pack. He is very friendly and helpful and has a long ... more term love affair with the yellow sticks.
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I just found out about the Featherlight rods a couple of months ago and was intrigued, so I bought the 6' 6" rod. It is sold as a 3-4 weight, but the rod blank shows 4-5 wt. From reviews I have read, all of the other rods offered don't line up with what is printed on the blanks either. I think the 7' rod is a 5-6 wt blank and the 8' rod is a 6-7 wt blank. So if you are thinking 5 wt lines, I'd suggest ... more going with the 6' 6" rods. As far as performance, I LOVE my 6' 6" Featherlight! It is a lot slower than most modern rods and I find it to be much easier to load than carbon fiber.For inexpensive reels, check these out: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QY2LZC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=21H8DOLI9BKBF&coliid=I3I4HSIVUTHQNQIt is a 7/8/9 reel, but the least expensive one I've ever seen and it works well. Next closest in price I have seen is: http://www.amazon.com/Redington-Pursuit-Fishing-Clam-Pack/dp/B004BUIVGU/ref=sr_1_22?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1378672859&sr=1-22&keywords=Redington+PursuitI have one of these as well and it also works well.Good luck!!
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Cabela's has its Wind River reels on sale right now for the princely sum of $19.99. I haven't tested them on the water, but they seemed serviceable enough when I looked at them in the store last year. Hey, how wrong can you go for 20 smackers?
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Dare I say it? Tenkara?
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Hi Tom- I've enjoyed your ruminations and ramblings on The Underground for quite a while, so perhaps you can look at this as a kind of "payment" (or dues). I read your post about equipping kids with fly gear, and while I can't help in the rod department, I can in the reel realm. I have three entry level fly reels that you can have, gratis. I bought them back in the day, when I was first getting into ... more fly fishing in the late 1990s and I wasn't sure I wanted to sink a lot of $$ into it. Well, almost 20 years later, and I'm a full-on fly addict, but I use much nicer gear than these reels. I have an Orvis Clearwater 5/6 reel and two Cabela's Cahill IIs, all appropriate for a 5wt line and kid abuse. I can either send 'em your way or perhaps drop them off when we head north from Sacramento to Ashland to drop my daughter off at Southern Oregon University on the 26th of this month. If you need 'em sooner than that, I'll send 'em. Please let me know either way. Cheers! --Dave De Ruysscher
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