THUNDER BAY – Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you launch him on a lifelong hobby that will cost thousands of dollars. All joking aside, one of the joys of life is time well spent fishing.
Fishing is a fantastic pastime for especially for kids. It teaches patience, appreciation for nature, and hands-on skills. However, starting out with the wrong equipment can be frustrating for a young angler. The right fishing rod is essential – so let’s break down how to choose the best one for your grandchildren.
Size Matters
A rod too big and heavy will be difficult to handle, leading to discouragement. Here’s a basic guideline:
- Length: Aim for a rod between 4 to 6 feet long. Have your child stand and hold a rod at their side – the tip shouldn’t extend much higher than their shoulder.
- Weight: Look for lightweight graphite or fiberglass rods. These materials offer a good balance of durability and easy handling.
Types of Rods
Two main types are ideal for beginners:
- Spincast Rod: Often called a “closed face” reel, spincast setups are perfect for beginners. The push-button release makes casting a breeze and minimizes tangles.
- Spinning Rod: These have an “open face” reel and sit below the rod. While a bit trickier to master as your child gets older, they offer more versatility and casting distance.
Action and Power
These terms may sound complicated, but here’s what you need to know for your young angler:
- Action: This refers to how much the rod bends. For kids, a “medium” or “medium-light” action is best, allowing them to feel bites while handling some fight from a fish.
- Power: This is the rod’s strength. Look for “light” to “ultralight” power rods, which are suitable for smaller fish that your child is likely targeting.
Let’s Go Shopping!
- Combo is Convenient: Fishing rod combos come with a rod and reel pre-matched, making them a great choice for beginners.
- Reputable Brands: While not wanting to break the bank, avoid the super cheap cartoon-themed rods. Investing in a basic setup from reliable brands ensures better quality and enjoyment.
- Try Before You Buy: Take your child to a sporting goods store and let them hold different rods. Comfort is just as important as technical aspects.
Additional Tips
- Keep it Simple: Don’t overcomplicate tackle for a young angler. Basic lures and a simple bobber setup are more than enough to get started.
- Think Location: Consider where your child will mainly fish. Pond fishing may need a shorter rod, while fishing from a dock might be easier with a longer one.
- Fun Factor: Let your child pick a rod color or design they like – it builds excitement and ownership of their fishing gear!
The Most Important Part
Buying a perfect rod is great, but the most important thing is fostering a love for fishing. Focus on fun, teach basic safety, and celebrate every catch, no matter the size. With patience and a little guidance, you’ll help create a lifelong angler!
