Hunting & Fishing Fishing pole setup for 8 yr old - Recommend

[Mthr1]

Hello.

I have a pair of 8 yr old boys. They want to try their hand at some more longer periods of fishing.

They are struggling with my 6ft sticks. Anyone with kids this age fishing? Should I let them get used to the longer fishing poles or should I get a couple of 4.5 footers?

We just fish off the rocks. Some rock bass, white bass, perch, etc...nothing fancy.

I don't want to get them anything too young.

 

[jdr724]

Re: Fishing pole setup for 8 yr old - Recommend

I find that it's more the reel than the rod length. unless you're already using a pushbutton zebco type reel, you might want to try that first.

If you're already using a push button, then i guess a shorter rod is in order. you can also pick up a casting practice plug sothey can practice on dry land.

 

[Mthr1]

Re: Fishing pole setup for 8 yr old - Recommend

Yeah, great idea on the practice plug. That would definitely help them with their comfort. They are definitely going to use some sort of closed, push button style reel.

 

[stealthgoat]

Re: Fishing pole setup for 8 yr old - Recommend

We just transitioned from the Barbie 2.5 foot rod to a lightweight Zebco 202 style rig.
We tried my 7 foot rod, but a lightweight 5 foot pole worked much better. We practiced in the yard with practice plug until she was comfortable. Longer rod hung-up on tree limbs etc on our creek, if you are fishing in a clear area off rocks then that may not be an issue.
She caught a few tiny rock bass 1st time out ; - )

 

[mberry223]

Re: Fishing pole setup for 8 yr old - Recommend

A short rod helps a lot. I started my son out on a spinning reel with a plug in the back yard when he was four. We used an easy to remember mantra to get the steps down.

Grab the string
Flip the bail
Let it wale

Simple and he was hitting 5 gallon buckets faster than I could believe. He's eight now and still pretty good, but he was better at four!

Problem now is to keep him interested in fishing while we are out there. He's too wild for lures, he gets them snagged on everything and that's just no fun. Bait bores him, or he wants to play with the bait more than he does fish. So, it's usually best if I don't even bring a pole. It took me several trips to figure that out. It's better to spend 45 minutes of quality time with him fishing than two hours of me trying to fish while he does what boys do and I get frustrated.

Have fun. If you thought fishing took patience, try taking a kid...

 

[litotes15]

Re: Fishing pole setup for 8 yr old - Recommend

I see your in va, ever try them on an inshore head boat. Half day trips are cheap and during summer tons of fish to keep them busy.