Posts: 730
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2003
Reputation:
0
I currently use open faced spinning reels on my rods. However, my 6 year old has problems at times with the bail. I don't like the reels on the cheep "kiddie combos" as they tend to fall apart pretty quickly. I grew up fly-fishing and so all these different kind of freashwater reels makes my head swim.
What kind of reel would you purchase for younger children? Considerations are 1) Ease of use when casting (e.g., not requiring a huge amount of coordination)
2) Doesn't tangle up easily
3) Anti-reverse reeling.
Thanks for your input!
ES
[signature]
Posts: 33,430
Threads: 422
Joined: Feb 2002
Reputation:
33
I know a lot of kids that have started off with the snoopy combo but there are a lot of close faced reels that will last for years with low maintenance. Zebco makes several good ones, the one I used for years was the Zebco 33. The push button makes casting for kids a lot easier. I'm not sure of the price but they use to cost around $15.00. There is also bait casters that work well but they come with a high price tag, some of the other guys that use them can give you more info on them. WH2
[signature]
Posts: 1,964
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2003
Reputation:
0
EmuScud,
Diawa makes two models of underspin reels. They are closed face reels, so there is no bail to deal with. They can be set up either right or left hand retrieve. And the best thing, in my mind, is that a kid learns to have the reel under the rod from the start. They don't get used to the reel on top, reeling with their right hand, and then have to re-learn to reel with their left hand and the reel under later on.
My son is 6 years old and has one. When he pays attention to fishing instead of crawdads, rocks, shiners, sledding while I'm fishing, or whatever is more interesting at the moment, it works well for him.
Seemed like the way to go to me.
Good luck.
Fishrmn
[signature]
Posts: 4,139
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2002
Reputation:
0
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Closed face reels are definitely the way to go with kids but a far as learning "to have the reel under the rod from the start" thing, that's a very debatable subject. If you assume that spinning reels are the only game in town that agrument holds some water but I think there is nothing wrong with teaching kids to use the baitcasters and levelwinds as they progress. I learned to cast big Penns when I was young and never used a spinning reel til I was a teenager. Just another opinion...[/size][/font]
[signature]
Posts: 2,367
Threads: 19
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
1
I would agree with BLM,use the closed face reels early,like 2yrs to 5yrs old,then go to a spinning reel my two boys had alot of fun when they where little but can cast a jig 5inchs from shore now,the main thing is listen to them,when my boys vioced there opion to fish with a spinning reel I switched them over,There was a small learning curve but once I showed them to grab the line with there finger and flip the bail open,they picked it up quick,and now can cast with the best of um.
Have fun be patient,fishing is one of the best ways to show children there is somthing else to do than play PS2.LOL
Tight LINES
Tony[cool]
[signature]
Posts: 238
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2002
Reputation:
0
[blue][size 2]I bought a handful of Red Rhinos for my kids a few years back. They're never satisfied having me cast for them--gotta do it themselves. When they get older I buy them nice spinning combos. But those Red Rhinos are still ticking for the young kids. And it keeps me from spending all the time on the water getting out their tangles.[/size][/blue]
![[Image: BASS8424CustomImage0498644.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/BASS8424/servercontent/MyCustomImages/BASS8424CustomImage0498644.jpg)
[/url] 
! Thanks everyone for the information! I'll be hitting the store soon.