Rods for kids - which is more important line weight or rod length?

[fenris]

I have just introduced my 8 year old son to fly fishing, we were using my rod (9' 7/8 weight) he seemed to get it right a few times when we really emphasised the stop on the back cast and managed a few decent casts.

We will mostly be lake fishing for rainbows so I was thinking that 7/8 weight was the way to go and we would be able to use the same reels and lines and the rods seem to be a bit sturdier and more likely to survive than the 4/5 or 5/6 weight rods - open to correction here!

Should I go for a shorter rod for him or stick with a 9' ish rod?

Open to suggestions and corrections!

[jimbob]

Im in the same boat with a 9 year old grandson and he is using a 9.5 foot 7/8 weight, like you said once the pause on the
back cast is mastered he is doing pretty well.I dont think the rod length is an issue as I think its a case of what you get used to.
The last time we were were out I handed young Ryan my rod with a nice size Rainbow on the line, I let him land and release the
fish on his own and he was as happy as Larry. You do realise of course that once a young lad is hooked you wont have a minutes
peace,but sure aint it worth it.Tightlines to ye both.Jim.

[fenris]

We both signed up with the Vartry Angling Club at the weekend so most of our fly fishing will be in the Ashtown reservoir, fantastic spot and the lads we met were very friendly and really welcoming, one of the lads got him to play and land a rainbow and another chap gave him a lesson on how to properly support and release a fish so hooked is not the word, my missus gets a glazed look when he describes both events in detail for the umpteenth time!

I am not going to chance wading in a river with an eight year old so I am happy to spec him up for lake fishing in as forgiving a manner as possible regarding gear. If and when we get to the "safe on the river" stage I am happy enough to go shopping again! I was just worried that I should have been thinking of shorter and lighter tackle that wouldn't work out for the lake. Mind you the thought of a 5/6 weight rod that I could borrow for river fishing did cross my mind!

[paddy5]

I bought my fella an Airflo Delta 5/6 and often overline with a 7 rio midge tip for him , the over lining slows the rod up a bit and gives him a bit more feed back,things have been going quite well except he has become interested in golf and is only interested in going fishing if I am going to the Suir, although I couldnt really blame him for that. PJ

[ironbluedun]

I bought my fella an Airflo Delta 5/6 and often overline with a 7 rio midge tip for him , the over lining slows the rod up a bit and gives him a bit more feed back,things have been going quite well except he has become interested in golf and is only interested in going fishing if I am going to the Suir, although I couldnt really blame him for that. PJ

you better sort that out...........

[tweedbunnet]

fenris

I can understand your dilemma and instincts on this. However, IMHO, a 9.5 ft rod for a 8 year old is like an adult trying to cast a 12 foot single hander!! The leverage will be hard on his wrist/arm

If you can, it would be better to get him an inexpensive 8 to 8.5 foot rod rated 6/7 with a 7# weight line so he can learn to cast more effectively rather than build up bad casting habits which will take a lot of correcting later on. I would not be too concerned about him being undergunned for Rainbows as long as his reel has plenty backing on it and he learns how to play a bigger fish with patience.

He can also use it on the river in due course

tb

tb