Bass Class: Choosing the right stuff
Bringing fishing to the next generation
Most anglers know it is best to purchase the best quality tackle they can afford. Expensive rods and reels often give the angler an edge in tournaments. Top-shelf lures frequently outperform their discounted counterparts. And quality bass boats, like Ranger Boats, withstand the rigors of tournament fishing better than economy brands.
Many anglers believe the credo “buy the best stuff” fits all fishing situations – even when it comes to teaching children how to fish. Well, that just isn’t so! I know very few tournament anglers that would hand over their favorite $300 rod-and-reel outfit to a 10-year-old.
As a rule, children don’t have the acquired appreciation for high-quality gear. All they really care about is that the gear works. And our goal as teachers is to find the gear that works for our students. This month we will explore the age and tackle relationship.
Before we begin, we should remember that everybody is an individual. Some kids are quick learners; others take a little more time to understand the fishing concepts. Through my years of teaching, I have encountered 6-year-olds who could fly cast and 12-year-olds who couldn’t operate a push-button reel. The following treatise is merely a generic summation of the ideal children’s fishing rod.
Under age 3
Young toddlers have little to zero patience for casting and fishing. Smart teachers limit these children to a few minutes of angling. And the only way to keep these children entertained is by catching lots of fish. The best tackle for these youngsters is a cane pole or an old fly rod. Just dabble bait over bluegill haunts and let the child experience the fish. At this age, there is no need to purchase a lot of tackle.
Ages 3 to 5
This is Snoopy pole time! Children in this age bracket are usually still not very excited about fishing. They are willing to go with you, but they need lots of diversions and entertainment. The seemingly timeless cartoon character fishing poles, like the Snoopy pole, fulfill this objective. Remember, at this age you will probably only spend an hour actually fishing. A simple, inexpensive rod, even if the rod doesn’t last more than a few outings, is all you really need for this age group.
Ages 5 to 7
Over 50 years ago, the Zero Hour Bomb Company (Zebco) pioneered the first pushbutton type reel, commonly referred to as a spincast reel. The reel was not initially designed with children in mind, but rather for adults who had trouble casting baitcasting reels. In the old days, baitcasters did not have magnetic brakes and they backlashed unmercifully.
The pushbutton reel gave the inexperienced angler the ability to cast without much difficulty. Today, it is rare to see an adult using such reels. Yet they do have a place in some situations. But their main stronghold is among younger children in the 5- to 7-years-old age class.
Little fingers and hands simply cannot handle spinning reels. And for many, the casting procedure is a little too complicated with spinning reels. Spincast reels only require two instructions: Push the button down before you cast and let the button go as you cast. Even this instruction often results in dashed lures and bait.
Besides the casting ease, pushbutton reels also have a place in the child’s self esteem. First, it is their first “adult” rod. They no longer need to play with a Snoopy character. Next, a successful cast is very, very beneficial to the child’s self-confidence that he or she can actually fish without adult assistance.
Ages 8 to 10
At this stage, the child will let you know the preferred reel type. Some children still need the spincast reels because of their size, mechanical dexterity and experience. For these children, try to purchase top-quality spincast reels. When their casting matures, gradually work into the spinning reel.
When the time comes, be sure to purchase spinning reels that fit the youngster’s hand. Avoid reels that are too small and too big. Small- to medium-size reels usually cover the basics. Also, stay away from reels with gadgets, like casting triggers and bottom drag knobs. Keep the reel simple so the youngster can concentrate on casting and not on playing with the new reel.
Always use the limpest line possible. Coiling lines and loops only lead to fishing frustration. It is always a good idea to spray the reel spool with a line lubricant to keep the line running straight and smooth.
Ages 11 to 15
By this time, most young anglers have been weaned off the spincast reel. It is now time for them to get their own good-quality spinning reel. You still don’t need to spend $50 or $100 on a spinning reel. Reels in the $25 to $35 range often fulfill the child’s needs. Again, make sure the reel is not too cumbersome in the child’s hand and watch for line problems.
Over 15
You are ready to bring the child up to the “big” leagues. Casting reels now become great holiday and birthday gifts. Like the spinning reels, when buying that first casting reel, pick a reel that fits comfortably in the child’s hand. If the reel is too big or too heavy, the child will have difficulty casting with it. Also, pick a casting reel with a thumb bar for ease of instruction. (Thumb bars are a throwback from the youngster’s pushbutton reel days.) Avoid reels with too many options, like flipping selector switches.
Once the child has the right gear, it is time to teach them how to cast. We will spend time working on that issue in the next column. In the meantime, have a good holiday season and I hope Santa leaves your young fishing buddy the reel of his or her dreams.
Frank McKane Jr. is a nationally known outdoor writer with over 4,000 magazine and newspaper pieces published during his 12-year career. He caught his first fish at 6 months of age and, ever since, has studied the ways of the outdoorsman. With a degree in environmental chemistry, he is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting outdoor sports for children and adults.