I have created a monster, er I mean I have convinced my 5 y/o grand daughter that she needs to go out with Papa in the boat every possible chance. I am looking to find something that she can fish with that is light enough that she can handle it for a few minutes by herself but heavy enough that it can jig for rockfish down to 80'. This is in some current so using some light needle fish jigs. I tried the zebco type kids reel that we all probably used at one time. Of course it was the princess model. Also tried a light spin caster that I use for light trout fishing. It was a bit light as well. Just thought I would throw it out to get an idea of what others are using for the young ones just starting out. When she gets a hook up I tend to hold the rod and allow her to crank it in. I am going to add some scotty rod holders to allow her to use it while she reels it in. Thanks. Ken
my middle boy Ashton started with a 350m level wind. it did ok but not enough to drag bigger fish out from the ledge at times. now my to oldest boys use the 309 level wind with grate successes put in a ss gear sleeve and grease the drags and put on the fish. as far as rods go any 20 to 40 # boat rod in the 6ft or under range will do.
That has to be a priceless experience. If you are going spinner than a penn battle should work great, if want an old school go a penn 5500-7500ss. Or a conventional I'd say an abu 6300 type reel with a nice Levelwind. Daiwa 27sh is a very light but sturdy reel that won't break the back either.
Thanks. I forgot about Abu, I have several of them around somewhere that I used to used for salmon from the shore years ago. I bet those would work OK for awhile with some TLC. I'll also look at the Daiwa. Ken
Quote from: fIsHsTiiCkS on June 29, 2015, 06:59:20 PM
That has to be a priceless experience. If you are going spinner than a penn battle should work great, if want an old school go a penn 5500-7500ss. Or a conventional I'd say an abu 6300 type reel with a nice Levelwind. Daiwa 27sh is a very light but sturdy reel that won't break the back either.
I have a handful of 209's that I am going through and putting new carbon fiber drag washers in. I bet one of those on the right length rod would work. They are pretty bullet proof simple. I can put a leash on it in case it goes for a swim. I am thinking conventional level wind at this time. Been know to happen. I picked up a couple of Cabala's house brand Wuppin Stick (Ugly Stick knockoffs) for the Charter Specials and like them well enough for a boat rod. Maybe I will pick up a lighter weight one for her. Thanks for the help. Ken
Quote from: broschro on June 29, 2015, 06:56:34 PM
my middle boy Ashton started with a 350m level wind. it did ok but not enough to drag bigger fish out from the ledge at times. now my to oldest boys use the 309 level wind with grate successes put in a ss gear sleeve and grease the drags and put on the fish. as far as rods go any 20 to 40 # boat rod in the 6ft or under range will do.
I use and my kids use Abus 5500s and 6500s. 80' is not very deep so you don't need much capacity.
Quote from: Bryan Young on June 29, 2015, 08:15:56 PM
I use and my kids use Abus 5500s and 6500s. 80' is not very deep so you don't need much capacity.
Yep, I was gonna say Abu's too...level wind, light, easy to use...and when the time comes they cast great....pick up used for around $50-60.
Gotta love those Abu reels.
Use the reels/rod you already have, as long as she is having fun she will continue to be gram-pa's little princess on the boat. I had a rod go over board that I got for one of my nieces. So maybe anchor it to the boat.
Brent
Quote from: Tightlines666 on June 29, 2015, 08:28:29 PM
Gotta love those Abu reels.
Yup but they don't play well with saltwater, make double sure they get washed down every time they are on the water.
My light albacore reels.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g104/IGFA19Keta/Reels/5601c4.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/IGFA19Keta/media/Reels/5601c4.jpg.html)
A 5601C4 with AR bearing and a AR dog.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g104/IGFA19Keta/Reels/6501II.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/IGFA19Keta/media/Reels/6501II.jpg.html)
Oh, and be sure to tie up some shrimp flies with circle hooks.
Tip them with squid and just let the fish hang themselves. Easiest possible way to catch rockfish regardless of the age of the angler ;).
My vote would go to the 209, Ken --
It would handle something larger, in case of an incidental hook-up.
But the LW would keep her happy and on the water -- less frustrations for all involved.
Not too big -- not too small.
If you get stuck on parts -- and decide to go the 209 -- just let me know, and I will donate some to the cause.
Just need a list from you.
Best,
Fred
Quote from: johndtuttle on February 23, 2016, 04:58:23 PM
Oh, and be sure to tie up some shrimp flies with circle hooks.
Tip them with squid and just let the fish hang themselves. Easiest possible way to catch rockfish regardless of the age of the angler ;).
I will be giving this a try for my grand daughter and myself this summer. Thanks for the info from all.
Quote from: foakes on February 23, 2016, 05:37:22 PM
My vote would go to the 209, Ken --
It would handle something larger, in case of an incidental hook-up.
But the LW would keep her happy and on the water -- less frustrations for all involved.
Not too big -- not too small.
If you get stuck on parts -- and decide to go the 209 -- just let me know, and I will donate some to the cause.
Just need a list from you.
Best,
Fred
Thanks Fred. I think I will go with the 209's as well. They look more like what everyone else is using which is a plus with the young ones. I have about 4 sitting around as that is what I started using for salmon trolling with downriggers. I have replaced the drags with greased CF. Anything else you can think of that I should do other than typical servicing. When I service my boat rods I grease the bearings as we don't cast so fast bearings aren't as important as longevity. Is there a larger handle option like Alan's handles? I have several of them for my Charter Specials. A larger handle to hold on to might assist with her cranking power. Thanks for the offer on parts but right now I think I am good. Ken
Quote from: johndtuttle on February 23, 2016, 04:58:23 PM
Oh, and be sure to tie up some shrimp flies with circle hooks.
Tip them with squid and just let the fish hang themselves. Easiest possible way to catch rockfish regardless of the age of the angler ;).
great tip John
I know your kid is 5yo but mine was 15yo on her first saltwater fishing trip with me and I gave her the 320gti with 200yd of braid line and some 100yds of 40lb mono on top.
while me and my friends were casting irons to the yellowtails I put 2 circle hooks (no shirmp, tho) and squid to catch some rock fish and keep her busy, well she ended up catching the biggest YT of the day on the same rig.
the 209 is a nice option, really light, simple and strong, if you have an abu 5500 or 6500 clean them and take them with you and her as back up, they seem more kid-friendly for a kid this young.
No --
You have done everything right, Ken --
The best thing is the greased drags --
Then also pay attention on how the line is winding on and off the spool -- it should be as close to alignment with the line guide as possible -- just check it periodically -- this helps to prevent excess friction and wear on the worm, pawl, and line guide.
Also keep a couple of extra nylon idler gears in your shop. This is a weak link by design -- it helps to prevent damage to the more expensive gear parts, as well as your fingers.
On the handle -- her hand can only grip so much -- so while a larger handle would be great for you -- it may not fit her small hand well.
You will figure ot out.
Great job on exposing her to the outdoor experience -- she will never forget it!
Best,
Fred
Quote from: foakes on February 23, 2016, 07:50:35 PM
No --
You have done everything right, Ken --
The best thing is the greased drags --
Then also pay attention on how the line is winding on and off the spool -- it should be as close to alignment with the line guide as possible -- just check it periodically -- this helps to prevent excess friction and wear on the worm, pawl, and line guide.
Also keep a couple of extra nylon idler gears in your shop. This is a weak link by design -- it helps to prevent damage to the more expensive gear parts, as well as your fingers.
On the handle -- her hand can only grip so much -- so while a larger handle would be great for you -- it may not fit her small hand well.
You will figure ot out.
Great job on exposing her to the outdoor experience -- she will never forget it!
Best,
Fred
I assume I can pick up the idler gears and Penn Parts? Having some on hand sounds like a good idea. Saving fingers sounds like an even better idea.
Quick follow-up question. This is going to sound strange but I have to ask. What is the proper way to get the line back in sync with the level wind? It seems I usually wind the line all the way on the spool and note the direction it is feeding and then wind until the level wind is in the correct position and moving the correct direction. I don't have a reel in front of me but will loosening the drag and pulling line do it. I just don't use a level wind much and it has slipped my mind. Just curious if there is a better way. I also posted a photo of the little one ice fishing in the family section. Thanks. Ken
Few ways, Ken --
Just keep cranking -- it will come back into syncho
Run the guide to one side -- snip the line -- realign line and guide -- after lining everything up
Release all line and respool
Or just take out the pawl and pawl cap with a screwdriver -- turn the spool until the line is ordered the way you want it to be by direction -- reinstall the pawl and cap after lining the guide up with the line.
The last one works the best for a quick fix, if you are on the water -- and do not want to change out your trolling rigging. Just do not want to lose any little parts.
Mostly just whatever works the best for you.
Best,
Fred
I can't add anything to this thread as you are getting all the right advice, but if PM me your address I can send you and your little princess some custom shrimp flies.
BT
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx76/fresnotim/100_3645_zps0ila9m3u.jpg) (http://s743.photobucket.com/user/fresnotim/media/100_3645_zps0ila9m3u.jpg.html)