Good Cheap Spinning Outfit for Kids?

[Mark Cahill]

I've got to get the kids into their schoolie outfits this week. I'm figuring lightweight rods (mh, which will run 12lb. test) with durable reels, but they're kids, and I'll need something not too expensive because it's gonna get set in the sand, dunked, etc. But I want something with a good feel to it, so they learn right...

When their older I can get them nice gear.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'd prefer to stay away from Walmart and buy from a real local tackle dealer.

[flynny]

I find the Okuma Epixor's to be a good, inexpensive, durable reel. I have had four of them for a few years now with no problems - just a quick freshwater rinse after each use. I have them on my boat as backup for friends, etc. You can match an Ugly Stick to it for a durable, inexpensive combo that will get the job done.

[bassdad]

In my experience, how much you spend depends on how much you expect them to fish.

My boys (11 and 7) fish with me 30-40 days a year, so I am comfortable spending about $100 for their setups which cover everything from schoolies to albies and bones.

This is what I've found:

For rods, you can get away with any of the $20 models. Five Star has some nice light spinning rods. Go with MLs, so that the kids can feel the rod load and can cast for a couple of hours if the fishing is good. Buy a few extra tips, particularly if you are going to fish with swivels (see below). Kids can put a beating on tips. Rods last two seasons max.

For reels, I've used a bunch, but the Shimano Spheros are the most durable for salt -- the 4000 FA is great. $80 may seem like alot, but then again, you can always use it as a backup. I have never found a reel for less than $50 that withstood more than 5 trips before something crapped out (bails, drags and handle assemblies tend to go first). In fact, it's because kids throw reels in sand, dunk them and bang them aganst their brothers that you need to spend a bit more. Lighten all drags, because kids love to hear the singing (then again, who doesn't). If you can afford it, buy an extra spool, as an unmanagable snarl can ruin their day. Stay away from baitcasters -- even if you are bottom fishing, you can be sure that (1) kids will try to cast to the busting bluefish and (2) you will be trying to fix the birdsnest while a bluefish is tugging at the other end.

For tackle, match the reel and resist upping the pound test. 10 lb Hybrid is about right for the 4000. Even a small kid can break a rod trying to pull up the bottom, and overlining makes it much harder to cast. Stay away from braids. If you are going to fish with fluoro leaders, tie right to the running line and avoid swivels (or buy lots of tips). Try not to fish with treble hooks and crimp all barbs. Kids dont mind losing fish and do mind trips to the ER. They also like to release their own fish. Have fun out there.

[Mark Cahill]

I love my Shimano Stradic, so the Spheros is a likely candidate. I found a decent combo with the 4000 online at Boaters World IIRC that was $89.99 - not bad when the real itself is $79.99.

[soundownsam]

I like my larger spheros and have used a 5000 and it is a nice reel. I would also look at the Diawa BG series. The BGs are favored by many FL guides for their durability.

Sam

[dunky]

I don't think you can beat that boaters world combo,I have always had good luck w/shimanos and they are smooth as silk.