Hello out there,

I am looking for a blank to be used to enable my son (8 1/2 years old) to learn fly fishing.

If you know how kids are I do not want to start with an expensive blank, I think 50, 60 or maximum 70 US$ should be a "red line" not to overgo for the blank itself. Please let me know yr. opinion in regard of length, action and line class.

Expecting some intersting answers,
Ole

Ole,
I would look at the Forecast Blanks, they are great blank at very reasonable price. 7.5' or 8' would be a good length to start in a 4wt. They would be a good all around rod for trout, bass and pan fish.
Check out Hook and Hackle, they have kits at great prices. Have fun.

Ole

I agree with Joe on his recommendation of the Forecast blanks. The other choice if you would prefer a different color is the Tiger Eye by Sevier Mfg. They both provide a good blank for a reasonable price.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I started my daughter at age 4 with a 6' 3wt. Tiger Eye. When she gets a little older and taller, I'll probably build her a 7.5' 4wt. For your son, a 7.5' or 8' 4wt. sounds like a great choice. Both brands (TE and Forecast) are great rods that I use myself but inexpensive enough that if a kid breaks it it's not that big a deal to rebuild it. Don't overlook the H&H IM6 kits either (Rainshadow RX7). They're a little bit more expensive but I have bought several of them that include all the components, a bag and aluminum tube and arrive at my doorstep for under $75 (they've been on sale for quite a while and still are). Can't beat that with a stick.

Jan, after working on beginning skills of fly fishing with the cub scouts, we found that an 8' rod in about a 5 wt was the easiest for them to learn on and enjoy. A Forecast rod blank, 8' 5 wt 2 piece lists for $24 and would make an excellent choice. If you start with too light a rod, you limit the size of the fly the child can cast easily and fighting the wind will be more of a concern. Just what we found anyway after doing this kind of thing for several years.

I'd second the Tiger Blanks. Easy to cast, well-made, inexpensive. Available from a number of sponsors of this site, or wholesale from Sevier.

I built a 8ft 4wt Forecast for my 9yr old nephew and it's just right for him.He can actually cast his Dad's 9ft rods,so 8ft was no problem for him.

I wouldn't go too short or else it may actually be more difficult for him to learn on.I would get something mid length(7ft6-8ft6 maybe) and fairly light(3wt-5wt) for him.You can't go wrong with Forecast,they offer incredible value and are especially nice in the light line weights.A tiger eye would be an excellent choice too.

I've also worked with Scouts and my son was the fly fishing instructor at a dude ranch in Wy. Both of us think that 8' 5 wts are best for kids old enought to start. They are especially good for starting out with poppers on bream. Keeping the action going has always helped me keep their attention. I built 2 Christmas rods that were requested for kids just getting started. I used Tiger Eye 8' 4/5 wts. They've worked great for teaching them casting. Now when the water warms uip they will be ready to go.

You might want to check out the American Tackle Matrix series of blanks too. Very well made and have a nice action. Besides, the twill carbon butt section may add a "coolness" factor to get your son's attention! Good luck.