Hi Guys
Looking to build a fly rod for a friend's 10yo grandson. Boy has never fly fished before, grandfather is experienced!!!
The rod will be used for fishing for trout in a lake (from shore and a boat). Good sized fish from 40cm to 55cm brown and rainbow trout.
Any recommendations will be appreciated.
many thanks.
Jeff

I think an 8 foot, 6 weight would be about right. It's what I use for similar fish, and the slightly shorter length makes the rod a little easier to handle.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

I am going to have to disagree on the 8' a 9' will actually help him where his back cast will be higher off the ground/water which is better for a young child just learing the techniques involved.

Both gentleman are correct, but there are pros and cons to both. The shorter rod will be less tiresome to use and would be the way I'd go for a 10-year old. If his line is dropping down and hitting the ground or water behind him, a longer rod will only marginally help - that's a flaw in the casting stroke and should be addressed.

Here's a tip - when teaching him to "stop" the rod on the back cast, have him make the back cast so that he brings the rod up squarely in front of his forehead. He can only go back so far that way without hitting himself in the head. It's a good technique for creating a high and quick stop. Once that's ingrained, he'll know what the problem is if he slips back into any bad habits.

...............

I have built quite a few youth rods. The size I have found that seems to work best for them if they are stream fishing (wading) is a 7'6" 5wt. I agree that out of a boat an 8' would probaly be better. I have had this discussion on other boards about the length but usually the wt is always a 5 or 6. They need something they can feel load the rod and those will do that. It is my belief that the 9'ers are not only heavier but the length is hard for them to deal with at that age(12 and younger). Young children are great imitators and learn quickly if they are with someone who is a decent caster. It is important to emphasize the sudden stop of the rod on both ends of the cast.

Thanks guys - Very helpful
I personally was thinking that an 8' 0", 3 or 4 wt was about right and was going to suggest over-lining it by one weight to make the rod loading easier to feel.
I did however have some reservations about 3 wt and the size of the fish and so was interested to here your feedback re the suggested line weight (5 or 6) which is definitely more suited to the fishing.
thanks again.
Jeff

Jeff,
Definitely a short rod for pre-teens.
If you want a rod that will fit the bill for a long period of time a 7-1/2 foot 4 or 5 weight will last a life time of trout fishing.
If this is to be primarily a learning tool a 6-1'2 foot light action spinning rod may be lined with an 8 weight line for greater feel of the timing with an easy casting stroke for short to moderate distances.

Eugene Moore

My 9 and 11 year old sons both fly fish and the younger has a 7'6" 4 weight overlined w/ a 5 wt line, the 11 yr old a 8'6" 5 wt. overlined w/ a 6 wt. They do fine for trout and panfish and the occasional bass. The little one won a 9' 4 wt G Loomis at a raffle last year and of course he has to use that now although I think it's too long but he does just fine with it. I'm more afraid he'll break the tip off hiking, like his old man did last weekend.

Greg

my 11 year old daughter has had a 7'-6" 4wt with 5wt line on it for a few years. works great for trout stream fishing and i use it on occasion. if i was to wrap a lake rod for her, i might choose an 8 or 8-6" 5wt on first thought.

eric
fresno, ca.

Once again, very many thanks guys.
Invaluable advice.

Jeff