I am wanting to build fly rods for two of my grandchildren but I am getting conflicting advice as to what size blanks to buy and build. Some say short and stiff, others say longer and flexible. Ages are 9 and 11. Any suggestions as how to make the right decision.

Think about scale - how would you do with a fly rod that's twice as long as your height? I'm build them rods in the 7 or 7-1/2 feet length and depending on what you're fishing for, about 5-weight models. I'd look for fast action rod blanks and make sure you have the proper line on them so they load quickly and easily with less than 30 feet of line out.

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Robert,
I would typically build them 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 foot spinning rods on a medium light blank.

Mudhole has lots of inexpensive, tough blanks that fit the bill nicely for semi disposable rods for young folks.

If you are thinking about building them rods for pan fishing, then it might make sense to make the rod longer and just have them use the rod over the side of the boat, with no casting required. This is what I do when the kids are small and have tough reeling.
I have them use a bit longer rod, put out enough line to catch the pan fish over the side of the boat. Then, they drop the line into the water, catch the fish and lift the rod tip, swing the fish in to the boat for someone to unhook.

It is somewhat dependent on the dexterity of the young folks and their wishes as well.

If I am taking y oung folks out walleye or bass fishing, I have them use the same rods as the adults are using. It doesn't take long for the young folks to learn how to cast and start catching fish.

Roger

I have built my grandsons (11 & 7) 7ft 4wt fly rods and they have no problems fishing them once they get the hang of fly casting. I think in a couple of years, I'll go longer and heavier.

By the way Roger, he said he" wants to build Fly rods"

Robert,
I've built fly rods for pre-teens.
Short and light are more practical and much easier to handle for limited muscle strength.
My 9 foot rods, even the 4 weight is just too difficult to accelerate and decelerate.
6' 6" to 8 foot a reasonable range if the 8 foot is a light one.
Line weight should be 4 to 6 for good feed-back with the rod without excessive weight.
Spinning rod blanks may be utilized light to ultra-light.
We definitely need more kids on the stream learning fishing skills.

Eugene Moore



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/03/2011 12:42PM by Eugene Moore.