Hi All,

I've been building rods for about one year now and my oldest grandson (7) has really shown an interest in fishing. He would spend hours at the lake casting his rod off the dock in the evenings. Well this time up north he asked me to make him a fishing rod for his next birthday. How can you say no to that? He was using a spinning rod off the dock and doing quite well with it. He picked up the technique very quickly. When he would go out with his Dad or myself we would troll and then he used a spin cast rod. The reel kinda suck, but other than that he did pretty good.

So my question to everyone is what blank should I use for his rod? I'm looking for recommendations for both spinning and casting.

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

I would look at a general purpose rod about 6 feet in length but no longer. A fast taper rod rated for about 1/4 to 3/8th ounce lures. Most likely I'd build it for a spinning reel, unless he's already using a spincast model. This would be a good all-around rod for a variety of species, including bass and walleyes. Something marketed as a "spin bass" blank should be good for him.

A tad more information might be helpful to dial this sort of thing in. What species is he fishing for? Is he using bait or lures?

Obviously you'd want to select a rod blank that has a casting weight range to match the lures or bait he's throwing. At a young age like that I wouldn't burden him with too much length, although I don't think that a 6 footer is necessarily too long.

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

IMHO, kids grow up quick and tend to treasure certain gifts from grandpa and dad. While I have no data I'd be willing to wager at least one forum member has a rod (not to mention a gun) his dad or grandpa gave him.

My point is that I think it makes sense to give him something "good enough" for the long haul. Give him something, that while attainable, is also a challenge. Don't saddle him with something that is "only a toy". Give him something that will allow him to prove that he is serious. Give him something that puts him on equal ground and gives him a fighting chance against any other fisherman.

Now I have no idea where he lives and what he fishes for (although google might suggest MN for you). Maybe crappie or walleye are king in his area....I dunno. You could probably do something quality but budget friendly with an MHX blank and a pflueger spinning reel. Heck, I don't think that age is too young to consider a baitcaster.

You did say "oldest grandson"....as in there could be more in the wing. Might well be your start at a second childhood too my friend. And from personal experience, don't overlook the girls.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Having built these same rods for kids in either spin or spin cast is the Batson SP721-2 Rx 6 multi purpose blank. Won't break the bank but make a great 1st rod 2-6 lb test 1/16-1/4 oz lure. Great learning rod.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/2013 08:02PM by Dick Ross.

Thanks for all for helping me with some great suggestions. You were right there should have been a little more information provided. I do live in Minnesota and the fish most likely being pursued would be sunnies, crappies, northern pike, walleyes and bass. I know that one rod won't cover the whole spectrum, but most likely will be used at one time or another for them. Russell was also correct about having more grandchild coming up behind him in the near future. I have 5 total in all and I believe each one (boys and girls) will be getting a fishing rod at some point in their future. I'm leaning towards a multi-purpose 6 foot rod to start with in the medium power range.

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

I recommend choosing a blank which is either fiberglass composite or a thicker walled graphite like RX6.
Kids can be rough on rods so it's best if the blank can take some punishment in stride.

David Gilberg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I recommend choosing a blank which is either
> fiberglass composite or a thicker walled graphite
> like RX6.
> Kids can be rough on rods so it's best if the
> blank can take some punishment in stride.

Great recommendation on choosing rods that can take a little punishment once in awhile.

Hello Chester.

MudHole has CRB blanks, IM6, lots of different colors and weight ranges; though all are Fast Action (Except the CRB E-Glass; (Larger) rods).

However ALL at a good price.

You can find one that will work for just about any kid big enough to work a 5'6" rod.

You are going to love it.

Tight Wraps and Wide Smiles.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

One thing to keep in mind is that a fishing rod isn't necessarily something you outgrow. Unless you build it too short, this kid will be able to use a proper rod throughout his adult life. I think the biggest issue here is rod length. A good compromise now will give him a fishing rod that literally could last a lifetime.

Make it short enough for him to enjoy immediately, but long enough that it's practical when he's 18. Six feet sounds about right, but that depends on the type of fishing the rod will be meant for.

Most importantly...have fun...you have a very special customer you're building this rod for!

Jay

I will second the CRB blanks. Excellent value and very tough. The 601L would be my first choice.

I'm with Russell and Jay, don't consider this a short term rod, do it right as if he were a young adult-he will be soon. I built 6 1/2 foot St. Croix (3s66mf) Avids for two of my grandkids (one male and one female) when they were only about 7 years old,and they took to them really fast, 6 1/2 was not too long for boat fishing. The rod is versatile, will handle the big fish as well as the small, casts a wide variety of lures well. If the child is given proper supervision and instruction early, and if the child is one who takes instructions, then there should be no problems. You may not want to invest in Avids, but get good blanks and components and build a handsome "adult" rod. By the way, a friend of mine, my granddaughter, and I went out on a bass lake recently and the friend got two, my granddaughter got 4, and I got 3. She's 10 now and is quite a fisherman.

I want to thank everyone for their input, it was interesting to read all the posts. You are right, building for a grandchild is very special. He enjoys his moments on the lake when it is just the two of us. We fish for awhile then go have some pizza on the lake for lunch and then back to the resort for an afternoon of swimming and fun.

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

Trust me

That stuff only comes around ( ONCE ) Enjoy it NOW

Bill - willierods.com