I've built fly rods for all of my grandkids and I need to make one more for the last boy. Nobody in my family fly fishes anymore so I'd like to build an ultra light spinning for a 4 year old for Christmas.

I've been away from rod building for some time so I'm not sure of what brands/models are available, but I would like some around 5 1/2 - 6" for crappie type fishing. Thanks.

Trust, but verify - Ronald Reagan

I would not go below 6 1/2 feet. That boy is growing fast and shouldn't have trouble with a 6 1/2 foot rod even today. And the casting ease and hook sets for a 6 1/2 far exceed any 5 1/2 I've ever seen.

If I were going to build this rod I think I would go with a Rainshadow Revelation. They have a whole bunch of suitable blanks to choose from whether you want to go short or long. This would be my choice:

REVS68ML-SB Finesse/Tubes/Small Crankbaits 6'8" 6-12 1/8-3/8 0.44 5 Fast ML 1.71

When my granddaugter was 4 I built her a 6 1/2 foot Avid and she took right to it, no problems. She still uses it at 16. What you build, with proper care,, will last your grandson a lifetime.

[rodgeeks.com]

Right, Herb, great selection from Rodgeeks, and most are about 2/3 the price of the ones I selected.

I made Seeker S Glass trout/crappie rods for my grandkids, lighter and more sensitive than regular glass and yet way more durable than graphite. They store easier than a one piece blank also.

herb canter Wrote:
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> [rodgeeks.com]


Bingo!

Beckett is into the Mario Brothers big time and the RodGeeks blanks can be ordered in a two-tone finish for an extra $20. With the butt half blue and the top half red, I should be able to make a 6 1/2' 2 piece rod in the Mario Brothers theme.

I'd prefer a spin cast reel if I can find a good one and probably make it a spiral wrap. Thanks.

Trust, but verify - Ronald Reagan