I am looking for 2 reels for a build for my two youngest grandchildren. Boy is seven and girl is ten years old. They have already picked their rods and both are 6ft and moderate fast action. I have been going back to the 1950's when i was a kid and my push button zebco, but having done a little research on zebco reels the reviews are not to good. I was thinking spin cast or a under spin reel, so any suggestions appreciated. I will be putting 6lb mono on the reels.

Roger

I would suggest a 1000 series open face spinning reel. I found out that children are pretty smart and learn fast. My granddaughter was casting her own rod at eight, she is ten now and can cast a spinning rod with the best of them. It took a little patience and encouragement and she picked it up quickly.

I would start with 8 lb test until they become more proficient then back down to lighter test lines.

You are smart in starting them with a quality rod less chance of forming bad habits.

Have fun

Thanks John, hadn't thought about a spinning reel. That might be the way to go.

Roger,

Little size 10 or 1000 spinning reels are a great choice, but my kids (7 and 10) still work with Zebcos. They have UL and L powered rods with Zebco 11's and 22's. Those reels just haven't changed over the years and consist of the same pot metal gears and plastic parts that they had in the 80s and 90s of my youth. I think they are still produced, but Zebco had a model called the Rhino that had sizes that were similar to the 22 and 33. That reel made use of a few ball bearings and better fit and finish in the parts. They were a nice upgrade without a significant price hike.

I'm going to suggest a regular spinning reel too. Kids grow fast and I don't think it wise to provide equipment that puts them at a handicap. I also think a parent should not underestimate the sentimental attachment a child may develop "for things that Dad gave me".

For those of use lucky enough to have received a Winchester 94 for our birthday....would you ever part with that rifle? .....has it become so antiquated as to no longer be viable at it's job?

I don't think you can go wrong with a Shimano Stradic 2500. It will serve them well, in fresh or saltwater, for a very long time. The Daiwa BG would be a solid choice if budget is an issue.

I'm sure a few of us still have a Mitchell 300, or a Penn 704. I sure wish I still had that first generation Shimano Bantam....or TLD 5.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I think the Abu spincast reels are superior to Zebcos.

Spencer would be correct. I would go with spinners also, at least you don't have to unscrew the cap every time it gets fouled up. lol

I vote for the Mitchell 300 , made to last life time`s.

The first spin cast reel I ever used was the Mitchel 300, purchased in the early 1970's. It was bulletproof, and never failed me. After 15 years of fishing with it for brookies, pike, perch, and whatever else was biting, I caught and landed a King salmon with that reel. If it will haul in a King Salmon, for its size, that was one sturdy reel. There are more expensive reels on the market, but none that I think are made better. I passed that reel, and fiberglass rod down to my eldest daughter. It's still her favorite rod & real combo.

RJF

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I taught my daughters to fly cast at 4 and 6. It was pretty funny giving them spinning rods when they were your grandchildren's age and watching them strip off line and try to cast, Now whenever I ask them if they want to go fishing they tell me "only if it's not fly fishing". Don't worry those kids will be able to cast a spinning rod and reel pretty quick.

Roger, I buy, repair, and restore Mitchell reels. These reels are not hard to work on, Wallace Carney has a very good youtube video, to repair and maintain the 300. I have (2) 300's I can send to you, all I ask is the cost of shipping. I am a strong advocate of young anglers, I give 2 or 3 UL rods and reels, away at kids fishing rodeo's. If your interested email me, subject line Mitchell 300 for kids (I'll know to open it). They will be ready to fish, just need new line. I'm sure your grandchildren can past them on to their kids, and their grendchildren.
Don

Thanks Don for the kind offer but i have already got 2 Cardinal 10's. Again thank you.