So my boy is old enough to take fishing now!

First thing I did was check the reviews on new Zebco reels. Knowing they have been around forever I figured something had changed along the way. Been keeping an eye out for some good used ones.

I have some good small spinning reels that maybe I'll try him casting in the yard too.


Anyways, I'll update this thread when I buy something. But I do appreciate all the first hand experience and opinions.


-X
 
The local store had a Berkely med action rod, about 5' long, maybe less, with a closed face reel that had the trigger to release the line on a cast. It was more than I wanted to pay for me but it would probably make a great kids pole unless you wanted something really stiff.
 
When I was 5-7, the biggest problem I had fishing was being able to cast much more than 10-15 feet. So the spinning reel helps with that and the closed face spinning reel reduces the potential for snarls developing on the spool, but it still happens.

I had an old casting rod as my first rod and hated it. Absolutely hated it! After I started getting an allowance, I saved up for a Zebco reel and bought a little better rod. They were all fiberglass in those days.

I would suggest that you limit his fishing to open places where he can wind up and cast over his head and not hit a bunch of stuff like tree limbs and so forth so you aren't spending all your time getting him untangled. Once he gets some experience and has the desire, he can be able to cast mostly to where he wants to and avoid tree limbs and so forth more. But we all get tangled from time to time. It is part of fishing.

Bobbers work well at that age. Keep them for getting tangled on the bottom of the lake, pond, or river/stream. But gradually he will develop more feel and not need the bobber.

Feeling bites is something that you really can't teach. It takes experience and good rods.
 
Got a rod and reel for the boy today!

After looking through the stores at the various options I wasn't overly thrilled. Ended up finding a nice 5.5 MH casting rod at my neighbors yard sale today. I know it's a bit stiff, but it will help him with casting right now. I think it's a Walmart brand, but is one piece, IM7 material, cork grip and in good shape.

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I found a nice Zebco 33 USA made version on the bay for $16 delivered, it should be here this week. Hoping to get out this coming weekend with him and my dad too. It's gonna be worms and bobbers to start, should be fun. Also added a hook keeper to the rod today as well. He's all excited about it too, making me even more excited about it!


-X
 
Hey X, If that reel doesn't work out for whatever reason, hit me up. I am pretty sure I have a reel that the little man can have.
 
The eBay Zebco showed up yesterday while I was at work, it was pretty clean on the outside, but it came from Georgia and had lots of salt water evidence on the inside. It cleaned up nicely, a good scrubbing with some dawn dish soap all over, fresh grease and oil inside, it works like a champ! I really like this little rig too, I might just have to set another one up like it for me!

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The boy is super excited to go fishing tomorrow! His school is closed, I'm off work, my dad is off work so we're gonna make it a "man day" doing "man things" as my son likes to call it. Will post pics of any fish he catches too.


-Xander
 
Have fun!

22 days until opening day here with my 4 and 9 yr olds.

Good stuff! :thumbup:
 
Hey Xander, I haven't been keeping up with this story. Let us know how it goes with the Zebco 33. That looks like an older model, like the one I had as a kid. I used Berkley rods back in those days, and recall having a Buckaneer specifically.
 
Shoot, I thought I updated here already! I believe that reel is from the 80's or early 90's as it's a plastic body and foot. It works well! Cleaned up nicely inside.

Anyways, little dude could handle it just fine...

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My boy didn't catch it, I did, but he had fun getting up close with it once I got it in! Almost 4#!

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Next time I'm going to take him someplace local for bluegill. Worms and bobbers. That trout was delicious too!


-X
 
Looks like you had a great day fishing with your boy!

I bet he'll be pretty excited when he catches his first fish!
 
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All of those benches around the lake... looks like he's fishing at SeaWorld, lol. :)
 
Took little dude fishing again today...

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He was super stoked to finally have caught his first fish! The Zebco has proven itself a worthwhile investment!


-Xander
 
That was my first rod/reel setup when I was 5 or so....before that it was a cane pole/bobber and minnow when I was in diapers.

Panfish are made for kids, lots of action if you do it right and they don't care about size.
 
Fantastic!! Congrats to the lad.:thumbup:
Took little dude fishing again today...

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He was super stoked to finally have caught his first fish! The Zebco has proven itself a worthwhile investment!


-Xander
 
fast14riot- The pics look great! I have an almost 4yr old and she is just getting into fishing with daddy and it is awesome. Everyone says to treasure these moments, and it looks like you are, I know I certainly am with my daughter. Keep it up!
Bruce

PS: Sending PM
 
Well I've been having a blast fishing with the boy and using the little Zebco I decided to buy one of my own, snagged this very clean older specimen 33 at the flea market today for $8.00! It was nearly spotless inside and functions like a sewing machine! Far better condition than the one I got for the boy. This also has the metal foot. I was going to use my vintage trout rod that my late uncle built for me 20 years ago, but noticed it has a loose ferrule now, so I'm going to find a little light action rod to throw this on.

I've grown to love these things all over again! I've never stopped liking fishing for pan fish though.

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Should be a fun little rig when I get it done!


-Xander
 
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