Without knowing anything about the boy's family situation, I think you did the right thing in showing him the positive in his rod/reel outfit. I know I'm guilty in pushing some of the tackle I've talked about around some of the beginners on this forum, but in retrospect, I want to ensure everyone I started with nothing and had to pay my own way. I attribute this from being raised by parents who lived through the Great Depression. One thing I am sure of, kids have it harder today IMO. With all the media behind the pros, Googans and Googan want to be(s) out there, there is a lot of pressure on these kids today. Yes, you did the right thing @Mobasser. Maybe we should spend more time reading Walden and why it is we really fish.
The smile on his face...Priceless!