Best Casting Reel for Kids

[Brett's_daddy]

As the title states, I would like to find a good, solid casting reel for my 7 year old son to start out with. Obviously it doesn't have to be of the highest quality but something simple that is almost impossible to backlash once it's dialed in to the weight of a lure. He's a lefty too. Any suggestions?

[fishballer06]

Something impossible to backlash? Any Shimano DC controlled reel.

[Brett's_daddy]

How about a Kastking Speed Demon? I have read where they are supposed to be very hard to backlash.

[islandbass]

I started my daughter with my curado when she was 6. She will be 18 this month.  Once properly set, they are practically idiot proof. And the primary reason kids that age might backlash is when their lure hits the water or whatever else, before their thumb can stop the spool from spinning. I am willing to bet that is the golden nugget of information your son will need to get started. Also, there is no such thing as a reel that won't backlash as a result of user error so expect them.  

 

Unless this will be a bait monkey "excuse" (LOL) to add a new reel to your arsenal, I think you should let him use one of your reels for now. However, if you want to buy him one, make sure it's at a level of capability that you would also use.  I see no point in starting him off on something "lesser" than what you would use. He'll outgrow it and you'll be stuck with it.

 

Just load it up with the appropriate mono and he'll be good to go. Or use the lp in your arsenal with the smallest and lowest profile to better suit his hands.

 

One last thing. I "invented" (out of necessity) what I call a "rod leash" for the event that they make a cast and accidentally drop or let go of the rod they are using.  It will save their rod and reel from falling into the drink and you the hassle of trying to recover it if it's recoverable at all. I can't post my photobucket images anymore, but I could show you how to set one up if you're interested.  

 

[new2BC4bass]

18 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

Something impossible to backlash? Any Shimano DC controlled reel.

Second this.  I've only had experience with a used Exsence DC I recently picked up, but if the other DC reels function the same way, then it is virtually impossible on normal casts to backlash the reel in F, BB, SP and Max settings.  This is with the spool tension set very loose.  No thumb needed on the spool.  I haven't as yet caught a bush, tree, rod or another angler with mine yet so can't say if it is totally backlash proof.  Lot of money even used.  I would suggest finding a used reel with Daiwa's Magforce 3D braking.  These are the only reels I have been able to cast with zero brakes on without backlashing.  Thumb is needed.    You can backlash the DC if the brake is set less than Max without much trouble.  At least I can, but I am a better caster than a lot of these young squirts. 

 

Other options might be reels with dual brakes.  Plenty of braking power if both are set at max.  I've never used my Tatula with brakes set at 20, but maybe someone else has and can say whether or not it is nearly impossible to backlash set that way.

 

I have an older blue Patriarch XT that I believe is set with one internal brake on and either 2 or 3 on the dial.  No problem throwing unweighted 10" ribbontail worms.  This is a lower brake setting than any other reel I own.  As you might have already guessed, I am not the world's best caster and use more brakes than the vast majority of people on here.  I picked up my last one for $65 and it is in very good condition.  Based on my experience with that reel and some older Carbonlites, I think a dual brake reel is a very good option for a beginner.

[NYWayfarer]

1 hour ago, Brett's_daddy said:

As the title states, I would like to find a good, solid casting reel for my 7 year old son to start out with. Obviously it doesn't have to be of the highest quality but something simple that is almost impossible to backlash once it's dialed in to the weight of a lure. He's a lefty too. Any suggestions?

How much are you looking to spend?

 

A good Baitcaster for under $50 that's pretty hard to backlash would be the Kastking Spartacus.

[bigturtle]

Any reel can set so that its very hard to backlash, but you will sacrifice some distance for it. The SV reels from daiwa are very good if you are willing to spend that much

[new2BC4bass]

3 minutes ago, islandbass said:

I started my daughter with my curado when she was 6. She will be 18 this month.  Once properly set, they are practically idiot proof. And the primary reason kids that age might backlash is when their lure hits the water or whatever else, before their thumb can stop the spool from spinning. I am willing to bet that is the golden nugget of information your son will need to get started. Also, there is no such thing as a reel that won't backlash as a result of user error so expect them.  

 

Unless this will be a bait monkey "excuse" (LOL) to add a new reel to your arsenal, I think you should let him use one of your reels for now. However, if you want to buy him one, make sure it's at a level of capability that you would also use.  I see no point in starting him off on something "lesser" than what you would use. He'll outgrow it and you'll be stuck with it.

 

Just load it up with the appropriate mono and he'll be good to go. Or use the lp in your arsenal with the smallest and lowest profile to better suit his hands.

 

One last thing. I "invented" (out of necessity) what I call a "rod leash" for the event that they make a cast and accidentally drop or let go of the rod they are using.  It will save their rod and reel from falling into the drink and you the hassle of trying to recover it if it's recoverable at all. I can't post my photobucket images anymore, but I could show you how to set one up if you're interested.  

 

The rod leash is a very good idea.  Heck, maybe one I should put in practice.  One time I let a fish run too far, leaned forward, reared back....but the rod stayed in the forward position. 

 

Target shooting with a bow....it is easy to forget to close your hand on release.  A tether is a big help.

[DINK WHISPERER]

I started my boy at 7 with a Daiwa excelor. Got it for $45 on sale at TW.  He rarely back lashes it at all. 

[The Bassman]

My hat's off to any grade school kid that can throw a baitcaster with any proficiency. I know I probably couldn't have even if I had today's equipment. But then I never got the hang of catching a fly ball.