baitcaster setup for 9yr old

[kawakx125]

Looking to get my son into a baitcasting rig for his birthday.  He'll be 9 this year, and im planning on setting him up with a Fuego baitcaster, but a little stumped on what rod to get him.  Somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 would be good, maybe 130 max.  Lots of options out there, however alot of the casting rods are 7' plus in my preferred brands.  Is a 7' rod going to be too much for a 9yr old to handle?  While i get the benefits of a longer rod, i'm wondering if a shorter 6' or 6'6'' rod would be a little better for him to learn on.  Any recommendations?

[Deephaven]

I would go 6'6" ...or should I say I did for both my boys.  They are 10 and 12 now and 7' rods for casting are tough.

[PhishLI]

Berkley Lighting Rod 6'6" MHF

https://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/berkley-lightning-casting-rod-17bkyulghtnngrd6frod/17bkyulghtnngrd6frod

 

My SIL uses two of this model with a Daiwa Fuego CT and CA80.. 30lb Braid. Caught his PB 7 1/2lb LM on one .

[MickD]

Good choice on the Fuego, a very easy reel to learn on.  I would recommend starting with about 14 pound quality mono, though.  It's the easiest to cast, IMHO.  6-6 would be a good length, I'd try to find something with a mod-fast action or mod.  Graphite for lowest weight.

 

Regarding length, depending on the technique, type of cast,  and height of the fisherman, shorter rods can have "benefits" that longer rods don't have.  I think the 6-6 is the right choice.

[Jigfishn10]

I guess look at it this way:

A 9 y/o won't have much of an attention span when it comes to fishing unless it's one of those magical, every cast a fish day happens.

 

If he loves fishing then:

I'd go 6'0 for a 9 y/o and then use the specification @MickD outlined. He'll enjoy fishing a smaller rod.

 

If he likes fishing, but will last for like an hour before he wants to do something else, then:

I'd go 6'6 for a 9 y/o and then use the specification @MickD outlined. He'll get some more years out of it while he grows.

[Bluebasser86]

My 8 year old uses a Shimano Citica on a 6' M/F Berkley Lightning rod. Not the fanciest setup but it's a good learner rig for him.

[WRB]

I started my son fishing as a 5 year old with a 5’ rod I made him and Zebco Omega Mini trigger spin reel. The reason being tiny hands and still developing hand eye coordination skills.

When Tommy was 8 he out grew the trigger spin outfit so I decided on a spinning rod- reel combo. The rod was 6’6” Phenix Split Shot rod with Shimano Stradic 1000 reel. He was still using that combo as a adult, nearly 30 years.

Tommy was 6’3” at 16 with big hands but he preferred spinning over my casting outfits that he used whenever he wanted.

My point is fishing should fun and catching bass in lieu of fighting the rod and reel they are using. Small hands have a difficult time using bait casting reels unless they smaller size 70 imo.

Definitely start with a moderate action rod for ease of casting.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

As far as attention span goes, I think it depends on the child.  Many of the kids today are gungho on gaming and have no patience.  Gratification has to be instant.  I started fishing at 5.  No such thing as electronic games.  Had no problem soaking worms for hours without running around.  Nor did my brothers.  Obviously it will be better for him if he can catch fish on a regular basis.

 

Can't argue with the shorter rod suggestions.  The Fuego is a great reel to learn on...as long as it isn't too big for his hands.  But even then it might be fine for him.  I don't think you have to palm a baitcast reel in order to use one.

[Derek1]

Last year I got my grandson the Ike dude rod. They have them at at BPS and Walmart, there is a spin cast model that comes in 5’6” mf  it’s more mod fast though, I find it’s a great size rod for that age/size kid. The real is junk, I got rid of it and put the heavier duty zebco bullet on it. The $40 metal one. You could throw a small casting reel on it. I’ve thought about throwing a slx on it for small poppers. 

Last year I got my grandson the Ike dude rod. They have them at at BPS and Walmart, there is a spin cast model that comes in 5’6” mf  it’s more mod fast though, I find it’s a great size rod for that age/size kid. The real is junk, I got rid of it and put the heavier duty zebco bullet on it. The $40 metal one. You could throw a small casting reel on it. I’ve thought about throwing a slx on it for small poppers. It’s a youth size rod so the handle thickness, length and trigger size are all appropriate 

[kawakx125]

On 5/10/2022 at 7:55 AM, MickD said:

Good choice on the Fuego, a very easy reel to learn on.  I would recommend starting with about 14 pound quality mono, though.  It's the easiest to cast, IMHO.  6-6 would be a good length, I'd try to find something with a mod-fast action or mod.  Graphite for lowest weight.

 

Regarding length, depending on the technique, type of cast,  and height of the fisherman, shorter rods can have "benefits" that longer rods don't have.  I think the 6-6 is the right choice.

Any recommendations on specific rods?  Having trouble finding a rod that fits those criteria in a 6'6'' length.  I do have an older Shimano Convergence rod either M/F or MH/F that i don't use anymore that I have considered giving him along with the new reel.  

[Deephaven]

Mojo Bass 6'6" MHF is what I would start him on.  Could go MF depending on what he'd throw but I assume that he already has a M spinning setup for lighter things which then a MH would be helpful for.

[dodgeguy]

I'd get a falcon bucoo in 6-6 with a Lew's LFS. I'd use 50 lb braid for less digging and backlash. Mono does not cast better than braid. It backlashes more and is harder to get out.

[WRB]

Garcia Vengeance 6’6” in several power/action under $70.

Suggest you consider M/M for younger new angler using 10# to 12# Big Game Mono. 

Tom

PS, let your son learn to cast your outfits.

[T-Billy]

On 5/10/2022 at 8:35 AM, PhishLI said:

Berkley Lighting Rod 6'6" MHF

https://www.fieldandstreamshop.com/p/berkley-lightning-casting-rod-17bkyulghtnngrd6frod/17bkyulghtnngrd6frod

 

My SIL uses two of this model with a Daiwa Fuego CT and CA80.. 30lb Braid. Caught his PB 7 1/2lb LM on one .

This was my first thought as well. Outstanding rod for it's price point.

[new2BC4bass]

9 hours ago, kawakx125 said:

Any recommendations on specific rods?  Having trouble finding a rod that fits those criteria in a 6'6'' length.  I do have an older Shimano Convergence rod either M/F or MH/F that i don't use anymore that I have considered giving him along with the new reel.  

Fenwick HMG 6'6" MF and MHF, BuCoo 6'6" Medium Moderate and 6'6" MH Moderate Fast, Lowrider 6'7" MH Moderate Fast and 13 Fishing has 6'7" in several lines.