My son has taken a keen interest in fishing and I'm looking for a fly rod for him. He's 12, but quite small for his age. What lenghth/weight of rod would you recommend for him - he'll mainly be fishing for wild browns on small lochs from the bank initially?
I don't want to spend silly money incase this is a passing phase!

Thanks
John

Check out the Shakespeare odessy or trion range.great value and you can get a 8.5-9' 5# for not a lot.Perfect for wild browns.

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

I second that suggestion.

Yup, good rod for the money.

Shakespeare Odyssey Fly Rod Range (2pc 5/6# 8ft 5in) - Lathams Discount Fishing Tackle

Stick a #6 line on it in case its a bit breezy and will also help with the learning curve, a #5 line may be a struggle.

The Pirate.

__________________
Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates - No pressure, just pleasure! Pip pip!

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/trade-cla...e-bonanza.html

http://www.soniksports.com/

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-lines...unkistbob.html

One on ebay now 8ft 6ins #5/6 £16.99 + £4.99 P&P brand spanking new on buy it now...............can't be bad...........birdsnest

__________________
Fear not if I steal from your side, as of yore, from paradise streams to fish Teifi once more.
BN based in Wolverhampton

Well I learned on a 7ft 6inch fibreglass 'switch rod' that threw a three line or put the butt on and it became a light spinning rod.

If he is struggling, keep the length of the rod down as it is this which increases the leverage and therefore the strength to use it. Both shakey models are good but don't be afraid to get a three weight or four weight and over line by 1 line weighting. (i.e. 4 wt line on a three wt rod etc).

Distance casting is not so important as presentation (especially with the dry fly which I find more fun)... the small browns will come right in, especially at dusk. The slightly slower actions of the shakeys will also make it easier for him to get a casting rhythm. Casting a three weight or 4 weight s just as easy as a 5 or 6. Biggest I would go is an 8ft 4wt.

I have both the Odyssey XT 7ft 3wt and I use the trion xt 6'6'' 3wt, as well as an 8ft 4wt all of which are nice little rods and don't require a lot of power or effort to put 10-15 yards of line out.

If you are Ayrshire/lanarkshire way and want to try out some rods, let me know.

__________________
Just My Tuppenceworth!!

Thanks for the replies

Think I'll take a look at the Shakespeare rods

Keep an eye out for a second hand fibre glass rod.Apart from being cheap it will probabally have a more forgiving action and be less prone to breaking than carbon in the hands of a youngster.The downside is it will probably weigh more than a carbon rod but its what i learned on at that age

all the best Nick

My I do like this thread and there ain't a single bump in it ( sez Shakespeares Consultant since 1982 ! )

Best wishes

Steve P