Young hunter

[sdpikehntr]

I just started into the muskie fishing myself and my 10 yr old son is hooked even more than I am. He will be turning 11 in July and I want to get him a rod and reel. What size rod and type would you suggest, and what type of reel would you suggest. I don't want to go to overboard with dollars, because I assume he will have to upgrade as he matures. He is only 60lbs but will out fish me on most days.

It started at Elk Lake for his muskie trip 10 yr old b-day. Three follower, one hit but no nets.

[HugoBox]

Everyone who reads this will have a different opinion so I may as well offer mine. Get an ABU 6500 on a 6.5 to 7 foot rod. As he gets bigger and stronger he may want to get into other stuff but this will help him throw most standard baits. I'd also try to find someone who fishes a lot and let him mess around with their stuff a bit. Just don't let him near any high end stuff at this age or you're be broke before he hits high school!! I'm sure you'll get other offers from much more accomplished folks but I have a whoel slough of gear that you could try out if you ever wanted to bring your son out for a morning in the north metro.

[Shawn Kellett]

I'd almost say go with a 5500 and a 1-3oz bass rod for now. That'd throw most any topwater, reasonably sized bucktail or crank.

[bronzeback]

I had an 11 year old in my boat last summer a few times throwing double 13's on an 8 foot rod. It definitely comes down to what he's comfortable palming/holding onto, and how he retrieves his baits. This little guy would just tuck the rodbutt deep in his armpit and crank away all day and night without a problem. The only issue with the rod length and that size of bait was his figure eights weren't that effective.

I'd have to agree on the 7 foot rod and the Abu combo. I'd say go Compre' instead of a heavier bass rod just because I feel like as he gets older he may have more use for a heavier stick if he really stays hooked on the sport.

[propster]

Good for you sdpikehtr. Check out the combo I have for sale in the musky classifieds. Might be perfect for your son. It's what my boy used until a couple years ago when he graduated to bigger and better equipment. Good luck with him, you'll have fun.

[riverkid21]

My little brother was 11 last summer and I had him throwing a 7 6" Compre with a Shimano Calcutta 400 B. He really did well with the reel. The rod was a little long for him, so I'd maybe back it down to 7 feet.

[sdpikehntr]

Thank you all for the information. Propster I am interested in the combo that you have and I plan to look at the classified. if you have any other info it would, I appreciate it.

[propster]

Shoot me an email or give me a call.