Kids and Muskies

[bonefish]

I'm looking for some equipment advice/ideas for my kids. My oldest son (8) has successfully made it through panfish and bass fishing training, and has proven to me he's ready for Pike and Muskie. He's small for his age (~47" and under 50lbs) and a lefty so I'm not sure how to start him out. I've had the most success with him thus far by using a large Diawa Goldcast underspin reel with heavy mono for bass. How have you folks started your kids?

[goblueM]

can he cast a baitcaster?

does he reel with his left or right hand?

[bonefish]

I haven't tried a baitcaster with him yet, although I think he could master one after a weekend of practice. He casts with both hands but reels with his rod in right hand and cranking with his left.

[MikeEiden]

I started my son out with a larger spinning reel but he quickly went to a baitcaster. He seemed to like that better since it felt similar to his closed face reels he had been using. I actually put on lures with a little weight to them so he can cast far enough without putting much speed into his cast. Spinnerbaits, topwaters, etc cast well for him. I taught him how to tuck the butt of the rod under his arm and then grabs the foregrip with his hand. His prefered rod so far is an 8' MH (3/4-3oz); again for ease of casting. He'll be 12 this summer and the rod isn't to much for him.

[Scoot]

I haven't tried a baitcaster with him yet, although I think he could master one after a weekend of practice.

I've had a lot of young rookies in my boat the last few years (nephews and cousins are growing up!) and I strongly suggest that you make sure there isn't too much wind when you try make the switch to baitcasters. Wind + rookie + baitcaster = bad news. Other than that, he'll pick if up pretty quickly, I'd guess. Have fun!!!

[Tim_Anderson]

I have seen some little kids fishing muskies with baitcasters that were just downright amazing. They looked as comfortable with their rig as any adult would be. I'd say if he gets a chance to fish often and practice he will do fine.

As a backup, I always have a couple of spinning outfits with 40# braid in my rod locker. I have used both Shimano and Garcia's. They often come in handy for folks who struggle with baitcasters for whatever reason, whether they be male, female, or kid. I even use them at times during a long day just for a change of pace for the arms. We have boated plenty of big pike and muskies on spinning gear.

[mainbutter]

You can put them on lures such as smaller musky bucktails, or even dardevles, and not have to worry about trying to get a smaller kid to handle huge equipment.

[MuntzAngling]

I started musky fishing when I was 7 years old. Like the guys have said above, low profile baitcaster and 6' rod works great. I would recommend a stout spinning rig for those windy days.

I recently purchased smaller lures (that get 'em) for my 8 y.o. nephew.

5" Rapala Husky

5" Bomber

4" Renosky inline spinner

Small Buchertail

4" Hawg Wobbler

Large Johnson Spoon - Foolproof for those tough days!

Hope it helps!

[bonefish]

Thanks for the ideas. I like the bait suggestions SS. Thanks for reminding me about the Johnson Spoon. I bet I spent half of my childhood throwing one of those with a white twister tail, and they're still fun as an adult too!