First Rod/Reel Combo for Child

[amateurfishing]

i would like to get my son a combo very simple & easy to use for his first ice fishing season with me, i know the norm for ice fishing is the open reel baitcasting types but think this type of reel may throw him off his game and have lots of line issues as his open water setup is a simple zebco closed setup and just pushing a button, any thoughts or ideas on making the setup very simple for a 6 year old?

[BartmanMN]

Cheap ultra light rod and a trigger spin reel. Using a trigger spin reel is like using a zebo spincast reel from the boat. That way they don't have to worry about opening and closing the bail on a spinning reel.

South Bend Micro Trigger Spinning Reel

[fishwater]

Maybe something like the Pflueger underspin spincast reel would work?

[amateurfishing]

thx.....who carrys it? FF, C's, Gander?

[BartmanMN]

The pflueger underspin would likely be at the places you mentioned, but it will cost you.

The one I mentioned can be had on Amazon for around $10 shipped. My boy has a Berkley rod with the trigger spin reel, however it doesn't look like Berkely is producing a rod with those any longer.

[amateurfishing]

will any trigger spin reel work or do i need to search specifically for ice fishing trigger spin reel?

[mccullen]

Look for one that has some type of cold weather lube in it. A normal summer fishing rod will freeze up on you and make it tough on the little guy to reel in. Or I guess you could give it a lube job and clean out the regular stuff and put some winter lube in it. Hot sauce is a good choice. Haven't had any freezing problems with it. I'm sure there is many more types but I stick with what I know works for me. The reels are the same it's just the lube that is inside of it that makes it compatible with the colder weather.

[MikeH55343]

Ugly Stik Ice Rod and any of the reels suggested in the other posts.

The Ugly Stik is unbreakable but still a pretty good rod.

Nothing is more disappointing that a busted fishing rod - no matter how old you are.

[mww24]

how young? at 4 my boy was using a spinning reel. It's not like summer when your casting every minute. Its open and let line out and then close. They catch on very fast. also maybe get a spring bobber to feel those light bites. They love watching that spring wiggle when a fish is bumping your lure. Kids learn better than adults do and If the little one is old enough give it a whirl. Whats the worst that can happen you end up with another combor for yourself. good luck

[amateurfishing]

he is 6 & a very determined one, first time we went out this past spring it was 3 hours b4 a bite but he was rewarded with a 12 inch bass! should have seen his face & he talked about it for a month! i see the point of not a lot of in and out casting, maybe i will just give him one of mine to start & just to learn to watch the rod tip. he is vey patient and good and does not give up or quit easily. it cant hurt to try, if he messes up a combo, then i guess i know he's not ready for that reel yet. thx for the info