Fly rod for a 12 year old

[ksmitty]

My boy turns 12 tomorrow and he wants his own fly rod. Any suggestions.

[abbgdr]

Sounds like a good excuse to buy a 7'- 7'6" 5 wt. Medium action, glass rod... Come to think of it, I have a birthday coming up,,,

[yetiseeker]

I had my daughter fly-fishing since she was eight years old.

My recommendation would be to gear her up with any rod that you would personally use for yourself. A decent rod, reel, line combo will be better to learn on with less frustration bettering the chances the sport will be enjoyed. And should your 12yr old not enjoy it, then you have a spare system for yourself.

I set up my daughter with an 8' 6" 5 wt system. She learned and grew into the rod and 14 years later has become quite proficient with her casting.

[Flieguy]

if he's big for his age get him a 7'6" or 8 foot regular rod. If he's smaller, or has smaller hands, he might learn better with a kid's rod such as an Echo gecko or Ross Journey.

[Ozzzzz]

Originally Posted by yetiseeker

My recommendation would be to gear her up with any rod that you would personally use for yourself. A decent rod, reel, line combo will be better to learn on with less frustration bettering the chances the sport will be enjoyed. And should your 12yr old not enjoy it, then you have a spare system for yourself.

X2

[Fishy]

When I was 12 my dad bought me a 9' 5 wt TFO rod with a BFR rimfly 55 reel. It took a bit to grow into, but its still the only rod I use! I haven't had to upgrade a thing, just take good care of it.

[spinN'flyfish]

Originally Posted by Flieguy

if he's big for his age get him a 7'6" or 8 foot regular rod. If he's smaller, or has smaller hands, he might learn better with a kid's rod such as an Echo gecko or Ross Journey.

I agree with him, if it doesnt fit him and its too big he may and trouble, casting gripping the rod or maybe hurt himself, and his not gonna enjoy the sport.

[Ozzzzz]

I have a 7 foot 3 weight Greys GRXi+ that I put in my 11 year old's hands last year. It seemed to work pretty well for him. AND it works for me on those small mountain streams as well!

[rycoma]

7'6" max in a 4 wt. The first couple years are going to be small streamers and some dry flies. I wouldn't even try nymphs and casting for a few years.

[lambski]

TFO Bug Launcher, 5-6 weight in an 8 foot, 89 bucks i believe! warranty for life!

[Bjay]

There is a used 8 1/2 ft fly rod on Spey pages for sale right now. I believe it was a pretty good rod for a good price. 5 or 6 weight
BJay

[ksmitty]

I picked him up a TFO 4 pc at Sportsmen's Den. It casts awesome and I'm jealous. I hope he doesn't take it to school with him. LOL

[jgib01]

Originally Posted by ksmitty

I picked him up a TFO 4 pc at Sportsmen's Den. It casts awesome and I'm jealous. I hope he doesn't take it to school with him. LOL

Nice! Actually, my 12 y.o. will be taking his new outfit to school with him. He has a fishing option starting next week, so hoping his teacher is a better instructor at fly-casting than am I. Things are way cooler now in middle school than they were when I was a kid.