When to buy fishing pole?

[mrsbornkuntry]

I know this is kind of a weird question, but DS's birthday is in April and we're thinking of getting him a good fishing pole because he really enjoys fishing with Cub Scouts when they camp. Dh and I really know nothing at all about fishing. So, what would be good to buy for a boy turning 11 that fishes maybe 4 to 5 times a year? And when is a good time to buy them, is there a time they go on sale? Also where to shop? We were thinking Dick's sporting goods (we dont' have a Bass Pro Shop near us, we thought of that first).

I don't know if it matters in what we buy, but just in case I want to mention that DS is small for his age and has poor muscle tone (from an illness) so he needs something not too difficult to handle.

ETA: I also don't mind buying online if there's a good online store I should look at.

TIA.

 

[Melynny]

I would buy him a Zebco 303 or a similar model at Walmart. They have some that come in a starter kit. This is not a kids model, but comes with a few of the necessary items. You should also start him with some regular hooks ( smaller "pan fish" size) and bobbers. When you get ready to fish, try to get smaller worms, such as red wrigglers not night crawlers. These smaller worms fit on the hooks better and won't need to be cut to fit as the night crawlers will. (take along some wet ones)

Depending on where and what type of fishing you will be doing, hooks and bobbers are good for starting with blue gills, they are quick to catch and should be fun. Also casting with some smaller type of weighted flys should be good too. A five gallon bucket works good to keep the fish in for a while instead of a stringer. And, you may need some long needle nose plyers, this job is not for the squeemish...
don't try to get a big bass type for the first times or you will all be discouraged!

 

[Chaoster]

For about $20 you can get a Ugly stick rod and reel combo. Check their website.

 

[debster812]

For about $20 you can get a Ugly stick rod and reel combo. Check their website.

ITA with this. My brother (an AVID fisherman) got my DS an Ugly Stick rod and reel for his birthday when he turned 10. This rod will last DS for many years to come, and is a really nice set. I think the rod, reel, and line cost <$25.

 

[mikehn]

You can get everything you need at Dicks or Walmart. Fishing equipment usually goes on sale around March. I agree, an inexpensive combo with a spinning reel would be best. Do not get the combos with spincast reels. The spincast reels are not much more than a toy and will frequently result in tangled line inside the housing. Remember, spinning reel, not spincast reel.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

Thank-you all for the advice, it's all very helpful and I will keep this for reference in March then .