Hello gang-

You have been so generous with good info on a couple of other topics, I thought I would solicit your opinions. I'm hoping to visit a dear friend in Idaho late this summer. He has two fine boys, the oldest is perhaps seven or eight. His sister lives on the same property, and her son is just a bit younger. I wanted to make a gift to these boys of fly rods and reels, as well as a little fly tying kit I will put together. Perhaps they are just a bit young, but this may very well be the only time I get to see them.

Their property incorporates a a splendid little lake, rich with both trout and bass. A trout stream is also on the property, with other trout water quite near. The boys love to fish, but haven't been introduced to fly fishing yet.

I can't spend a great deal of money, but don't want to give them something which is of poor quality and which would hamper their learning and enjoyment. I have the reels covered, so I am asking for your wisdom regards rods. I'm thinking five weight, as their Dad has a five weight. What might you choose? White River CGR? Orvis Clearwater (about the top of my price range)? I've looked at a number of possibilities. I like the Orvis "25 year guarantee", and also admire the spare tip section that Moonshine provides. Perhaps a Drifter?

I would prefer to give them a nice glass rod, but wonder if a graphite might serve them better as they have still water fishing right outside the front door.

I'd be grateful for any input you have to share...

Echo Gecko the best kids rod ever https://echoflyfishing.com/project/echogecko/ I have grandkids using them and I have fished them, also very nice casting rods. If those are to much the money the old go to the eagle claw featherlight 7' 5/6 would be good rod. i like it better than the CGR which I find is very noodle. There is some you tubes on the Echo Gecko you my find interesting. That's just my put. Good luck on your quest

If a 2 section rod is acceptable, Id go with a pair of FF856. they are reasonably common, you can probably get two of them for less than $200, they will fish the lake just fine from poppers to streamers but should also do fine on flowing water for trout with standard flies.

Would be a great choice.You can get them on sale also.I feel glass is more forgiving to new and young fly anglers.

IMHO an Eagle Claw in either 6'6" or 7' would work well and they can take a lot of abuse.

Thanks to all for the great suggestions!

I liked the idea of finding some vintage Fenwicks, but I decided it might be best to have three shiny, new, identical rods for the three boys. When they are a bit older, if I’m still around, I’ll outfit them with some better gear if they have retained interest.

I ordered three of the “red Chinese” rods in 5 wt, but will furnish the boys with some good old reels to go along with them.

There is a darling little girl in the picture too, so I will have to find out what might be a special gift for her.

The prospect is rather pleasing for an old guy who never had any kids of his own.

Hahahaha! Not at all impossible!

I intend to make some inquiries in advance of my trip to see what the little Princess might enjoy receiving.

Although, I rather hate the thought of outfitting her with fly gear. She would very likely out fish all of the lads just like my wife out fishes me!

I'd suggest a 7 1/2 ft 6 wt vintage fiberglass rod. There are many good ones around but The Browning Silaflex would be a great choice. The 7 1/2 ft 6 wt is a #322975 and they are affordable.

But, it sounds like you have a workable solution. Best wishes.

Edit: But, I am with Bulldog below...graphite is not the answer. They are too fragile.

I’d recommend an eagle claw glass. Surprisingly decent rods for little cost (relatively). Plus they are yellow, kids love the bright color.

I’d also think something in the 7-7.5’ range 4-6… though for younger kids I’d suggest lower on that scale.

Also tfo sells foam fighting butts that push on. You could get those and it would give the kids a possibility to have a lower grip and kinda 2 hand the rod. Very similar in nature to the echo gecko (which I would highly recommend if you can get some in your budget but I’d anticipate gett the eagle claw cheaper)

Edit - just looked online and sportsman’s warehouse has some 6.5’ 3/4 and 7’ 5/6s available. I’d think any or all of the above would work. Also overlining these rods is not a bad idea, I’d think it would work well for kids for a while.

Friends-

Please let me thank you again for all of the great suggestions and information. I purchased three of the Aventik "Chinese red" rods from an online vendor. I just went out back, slipped my Hardy Perfect into place and gave one a short trial. Excellent! It is just soft enough to have some life in it, requires very little effort to form a nice loop, and tossed the entirety of my shortened 60 foot Sylk with ease. Very pleased with these, and I would happily fish one.

By the time I had gained some intel on the little girl - "Oh, she's girly, but she loves to fish and kayak with the boys" - the Aventik rods were out of stock. I purchased an Eagle Claw Featherlight, and I must say this one disappointed. I realize that when I was a tadpole, I would have been pleased as punch to have it, but the old man that I am now found it lifeless and stiff as a stick. It tossed the line well, but there was no joy in the process. The reel seat was also defective and unusable. Again, disappointing.

Looks as if I am going to have to rustle up another of the "Chinese red" rods for the little tomgirl!

I learned with a 6'6" Wright + McGill 'Featherlight' #5 (with metal ferrule) at that age,
tossing small poppers on a LM Bass/Sunfish lake.

Restored that well-used rod, as an adult back in 2009:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8143&p=58873&hilit=featherlight#p58873

For young kids to learn I agree with most:
find (or build) a short-ish (7' or less) #5 or #6 weight slow-taper fiberglass rod.