My almost 6yr old has developed a huge love for spending time casting. He doesn't want a spinning g or spin casting reel. He wants a baitcaster like I use. Well im more than eager to teach him. Problem is him learning to thumb my reels. Its about the equivalent of me trying to learn to thumb a trolling reel.

Granted I could let him use my Calcutta DC. However, that ain't gonna teach him anything. He has to learn to thumb the reel. Not just aim and throw. So the question is. Are any of y'all aware of a child size baitcaster? My other thought is to get a crappie reel to let him learn on. Do y'all think that would work?

Maybe a 50 sized shimano? I got a cheapo shimano bantam when I was 7 or 8 and learned on that. Maybe fond something like that. Good luck.

That would probably work, but I think the 50 series shimano would be the best route.

Those little crappie reels are bot much more than line holders. trying to learn to cast with one of them will be frustrating at best.

 

You might check out a BPS Extreme Lite reel. Small, light, and about 80 bucks, if memory serves. I just serviced one for a local guy, and it's not a bad reel, for the price. It's not going to last him for 20 years, but it would make a good learning tool.

The BPS Crappie Maxx would work I think. They're only $45 and built on a smaller platform. 

My 7yr old was the same way, wanted to try it and likes it. He uses a older daiwa exceler i got on closeout with a 6' mh berkely lighting it is an older model with a short handle 30lb braid. Setup so he ain't gonna win a casting contest but he gets the lure wet, dink or two. Does better than with his spinning reel as far as tangling it up. It is never too young to educate a thumb.

Going the crappie(not crappy) rout maybe lews Wally Marshall.

Maybe one of the crappie reels. I like a 4500 series Abu C3 reel. I'm not sure how well that would work. See if you can get your hands on one of the JDM reels or a 50 series Shimano for cheap.

My logic- the JDM reels or and reputable 50 series equivalent is small and super reliable. Maybe still to big for his hands but he will be learning a reel that is reliable and not for being any easier reel to cast ans to learn on.

Logic on the associated prices with said reel- you get a sweet reel out of the deal.

You could get a pixy, and maybe let him use it once or twice.

A pixy would make a heck of crappie reel.

You could get a pixy, and maybe let him use it once or twice.

And then you cold call me and I'll take it off your hands.

Seriously, a Wally Marshall or a BPS ProLIte should fit the bill for you. I taught my 6yr. old grandson on the latter and he uses his father's Wally Marshall when he goes out with dad.

6 years old may be too young to start with a bait casting reel. He will enjoy a spinning reel/rod and have more success.

Your son wants to drive your car, your boat, etc., you are the dad, he is the son. Dad knows best.

Another option is you get 2 spinning outfits one for your son, one for yourself and fish together using similar lures. When he gets a little older he will have larger hands and better fishing skills.

Whatever....it's your decision.

Tom

If he is willing to learn don't hold him back. But have a spinning outfit ready just incase. Don't let him get too frustrated. But kids learn quicker nowadays.

My 4yo grandson grabbed my kindle fire and operates it better than I do.

^{I would get him a 50 sized Shimano and a 6' rod.  You might as well get him something decent that he can use for years.  Turn the brakes up and let him have at it.  6 yrs old is old enough to start learning a bait caster.  Just make sure you have something else he can use if he gets frustrated.}

There is a plueger razor bait caster rod at fish and save. It's a nice light rod. I purchased three of these to take my gals who asked me to take them fishing.

 

I would adjust the friction knob snug and brakes full on. Your not looking for distance just birds nest free casting till he gets an educated thumb.

 

I have a micro crappie bait caster with a 28" rod it's impossible to cast like a normal bc.