My 8 year old is new to fishing and I'm going to be buying him a President.  I like my 35 size but it would be overkill and for him and I think it would be difficult for him to manage.

 

I think I've settled on either the 25 or 30 size but was hoping on a little input from you guys before I pull the trigger.  

 

Further - I'm open to suggestions on a rod to pair it with.  I've looked at ***'s Ambition rod but there isn't a lot of feedback out there about it that I've been able to find.  I'm willing to spend another $50 - $80 on the rod.

 

Thanks guys.

you should consider the pflueger trion also

you should consider the pflueger trion also

 

Yeah - I looked at the Trion but I've been really happy with my President so far and don't mind spending a little bit more to get it.

Do you have a Dick's close? You could possibly get a 6'6" veritas for like $50.

30 size is good. 25 is small for bass unless you're using light braid.

I think a size 25 would be the best, especially for thin-diameter line like 6-10lb mono or fluoro or lighter braid. The President is a SWEET reel. DSG sells Field & Stream rods, and they're inexpensive but I have used them before and really liked them. Haven't used the newer models, but the 2 I've had for years do the trick.

Do you have a Dick's close? You could possibly get a 6'6" veritas for like $50.

30 size is good. 25 is small for bass unless you're using light braid.

 

Sure do - I'll have to check that out.  Wonder if 6'6" would be too long for him though.

 

Thanks for the input.

Do you have a Dick's close? You could possibly get a 6'6" veritas for like $50.

30 size is good. 25 is small for bass unless you're using light braid.

 

Idk where you get that a 25 size is too small for bass. I dropshot with a 2500 size Shimano but I know ALOT of people that drop shot with a 1000 size reel. And....a dropshot catches big bass.

Idk where you get that a 25 size is too small for bass. I dropshot with a 2500 size Shimano but I know ALOT of people that drop shot with a 1000 size reel. And....a dropshot catches big bass.

 

A 25 is smaller than a Shimano 1000.

Sure do - I'll have to check that out.  Wonder if 6'6" would be too long for him though.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

If 6'+ is too long, I would certainly consider the 13 Ambition 5' M rod. $30 with a 1-year warranty is a pretty solid deal.

25 size reel should be perfect. I would look at a fenwick eagle for the rod. I have heard some great things about it, and it fits right in your price range.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in. I went ahead and ordered the 25 size reel and am going to pair it with a *** *** Black - 6'7" Medium (I know this was over the budget I mentioned.  I think it will be a great combo for him and will also serve as nice extra for me when he's not with me.

 

Only problem is that it may spoil him!