What would be a good choise for the first rod and reel combo for 8 years old kid? Easy to use spinning reel for bass fishing.

I have grandsons 9 and 13 years old. The youngest is using 1000 series Shimano’s and rods that are 5 1/2 ft. and 6 ft. lengths. The oldest is into all my stuff. Just not baitcasting yet. The youngest is on the shorter side. The oldest is taller than average so rod length does not seem to be a hang up with him. 

 

I think with kids it is important to use a line that is user friendly also. I do not have them into flouro and braids yet. 

I typically go with spincasters for kids. As they progress I would move them to a spinning reel and finally a baitcaster if they really got into it.

 

Zebco Triggerspin reel with 5 1/2' medium spinning rod.

Kids have small hands and a Triggerspin reel balances easily allowing them to use 2 hands to cast. If your 8 year old is able to use a spinning reel,then that is a good option.

Tom

Zebco 33 Platinum, 4.1:1 gear ratio, 5 stainless bearings, aluminum frame, continous anti-reverse, mirco fine drag control all for $35.

 

I've bought all of my nephews either Silver Max or Black Max light action spinning combos and they all three seem to be able to use them just fine.  I don't thinks it particular nice to subject a kid to one of those spincast reels lol.  I have so many bad memory's of them from when I was a child, and the disappointment in my grandfathers eyes when he had to fix one for me after I inevitably tore one of his up.

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Zebco 33 Platinum, 4.1:1 gear ratio, 5 stainless bearings, aluminum frame, continous anti-reverse, mirco fine drag control all for $35.

 

This^^^ And the last couple I bought came with Cajun Line already on the reel. Which is how I started using Cajun Line to start with.....and I love it. 

My three daughters have all used spinning reels from the get go (around 5 years old).  No issues.  

My oldest has been using a spinning reel since he was 2. I just upgraded him this year to a 2000 Daiwa Revros on a 6' M/F Daiwa Arid X and it's really perfect for him. Small enough to be handled easily, light enough to target panfish while being stout enough to fish for bass, and it's nice enough to reduce tangles/problems to make fishing more enjoyable.