My son just turned 12 and he is 5'4" tall.  He know how to use spinning gear so I wanted to try and get him 1 or possibly 2 setups to use. We are on Long Island, NY.

 

We mainly have access to saltwater near us with various docks and piers.  He LOVES to go for the snapper blues (they are tiny) but I already have a cheap $20 diawa setup from dicks for that.  I wanted to get him something he could maybe bottom fish fluke, black bass or whatever other stuff may be roaming around down there.  I was looking at getting him a Piscifun Carbon X 2 3000 reel and then I wasn't sure what kind of rod to pair it with for this type of saltwater fishing.  I know Piscifun isn't as good as Pflueger or Diawa or Shimano reels but I figured the lightweight and specs on that reel and the lower cost of around $60 wasn't a huge entry cost. The rod is the thing that I wasn't sure about, what would pair well. What size, strength and action would fir best.

 

Now we do go away a few times a year and do lake fishing for bass and there are also some lakes around us that have some good bass fishing.  I wasn't sure if I would be able to get away with a 1 setup does it all type of thing but I'd also like to get him a 2nd reel/rod just for this type of bass fishing or use the same reel just get a different rod and then swap them back and forth as needed.  I am open to any opinions / options anyone could provide.

 

I'd like to stay in the budget range for some stuff as with him being a kid, I know things will break but I don't want to get him junk either.  Appreciate any advice in advance!

The reel is fine. Get this rod. Perfect for a kid as it's affordable and very durable. Good for hauling fish up to docks. Ugly Stik 6’ GX2 Spinning Rod, One Piece Spinning Rod - Walmart.com

• UGLY STIK 6’ GX2 SPINNING ROD: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
• 8-20LB LINE RATING, HEAVY POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: Built tough to stand up to what's next. Lure rating of 3/8-1 oz.
• DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from graphite and fiberglass for a lighter weight rod, while maintaining legendary toughness and strength.
• 6 DURABLE GUIDES: Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance and durability, and eliminate insert pop-outs during rough treatment.
• REEL SEAT: Graphite reel seat provides ultralight strength, comfort, and durability.
• COMFORTABLE GRIP: Premium type-E EVA rod handle is lightweight and slip-resistant, so you can hold on when fishing gets tough.
• ONE PIECE FISHING ROD features Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity.
• 7 YEAR WARRANTY: Ugly Stik Fishing Rods are covered by a 7 year warranty you won't find anywhere else.

Welcome to the forum.  Can't help with saltwater fishing, but there are several on here that can.  I will say that the Daiwa Aird-X gets a lot of praise.  It's a $60 rod.  From what I see, 7' is the longest spinning rod in that line.  The MF is rated 1/4-3/4 oz. while the MHF is rated 1/4-1 oz.

 

Lew's offers a few models at $80 and slightly less, but I have zero experience with them.

The ugly stick recommended above would be great for bottom fishing in the salt. Figure a 1/2 oz egg sinker + bait.

Could get  matching Medium Heavy  for bass, maybe 6'6".

Remember to always, always rinse both rod and reel after salt fishing.

Berkley 15 lb big game mono would be a good line, not expensive. Use saltwater hooks.

Teach the young man to tie knots!!

If you're fishing some saltwater, go with a reel rated for it so you're not maintaining it as much, just a light rinse of water should be fine. You'll spend a little more upfront, but a 3000 size reel will pair with whatever rod he keeps upgrading to as he grows. 

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Custom_Inshore_Speed_Spin_Spinning_Reel/descpage-CISS.html That's on clearance at Tacklewarehouse. I don't have specific experience with this reel, but generally Lew's has pretty good quality gear at this price level.

 

For his current height, I'd go with a 6'3-6'6 medium power rod. That'll work for fluking, bottom fishing, and light cover bass fishing.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Fuego_Spinning_Rods_2-Piece/descpage-FG2.html This is also on clearance, and for the price, it's a very good rod.

12 hours ago, Junger said:

If you're fishing some saltwater, go with a reel rated for it so you're not maintaining it as much, just a light rinse of water should be fine. You'll spend a little more upfront, but a 3000 size reel will pair with whatever rod he keeps upgrading to as he grows. 

I appreciate the reply!  I had looked at a few Saltwater rated models from Daiwa and Shimano.  I think the Diawa BG for around $150 got great reviews and I think the Shimano Nasci looked nice an light for a 3000 model even though it isn't saltwater rated, lot of people said with rinsing it is fine.  The thing was yeah these reels come in around $150 give or take then the rod at $250-$300 for a setup for a kid who prob will bang it up, knock it around on his bike the lower entry cost feels a bit better, yet I know cheaper stuff breaks easier and then buying a second time you've essentially spent more.  It is a tough choice.

 

I can say he has been using a cheap Dicks Sports Daiwa rod/reel I got for $15 and that has held up for the past 4 years or so.  It still works and all I ever did was rinse with water after, it just time for him to take that next step up from that super cheap entry level.

@Stylez78 - at that price end, you'll find Daiwa spinners built like a tank - not so much for Shimano, but at the other price end, Shimano has line-management edge, and their worm-drive reels are perfect for salt.  

A friend, who's also a noted inshore/offshore videographer, got tired of replacing Nasci and moved up to Stradic.  

2 hours ago, Stylez78 said:

The thing was yeah these reels come in around $150 give or take then the rod at $250-$300 for a setup for a kid who prob will bang it up, knock it around on his bike the lower entry cost feels a bit better, yet I know cheaper stuff breaks easier and then buying a second time you've essentially spent more.  It is a tough choice.

I'll stick with my rec for the Ugly Stik GX2 6'MH moderate. It's nearly bombproof, and perfect for a kid. Second rec would for be for an Okuma Stratus 7 spinning reel from DSG for $39. My brother has been running the white version for years in the salt without a glitch. Once again, perfect for a kid who might drop it or dump it in the dirt or sand.

 

Where are you guys' dock fishing? Freeport? Long Beach? Captree? That rod will have no problem hauling fish up from long drops.

27 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

I'll stick with my rec for the Ugly Stik GX2 6'MH moderate. It's nearly bombproof, and perfect for a kid. Second rec would for be for an Okuma Status 7 spinning reel from DSG for $39. My brother has been running the white version for years in the salt without a glitch. Once again, perfect for a kid who might drop it or dump it in the dirt or sand.

 

Where are you guys' dock fishing? Freeport? Long Beach? Captree? That rod will have no problem hauling fish up from long drops.

Yeah I def think I am going with the Ugly stick for him, that thing would be virtually indestructable for his age.  I'll look into that reel as well but I don't mind buying him a better reel if it will last him a good bit.

 

I may get that Daiwa Arid X as well and give him a freshwater setup that would be a little more sensitive for bass fishing freshwater.

@Stylez78 Although I can’t speak as far as the Piscifun Carbon X’s salt water capabilities I can tell you I’ve had my 3 Piscifun Carbon X’s for years and absolutely love them. 2  maybe 3 🤔seasons ago I wound up catching one of my combos on a back cast and sent it completely submerged for about 10 minutes and as I’m not very good at tearing apart reels I did nothing but let it dry out and have used it with zero issues ever since. I will also add that although I’ve added 2 Shimano spinning reels (Stradic & Miravel) based on the recommendations of both my friend @bulldog1935 and many others on here along with a Daiwa B&G that I found at a deal that couldn’t be passed up I still have zero issues recommending the Carbon X as a budget option and there is always a 15% off code  somewhere on the internet (my wife uses one such site for all Amazon purchases) but I’m not sure if the name is allowed on here although I’ll pm you if you want the site name. These are my 3 (2) 1000 size & (1) 2000 size. 

Edited July 29, 2025Jul 29 by Eric 26
Added content

1 hour ago, Stylez78 said:

I may get that Daiwa Arid X as well and give him a freshwater setup that would be a little more sensitive for bass fishing freshwater.

Good idea, and they're also pretty durable. Last time I was at Causeway B&T in Wantagh they had a few models in the racks. Some DSG stores have them too, AFAIK. Bayshore and Patchogue have 7' Mediums in stock.

I started my granddaughter on spin when she was about 10 with a 6 1/2 foot Avid, med/fast.  A couple years ago I built her a BC rod, 7 foot med/fast.  She handles both with no trouble.  I would go longer than 6 feet for longer casts, better hook sets, and more forgivable for fighting fish.  I gaver he one of my med/mod fast spinning rods recently and I notice that is the one she chooses for most of her fishing.  Med/fast is very versatile, so that's the way I would go.  Unless one is fishing a confined area, like stream banks, I see no value in going short on rods, and the kids can handle 7 or 7 1/2 with no problems.  The best rods for adults are also the best rods for kids.  

32 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Good idea, and they're also pretty durable. Last time I was at Causeway B&T in Wantagh they had a few models in the racks. Some DSG stores have them too, AFAIK. Bayshore and Patchogue have 7' Mediums in stock.

I got to say Causeway B&T is an amazing place!  My buddy stopped here to grab some worms when we took his son and mine over to the lake by Wantagh.  Never being a customer before, just buying 2 boxes of worms I asked the guy "Excuse me, I just got a baitcaster reel and rod that I wanted to spool up with some braided line, was having some trouble.  What do you charge to put the line on for me?"  Guy said "Do you have the line? or do you want our line?"  I said "I already bought the line, was gonna do myself but was having some trouble"  He goes" Bring it in we'll do it.  I'm like for free??? he's like yeah! no problem... I was like I got to give you something.  He's like nope it okay just bring it in we got you. I was just curious on what the cost would be but was blown away this guy who didn't know me from adam and I was never a prior customer was like yeah man we got you don't worry.  

 

The fact you had said they have the rods, I'll go there and buy it just because I am MORE than happy to support a business that operates like that!  (incase you were wondering...kids caught nothing at the lake, not even a single hit...lol!)

54 minutes ago, Stylez78 said:

(incase you were wondering...kids caught nothing at the lake, not even a single hit...lol!)

Those lakes are a tough nut to crack, so it can go that way. Took me quite some time to solve that puzzle, and they're still tricky but that's what makes things interesting. Try Massapequa Reservoir down the road. It's a bit more forgiving and easier to fish.

1 hour ago, Stylez78 said:

I got to say Causeway B&T is an amazing place!

Yup. Nice guys.

Get him a 6'6 or 7' M power rod that can handle 1/4-58/8 or 3/4.  That range will cover small tins, 1/4-1/2 head+ gulp/soft platic and he can throw a smack it jr or just about any size under 1oz mirrolure/yo zuri/rapala with ease.  6'6-7' is good on the sand, pier, or drifitn for fluke in a boat.

The brand of rod really depends on how he treats his gear.  If he doesnt know how to take care of a rod go with an ugly stick.  There are much better quality rods at the same price point of an ugly stick.  The composite blank is difficult to break, wherther its stepped on, dropped, shut in a car door or what have you.  The catch is that the components on the rod aren't as tough as the blank, but they are servicable.  If your boy has experience with rods and is careful with his things, you could get a significantly better-quality rod, as far as quality of material, components and sensitivity go.  Either the 13 fishing 6'7 Defy @$60, Ark fishing catalyzer 2.0 @$60 or the Daiwa Aird @$60, all of which are great starter rods.

As for a reel, the same logic applies.  If you think he can handle keeping the reel out of the water and sand, go with a good budget Daiwa like a Regal LT 3000 @$80(outstanding value) or see if you cant find an older model golden spooled Exeler, as they sell for about $60, which is a steal for what they are.  If not stay with Daiwa and get a Laguna LT or Revros LT.  All of those reels will hold up in SW pretty well.  The bane of any reel is sand.  If he can keep it out of the sand, either 1 of those reels will last at least a few seasons with minimal care.  The Regal an previous gen Exceler are punch way above their weight price point wise as do the other reels I mentioned.  The benefit with the Regal and Exceler is that they can take a beating, but they are light, smooth and very enjoyable to fish. 

Line is whatever is he is used to.  If he's used to mono, go with Berkley Big Game in 10lb and upgrade to braid when he understands how to manage line.  If he's used to braid go with a stiffer 10 or 15lb braid like original PP or suffix.  Braided line is actually easier to manage than mono, since it resists twisting, which is what causes headaches with a mono or fluorocarbon line.

It would be a really good idea to get him a multi tool or at least a pair of decent pliers and attach them to his tackle bag with a lanyard or paracord so he cant lose them.    

@PhishLI @Eric 26 @bulldog1935

 

I'd like to ask you your thoughts about line / tackle for each of these setups:

 

Saltwater setup: I was thinking maybe a straight braid line since he will basically be bottom fishing so there will be some type of weight.  I'm not 100% sure the type of rig I'd have him try to use in the beginning, I'm thinking something he could work and then maybe a rig that is even simpler something you cast and wait for a hit.  I'd certainly want him to experiment with live bait setups but also something with a gulp at the end since guys been killing it with that type of rig around here.

 

Freshwater setup: this one I am unsure what would be best since I've read so much I'm super confused. I've read all sorts of things like don't use mono it too visible and it stretches to much, use straight flurocarbon, then I read straight flurocarbon on spinning is a terrible idea and all sorts of problems it can cause.  I read a lot about braid but then use a 3-6ft fluro leader, then I read that the leader knot could catch in the guides and cause issues.  So yeah!  lol I do know he will mainly be trying out wacky rig senko and texas-rigged senko with the sliding bullet weight.  Eventually he may try a chatter type bait but he likes the senko and probably will stick with that for a while.

 

Any help/advice is appreciated!

 

The most important thing with spinning tackle is always fish a swivel, e.g., a micro-swivel bite trace.  

I fished BG mono for 25 years, then Seaguar fluoro for another 15, while many of my friends were fighting massive braid wind knots. 

 

I didn't switch to braid until the quality of braid caught up.  I recommend nothing less than coated braid, such as Sufix 832.  

 

You also don't want to stack thin braid too deep - the more you stack thin line, the more the error adds up to give bad line lay, such as reverse cone and hourglass, which also promotes wind knots.  If it's going to take more than 120 yds to fill your spool, back with heavier line, 50 yds or so, your working braid will get a good flat line lay.  

 

ps @Stylez78 - this online calculator is Perfect for stacking lines:  

https://www.pattayafishing.net/advanced-fishing-reel-line-capacity-estimator/

 

The biggest error people make with spinning tackle is letting the line run free at the end of cast - this is what causes problems.  If you learn to manual bail, feathering the line coming off the spool with your free hand, then closing the bail with that same hand, rather than using crank auto-bail close, you'll solve most problems people complain about spinning tackle.  

56 minutes ago, Stylez78 said:

Freshwater setup: this one I am unsure what would be best since I've read so much I'm super confused.

How do you feel about breaking him in on one of your baitcasting setups? You've seen the waters around here. Choked out. Even a deep lake like Ronkonkoma is topped out with weeds which will stand tall and not be knocked down until the deep freezes of January. A BC spooled with straight 30lb braid is a very effective tool for the better part of the fishing season around here, especially for shore fishing.

44 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

How do you feel about breaking him in on one of your baitcasting setups. You've seen the waters around here. Choked out. Even a deep lake like Ronkonkoma is topped out with weeds which will stand tall and not be knocked down until the deep freezes of January. A BC spooled with straight 30lb braid is a very effective tool for the better part of the fishing season around here, especially for shore fishing.

He actually had is own baitcaster we got him on vacation last year.  IT was an Abu Garcia Blackmax combo we got for like $30 clearance at Walmart.  Think we had some straight flurocarbon put on it and it was a NIGHTMARE! even with the brake adjust on to hardly any fall to slow the spool down that thing nested up bigtime every single cast.  I yanked all the fluro off and it has been sitting in the garage.  I could throw some 30lb braid on it for him give it a shot but I think there could be something with the reel since I had major trouble with casting it (or the fluro was put on poorly).

 

He is somewhat intimidated by the baitcaster hence why i figured get him a spinner he is comfortable with it.  Freshwater though he will do more when we go upstate to a few spots but down here on the island he probably will be doing more saltwater since it just seems more accessible for him.  I like that he has options though and with both set ups he can go do either whenever he wants.

I bought my son the same tackle as mine. Shimano Stradic 1000 in lieu 2500 for his smaller hands and Phoenix Iovino split shot rod when he was 10.

Tommy took excellent care of his tackle and still used for 25 years.

Today you can buy reels at a discount from JDM suppliers and save money and decent rods on sale domestically.*

As long as the tackle is salt water safe suggest getting better quality rod and reel, he is your son a know him better than we do.

Tom

* Boys and Girls club auction was where I found Tommy’s rod & reel at a bargain.

10 hours ago, Stylez78 said:

He is somewhat intimidated by the baitcaster hence why i figured get him a spinner he is comfortable with it. 

So, use the info you've gather here and pick what you think is suitable for his saltwater setup.

10 hours ago, Stylez78 said:

He actually had is own baitcaster we got him on vacation last year.  IT was an Abu Garcia Blackmax combo we got for like $30 clearance at Walmart.  Think we had some straight flurocarbon put on it and it was a NIGHTMARE!

That can happen with fluoro and a newbie.

 

I'd be willing to meet the up with you and your son locally (Wantaugh area) for a lesson. I've broken down and can articulate the mechanics of casting with a BC to the degree where I've taught even the most frightened to use them, both young and old, including those who've had terrible initial experiences and gave up. Even successfully taught my 10-year-old niece in a half hour. PM me if you're interested and I'll find the time.

11 hours ago, PhishLI said:

How do you feel about breaking him in on one of your baitcasting setups? You've seen the waters around here. Choked out. Even a deep lake like Ronkonkoma is topped out with weeds which will stand tall and not be knocked down until the deep freezes of January. A BC spooled with straight 30lb braid is a very effective tool for the better part of the fishing season around here, especially for shore fishing.

I use 30# braid on my only MH spinning rod.  Works fine.  Did have the line wrap around the tip and cast a 1/2 oz. jig out of sight when the line snapped.  

@bulldog1935 Looking at your pics above those reels and the line looks put on really well.  I attempted to lay on 15# braid on the Carbon XT I picked up as one of the options for my son to test out.  At first the line bunched up at the top really bad, had to back track take all the braid off and with a quick search I put the 2 plastic washers that came with the reel on to try and help.  Even with the 2 washers it still looks like it is bunching up on top to me, but I'm no expert.  It also feels like the braid is not going on the spool as tight as it could, even though I have plenty of tension on the line while spooling.  Here is a picture below, even with 2 plastic washers add, would I need more or could some other issue be the culprit?  

@Stylez78

Yes, it really looks like you need another shim washer (on spindle below the spool) -

- that's marginal reverse cone, and might likely pull-off wind knots when casting.  

Every reel has error in line management (what made me a Shimano worm-drive junkie for braid) - the deeper you stack line, the more the error adds up.  

I have this example of marginal hourglass on Tica's worm-drive reel that doesn't stack braid well, but has perfect line lay with 10-lb fluoro:  

 

The large-frame Ticas in my higher post on this page are IOS locomotive drive, which Tica does really well - even better, look at this small-frame result:  

@bulldog1935 Do you think it is worth it to add a 3rd or even 4th washer to correct the lay? I know you said every reel as some sort of error in line management but I'm trying to figure if having to shim that much is considered normal or if it being off that much may cause more problems in the future or if it better to just return it now and exchange it (maybe this one just is a dud in manufacturing) or get $ back and just move on?

I do have a Daiwa Regal LT and Exceler LT and a Shimano Nasci coming in today all to try out so could.  I also picked up a cheap ViperX and it doesn't appear to have had the same line lay issues the Carbon XT had (I think that one came out much better even though I think I might have over spooled it a bit.)