I know this is a bit early, but I'm going to need some time from now until Christams.

My son is 5 and has started fishing with me this season. He knows how to cast a baitcaster, so I recently purchased one for him for Christmas. He has been using an old 5'-6" fishing rod which is the perfect size for him and one he really likes (he wishes it was red with black guide wraps...LOL). He also knows that the fishing rod was my first rod and the one I caught my first bass on, but it needs to be either retired or re-built.

Should I strip that down and re-build it? Build completely new? Or purchase one that's already built?

Or should I post this thread in another month... ;D

I would go with a new rod and retire the old one. Keep the old one around as a wall hanger and someday he can give it to his son.

How much do you want to spend on your little guy's new rod? If money's not an issue, definitely try to get him a custom rod because im sure his hands are quite small, and there aren't alot of 5'6" rods to choose from to my knowledge.

If you want to spend about 30$, look at the Berkley Amp.

I had a 5'6" med casting rod before I passed it on to my cousin. It was pretty sensitive for only 30$ And the grips are some of the smaller ones. Any questions just ask!

Strip it down and re-build it.  Let him cherish it until he has his own kids.

maybe i misread the original post, but didn't you say you already bought his new rod? you're just wondering what to do with the old one?

i say leave it as is and retire it for sentimental reasons.

maybe i misread the original post, but didn't you say you already bought his new rod? you're just wondering what to do with the old one?

i say leave it as is and retire it for sentimental reasons.

no, he said he bought the reel.

He's asking for info on rods.

maybe i misread the original post, but didn't you say you already bought his new rod? you're just wondering what to do with the old one?

i say leave it as is and retire it for sentimental reasons.

no, he said he bought the reel.

He's asking for info on rods.

Correct. I bought the reel. The rod he was using is my old one.

I know what you mean BASSclary about the handles.

I'll end up re-shaping it so he can grip it better. Maybe

I'll split grip it and add a decorative butt wrap, who knows. Maybe something like this one I did a

couple of years ago:

I still gotta figure out what to do on the rod situation.

The old one is a part of your history so please keep it in a safe place.

Get him his own rod and reel so he can share it with his kids in about 25 years. 

http://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/rods-combos/rods/cherrywood

There you go....5'6''M, affordable, and even has a red blank

The Cherrywood rod is an excellent value. they are fairly sensitive, and the trigger has a good "hook" to it that helps smaller hands. I have a few around for lady friends and others that stop by and want to fish. Whatever you choose, take him often and enjoy.

http://www.berkley-fishing.com/products/rods-combos/rods/cherrywood

There you go....5'6''M, affordable, and even has a red blank

oh i see. i'd still retire your old one and get him his very own combo. can't go wrong with a lightning rod.

The old one is a part of your history so please keep it in a safe place.

Get him his own rod and reel so he can share it with his kids in about 25 years.

I think you're right Sam. I think I'll look into the Berkley rod others here have posted and then I'll split the grip for him and put on some type of decorative wrap.

Thanks all for your ideas and opinions. 

My son is 5 and has started fishing with me this season.

I'm sorry, but am I the only one who caught this? A 5 year old using a baitcaster. That's amazing!

My son is 5 and has started fishing with me this season.

I'm sorry, but am I the only one who caught this? A 5 year old using a baitcaster. That's amazing!

To be honest with you, it surprised me as well. At the beginning of the season he asked if he could learn how to fish. We went to WalMart and got a Zebco 33 and I put it on my old 5'6" rod. He practiced in the backyard for a few hours and asked to go to the pond the next day. So naturally, we went the next day and he was casting away. He then asks if he can use my baitcast set-up. Reluctantly, I let him. I said, "make sure you stop the reel with your thumb". I made a few cast to show him how and gave him the rod. He winds up like he's swinging for the fences, just before his spinnerbait hits the water, I look down and his thumb was on the spool. He fished the rest of the day with my baitcaster and I ended up with 'ol 33....LOL...