Rod and Reel for 13 yr old daughter

David0409 · January 22, 2020, 08:11:51 AM

So my daughter loves to fish. We go camping and she just stands on the bank and casts all day. She needs a decent set up. Any recommendations on a good spinning reel and durable rod? Thanks in advance!

Capt. BassinLou · January 22, 2020, 08:22:01 AM

Quote from: David0409 on January 22, 2020, 08:11:51 AM
So my daughter loves to fish. We go camping and she just stands on the bank and casts all day. She needs a decent set up. Any recommendations on a good spinning reel and durable rod? Thanks in advance!

Welcome to UB, I would recommend a Fury 663 or 703 and pflueger president reel. Good quality starter set up. Good luck!! Check back in and let us know what rod and reel you decided to go with.

Princeton_Man · January 22, 2020, 08:34:50 AM

It's hard to say, there's a lot to consider. Most 13 year olds can be pretty hard on a fishing rod and reel. They may lay them on the ground, bang them into things, even step on them. The better and more sensitive the rod, the more easily it can be damaged. The same thing can be said for reels. A Dobyns Colt would be an awesome rod if you think she'd take care of it and treat it right. At $79 you could probably pair it with a nice reel and stay around $120-140.

What kind of reel does she use? It's easy to find a good spinning reel without spending a lot of money.

I grew up fishing Shakespeare and Zebco 33 combos. At the age of 14 my parents bought me a Mitchel 710 fly reel and a Shakespeare Wonderod that I still have today. That was a lot of money back then. I caught a lot of fish on it and took incredibly good care of it.

What kind of reel does she fish with and what kind of gear is she using now? If she's using some of your high end stuff now, she will probably take good care of anything you buy her. If that's the case, you might step up to a Dobyns Fury series rod.

David0409 · January 22, 2020, 09:22:39 AM

She's using garbage right now. She would take care of anything I get her, but she does try and get into tight spaces to get off a cast so falling down in mud or into water is going to happen.

Bud Kennedy · January 22, 2020, 09:37:37 AM

David, do you have a cost target in mind? I would think your solution might be best served by going to Bass Pro Shop or similar location and check out some of their stuff. You may even consider that a two piece rod might be best if you have any limitations for storage or transport.

David0409 · January 22, 2020, 09:40:30 AM

Under $200

Princeton_Man · January 22, 2020, 09:42:13 AM

Quote from: David0409 on January 22, 2020, 09:22:39 AM
She's using garbage right now. She would take care of anything I get her, but she does try and get into tight spaces to get off a cast so falling down in mud or into water is going to happen.

I'd say step up to the Dobyns Fury series rod and as Lou suggested the 663. The advantage of the Fury is the lifetime warranty. Even if it's your fault and not a defect, you send back a section of the rod and $50, Gary sends you a new replacement.

Smallie_Stalker · January 22, 2020, 09:50:46 AM

David, Welcome to the Ultimate Bass family! Pleasure to have you with us. Pull up a chair, make yourself right at home and jump in wherever you feel comfortable.

Not much advice I can add here that hasn't already been given. If you want a two-piece rod Bud's advice is the best idea. For a one piece rod I would second what Bassinlou said and get her a Pfluger President reel and a Dobyns Fury rod.

If you would like to win some free gear for you and your daughter from some of the great companies that sponsor our site be sure and put your name in for the New Member's Contest. We also have Weekly Contests so be sure and get in on those too each week as they become available..

We love pictures around here. Please feel free to post some pics of your and your daughter's catches anytime in our Catch of the Day board.

We're looking forward to seeing you around the boards and to learning from what you share with us.

In the meantime, if you need any help with anything at all please don't hesitate to contact me or any other staff member.

Once again, Welcome!

><> Smallie_Stalker <><

Bud Kennedy · January 22, 2020, 09:51:18 AM

My wife uses a Fury 663 paired with a Shimano NASCI 2500. It has proved to be a perfect set up for her and I can attest it performs great. I bought her entire set up from Monster who just happens to be a sponsor on this site. She has been using this combo for two years and it has been trouble free and performs quite well. Monster currently has a sale underway but not sure if any Dobyns Rods or Shimano reels are part of the sale.

zippyduck · January 22, 2020, 01:55:08 PM

What kind of baits does she use?

The Dobyns Fury series is the best rod for the price. But I won't recommend a specific rod till I know what lures she primarily throws.
One note is a longer rod helps with casting distance and hooksets. A shorter rod helps accuracy and in tight spaces.

As far as reels a size 2500 Shimano Sahara is my favorite but others are Pflueger President, and about any spinning reel above the fifty dollar range.

kdubracing · January 22, 2020, 03:23:42 PM

americanlegacyfishing.com has the Dobyns rods on sale for 20% off right now. Ends very soon though. If you are a new customer there, you can sign up for their newsletter and get an additional 10% off of your first order. I did this a few weeks ago and got a Fury rod for $85ish. I added some line to get free shipping. I then found a Diawa Legalis LT 2500 reel on Amazon for $53. I got the Fury 702SF, so I got a very nice mid-level finesse set up for $140ish.

TWBryan · January 22, 2020, 04:48:17 PM

I will echo the selection of a Pflueger President spinning reel. It will last a good while, as to rods I would have her handle several to determine the optimum length for her size.

David0409 · January 22, 2020, 05:46:40 PM

Quote from: zippyduck on January 22, 2020, 01:55:08 PM
What kind of baits does she use?

The Dobyns Fury series is the best rod for the price. But I won't recommend a specific rod till I know what lures she primarily throws.
One note is a longer rod helps with casting distance and hooksets. A shorter rod helps accuracy and in tight spaces.

As far as reels a size 2500 Shimano Sahara is my favorite but others are Pflueger President, and about any spinning reel above the fifty dollar range.

Primarily she throws spinners, ratLtrap, crank bait and a broken minnow. As soon as I restock my tackle box she'll throw some jigs too.

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David0409 · January 22, 2020, 05:47:18 PM

Quote from: kdubracing on January 22, 2020, 03:23:42 PM
americanlegacyfishing.com has the Dobyns rods on sale for 20% off right now. Ends very soon though. If you are a new customer there, you can sign up for their newsletter and get an additional 10% off of your first order. I did this a few weeks ago and got a Fury rod for $85ish. I added some line to get free shipping. I then found a Diawa Legalis LT 2500 reel on Amazon for $53. I got the Fury 702SF, so I got a very nice mid-level finesse set up for $140ish.

Awesome, nice tip thank you!

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zippyduck · January 22, 2020, 10:32:45 PM

The Fury 703 will work well for her. Enough tip action to keep gish pinned on treble hooks and enough backbone for jig fishing.

Quote from: David0409 on January 22, 2020, 05:46:40 PM
Primarily she throws spinners, ratLtrap, crank bait and a broken minnow. As soon as I restock my tackle box she'll throw some jigs too.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

David0409 · January 22, 2020, 10:49:46 PM

Ok, I just ordered the Fury 663C and some line from American Legacy. On sale with an additional 10% off and free shipping. I'll pick up the Pfluger reel later. Thanks for all of your help guys I really appreciate. I think I'll stick around this forum and learn to fish now. Talk to you later.

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Capt. BassinLou · January 23, 2020, 04:47:45 AM

Quote from: David0409 on January 22, 2020, 10:49:46 PM
Ok, I just ordered the Fury 663C and some line from American Legacy. On sale with an additional 10% off and free shipping. I'll pick up the Pfluger reel later. Thanks for all of your help guys I really appreciate. I think I'll stick around this forum and learn to fish now. Talk to you later.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Very nice!! Remember to come back and let us know how she liked the combo.

kdubracing · January 23, 2020, 08:26:34 AM

Just want to make sure you know the Fury 663c is a casting rod, not a spinning rod. You stated in the OP you were looking for a spinning rod.

David0409 · January 23, 2020, 08:57:33 AM

Oh that's bad. The 663c was the only rod they had. So I need the 663SF. Bummer, that one isn't on sale. OK, thanks.

kdubracing · January 23, 2020, 09:04:31 AM

You might try calling them and see what they say. Or it could be a good time to teach your daughter how to cast a bait caster.

David0409 · January 23, 2020, 09:07:45 AM

I don't use a bait caster. I have one, but after a few nests, I went back to spinning. Is it worth the pain to learn?

kdubracing · January 23, 2020, 09:33:30 AM

To me, it's worth it. I like using baitcasters much better. I only use spinning for finesse. I taught my wife to use one last year. If she can learn, anyone can. The key is to set the spool brake every time you put a new lure on. Then set the magnetic control well. You can start with the magnetic control on max, then go down from there. Practice in the yard a bit and you'll get the hang of it quickly. I'm sure there are lots of YouTube videos you can watch.

David0409 · January 23, 2020, 10:29:55 AM

Legacy was able to order the 663 spinning rod for me. I'll have to break out my baitcaster once again and see if my daughter and I can figure it out. Thanks again.

kdubracing · January 23, 2020, 02:17:30 PM

Quote from: David0409 on January 23, 2020, 10:29:55 AM
Legacy was able to order the 663 spinning rod for me. I'll have to break out my baitcaster once again and see if my daughter and I can figure it out. Thanks again.

Good deal. The baitcaster will click. It's all just about keeping the spool from going faster than the line that is coming off.

zippyduck · January 23, 2020, 05:05:19 PM

Quote from: David0409 on January 23, 2020, 10:29:55 AM
Legacy was able to order the 663 spinning rod for me. I'll have to break out my baitcaster once again and see if my daughter and I can figure it out. Thanks again.

Make sure you come back and learn how to set up the baitcaster reel. The right set up makes all the difference in control.