March 25, 2014
By Dan Johnson
tackle storage, eyewear, and electronics , you'll find items of interest to up-and-comers of all ages.
Along with helping kids catch more fish and have more fun, buying them their own gear fuels a sense of ownership in their fishing success. Rather than borrowing someone else's equipment, being able to care for and bring to the water their personal fishing arsenal is priceless. With that in mind, we offer a selection of top gear for young guns. Some of it is designed specifically for youths, while other ageless items fit the youth market nicely on their own.
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Combo abugarcia.com - Designed with ample input from iconic bassman Mike Iaconelli, this medium-action, 6-foot spinning combo tackles a variety of multispecies duties with style. Ike said his goal when creating this combo was an 'awesome rod at a good price, ' and by all accounts he nailed it. The rod sports a split-grip handle with high-density EVA grip for added sensitivity, while the reel wields a brace of ball bearings, well-balanced 4.9:1 gear ratio, and lightweight graphite body and rotor.
Aqua-Vu Micro Plus with DVR aquavu.com - Anglers young and young at heart are fascinated by the underwater world, and this pint-sized, portable performer packs plenty of features for viewing what lies beneath the surface. Amenities include a 3.5-inch color LCD screen, 3X digital zoom, advanced color optics, and adjustable IR lighting. Plus, the built-in DVR with 8-gig internal memory makes it a snap for youngsters to record their own underwater action movies and play them back later on a computer. Also comes with 50 feet of cable and an internal, rechargeable lithium-ion powerplant that provides up to 7 hours of runtime.
Flambeau Adventurer Kids Tackle Box flambeauoutdoors.com/en/fishing - Anglers never forget their first tackle box, and Flambeau makes choosing and stocking a child's initial tackle storage system easier than ever with this slick little number. A perfect beginner's box, the single-tray unit features a Drawtite latch, removable dividers, waterproof construction, and tip-guard tray supports. It even comes stocked with an assortment of bobbers and hooks, all for under $15.
Flying Fisherman Gaffer Jr. Sunglasses flyingfisherman.com - Protecting young eyes from harmful UV radiation and other water hazards is serious business, and Flying Fisherman's Jr. Angler youth frames are up to the task. Designed for smaller head sizes, they feature premium Triacetate polarized lenses with AcuTint coatings. Together, the combination absorbs glare, sharpens visual acuity, reduces eyestrain, and guards against UVA and UVB rays.
Pflueger President Spincast pfluegerfishing.com - Boasting four ball bearings; an aluminum frame, nose cone, and handle; titanium-coated line guide; and an instant anti-reverse bearing, this spincaster packs performance worthy of the decorated President series. Tough enough for youths of all skill and energy levels, the reel is offered in two combo platters, paired with either a 6-foot, light-action or 6½-foot, medium-action IM-8 graphite partner. The rods are no slouches, either, thanks to stainless steel frames and guides, and top-shelf cork handles.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Combos uglystik.com - Just when we thought an Ugly Stik was the toughest rod around, Shakespeare unveiled the GX2 version. It features a unique blend of graphite and fiberglass that's strong yet sensitive, plus Ugly Tuff guides and blank-through-reel-seat design. Taking the stress out of choosing a youth-friendly reel for the new rod, Shakespeare offers GX2 youth combos in spinning and spincast configurations, featuring bright green accents and split-handle Ugly Grips.
St. Croix Mojo Bass stcroixrods.com - Budding bass fans ascending their teenage years will appreciate St. Croix's Mojo Bass rods for multiple reasons. First off, the graphical stylings make a statement that this is no Snoopy Pole. And the legendary St. Croix construction and performance back it up. The Mojo lineup encompasses a forest of sticks, but the 6½-foot MBC66MF in the Mojo Bass Casting branch of the family is a great choice for young anglers. The medium power and fast action are tailored to jerkbaiting, but you can use it as a utility player as well. Standard features include a premium SCII graphite blank, Kigan Master Hand 3D guides, Fuji ECS reel seat, split-grip cork handle, and more. Granted, at $110, it's not for the very young. But if you're hoping to turn a teenage bass angler into a lifelong fishing companion, it's a worthy investment.
The New Fishing Fundamentals store.intermediaoutdoors.com - Latest in a long line of educational books from the experts at In-Fisherman, Fishing Fundamentals covers topics new anglers need to know, such as casting, tackle, baits, boats and motors, cleaning and cooking, conservation principals, ethics, and safety. Above all, the 206-page softcover standout teaches In-Fisherman's hallowed formula: Fish (F) + Location (L) + Presentation (P) = Success (S).
VMC Slip Float Rigging Kit rapala.com - Comprised of 35 pieces, this handy ensemble makes it easy for young anglers to hone their skills in the fine art of slip-bobbering. Includes an assortment of size 6, 4, and 2 VMC octopus Vanadium steel hooks; red-and-white floats; lead split shot; bobber stops; and 4mm beads. All for under $12.
Zebco 33 zebco.com - Sixty years old and still going strong, the venerable Zebco 33 has launched countless angling careers. Reliable and easy to use, this push-button spincaster recently received tweaks including a new, tangle-free pick-up pin to banish bird's nests. It also gained a unique T-ring that makes it harder for the line to slip behind the spinnerhead. Other features include 3.6:1 gearing, Auto Bait Alert, and QuickSet anti-reverse. Match it with the rod of your choice, or check out the company's quartet of combo options.
