What to start them on?

I have a 7 year old that is getting to the age where he is able to start learning to fly cast. Any suggestions or recommendations for what rod sizes/weights to start him with? I build my own, and have found some 5 foot long 3 weight and 4 weight blanks that I could build up for him, but will that just cause more problems later when he tries to move to a longer rod? Or would it be a good way to start? If the 5' is a bad idea, I will likely build him a 7'6" 4 weight just like I've built for several of my friends. I know those are nice casting little rods and wouldn't over power him at all. And any other pointers or suggestions would be appreciated here. I'm not that great of a caster, so getting him started might be a bit of a learning experience for me as well.

J. C. is right get them catching fish first. A friend of mine was so excited about taking his 7 year old fishing with me he forgot to get his permit. The youngster out fished us both and his dad got a $70.00 Fine!! I'll never forget the look in the little guys eyes when he asked the Sheriff "Do I have to go to Jail 'cause I don't have a license?". He was adopted from a South American country where the sight of a uniform brought fear!! The Officer smiled and told him to keep on fishing as it looked like he was doing ok and he didn't need a license untill he was 15.
Not only an introducition to fishing but to the freedoms of the U. S.

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Cactus

I'd like to recommend you read either one or both of the following books before you start your child down the flyfishing path: Fly-Fishing with Children: A guide for Parents by Phil Brunquell MD or First Cast: Teaching Kids to Fly-Fish by Phil Genova. I've read both books before I started my 3 daughters out and it helped me navigate through the pitfalls of teaching my children to fly fish.

As for when to start your child flyfishing depends on each child. I started my two eldest daughters, now 11 & 14, fly-fishing a little over 5 years ago when they were 6 & 8 with an outfit that was 7'6" 5 wt medium action rod. I'd be more than happy to tell you where you can pick up this outfit, what comes with it, and how much it cost but you'll either have to e-mail me or leave your e-mail address here. The company who produces this outfit is not a sponsor of this site. Because of this I don't want to offend anybody here as I don't know of any sponsor here who sells a youth outfit. Sorry!

I guess I forgot to mention that he's been fishing since he was about 3. Both him and his younger sister have been out catching bluegills, bullheads, and white perch. He's just getting to the stage where he's coordinated enough to start with a fly rod. His sister has a few years to go yet.
Joe: you can write me at fkowt[at]yahoo.com. Did they throw that 7'6" 5 wt ok?

[This message has been edited by ol' blue (edited 06 June 2005).]