KETCHUM, Okla. Some gifts children receive are more than gifts; they are milestones, proud installments in life’s journey that say -- with feeling “You’re a big person now.”
A child’s first pair of lace-up shoes or a bicycle without training wheels are those kinds of milestones. In many families, the milestone gift that remains a fond memory for the giver and the givee is a youngster’s first rod and reel.
So, don’t blow it.
To help parents make the right call on this all-important decision are these gems of advice from the people who run the Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derby, the world’s largest youth fishing program. Every year Hooked on Fishing International of Ketchum, Okla. produces close to 2,000 events for over 300,000 young anglers from ages 5 to 16.
Buy a short rod, about the same height as the young angler.
A short rod is not only easier for the young angler to cast, it’s easier to carry and, therefore, less likely to break. Dear parent, expect that from time to time the rod tip will be dragged through the gravel of a parking lot.
“Kids don’t comprehend that rods and reels can break. Rough treatment is the rule, not the exception,” says M. Scott Smith, director of marketing for Zebco, the fishing tackle company. His other job parent and “proud father of three case studies,” underscores this all-important tip.
Equip the rod with a push-button reel.
Line tangles may be frustrating for a parent but they can be tragic for a kid and could even end a life of fishing enjoyment before it starts. Head off that kind of trouble by equipping the rod with a closed-face spin-cast reel, about as trouble-free as they come. ”The closed cover keeps the line in check and doesn't expose it to curious hands like a spinning reel would,” said Smith.
The rod handle should be designed for two-handed casting.
Zebco studied the casting actions of kids as they learned to cast and noted that those from four to six were more likely to use both hands when casting the rod. This information led them to design beginner combo rods so that the young consumers could grip the handle with both hands. It’s not a coincidence that these two-handed beginner combos also sport the image of cartoon characters admired by four to six year old anglers, characters like Mickey Mouse, Sponge Bob and Tigger.
Smith notes that if your child accidentally drops his Zebco Character combo into the water, the rod does not sink. Zebco’s Character combos have a patented system that allow them to float and to be retrieved.
Practice makes a difference.
Practice doesn't always make perfect at this stage in an angler’s life but practice with a patient parent can make the difference between a tearful episode and big fun on the bayou. Casting is not easy for little persons but a good cast is immensely satisfying to two people parent and child who work together from start to satisfaction.
Some young people may dream about sugarplums but young anglers with a rod and reel combo have visions of fish dancing on the end of the line. Give them that opportunity by taking them fishing and helping them achieve another milestone -- their first fish. Many communities participate in the Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing Derby, a structured half-day of free fishing with grown up supervision and fun contests. Parents can go to the official website, www.kids-fishing.com, and search the “Derby Locator” sponsored by Fisher Boy for the location and date of the derby nearest to you.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the title sponsor of Hooked on Fishing International’s very successful program, which includes contests, giveaways, prizes and even a hot dog roast. It is supported financially and otherwise by a growing list of corporate partners such as DMF Bait Co., Edy’s Grand Ice Cream, PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer from GOJO Industries, Repel Insect Repellent from Spectrum Brands and Nestle Waters North America, which markets the natural spring water brands of Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, Poland Spring, Zephyrhills, and Nestle Pure Life, BAND-AID® BRAND ADHESIVE BANDAGES, Bar-S Foods Co., Berkley PowerBait, Berkley Trilene, Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum, Eagle Claw, EverStart Batteries, Fisher Boy, FishingWorld.com, Fujifilm, Kraft Foods, Laker Fishing Tackle, and Zebco.
See page 2 for a tip from Sebastian Bobber and Page 3 for info on the numbers of participants in derbies. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
