Part 3

In my past two columns I’ve detailed a procedure that makes it easy for a youngster to learn how to use a closed face spinning reel.  I’d like to share a few additional thoughts in this third and final column dealing with the same subject.

Teach kids how to fish and you may keep them out of a whole lot of trouble in the process.

One of the best ways to turn a child away from fishing for all time is to provide them with mismatched equipment.  Teach them how to use what you give them before you ever get near the water.  I lived right on the shore of a popular bass and panfish lake for about 35 years.  It wasn’t unusual to hear some father yelling (at times even cursing) at the kids he had in his boat.

 Much of the time the father’s anger was because the kids couldn’t handle their equipment to his satisfaction.  You can imagine how much fun that was for the kids.  You can also believe they will stay the heck away from future fishing trips if they possibly can.

If you’ve read my previous two columns you know I’ve recommended the Zebco Pro Staff closed face as a good choice for youngsters.  The last time I checked the Pro Staff was selling for less than $20.  This little reel is a good buy for that kind of money.  Again, I can say that with assurance because it’s the reel I’ve been using in my casting demonstrations for a long, long time.  They hold up reasonably well and I’ve had limited problems with them.

This young lady used a closed face spinning reel to catch that nice catfish.  She caught it at the kid's fishing area at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.

Also keep a closed face spinning reel in mind if your wife, like mine, simply doesn’t have the desire to get neck deep in sports fishing.  Perhaps, again like mine, she does like to go now and then when the weather is soft and sunny.  When she does go she wants to catch her share of fish.  Most women, like youngsters, have small hands.  That’s where a smaller closed face again is a good choice.

A closed face is my wife’s favorite reel.  She isn’t interested in even trying anything else.  The small closed-face just “fits” her.  She’ll hold her own with anybody when it comes to putting panfish like crappie or bluegill in the boat.  Her ability to handle her closed face reel is the primary reason she can do it.

The Pro Staff 2010 reel I’ve recommended comes loaded with 90 yards of 6-pound line.  That line test is entirely adequate for panfish.  You can, of course, change line tests if you choose.  With today’s small diameter monofilaments you can go up to 8 or 10-pound test if you want.  I’ve loaded one of my wife’s reels with 10-pound mono.  She uses that one when she goes bass fishing with me. 

If you want your kids to go first class there are some darn good other closed face reels available.  One of the best of is a Dawia Goldcast.  These well made reels are available in three sizes.  Again, it’s the smallest of the three that is the best choice for a youngster.  The smallest is the Goldcast GC80.  It comes loaded with 75 yards of 8-pound test line. 

I’ve been using closed face spinning reels in my casting demonstrations for a long, long time.  That’s about the only time I do use them.  They aren’t my favorite fishing tools and if you’re an experienced angler they probably aren’t yours.  But by golly they are great for kids, especially if you know how to teach them that left forefinger line control that I detailed in my previous columns.

Sometimes adults also do all right with a spinning reel.  The late Herb Williams, a great guy and a good friend, used one to take that nice walleye out of the Columbia River when we fished together there.

If you’ve attended one of my casting demonstrations you’ve probably heard me say I can take any eight or nine year old with average coordination and have then casting well enough to go fishing within a half hour.  I can because the closed-face reel I’ll have them use is one they can handle.  All I need do is teach them that left forefinger line control and they’re in business.

Got youngsters you want to get interested in fishing?  Study what you’ve just read.  Check the previous two columns in the archives of my columns here at the Mack’s Lure web site.  I’ve had the wondrous good fortune to help thousands of young anglers get started over the past half-century.  Having had the right equipment to work with has been a great help. Where kids are concerned that’s been the closed-face spinning reel. 

What has worked for me will work just as well for you and your little ones.  Good luck and may God bless you as you introduce your youngsters to the wondrous world of sports fishing.  You’ll never regret the time you spend doing it.

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