Setup for kids (teens)

FishHunter8999

FishHunter8999

Smolt
I've got 2 boys, 13 and 15. Both of which fish with me with gear. I'm planning a couple trips to places that are fly only or back country where fly gear is just far better to pack in. There are several full outfits on the market, most of which will need better line. Anyone on here with kids have experience with a first fly rod setup? Don't want to break the bank if it's not as much interest to them, but also want an enjoyable experience. My first fly rod was my dads second setup, so no experience with the full outfits myself, and no extras to let them use for now. Thanks in advance!!
 
The Echo Base (now called the Lift) combos are a great deal. $189 you get the Lift rod and a Base reel. I bought one for my wife and another that i keep in the trunk of the car for fishing emergencies. I did upgrade the lines though.
 
Eagleclaw Packmaster with both fly and spinning reels? That was my first fly rod, and if they don't take to fly-fishing, slap a Mitchell spinning reel on it. It was a better spin than fly rod, though.
 
I would lean towards fiberglass more than graphite rods. Way more durable. Moderate action rods are more forgiving in casting than faster action rods.

Reels, clickers are just fine...
 
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8’ 4wt Echo Base is a sweet rod! But, gotta admit, I gifted a young nephew a mix of some bargain crap this spring — shlepped right to my stoop by a Mr Bezos — and was impressed by how far $60-$80 will go on a new rig. I assume it’s all coming out of the same factory these days. There are some obvious dilemmas in this approach, but for kid/entry stuff the value seems pretty solid. I’m actually fishing a few ~$20 lines right now and if there’s anything wrong with them I’m missing it, honestly.
 
I got an Orvis Encounter package for my daughter, and it is a good set up. The rod casts better than expected for the price point.
 
Thanks all! Super helpful. I tend to overthink these things and talk myself out of buying cheaper stuff, but then don't buy the expensive thing because I can't afford it/justify it and just end up doing nothing 😆. Especially with so many choices!
 
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