My 8 year old son is turning into a heck of a fisherman, he's been at it since he was 3-4 years old, and he's been getting better. Last year he pulled in a 16 inch chain pickerel on his own, and this year he landed a 16 inch Shorthead Redhorse which he won the local 4H Best Catch Competition with, beating 2nd place, a 15 1/2" rainbow trout by 1/2". He also tried his hand at lure fishing and after his fourth cast and maybe 5 minutes, he reeled in a large mouth bass worthy of taking home. He also caught a few monster bluegills and large perch this summer. Can't wait until next year.