My 7-year old daughter has just started flyfishing and I'm going to make her a rod this winter. Before anyone says anything about how young she is, just know that this girl is like her mother, she does anything she sets her mind to and she decided this past year to start fly fishing, just like her father. Her cast is still rough but I know that when I put her in a casting class this spring she'll do fine.

Now, what I need is a suggestion on what to make for a beginner never tainted by the plastic rod bug. She is about 3 to 4 inches taller than many in her age range and has good hand, eye coordination. Any help?  (Bill Walters)

Don't make the mistake of making her a short rod because of her size.  My daughter started with a Wayne C. 7' 2-PC 4 wt (the Sir D).  I think that's a great rod for anyone, regardless of age, experience, or casting ability.  (Robert Kope)

I would agree with Robert Kope that a super short rod makes life more difficult for a beginning caster than a short 'average' rod. A Dickerson 6611 is a nice one but a 7 ft Granger is very easy to time and more versatile. It will even handle small weighted nymphs (up to #10 or so).  (AJ Thramer)

I've got the taper for a 7', 4/5 victory  from George Mauer's book. Is this what you had in mind?  (Bill Walters)

That is a good one, you can adjust the tip dimensions in the last 3 in to  the be the same as the butt. It makes the ferrule fit better if you are  using the ubiquitous Swiss style ferrule.  (AJ Thramer)

I can't say enough about the Sir "D".  (Tony Spezio)

To me PHY tapers are THE tapers. I regularly make other tapers for sale, but stick to the PHY´s if possible as they simply are the best.

A month ago a client, who earlier bought a Perfectionist taper rod from me, turned up with the tip of a carbon rod -the butt was broken. I refused to repair the butt piece, as I only do cane as a matter of principle. He then convinced me into marrying his carbon tip to a new cane butt, as I saw fit. Being a sucker for a challenge I accepted and this afternoon I have wiggled my "Dania Flyrods CarboCane No. 1". IT WORKS. I simply made a Para 15 butt and married it to the carbon tip, and it makes an OK rod. Not as good as the real thing, but positively better than your average carbon stick. I think he is going to like it.  (Carsten Jorgensen)

I am building a PHY Midge taper to give to my son for his 7th birthday, and will be his first fly rod.  Just finished gluing and sanding, can't wait to cast it.  Just waiting for the ferrules to arrive.  This rod is turning out so much better than I imagined (my first rod), the little fart is going to have to pry it out of my hands if he wants it!  (Kyle Druey)

The PHY Midge is not really a short rod in the real sense of the word.

It is actually a bit like a Zip file, and it automatically unzips when you cast it.  (Peter McKean)

My vote on this is the Midge, as well -- the #2 in the Hexrod Archives.  (Martin-Darrell)

Everyone that has used my Midge has fallen in love with it. I think it's one of the best small stream rods out there and will spoil you for that purpose. Now, let's step up a notch to a medium stream where you may want to throw some lead - even a very small amount of micro shot. The Midge runs out pretty quick - less than 15 feet or so and limits your ability to cover much water. Granted, it will throw a dry for 50 to 60 feet and is a blast for midge dry fishing. John Channer stood beside me as I landed a couple of 20"+ trout on the San Juan doing just that. The rod was bent double but performed wonderfully. But, as a first rod or something meant for more all-around use, I would recommend the Sir D or something similar in 7' + for #4 or #5 wt. You get a bit more spine and flexibility for your fishing, at least in my opinion. Still, it's is a mighty fine taper and is definitely one I'd recommend for tight, small streams.  (Jim Freeman)

Yep, mighty fine little rod!  (John Channer)

7' 4 wt. Sir D. If she gets tired of fishing later in life she can keep the boys at bay with it.  (Marty DeSapio)

In every sport I ever tried my hand at be it rock climbing, kayaking, football, fishing etc. it was always my opinion that you should NOT start of with "inferior" gear. That would in this case mean a rod any different to what you your self would use for the area you're fishing.  All starting off with "beginner" gear ever does is make life harder than it needs to be to get good. Also, if a person is interested in the sport that person becomes good in a surprisingly short time and needs the better gear anyhow. Try a Sir D.  (Tony Young)

The 7'6" South Bend rod is one of my favorites and it lays out a real nice line.  It was my Dad's and he gave it to me when I started fly fishing when I was 16 back in the 60s.   She will love it.  (Bret Reiter)