gary3594,

My son is a small for his age 14, most 12 year olds are bigger than he is. With the right instruction and picking his shots he can handle a 10 weight. Granted, the 10 I put in his hands only weighs 3 1/2 oz. Realistically, an 8 is about the top of his comfort zone, which was about his max. when he was 10.

You do want to go with one of the new very light for their weight rods if you can. An under 3 oz. eight shouldn't be too heavy for him if you keep the reel light and use a shorter front taper that will let the rod load with less line out, like a Sci Angler Concept, Orvis Clearwater, or even a bass bug taper.

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