By David A. Brown
By David A. BrownBassmaster Elite Series pro Brandon Lester makes his living with a rod and reel, but he’s keenly aware that not everyone needs the same level of performance tackle he employs.
“I don’t remember life without fishing,” Lester said of his early foundation. “With today’s assortment of tackle options, I think it’s important to start kids with something that’s functional and cost-effective until they decide their level of interest.”
Lester’s the architect behind Mustad’s BLF Instinct Rod series, which leverages his decade of rod-building know-how for a high-performance lineup. Lester believes serious anglers will benefit from his designs, but he also sees the importance of equipping youth and older anglers with the rod/reel combos that serve a more relaxed angling approach.
Lester offers his advice on fishing with younger and older generations:
“With kids, you just want to make it fun for them, so make sure you’re fishing for something that’s going to get you some bites,” he said. “Even if it’s bluegills that are half the size of your hand – as long as a kid is catching something and it’s engaging, you can teach them a few fishing skills.”
“The big deal with older people is that they often just like to be out there. I see that with my dad. He’s another one who introduced me to fishing and I make it a point to take him on a trip every fall. He doesn’t even care if he catches a fish, but as you get older, you realize it’s more about the experience.”
From floating earthworms or crickets near lily pads, to leisurely dragging Texas-rigged plastics along the bottom, or winding a weedless spoon for redfish,
Lester offers his advice on fishing with younger and older generations: