"Oz" wrote in message
m...

Does that mean I will need a different rod/reel combo for panfish?

No not necessarily. As I mentioned in another thread, some people go too
light just because the fish is smaller. If you're casting tiny flies for
panfish with no wind you can get away with a 3 or 4 weight. But a 7 weight
will cast small flies just fine. A 3 wt will not cast big flies fine at
all. If you can have one rod, it should probably be at least a 6 wt. If
you are going to have 2, then you can get a 4 or 5 wt and then a 7 wt. You
might try getting 2 and trading with your son.