LEGIT DESIGN Child Side CSC 53ML-2

CHILD SIDE ～We are the youth gone wild～

A full-fledged lure fishing rod for children as well.
The CHILD SIDE series has been renewed into its second generation.

For those of us who grew up with lure fishing—experiencing its joy and letting it enrich our lives—the question becomes: how do we pass this enjoyment on to the next generation? It is both a challenge and a responsibility for adults. Efforts such as creating environments and holding fishing classes are important, but as someone who makes fishing tackle for a living, I wondered if I could contribute by creating rods suited for children. A rod refined in every detail, yet sharing the same cosmetics as adult models, so children can use something truly meaningful. CHILD SIDE is a rod designed to teach the fundamentals of lure fishing.

— Takeshi Onikata, LEGIT DESIGN

A full-fledged bass fishing rod for children

Teaching bass fishing to elementary school children is not easy. Basic angling movements that adults take for granted are not yet ingrained in children, leading to frequent line troubles and snags. They get bored quickly, and adults can become frustrated. So I began thinking: what role can the rod itself play in reducing this stress?

By carefully observing my own children fishing, I realized that rod length—especially the rear grip length—has a major impact on casting and retrieving, the fundamentals of bass fishing.

Average height of a 10-year-old boy: approx. 140 cm
Average adult male height: approx. 170 cm

There is a large difference in height, hand size, grip strength, and overall physical ability between adults and children. Using adult rods as-is is simply unrealistic. In short, both overall length and grip length are too long.

In many sports and leisure activities such as skiing, baseball, golf, and tennis, equipment is naturally chosen according to body size. Bass fishing, as a physical activity, should be no different. Choosing gear suited to a child’s growth is essential for stress-free enjoyment.

If you're going to do it, do it right

Children’s rods are often seen as “cheap and adequate.” However, I don’t want to give my children anything that feels like a toy rod. To me, a bass rod is a creation, a tool, and part of my livelihood—I cannot compromise.

Just as parents who love fashion want their children to wear good clothes, I want my children to use good rods and feel proud of using the same rods as their parents.

Children also grow through their favorite gear. When given proper equipment—even if slightly more expensive—they take care of it, maintain it daily, and become more serious about what they do. I believe children instinctively recognize quality.

LINE UP

CSC53ML-2 (Bait Casting Model)

• Length: 1.60 m
• Weight: 84 g
• Action: MF
• Grip Length: 190 mm
• Sections: 2 pcs
• Lure: up to 14 g
• Line: 8–14 lb
• Carbon: 95% / Aramid: 0% / Glass: 5%
• JAN: 4573126352606

Even if children can use baitcasting reels, lure fishing becomes much more enjoyable.

Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater lures become much more fun once baitcasting is mastered. While there are challenges for children with limited strength, the key is castability—allowing the rod to properly load the lure’s weight and utilize rebound effectively. The 5’3” blank is designed specifically for a child’s physique, with carefully tuned taper and a properly sized rear grip. It retains enough power for both treble and single-hook lures.

Features:

• Rear grip: 190 mm
• 2-piece design
• Fuji stainless/A-ring guides
• EVA grip

CSS53UL-2 (Spinning Model)

• Length: 1.60 m
• Weight: 74 g
• Action: MF
• Grip Length: 180 mm
• Sections: 2 pcs
• Lure: up to 7 g
• Line: 3–6 lb
• Carbon: 95% / Aramid: 0% / Glass: 5%
• JAN: 4573126352613

A spinning rod that teaches the fundamentals of lure fishing while supporting a wide range of styles.

Spinning tackle is both the entry point and a constant essential. Its ability to cast light lures makes it suitable for bass, trout, and light saltwater fishing. It features a forgiving bend curve for lightweight lures and enough backbone to handle unexpected big fish. It can also be used for trout spoons or even general fishing.

Features:

• Rear grip: 180 mm
• 2-piece design
• Fuji stainless/A-ring guides
• EVA grip

FEATURES

Blank

“Children’s rod” refers not to reduced quality, but to properly adjusted length, power, and bend characteristics. The blank uses the same aramid reinforcement as higher-end Wild Side models, and the spinning model also uses nano-resin carbon, making it a high-spec construction.

Center-cut 2-piece

Portable with a transport length of 82.5 cm. The action maintains a smooth, uninterrupted bend even at the joint.

Rear Grip

Most critical for children’s usability:

• CSC53ML-2: 190 mm
• CSS53UL-2: 180 mm

Guides

Fuji stainless frame with A-ring specifications.

Cosmetics

Faithfully recreates the design of LEGIT DESIGN’s high-end “Variant Model,” delivering a true full-spec appearance.