[StriperSniper]

I agree finding a closed face that'll hold up to big fish will be tough.I picked up a Pinnacle 7 1/2' rod/reel spinning combo at the local tackle shop for my son 3 years ago for$50,it has held up to 100's of 5-10 lb bluefish with no problems. The zebco closed face combo's are pretty inexpensive and can handle the smaller fish if your planning on taking them for skipjacks. In my experience(i have 5 kids) go with the closed face rigged with a small blue/silver kastmaster,they'll have a blast and when they're ready for the bigger fish they'll let you know.