I am considering buying a whip or pole for my son who is 7 to use when we go river fishing. It would cut down on the complications of casting, tangles, etc. I have just been to my local shop and they do evreything from a 3 meter Shakespeare whip for ?12 to poles that are much more expensive. I am tempted to pay the least and get a small one to see how we get on, but having nver used a whip have no idea how to use them. I assume you tie your line on the end with a float and hook attached as per a rod ? Would I be better getting a nice pole that might last a few more years and that maybe I could use as well ? Obviously you get what you pay for, but just after a bit of advice ? It would be mainly for silver fish on rivers.