I just wanted yall to know I too use ul equipment, not just a flyrod. I use a 5 ft graphite spinning rod,line weight 1-4 lbs,lure weight 1/16-1/4 oz, flurocarbon line, with different hi -speed retrive , lots of ball bearings spinning reels. This set up is what I use to chase smallmouth in the Ozark rivers, I catch plenty of bluegill with this, sometimes bluegill think they are smallmouth and act like it. All my artificials are downsized bass lures, spinners ,spoons,jigs, and plastic worms. Micro-spins are my favorites. So whats your favorite ul lure.
ULTRALIGHT! There is no better way (or fun way) to fish for our favorite fish, the Bluegill! Where I fish here in southern California, you HAVE to use very light lines because of the clear water and finicky fish. For us to catch a big Bluegill, crappie or Redear, we've had to learn how to use tiny jigs on 2 lb test line by also using the correct rods and ultralight spinning reels with extra-smooth drag systems. Some of those giant panfish can really take off, especially the Redears!
I have a 7 foot shimano UL vrod that I pair with a shimano symetre 1000 and 4 lb test. That is my main rig and I've caught everything from green sunfish and gills to largemouth bass and channel cats with it. Setting the drag for the line you are using is essential. Someone asked about Okuma. I have a Medium/Light FishEagle II from Cabelas with an Okuma Epixor 25b on it. I really really really like the Epixor and I will be buying another one this year. The drag is really smooth and it is a great overall reel. It has pulled in many a catfish, crappie, and bluegill as well.
What different types of line have you used? Do you prefer the clear over the opaque ones. Which do you consider the best for fishing in certain situations?
I've tried quite a few different lines. For soft water fishing I have used Trilene XL(clear and in green), Trilene Sensation, and Silver Thread Excalibur (all of these in 4 lb). Through the ice I've used Berkley Micro-Ice, Cajun Red, and Silver Thread Excalibur. I've pretty much settled on using Silver Thread Excalibur throughout the year. It is a copolymer line that is very abrasion resistant and has a small diameter. It is tough stuff. I could go lighter but most of the waters I fish have large channel cats in them that like to attack my bluegill offerings.
2lb brown line .Bought a bunch years ago .Abu Garcia made it a long time ago. Never see this color any more . Hard to see 2# test but it is my prefered line for small streams that run brown colored water .
Hi Y'all , I have 3-Shakespeare Micro Spin UL's, I use 4-6 LB test Trilene with a Thrill Cork ! I caught a 12"-6" Red Ear last week. As soon as I get the Mount back I'll send a Photo of the Finished Product--- Can't Wait
i use a fenwick hmg 5' rod rated 1-6 pound and 4 lb line and a abu garcia 300u reel which i love very much it holds 100 yrds of 4lb very small reel my set u is a little pricey but as long as i have been ul fishing i finally deserve i nice nice set! well that what i tell my wife anyway
I've got an older daiwa rod/reel combo, don't know the model numbers, that is very very "ultra light".. I only use the rod in certain circumstances because it has a really flimsy action. For those of us who use the Shakespear Micro Spin, imagine more ultra light than that. It is 5' long, fiberglass, and very used. It was semi new when I got it back in the 80's and I put a Shimano reel on it. The Shimano has a self centering mechanism, where the Daiwa did not. I use this setup when I fish certain little ponds. This rod is not my main setup but it is still a "go to" in the mix of combos that I use.
I prefer the Palomar Knot on all my terminals. Gives me double strength at the hook itself and has always worked for me on most lines. Simple to tie and quick.
The Palomar Knot comes close to 100 percent efficiency when tied properly... The Jansik Special is considered by some to be a stronger knot but it's considerably harder to tie. A lot of fisherman use the Improved Clinch Knot... although very popular (I used to use it prior to going with the Palomar) something to remember... this knot only tests out to about 95 percent of the breaking strength of the line you are using... for the 'Ultra Lite' guys out there if you are using very fine mono etc... (lines under 4lb Test).... the experts recommend doubling the line over before tying this knot... the problem with this becomes evident when you are using very small jigs... even with 4lb test when you double the line over it can be difficult to get it through the eyes of the lure...
Using very light line and tying the Improved Clinch without doubling the line over cuts it's strength efficiency down to about 85 percent... (not very good) Although this knot works very well in lines above 6lb test... I would advice those interested to learn to tie the Palomar... easy to tie and incredibly strong... 'IF TIED PROPERLY... There is considerable heat created when drawing down any knot.... Use lots of spit to maintain any knots integrity... To have that Bluegill of a lifetime on... and lose it to a failed knot... take it from me... you don't want to know what that is like. Good Fishing...
I have decided to spend some money this year. I bought a Bass Pro Bionic blade rod.And a Browning fishing Citori spinning reel. I got that one because I liked the name. You know product reconition. So Ill see if there is any difference in this setup and my old fathful walmart special $19.99
u will love that rod over your walmart rod! i promise, i had one and it was a great rod but now i use fenwick rods most of the time but never used a browning reel but i got a buddy that swears by them browning reels..so let use know how you like it after your first use and good luck with the big gills
I have three Shakespear Micros and use #6 lb test line with sinker and Thill Cork how can I get MAXIMUM Casting Distance, seems I can't get good distance with them????????????
St. Croix is my rod of choice but they are expensive... I use a Shimano sustain F1000... also expensive but it has an incredibly smooth drag system and I use 2lb test so a good drag is essential. I have heard great things about the new Pfleugers and they are considerably cheaper.
My Pflueger President UL has been sticky in the retreive but smooth in the drag. I 've oiled it but it seems to acguire that stickiness in one part of the handle after a short while . I have 2 other Pflueger reels with out this proplem .Stream fishing and sand might be the culprit.
Hi James... Can you describe your ultra lite outfit to me... length of rod... weight of float and any jigs or BB's you may have attached at the terminal end of your rig. ?
Rob
Rob my Reel is a Shakespere MICRO-SPIN (2-6 lb line) My Rod is a 4'6'' MICRO-SPIN Ultra-Lite . I use TRILENE 6lb, with PSS-BB sinker and a Small Thill cork. It throws my Bitsey Minnow great, but I can't a good distance with the cricket Rig?????/
Your rod is very short I use a 6' 6" ultra light and you would be surprised how much that extra 18" inches helps with casting... At 6lb test your line maybe a little heavy for ulta lite float fishing... (I use 2lb Yozuri Hybrid or 2lb Maxima) They are both soft and cast great. Thills' floats are OK but if you are using a 'mini shy bite' they don't have a lot of weight to them... I recommend Porcupine or Goose quills if you can find them... something with very little wind resistance but has the ability to float a good sized bait or jig... I beleive you will see a tremendous difference with a lighter line and a longer rod... should increase your distance by 12 - 15 feet or more... Hope this helps mate.
I just "splurged" on a new panfishing outfit. It is a Temple Fork Outfitters Signature Series 2 piece 8 foot UltraLight with a Shimano Stradic CI4 spinning reel. I've only used it once so far; but I really liked it. I've heard the 8 foot version is being discontinued so it is all I can do to keep from buying a spare.
jeff that is a very nice reel and i have been looking for a long rod like that for the river but all i got is a 5' one for the ponds and i love my rod but you sound like you have a nice set up and let us know how good thr rod is, because i am looking for one in the future
Man it's killin me!!, getting my new Boat, Motor and trailer this thursday, been without one now for 3-weeks , Can't wait to get back into the Groove of catching them BIG BLUEGILLS, hope to have a good post by next week end!!!!!!!!!
A little about myself. I love ultra lite fishing. I probably own 15 ultra lite rod and reels. have a couple Abu Garcia rods and have numerous Berkey rods. Reels I have mostly Pfluegers. For the money they are a smooth running reel and very reliable. I do have other reels but in my opinion I like my Pfluegers the best. I fish small spinners and jigs hoping to get into small spoons. I use 2,4 and 6 pound fluorocarbon line. Some top water with a rubber spider it works great for me. Have fun fella's and GOOD FISHIN..
I bought a St Croix ultralight last summer at a Musky expo and had so much fun catching bluegills that I ended up on this site. So excited to find a group that enjoys these whippy rods.
I like ultra light fishing, and last friday i could catch catfish on it so i want to share, it was 7.5 pounds and 68 cm., with a 1/8 jig and 4 pound line, the bait was turkeky winies. And the fight was like 7 miutes.
Patricia that's neat that you caught a seven and a half pounder but what's really neat is you had the intuition not to hoarse it it. Great job and if you have pictures send them we love pictures. GOOD FISHIN...
Thanks for the welcome to the group and as you can see from some of my photos I like vintage rods and ultra light and fly in particular. I'll be posting a pic from yesterday of a fairly decent Bass (GREEN CARP) , THAT I got on a crappie jig and a 40+ year old Garcia rod.
One of my most fun ultra lights is my fist one, a 5' Diawa that is about 38 years old. I also own a 4' two piece Kunan rod that is a blast to fish with.
Without a doubt the The Davy knot ..simple to tie and strong ...I have
Limited sight in my right eye and this knot save my fishing hobby ...can tie it almost by feel alone ....
I did purchase three new rods this year as if I needed another rod. I bought a 6 1/2 foot ultra lite and a 7 foot ultra lite and an 8 foot ultra light. All with Pflueger reels and spooled with 2lb fluorocarbon. I'll report back later as I get into them. Then again I've been using my 5 footers so long I might not even like the longer rods I'll check back in later as I use them.
Good afternoon everyone. This will be my first post on this group. I'm mostly interested in fly fishing (a member of that group too) and am pretty active over on the Fiberglass Flyrodders Forum. I've been building flyrods using Lamson e-glass blanks that are intended for ultralight spinning rods and thought that as I have an extra one I'd make a spinning rod, too It's a 5 foot long Forecast SPG-601, if that means anything to anyone, meant for 2-4lb test line and 1/16-3/16" lures.
I live in Central Florida and will be fishing lakes mostly from the shore or wading. Is a 5' rod pretty much a normal size rod for that application? If not, what would be a better length for the next one? Is there an ultra-lite forum I can go to to learn about guide selection and spacing and how one does grips? Finally, if anyone can recommend a lower middle class reel I would appreciate it. Cost is definitely a factor with me. In fact I have a bid in on an old Mitchel 304 - cute little thing.
A lot of questions from a new guy I know But I had to start somewhere. I will be most thankful for any resposne.
I would recommend a Quantum Optix reel they run about 20 bucks and are a decent reel that will last a good while. For about 50 bucks you can get a Pfluger President reel. I have both reels and both will do well on a ultra lite rod. Shimanno makes some low end reels that run between 20-30 bucks, but I have not fished the newer ones, so I cannot say how good they are. As a rule, Shimmano's are good reels.
Thanks Vince. As it turns out all I had to do was scoll down a page or two and there were several reel suggestions. Sorry - I'm still getting used to the layout of this forum.
Hi Ralph. Received your message through the group message system.
What you have is more that sufficient to have fun on the water. Unless you have a budget to purchase the man's toys of choices, best just to enjoy with the low and mid end gears. Like you, I don't have much budget to play with. I stick with Quantuum Ultra Light Combo fast action, 4'8", with a micro reel. Aside from that, I grab some Bass Pro Shop $20 5'2" ultra light slow action for the jigging action, paired up with an old Shimano reel.
Depending on what you're fishing for, where at, site's conditions, and which method (jigging/fly/spoon/float/etc.), rod manufacturers provide you an edge in detecting/sensitivity, casting, and of course, reliability.
For me, I take with me most of the time my 4'8" and 5'2" fast action rods, paired up with a real that can support a minimum of 150 meters of 4lbs test lines just in case a large bass, carp, or catfish decided to play tug war with me. Smoothness of the reel is your preference. The more you spend, the higher quality of smoothness you'll get. However, if you budget only allows you to have mid end reel, $15 to $30 reel from Target/Walmart is more than sufficient. Pflueger President is pricey at mid end. Why not go for the Shimano Syncopate? Abu Garcia Cardinal is a fun reel to play with. I wouldn't mind sinking my teeth into some Okuma reels that are on sale either.
Tooty's semi-indestructible 5'8" Wonderods, paired with Quantum Bill Dance's signature series ultralight reel. Spare White Water 7'8" Dogwood Canyon rod to pair up with the Pflueger micro spinning reel, both preloaded with 4lbs braided lines. Waste of money for braided line this small, but fun none the less. Of course, I also bring my two Okuma fly reels to play when when there's sufficient space and wading depths.
Fishing is about gain extra experience. Gears may count only as 5% of the total mastery of your fishing skills. My kids and wife dance around me like I'm an idiot when it comes to fishing.
Catching 11-13.5 " Crappie on a Shimano Sensilite ,matched with a Pflueger President UL Reel spooled with 2# test and fishing a 32nd oz. Buck tail jig /Twister tail .
Nice setup, John. I have several of the Presidents and they are sweet for the money.
One of my favorite UL rods is an older Bass Pro Micro Lite at 6 ft, the older brown colored rods. I have broken this rod at the ferrel, but attached and epoxied it together and now serves as a sweet 5-8 UL that is a hoot on anything that swims. Just missed banking a teen class carp last week at Pymatuning on this and 4 lb test. I also, for a short stick, like the 5-6 UL two piece from Dick's Field and Strem line of freshwater rods.
Both of these are great budget sticks that will cover many panfishing bases. I am anxious to try the new 10-6 Russ Baily 'Crappie Wizard' from B&M Poles that was graciously given to me for a field test and report from the crappie pros last week at Pymatuning. I will likely use it as a drop-shot rod for hauling summer bulls from deeper vegetation. Can't wait!
Zach Pierce
Has anyone heard of Okuma and have thoughts on them?
Also are there any brands I should stay clear of?
Mar 9, 2011
Lord of the Fly , Rods
Mar 9, 2011
Jeff Soto
Mar 9, 2011
Glen Wagley
Mar 9, 2011
Derrick
Mar 10, 2011
Glen Wagley
Mar 10, 2011
John Sheehan
Mar 10, 2011
John Sheehan
Mar 10, 2011
David, aka, "McScruff"
Zack asked about Okuma - its a top brand. Dont be concerned with their quality.
As for UL fishing, its the kind I've done the most over the years.
I favor the graphite rods and spinning gear - my little Shakespeare 4.5' outfit is a favorite.
Mar 11, 2011
James Micheal Landrum
Mar 19, 2011
Mark McKinney
Mar 19, 2011
James Micheal Landrum
Mar 19, 2011
Derrick
I've got an older daiwa rod/reel combo, don't know the model numbers, that is very very "ultra light".. I only use the rod in certain circumstances because it has a really flimsy action. For those of us who use the Shakespear Micro Spin, imagine more ultra light than that. It is 5' long, fiberglass, and very used. It was semi new when I got it back in the 80's and I put a Shimano reel on it. The Shimano has a self centering mechanism, where the Daiwa did not. I use this setup when I fish certain little ponds. This rod is not my main setup but it is still a "go to" in the mix of combos that I use.
Mar 20, 2011
Billy Fason
Mar 26, 2011
Rob Hilton
Using very light line and tying the Improved Clinch without doubling the line over cuts it's strength efficiency down to about 85 percent... (not very good) Although this knot works very well in lines above 6lb test... I would advice those interested to learn to tie the Palomar... easy to tie and incredibly strong... 'IF TIED PROPERLY... There is considerable heat created when drawing down any knot.... Use lots of spit to maintain any knots integrity... To have that Bluegill of a lifetime on... and lose it to a failed knot... take it from me... you don't want to know what that is like. Good Fishing...
Apr 28, 2011
Mike Davis
May 7, 2011
Mark McKinney
May 8, 2011
James Micheal Landrum
May 14, 2011
Rob Hilton
May 16, 2011
John Sheehan
May 16, 2011
Rob Hilton
May 16, 2011
Rob Hilton
Rob
May 16, 2011
James Micheal Landrum
May 16, 2011
Rob Hilton
Your rod is very short I use a 6' 6" ultra light and you would be surprised how much that extra 18" inches helps with casting... At 6lb test your line maybe a little heavy for ulta lite float fishing... (I use 2lb Yozuri Hybrid or 2lb Maxima) They are both soft and cast great. Thills' floats are OK but if you are using a 'mini shy bite' they don't have a lot of weight to them... I recommend Porcupine or Goose quills if you can find them... something with very little wind resistance but has the ability to float a good sized bait or jig... I beleive you will see a tremendous difference with a lighter line and a longer rod... should increase your distance by 12 - 15 feet or more... Hope this helps mate.
May 16, 2011
Dwayne Denison
May 16, 2011
Jeff Workman
May 17, 2011
Mark McKinney
May 17, 2011
Jeff Workman
Thanks Mark!
It is a nice combo. My wife got the same reel (only next size larger) and a heavier, shorter rod.
Someone just gave me a gift certificate for Cabelas so I may give in and buy another one of the 8 foot rods.
May 20, 2011
James Micheal Landrum
May 28, 2011
James Micheal Landrum
Jun 3, 2011
dick tabbert
Sep 23, 2011
Israel Dunn
I bought a St Croix ultralight last summer at a Musky expo and had so much fun catching bluegills that I ended up on this site. So excited to find a group that enjoys these whippy rods.
Jan 19, 2012
Patricia Ramirez
I like ultra light fishing, and last friday i could catch catfish on it so i want to share, it was 7.5 pounds and 68 cm., with a 1/8 jig and 4 pound line, the bait was turkeky winies. And the fight was like 7 miutes.
Jan 29, 2012
dick tabbert
Patricia that's neat that you caught a seven and a half pounder but what's really neat is you had the intuition not to hoarse it it. Great job and if you have pictures send them we love pictures. GOOD FISHIN...
Jan 29, 2012
Tony Livingston
Patricia, that is awesome! I love a big fish on an ultralight! Excellent catch!
Jan 30, 2012
DAVID L EITUTIS
Thanks for the welcome to the group and as you can see from some of my photos I like vintage rods and ultra light and fly in particular. I'll be posting a pic from yesterday of a fairly decent Bass (GREEN CARP) , THAT I got on a crappie jig and a 40+ year old Garcia rod.
Apr 19, 2012
Mark Sleeper
Hi i love fishing ul rods Sleepy
Oct 17, 2012
Mark Sleeper
Hi thanks for the welcome Sleepy
Oct 17, 2012
Vince Fusco
One of my most fun ultra lights is my fist one, a 5' Diawa that is about 38 years old. I also own a 4' two piece Kunan rod that is a blast to fish with.
Jan 18, 2013
paul sach
Limited sight in my right eye and this knot save my fishing hobby ...can tie it almost by feel alone ....
Paul
May 1, 2013
dick tabbert
I did purchase three new rods this year as if I needed another rod. I bought a 6 1/2 foot ultra lite and a 7 foot ultra lite and an 8 foot ultra light. All with Pflueger reels and spooled with 2lb fluorocarbon. I'll report back later as I get into them. Then again I've been using my 5 footers so long I might not even like the longer rods I'll check back in later as I use them.
Jun 4, 2013
John Sheehan
Yes, Pflueger!! I enjoy my President and Supreme UL's
Jun 4, 2013
Rick Van Clief
Good afternoon everyone. This will be my first post on this group. I'm mostly interested in fly fishing (a member of that group too) and am pretty active over on the Fiberglass Flyrodders Forum. I've been building flyrods using Lamson e-glass blanks that are intended for ultralight spinning rods and thought that as I have an extra one I'd make a spinning rod, too It's a 5 foot long Forecast SPG-601, if that means anything to anyone, meant for 2-4lb test line and 1/16-3/16" lures.
I live in Central Florida and will be fishing lakes mostly from the shore or wading. Is a 5' rod pretty much a normal size rod for that application? If not, what would be a better length for the next one? Is there an ultra-lite forum I can go to to learn about guide selection and spacing and how one does grips? Finally, if anyone can recommend a lower middle class reel I would appreciate it. Cost is definitely a factor with me. In fact I have a bid in on an old Mitchel 304 - cute little thing.
A lot of questions from a new guy I know But I had to start somewhere. I will be most thankful for any resposne.
Rick
Jul 12, 2013
Vince Fusco
I would recommend a Quantum Optix reel they run about 20 bucks and are a decent reel that will last a good while. For about 50 bucks you can get a Pfluger President reel. I have both reels and both will do well on a ultra lite rod. Shimanno makes some low end reels that run between 20-30 bucks, but I have not fished the newer ones, so I cannot say how good they are. As a rule, Shimmano's are good reels.
Jul 12, 2013
Rick Van Clief
Thanks Vince. As it turns out all I had to do was scoll down a page or two and there were several reel suggestions. Sorry - I'm still getting used to the layout of this forum.
Jul 12, 2013
Leo Nguyen
Hi Ralph. Received your message through the group message system.
What you have is more that sufficient to have fun on the water. Unless you have a budget to purchase the man's toys of choices, best just to enjoy with the low and mid end gears. Like you, I don't have much budget to play with. I stick with Quantuum Ultra Light Combo fast action, 4'8", with a micro reel. Aside from that, I grab some Bass Pro Shop $20 5'2" ultra light slow action for the jigging action, paired up with an old Shimano reel.
Depending on what you're fishing for, where at, site's conditions, and which method (jigging/fly/spoon/float/etc.), rod manufacturers provide you an edge in detecting/sensitivity, casting, and of course, reliability.
For me, I take with me most of the time my 4'8" and 5'2" fast action rods, paired up with a real that can support a minimum of 150 meters of 4lbs test lines just in case a large bass, carp, or catfish decided to play tug war with me. Smoothness of the reel is your preference. The more you spend, the higher quality of smoothness you'll get. However, if you budget only allows you to have mid end reel, $15 to $30 reel from Target/Walmart is more than sufficient. Pflueger President is pricey at mid end. Why not go for the Shimano Syncopate? Abu Garcia Cardinal is a fun reel to play with. I wouldn't mind sinking my teeth into some Okuma reels that are on sale either.
May 22, 2014
David, aka, "McScruff"
May 22, 2014
Leo Nguyen
Ahhh..gloves off David ;-)
Tooty's semi-indestructible 5'8" Wonderods, paired with Quantum Bill Dance's signature series ultralight reel. Spare White Water 7'8" Dogwood Canyon rod to pair up with the Pflueger micro spinning reel, both preloaded with 4lbs braided lines. Waste of money for braided line this small, but fun none the less. Of course, I also bring my two Okuma fly reels to play when when there's sufficient space and wading depths.
Fishing is about gain extra experience. Gears may count only as 5% of the total mastery of your fishing skills. My kids and wife dance around me like I'm an idiot when it comes to fishing.
May 22, 2014
John Sheehan
Catching 11-13.5 " Crappie on a Shimano Sensilite ,matched with a Pflueger President UL Reel spooled with 2# test and fishing a 32nd oz. Buck tail jig /Twister tail .
May 22, 2014
Jim Gronaw
Nice setup, John. I have several of the Presidents and they are sweet for the money.
One of my favorite UL rods is an older Bass Pro Micro Lite at 6 ft, the older brown colored rods. I have broken this rod at the ferrel, but attached and epoxied it together and now serves as a sweet 5-8 UL that is a hoot on anything that swims. Just missed banking a teen class carp last week at Pymatuning on this and 4 lb test. I also, for a short stick, like the 5-6 UL two piece from Dick's Field and Strem line of freshwater rods.
Both of these are great budget sticks that will cover many panfishing bases. I am anxious to try the new 10-6 Russ Baily 'Crappie Wizard' from B&M Poles that was graciously given to me for a field test and report from the crappie pros last week at Pymatuning. I will likely use it as a drop-shot rod for hauling summer bulls from deeper vegetation. Can't wait!
May 22, 2014