Would Ultra-Light Baitcasting Rods And Reel Be Successful?

[tcbass]

Ultra-light spinning rods are extremely successful. They can be used for smaller fish like sunfish, crappies, and smaller bass but they can also be used for larger fish like largemouth, walleyes, and others for more of a challenge and a better fight vs. a traditional set up.

So, what about marketing an ultra-light baitcasting set up for bass?

It could add a lot of fun to catching fish.

[Catch and Grease]

Idk about any modern light tackle baitcasters, but man my bantam 100 can throw light line great...

[Tywithay]

There are already several ultralight baitcasting options on the market. They're not highly marketed, especially in the US, because they're expensive. The precision needed to make the ultralight spools costs way too much to put in affordable reels.

[bootytrain]

As a guy who fishes finesse bait casters on light and ultralight rods over 50% of the time, I can say that you will catch a lot of fish, and not just small ones. This spring I went back to fishing this cove where there were big bass swimming around and guarding beds. They wouldn't touch anything over 3 inches. So I had success mostly with 3 inch Keitech Easy Shiners on a 1/16 oz jig head on 4lb mono. A negative point is that if you are around any type of cover like docks etc.. an UL rod may not have the power to turn some of the bigger fish away from the cover or pull them out once they are there as I found out and lost some nice sized fish. But it is super fun using light gear as even a 1 pounder will feel huge.

[einscodek]

There is a reason a spinning reel is generally used for ultralight..

[Goose52]

It's already been done - especially in Japan where they have their "bait finesse" systems (BC reels, rods, line) perfected to the 'nth degree.

 

Here in the U.S. - some folks fish light baitcasting tackle but as already mentioned, the gear (especially the reel) tends to be expensive and, as also already mentioned, spinning tackle does the same or better job, easier, for less cash.

 

Still, it's fun. I don't have any true bait finesse gear but I do have some gear just a bit on the heavier side - Daiwa Pixys and PX Type R, CQ50s, etc.  Matched with a light or medium-light power BC rod, those reels are a lot of fun to play with.

 

Daiwa PX Type R, Phenix Recon PHX-C682L, 4.7lb bass = fun...

 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I have a pistol grip lightning rod old model with a tec spec bc on it and 6 lb line it does 1/16 easy on a calm day its fun doin ultra light with a bc.the whole thing weighs 8 oz

[STPC]

_{Why would you want to spend all of the extra money on a casting setup with the quality to handle throwing lightweight lures when there are already numerous high-end/quality spinning setups that will do the same thing?  Plus, the birds nests possible with light line on a casting reel would be something almost bad enough to quit fishing over.}

 

_{I like the idea of keeping it simple and practical...so why try to reinvent the wheel?}

[Jrob78]

_{Why would you want to spend all of the extra money on a casting setup with the quality to handle throwing lightweight lures when there are already numerous high-end/quality spinning setups that will do the same thing?  Plus, the birds nests possible with light line on a casting reel would be something almost bad enough to quit fishing over.}

 

_{I like the idea of keeping it simple and practical...so why try to reinvent the wheel?}

Because it's fun

[0119]

I use Abu Ambassadeur 2500C and 1500C's from the early 90's remakes to original 70's models.  I use older Loomis Kokonee trolling rods and the new Cast Away Mod light wading rods.  I guess maybe 1/8th oz pins minnows, spoons or crappie jigs might not be ultra light to many but it is to me, especially with 4lb or 2lb mono when the target is tarpon up to 10lb.s.  A lot of fun

[bootytrain]

_{Why would you want to spend all of the extra money on a casting setup with the quality to handle throwing lightweight lures when there are already numerous high-end/quality spinning setups that will do the same thing?  Plus, the birds nests possible with light line on a casting reel would be something almost bad enough to quit fishing over.}

 

_{I like the idea of keeping it simple and practical...so why try to reinvent the wheel?}

Why buy anything but a Zebco 202 then?

[Goose52]

Why buy anything but a Zebco 202 then?

 

As the owner of BOTH a Zebco 202 and the PX Type R, I can say with authority that ONE is MUCH more fun to use than the other... and you can guess which one...

 

[5fishlimit]

I picked up a px type r, and am blown away by it every time I am out on the water. I have no problems throwing a Zoom finesse worm weightless with it.

Its pricey, I'll admit that, but you get what you pay for.

[Mumbly]

Just curious if the px type r is just as pricey in japan as it is here?

[Goose52]

Just curious if the px type r is just as pricey in japan as it is here?

 

The PX Type R is basically an export model - the equivalent JDM model is the PX-68.  These run  a bit cheaper over there than a good deal on the Type R here (I paid $400 shipped for my Type R).  Rakuten is showing PX-68s for $350 right now but you'd have to add shipping cost and any possible currency exchange fees.

[Tywithay]

The PX Type R is basically an export model - the equivalent JDM model is the PX-68. These run a bit cheaper over there than a good deal on the Type R here (I paid $400 shipped for my Type R). Rakuten is showing PX-68s for $350 right now but you'd have to add shipping cost and any possible currency exchange fees.

JapanLureShop has them for $341+shipping, which usually runs about $20. Only downfall is the Type R looks better. Performance is the same.

[bootytrain]

The USDM pixy added clicker to either the dragstar or cast control knob. Not knocking the Pixy but there are several other BFS options that perform at the least just as good or better than the pixy.

[new2BC4bass]

What do you consider ultralite for bass fishing?  My Falcon Expert Light is rated down to 1/16 oz.  This is plenty light for bass, imho.  Not home, but I think my ML Carbonlite is also rated that low.  If not 1/16 then 1/8 for sure.  Have at least one other b/c rod rated for 1/8 oz.  Reels to handle lures this light aren't found at Walmart.

 

I can cast 3/16 oz. Shad Raps a fair distance with at least 3 of my combos.  1/8 oz. is going to require a lot more practice from the operator.    I've read here that some guys can handle 1/16 oz. (or lower) on a b/c rod/reel.  I may never get that good.

 

My most expensive reel used for 3/16 oz. lures is a used TD-Z 105H that has been tuned and had a bearing and drag upgrade.  Two of the other reels I use for this weight cost me $130 for the pair.  No idea how light of a lure these 2 reels can handle, but the 105H has handled down to 1/16 oz. according to the seller....and that was before the tune and upgrade.

 

I don't know about most people, but I like to use 3/8 oz. or heavier for largemouth bass fishing.  I am not looking to catch bluegills or sunnies.  

[SirSnookalot]

I use Abu Ambassadeur 2500C and 1500C's from the early 90's remakes to original 70's models.  I use older Loomis Kokonee trolling rods and the new Cast Away Mod light wading rods.  I guess maybe 1/8th oz pins minnows, spoons or crappie jigs might not be ultra light to many but it is to me, especially with 4lb or 2lb mono when the target is tarpon up to 10lb.s.  A lot of fun

Didn't I read (could have been a PM) recently that tarpon were easy to land, I'll remember that next time I have one on the line for 30 minutes.

Good job 0119 with 2 lb line.

[bootytrain]

I think  alot of current baitcasters that are not designed for finesse can throw light baits better than people think. I was fishing my Curado I today and just to see what would happen, I put on the 1/8 oz Z man mini chatterbait no trailer on a rod rated down to only 1/4 oz and I was shocked it threw it so well.. and on 10lb mono.

[Raul]

UL fishing for bass is nothing new, the problem is that not everywhere you can do it, in my everyday lake is downright stupid trying to horse even a dink out of those waters, with all the snaggy material it's not going to happen. On the other hand, there are several small lakes and ponds where 8 lb test is heavy stuff. I don' t know if in Japan things are different but japanese anglers have made UL fishing for bass an art form, many of the lakes I see them fishing in videos look like the small lakes I fish near my hometown and the only difference I see between those and mine is the vegetation.

[Jerry in SC]

My ultralight baitcasting is closer to light. Six to eight pound line with 1/16 to 1/8 plus baits. I have a PX68R (JDM) on a Majorcraft Volkey BFS UL rod. Great combo, very light and a pleasure to cast.

True ultralight baitcasting in Japan is for trout in ponds or lakes. They call it Area fishing, very large trout are caught on 3 and 4 pound line. Top of the line baitcasting outfits run $1100 plus.