Ul Spinning Rod Suggestions?

[GANGGREEN]

OK, I know it's a bass board but I've caught many hundreds of nice bass on ultralight gear over the years including many, many, many dozens of 4 pound smallmouth.  That said, the rod I'm looking for is intended to be used primarily for big yellow perch first, then crappie and/or bass as a once in a while thing.

 

I find that most rod manufacturers either don't make UL rigs or they certainly don't concentrate on them or offer many styles, lengths, actions, etc..  I fish primarily ultra-clear water and often fish 20, 25, 30 feet deep or more so I want something in the 6'6" range and I need a fast or x-fast action because setting the hook with light line in deep water and a moderate action rod or 5'6" rod just doesn't work well.  I know that some will suggest a 7' or 7'6" rod but I'm not really comfortable with anything much over 6'6" and would prefer to stay in that range.  With deep water and soft bites, it obviously has to be pretty sensitive and being feather light is always a plus for an UL rod/reel. 

 

My favorite perch rod that I presently own is a Cabelas Tourney Trail 6' UL with a nice, fast action.  It's a very nice rod for the price (though I admit to having broken two of them over the years, once my fault and once the fault of the rod).  Other than that, it's very hard to find decent rods that meet my requirements.  I know that St. Croix has a panfish series but I'm not sure I've ever seen one in a store, nor have I ever borrowed one to use.  I'd probably be willing to go to $100 for this but I'd be happy if I could keep it in the $50-70 range.  I know that Okuma has a few series out there but some of theirs have a pretty soft action (though I found one yesterday at a Field and Stream store that might do).   For what it's worth, I have a few UL reels laying around here but will probably use a new Pflueger Purist 1325 on the rod, although I'm not entirely opposed to purchasing a new reel either.

 

Any suggestions?  I suppose I could also live with a 6'6" L-F action rod if it was rated on the heavy side.

[Mike2841]

I use a st croix triumph 6' light/fast for trout, that might fit the bill, should run you less than 100 also.

[dopey]

Ugly stick makes a Pro-lite UL rod up to 7' and it fish's great!!  Been using one all year, runs $35-$40 at WalMart.   A buddy on another board bought a couple of the new Shakespere Micro-Lite rods from WalMart and fish's the heck of them and really likes them

http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/Shakespeare%C2%AE-Micro-Series-Rod/1314540,default,pd.html

[GANGGREEN]

Just to give some more specifics, I've tried a dozen different less-expensive rods purchased at Walmart, Gander Mountain or elsewhere, and I'm always disappointed and end up giving them away or selling them cheap down the road.  I'm not suggesting that there aren't any bargains out there or that you absolutely must spend big money to get extreme sensitivity but in my experience, the less expensive rods are either buggy whips or simply not very sensitive (keep in mind again that I'm talking about deep water and fish that tend to bite light under the best of conditions, let alone in 38 degree water like I find them in frequently).  If I can't find anything else that suits my needs better, I'd probably be inclined to purchase another Tourney Trail rod for $60 or whatever they're going for these days.

 

Thanks for the recommendations that you guys have already given, I'll look into them.

 

 

[I.rar]

Look into the previous model Daiwa procyon. Can be had on fleabay for around $50 and definitely worth it. I've caught 2-3lb bass on mine without issue and sensitivity is excellent for a rod in its price range. I'd buy another if I had the want/need for a second UL.

[EvanT123]

Look into the previous model Daiwa procyon. Can be had on fleabay for around $50 and definitely worth it. I've caught 2-3lb bass on mine without issue and sensitivity is excellent for a rod in its price range. I'd buy another if I had the want/need for a second UL.

Sssshhhhh

[desmobob]

I have one of the Temple Forks Outfitters (TFO) Gary Loomis Signature Series UL spinning rods and like it a lot.  Mine is 6' ULM, but they make a 6' ULF and a 6'6" ULF two-piece as well.  $99.

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Jtrout]

I got a pinnacle trout reel on a cherrywood 5 6" and I use it for catching stocked trout in streams it works pretty well and I use it when my bigger rods are not producing I always manage to keep the skunk off with small spinners or tiny crank baits. I caught some good bass on it and they feel like trophy bass lol pulling lots a drag

[SirSnookalot]

My ul situation is different as I'm fishing fairly shallow ponds.  What I like about my rod is that it is a piece of junk with no backbone, a 20+" bass is a nice challenge to land.

As mentioned I really like those TFO signature rods, my friend has one and I've seen it in action, real nice stick.  One of my real favorite rods is a light 6'6 inshore rod, casts well with excellent backbone, I love it for peacock bass.  Hurricane Redbone.

[GANGGREEN]

Thanks for the ideas guys, it gives me a few more options to consider and I had relatively few.  I do have a TFO fly rod and mine has a very moderate action but I'd guess these UL spinning rods probably come with a much different blank, particularly in a 6'6" ULF.  Again, thanks, I'll check some of your suggestions out before doing anything.

 

 

[Crestliner2008]

I've been fishing UL for about 40 years now. For trout, panfish and yes, even bass. I've tried a lot of UL rods over the years (but nothing over $100. - just against my nature to spend more!). I've settled on one line of rods for all my panfishing/UL needs. The B n' M Sam Heaton's Super Sensitive, or SHSS for short. This particular model is longer than what you are thinking about, but do consider the 7' model in this line up. I do not believe the extra 6" will even be noticeable to you, after a day on the water. Extremely sensitive spinning rods, with a great backbone and toughness. And it won't break the bank at around $50.00 (replacement tip sections are available at less than half that price too!). I have 3 of these rods now; two are the 7' lengths and one (recently obtained this season) is their 9' SHSS.

 

Match this rod with any decent quality spinning reel and you just cannot go wrong. Fill the reel with 2# test Fireline Crystal with a 3' section of 4# test fluorocarbon (for abrasion resistance and an occasional run in with a toothy critter!). Join the leader with the Alberto knot and you are truly "good to go". Can't tell you how many trout, bass, northern pike, crappie, yellow & white perch and bluegills I've taken the those two 7' rods, but it would be interesting to know to say the least!

 

There are a lot of good & great quality UL rods out there. Select something you are comfortable with and you won't go wrong; but if you are serious about UL fishing, please do yourself a favor and take a look at the B n' M line-up. Great rod company and great customer service to boot.

 

PS: I have no affiliation with the B n' M company - period. I have 7 UL rods in my collection now and these rods are always on board with me.

[GANGGREEN]

Very nice report Crestliner.  I'll definitely look into this line of UL rods.  Thank you. 

 

I've just done a quick web search and I'm having a hard time finding any dealers with the 7' model.  Most have the 10 and 12 foot models, maybe a 9 footer but I haven't yet found the 7' model, even though the manufacturer's website claims that they're available. 

 

I also see that they're made of an IM-6 blank.  I'm not an expert on rod blank materials but does anyone have an informed opinion about how an IM-6 blank  might stack up to any of the more modern blanks as it relates to sensitivy and weight.  I respect Crestliner's report and appreciate it but want to make sure I don't make a poor decision if I can't get one of these into my hands for a trial (at least an in-store trial).

[Crestliner2008]

Very nice report Crestliner.  I'll definitely look into this line of UL rods.  Thank you. 

 

I've just done a quick web search and I'm having a hard time finding any dealers with the 7' model.  Most have the 10 and 12 foot models, maybe a 9 footer but I haven't yet found the 7' model, even though the manufacturer's website claims that they're available. 

 

I also see that they're made of an IM-6 blank.  I'm not an expert on rod blank materials but does anyone have an informed opinion about how an IM-6 blank  might stack up to any of the more modern blanks as it relates to sensitivy and weight.  I respect Crestliner's report and appreciate it but want to make sure I don't make a poor decision if I can't get one of these into my hands for a trial (at least an in-store trial).

You can get them through Cabelas or direct from B n' M. No price differences.

[Weld's Largemouth]

6' UL St Croix Trout Series Spinning rod

[everythingthatswims]

Field and Stream Tec-Lite is a freaking sweet UL/L rod. $50 and my favorite light tackle rod ever, I only fished light tackle until 2 years ago so I would like to think I know what I'm talking about. They have a very fast action, super sensitive, and have micro guides to add to the sensitivity. The longest UL is a 6' but right now I have a 6'6" Light and it isn't much heavier, I think it would work well for you. Have to be careful with the last guide, it is a little fragile.

[GANGGREEN]

Field and Stream Tec-Lite is a freaking sweet UL/L rod. $50 and my favorite light tackle rod ever, I only fished light tackle until 2 years ago so I would like to think I know what I'm talking about. They have a very fast action, super sensitive, and have micro guides to add to the sensitivity. The longest UL is a 6' but right now I have a 6'6" Light and it isn't much heavier, I think it would work well for you. Have to be careful with the last guide, it is a little fragile.

 

What color is that rod?  I found two UL series rods with the F&S label, one of them was too soft for my taste but I thought the other one might be worth a shot as it felt good in the hand.  Thanks for the suggestion.

[everythingthatswims]

What color is that rod?  I found two UL series rods with the F&S label, one of them was too soft for my taste but I thought the other one might be worth a shot as it felt good in the hand.  Thanks for the suggestion.

They are gold, with a cork split grip

[GANGGREEN]

OK, thanks.  I know that they also have a red series, which was the really soft one, and I think they have a black series but I'm not sure of the names of each.  Thank you.