Ultralight Rods

[the reel ess]

 I'm about 20 years out of date with regard to these.

 

Thanks folks,

 

Josh

That's OK, my light rod is more than 20 years old. El Cheapo Eagle Claw out of the bargain bin in Walmart bought for one weekend of crappie fishing when i was a teen for $8. I still use it regularly. Not that I don't see the purpose of a quality L or UL rod, but if I'm going to put myself at a disadvantage with the fish for the sport of it, I'm gonna do it CHEAP. 

[Klebs01]

The UL and L avids are great rods. The wife has a 6' UL and I have a 6'6" L. Very light and sensitive. Not at all limp noodles. They are a blast with panfish or while wading for smallies in the river by our house.

[hatrix]

That's OK, my light rod is more than 20 years old. El Cheapo Eagle Claw out of the bargain bin in Walmart bought for one weekend of crappie fishing when i was a teen for $8. I still use it regularly. Not that I don't see the purpose of a quality L or UL rod, but if I'm going to put myself at a disadvantage with the fish for the sport of it, I'm gonna do it CHEAP.

I am also not one for dropping a good chunk on a UL rod. Line is so light and is the rod it's doesn't take much for it to be fairly sensitive. I just went Friday with my brother and he bought a new UL rod since his got into a fight with a car door and lost. He ended up getting a Eagle GT and it's pretty nice and not overly expensive. It's just a little short for my taste at 5'5"

A UL reel is somewhat of a different story though. You have to make sure you have a smooth drag and that reel will be peeling drag more then any other reel you own.

[Josh Smith]

The Reel Ess,

I don't know that I'm putting myself at a disadvantage. My goal is to be able to give certain presentations to finicky bass.

Josh

[tomustang]

Grab a quantum xtra lite combo for $40 at cabelas or dicks

If you want to spend a little more money pick up a 6' croix premier ULF (F=fast) I say that because some people tend to buy the M (moderate) models and then complain that they are too wimpy.

[Kevin22]

Grab a quantum xtra lite combo for $40 at cabelas or dicks

If you want to spend a little more money pick up a 6' croix premier ULF (F=fast) I say that because some people tend to buy the M (moderate) models and then complain that they are too wimpy.

My premier 5'ulm is a broomstick. Ive used it to vertical jig 1/4 walleye jigs. I would not suggest it at all. In fact i had a buddy redo the rod with a new reel seat and light wire guides and i still hate it.

[desmobob]

Hop up to a 6'6-6'9. I used to fish with 4.5-5' ul and thought they were great, until i tried a longer rod. Much easier to cast, and way easier to control the bait and fish.

I suggest the st. Croix panfish 6'9ULF. Its the last UL you will ever buy. Ill never go panfishing without it.

 

I received my new St. Croix Panfish Series 6'9" ULF and used it this weekend.  NICE!  It's easily my favorite UL spinning rod of the four I have and I think it was a bargain.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[hawkoath]

What exactly are you throwing Josh?

 

I agree with a previous comment about the Shimano Clarus if you can buy the old lifetime warranty one new, then that's the rod that will give you the best value for your money. It's also very stiff for an ultralight rod.

 

Other ideas might be Phenix rods, Loomis TSR and the St. Croix Avid and Legend Elite ultralights, but these rods are also probably more expensive than what you could get the Clarus for. 

[Josh Smith]

What exactly are you throwing Josh?

 

I agree with a previous comment about the Shimano Clarus if you can buy the old lifetime warranty one new, then that's the rod that will give you the best value for your money. It's also very stiff for an ultralight rod.

 

Other ideas might be Phenix rods, Loomis TSR and the St. Croix Avid and Legend Elite ultralights, but these rods are also probably more expensive than what you could get the Clarus for. 

 

I throw anything from light weightless worms (about 1/10oz) to jigs and such for panfish.  Been playing around with tube jigs here lately as well.

 

Regards,

 

Josh