Ultralite fishing tackle

[Pikeman12]

Hey guys, 

 

So I recently got into Ultralite fishing. Im currently using a shimano stradic 1000, with 6 lb line. I know most people say 6 lb isn't ultralite but this is what I am starting off with for now. I was wondering what size lures and how heavy I should be using. Mainly, how heavy of a crank should I use so I can still cast a decent distance? Any suggestions for the ultralite tackle you use when going after bass? I also have another question. I river fish a lot. Do ultralite fishermen ever use steel leaders? Is it uncommon to be going after or catching pike or other toothy fish with these setups? I appreciate all of the help, I am really diging using ultralite gear, and it makes hiking to spots more enjoyable since I use less gear lol. 

[Deleted account]

Fishing for bass with crappie gear is one of my guilty pleasures. Unless there is heavy cover, you can another site with such gear. Your only limitations are going to be how large a lure you can cast and work (about 1/4 oz give or take). If you use light wire hooks, use your drag well, and don't mind loosing lures, the sky is the limit. My brother's PB came from the Catskills on 6 lb XL, 9 lbs.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

I used to do ultra lite a lot, shopped for ultra lite lures

as a result. Had Rapala cranks, etc. Crappie cranks make

a great UL lure.

 

And fwiw, I use Stradic 1000s for all my bass fishing! They

are exceedingly capable of hauling in fish waaaay over the

UL specification.

[Outdoor Zack]

For crankbaits, you can take a look at strike king. H20 express, bass pro, and others for 1/8 oz. sized squarebills.  

 

Otherwise, think about 1/8 oz roostertails and light plastics on jigheads.  Or fly fishing.

[the reel ess]

I'll do this at the local creek/little river or at one pond where I know the fish are stunted. You get a lot of panfish bycatch at the same time. I like the Rebel Tiny Craw, crappie jigs, & Rooster Tails and Beetle Spins.

[Pikeman12]

Thanks guys, it seems like I am on the right track then using rooster tails and crappie gear. So for my 6lb line, I should be fine use 1/4 oz lures then? Ill try one out. I had these really small rapala cranks but I must have to have 2 lb line or something to use them. Can't cast them at all. 

[Outdoor Zack]

2 hours ago, Pikeman12 said:

Thanks guys, it seems like I am on the right track then using rooster tails and crappie gear. So for my 6lb line, I should be fine use 1/4 oz lures then? Ill try one out. I had these really small rapala cranks but I must have to have 2 lb line or something to use them. Can't cast them at all. 

 

Try braid with a leader

[fishindad]

Do yourself a favor and get some 1/16th oz. darter heads, 2" Yamamoto single tail grubs in pearl and you'll catch just about every species of fish in your water, from dinks to lunkers. The aforementioned bettle spins, #1 Mepps in-lines, and Road Runners also are mandatory ultralight baits one should throw. I would not recommend using a steel leader on ultralight tackle. Just don't throw high dollar baits for the toothy critters to steal.

[Dorado]

What this gentleman said ^

 

For the pre-spawn, throw some micro-chatterbaits and wake it back for great surface-level action! I like #8 braid or nanofil w/ #6 fluoro leaders for throwing ultralight tackle. Finesse jigs, like SK Bitsy Bug w/ Netbait Tiny Paca chunk was dynamite for me during the winter. In the Fall, tiny Rat-L-Traps (chrome w/ blue back) did some work. If I only had to pick one lure, year-around, 2" or 3" pearl grub all day long. They kill it at night too! You'll catch channel catfish too.

 

Honorable mention: 3" Sassy Shad on a darter heard. Those smaller paddletails have caught me plenty of 2-3 lbers consistently at highly-pressured urban ponds with the main forage being small threadfin shad. Bluegills and craws are very scarce where I fish, so ultralight fishing has been a game changer for me in the city.

[Crestliner2008]

I always carry along an UL rig regardless of the species I'm chasing. I use a 7' B n M SHSS rod with a 750 Symetre filled with 2# Fireline Crystal and 4# test fluorocarbon leader. Have caught some pretty large bass & pike on this rig and have never used a leader. I have lost jigs on pike. Doesn't bother me that much, it's just part of the game.

 

This northern was successfully caught & released on this rig:

 

 

[Angealy]

Honestly you should be fine with an ul setup with 6 pound test.

I personally use a four pounds test fluro now with braided on my 4'6 ul.

I use anything from 1/16 to 1/8 for lures and caught a bunch of different fish and good luck catching.

[FreddoB]

I use a 5' St. Croix Avid UL rod and an old Shimano reel (the old reel for now) when fishing a 2" rubber bait (like a BPS Pro Baby Shad; Arkie Sexee Tail Shad; Bobby Garland Baby Shad; etc.). I've hooked into some large pickerel and WOW. Hang on! I don't purposely fish for the monsters with the UL but it can handle "some"of them with correct drag, line, etc. You'd be best to get some "other" combos for different techniques and fish sizes you are targeting. I have 10 lb braid on my UL and while it's the same diameter (says the manufacturer) as 2 lb mono, it casts quite well with just a 1/16" jig head and the baits I mentioned above. This year where I fish, this is getting everything to bite. Toss these around and see for yourself. For bait color, start with Tennessee Shad (Arkie's I get a Wally World). I hope you do well!!