Spinning Reel for Ultralight Fishing

[microotter]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

I posted these earlier - Ultegra isn't the only choice, J.

 

Pflueger President XT 30 - 31" per turn.

Abu Garcia Elite Max 20 - 31.3" per turn.

 

Couple more I found

Pflueger Supreme 30 - 31.8" per turn

Pflueger Supreme XT 30 - 31.8" per turn

Mitchell Mag Pro 3000 - 33" per turn

Abu Rexo-X 20 - 33" per turn

Abu Revo-S 20 - 33" per turn

and more

 

So quite a few even faster than the Ultegra.

Those are all 20 and 30 sized reels compared to the 1000 sized Ultegra. 

[MN Fisher]

29 minutes ago, microotter said:

Those are all 20 and 30 sized reels compared to the 1000 sized Ultegra. 

I use a 25 size reel for my UL...just showing options.

[NYWayfarer]

Lew’s Mach II Speed Spin MH2 100 size spinning reel is 30” per turn as an option.

 

$79.99 full retail price, I got mine on sale for $55

[rt dak]

I think your rod is a bigger problem than your reel is. I would imagine the moderate action of the rod is what's hampering your casting distance with those light inline spinners. If you have any other UL rods with a fast or extra-fast action try tossing the spinner on that before you write off that reel.

 

Just for some info, I have a UL setup that is dedicated to throwing inline spinners. The majority of the time it's 1/16 oz Rooster Tails but sometimes I bump up to 1/8 and branch off to Blue Fox, Panther Martin and Mepps. I've never had an issue with the blade spinning and i'm usually slow rolling them. Setup is a St. Croix Avid 6' UL/Fast and a Shimano Stradic 1000FJ. 6 lb. Sunline Super Natural to a size 10 Spro power swivel to around 15" of 4 lb. Sunline Super FC Sniper. The Stradic is 6.0:1, not sure about the IPT.

[Jcj90]

500-1000 sized shimano that meets your budget spooled with 4lb trilene xl. Using this for years and never had an issue 

[J Francho]

16 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I posted these earlier - Ultegra isn't the only choice, J.

 

Pflueger President XT 30 - 31" per turn.

Abu Garcia Elite Max 20 - 31.3" per turn.

 

Couple more I found

Pflueger Supreme 30 - 31.8" per turn

Pflueger Supreme XT 30 - 31.8" per turn

Mitchell Mag Pro 3000 - 33" per turn

Abu Rexo-X 20 - 33" per turn

Abu Revo-S 20 - 33" per turn

and more

 

So quite a few even faster than the Ultegra.

Those are pretty big reels, not appropriate for an ultra light.  My point is that the Ultegra is the least expensive option for a 30"+ per turn, small form factor reel.  Put a 1000 size beside a 30 or 3000 size and you'll see.  BTW, most Shimano 3000 size reels are 34-35 IPT, so they win there too.  It's exactly why I choose them for deep drop smallmouth rigs.  The speed helps to keep up with a rocketing smallmouth.

[Hulkster]

I like 1000 size shimanos for UL fishing. I use Sufix Siege 4 pound test. I agree with the others, switch to a size 1 or 2 Mepps Aglia or Black Fury and you should be able to get great distance with a 7 foot rod. I use a 6'7 UL loomis rod and a #1 or 2  mepps casts a long ways.

[d-camarena]

I use a shimano sienna 1000 and my inlines turn just fine, i use 10lb power pro with no problems. Although for ul i prefer berkley nanofil. Eitherway something is wrong with your line or lures, i dont think its the reel

[Tim Kelly]

Rather than winding fast to get the blade turning a quick flick of the rod tip at the start of the retrieve usually gets it going. Could be that you've got so much twist in your braid from using spinners that it won't cast well. 

[Skunky]

I’ve looked into all your reel recommendations and decided on Pfuelger Supreme XT, with Lew’s reels coming in close based of feel. 

 

The 30size (6.8) actually weighs less than my Sahara 1000R (9 oz). The 35s and 40s are on discount, but would that be too much for my rod?

 

On 4/25/2019 at 4:25 PM, rt dak said:

I think your rod is a bigger problem than your reel is. I would imagine the moderate action of the rod is what's hampering your casting distance with those light inline spinners. If you have any other UL rods with a fast or extra-fast action try tossing the spinner on that before you write off that reel.

Unfortunately the HMG lineup didn’t feature F or EF, which I was aware to look out for during my buying research. This also happens to be my only rod, but I’m still happy with it. ?

 

4 hours ago, Tim Kelly said:

Rather than winding fast to get the blade turning a quick flick of the rod tip at the start of the retrieve usually gets it going. Could be that you've got so much twist in your braid from using spinners that it won't cast well. 

I think you’re right that might have been a factor, even with correctly filled spools and keeping line tight. I’ll start using swivels to minimize that. 

 

I noticed a lot of line recommendations, should I switch out my FireLine? I know Nanofil is advertised for cast distance but I fear losing tackle due to its weak abrasion resistance. 

[Fried Lemons]

I fish a 1000 size shimano with a shallow spool and 26 ipt. I use ultra thin 2lb fluoro so I would have a hard time filling a regular spool with the stuff. If your cast distance is suffering with spinning gear chances are your reel is not the problem. I recommend switching to mono in 2-4lb test. Braid does not cast as well as mono in equivalent diameters. Never tried Nanofil so can't comment on that.

 

Rod is also important. Most ultralight rods have a noodly action. Try and find one with a fast responsive tip and I think you'll appreciate the difference.

[OkobojiEagle]

I wouldn't suggest your casting distance is affected as much by your equipment as by your casting motion.  Your new Supreme 30XT is a fine reel (I fish light hair jigs with one).  I use original Fireline 6lb without problem and I've used NanoFil without incident as well.  My hair jig casting performance is maximized with a side arm, slightly lofted cast.  With about 18" of line extended the rod tip is loaded at about butt (my butt) height and cast with a slight loft to propel the light bait rather flatly, compensating for any wind effect which might "float" your spinner.  Give it a try before you spend more $.

 

oe