Ultra light rods and reels for panfishing

[KayakFishingSouth]

I’m looking for a good ultra light rod and reel combination to do some fishing out of a kayak. I’d be fishing mostly for bream/bluegill, crappie, and small bass, although the lakes I fish all have good numbers of bigger largemouth and spotted bass. I do most of my fishing now with a St. Croix Premier 6’-6’” MLF rod and a Pflueger President 30 reel, which have been great for bass fishing.

 

Around here the fishing can be good almost any time of year, but I want an ultra light set up for those days where the bite is tough or I just want to catch some fish and have fun doing it. So I’m leaning towards another St. Croix/Pflueger combination, but there are a lot of choices out there, and I’m open to any suggestions.

 

I don’t want to spend more than about $200 on the rod, although I’d prefer something more in the Premier price range, and no more than about $75 on the reel. I’ve looked closely at the St. Croix Premier, Panfish, and Avid series. I’m thinking I need at least a 6’-6” rod to be able to throw 1/32” lures, and probably a size 20 reel. I’m assuming it should be fast action, since most of the UL choices seem to be. I would like the rod to be sensitive enough for light bites from panfish.

 

Any thoughts on the best rod and reel specs and recommendations? Thanks!

[waymont]

The best rod for what you’re describing I have ever found is the Kuying Teton TTS. It’s a 6’6” two piece medium fast rod. It’s so nice I sold my G Loomis SR 782. It’s very crisp for an UL, and super sensitive. I’ve lucked into some 3-4lb bass too, and handled them great. It’s an excellent 1/16oz jig, size 0-1 mepps, small Rapala, and popper rod. I have it matched with a Tatula LT in the 1000 size. It’s really a perfect combo. Best part is it’s $62 on Ali Express.

5 minutes ago, waymont said:

The best rod for what you’re describing I have ever found is the Kuying Teton TTS. It’s a 6’6” two piece medium fast ul/l rod. It’s so nice I sold my G Loomis SR 782 and I like it more. It’s very crisp for an UL, and super sensitive. I’ve lucked into some 3-4lb bass too, and it handled them great. It’s an excellent 1/32-1/16oz jig, size 0-1 mepps, small Rapala, and popper rod. I have it matched with a Tatula LT in the 1000 size. It’s really a perfect combo. Best part is it’s $62 on Ali Express. The combo will fit right in your budget especially with the black friday sale. The rod fishes like a really expensive rod. It has all Fuji components too, and comes with a soft rod case.

 

[redmeansdistortion]

The Okuma Celilo trout and panfish rods are probably some of the best cheap rods you can get.  Very light and sensitive.  I have a few and they're great for $25.  You can get them at Dick's.  Higher up the food chain, look at a Fenwick HMG 6' light power, that's another gem and you can find them often for ~$75.  For a reel, I really like the Penn spinners in the 1000 and 2000 sizes since they're very easy to service and equally as easy to obtain replacement parts should the need arise.  I run a Fierce III 1000 with my Okuma Celilo 6' and a Fierce III 2000 on my 7'6" HMG.  Penns typically aren't as smooth as other offerings at the same price, but they make up for it with their durability.  Additonally, a 1000 sized Penn holds about 30 to 40yd more line than a standard 10 or 20 size UL reel, which will come in handy when you lose some to snags and such.

[islandbass]

If you want a real fight in that light range, then you must forego the medium light realm of bass fishing rods. 
 

I recommend this rod because it is what I still use to this day and it is awesome. Remember, we’re talking truly ultralight, right?

okuma celilo light action (it says light on the rod but its lure weight range is UL) rod. They have it in lengths between about 6’ or 6’6” up to 7’6” give or take. I have the 7’ one and I LOVE this rod. It has caught more bass and other species than all of my “bass” rods combined. 
 

I either have a 1500 daiwa or 2000 rapala reel because those are the smallest reels I have and use 4-6# mono. 
 

you can probably find it for $40-50. BAM!

 

Incidentally, I’ve battled 3 and 4# bass on it and to be honest, they didn’t even have a chance. 
 

UPDATE:

I posted before seeing redmeanssitortions’ post so my post second’s the motion he started. 

[Bass Rutten]

Since you’re already in camp StCroix there’s really no need to look further, the panfish rod series are incredible values. I fish the upper Midwest and do all my panfishing with two setups... the 7’ light with daiwa exceler 2500 for twitching, spinners, cranks, jerks, etc. and the 6’9” ul with a daiwa exceler 1000 for pitching jigs and plastics. Both combos came in under $200 and are fish-all-day light and super sensitive.

 

*edit they came in under $200 because I pick the reels up off eBay for 50 each

[KayakFishingSouth]

Great suggestions. I have never held a Kuying, Okuma, or Fenwick for that matter, so I will have to check them out.

 

I was able to handle a St. Croix Panfish 7ft light extra fast, and the 6ft-9" ultra light fast. I was surprised how much stiffer the extra fast was in the tip compared to the fast, and wondered how that would affect casting distance when light (1/32 or even 1/64 oz) jigs? Bassjam - which of those rods do you think can cast light jigs the furthest?

 

I'm also a little surprised that nobody has recommended a little higher end rod, like an Avid. But maybe that is overkill when you're just fishing mainly for panfish?

 

 

[Fried Lemons]

If you are willing to spend up to $200 you should look into JDM aji rods. They have fast tapers and are extremely sensitive. They are purpose built to throw tiny jigs on light line and are far superior to comparable rods sold in the states. You can look into brands like Major Craft and Daiwa for the entry level models. The downside would be the lack of warranty coverage. If that doesn't bother you then I would recommend this route.

[ike8120]

This is my UL   KastKing Calamus Ultra-Light Weight Spinning Fishing Rods  Won't break the bank.  Right now 50% off if a prime member.

[redmeansdistortion]

12 hours ago, KayakFishingSouth said:

I'm also a little surprised that nobody has recommended a little higher end rod, like an Avid. But maybe that is overkill when you're just fishing mainly for panfish?

It's all in what you make of it.  Some of the most proficient fishermen I know use nothing but Ugly Stiks and blister pack reels from the big box stores.  They want something cheap and durable and that's what they get in an Ugly Stik and Pflueger Trion.

[KayakFishingSouth]

Great feedback. I'm still looking at all my "new" options based on everyone's recommendations, but probably the biggest surprise to me is "TroutMagnetMan"'s review of the Trout Magnet Trout Slayer rod. For a $50 rod, he sure does make it sound like a great value for a panfish/light jig rod.

 

It's probably because my 2 piece rods are so old, but I thought I should get a 1 piece rod - both for increased sensitivity and not having to hassle with aligning the rod sections, making sure the pieces are snug, etc. Is that only true of the older glass rods?

 

I know I'm already biased because I really like my only new rod - a St. Croix Premier MLF, but I'd still like to get some feedback on both their Premier UL or L rods for panfish, as well as the Avid series. Anybody out there that uses those particular rods?

 

I know I'm asking a lot of questions - so thanks for the valuable feedback. Fishing gear sure has changed over the years!!

 

[jimmyjoe]

   Could I ask you a question? Do you anticipate that a higher-priced rig will catch you more fish than you catch now, or do you anticipate that a higher-priced rig will catch what you catch now, but it will be more fun?  The reason I ask is that catching  more fish is usually between your ears, not in your hands. On the other hand, everyone has more fun their own way, me included.     jj

[KayakFishingSouth]

jimmyjoe - that's a great question. And my answer is "yes" and "yes". I'm hoping to catch more fish, and have more fun doing it by virtue of using lighter weight lures and line, but I'm not sure paying up for a super sensitive rod or premium reel makes much difference. Based on the feedback so far, it doesn't sound like it's not necessary to pay a lot for a good ultra light rod and reel.

 

As of this year, I do all my fishing out of a kayak. So I'm out to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, and catch some fish. Most of my fishing is done for bass with a St. Croix Premier 6-6" MLF rod and Pflueger President 30 reel. It's great fun, and I enjoy it much more than the old bass boat, cast and crank fishing I used to do.

 

Although the bass fishing here in South Carolina can be excellent, some days the bite is pretty tough - and I really just want to catch some fish. So my thinking is throwing lighter lures - down to 1/32 oz. jigs - on 2 or 4 lb. test line should get some bites from panfish that I might not get now, and be more fun to catch. What do you think?

[Rowsdower]

I really enjoy panfishing, it's relaxing and action packed at the same time.  I used to use the Okuma Celios, SST's the Fenwick Eagle all good low cost ultralights then i broke down and picked up 2 St Croix Panfish series rods and for the price i think they are the best UL rods (non JDM), you can get.  The 6'9" UL is the perfect rod for panfishing.  I run mine with 1000 Stradics.

[jimmyjoe]

20 minutes ago, KayakFishingSouth said:

. What do you think?

    I need to be a little careful here. I used to use ultralight gear because I had arthritis in my thumbs. So I was using UL gear in the Mississippi, where there were bass, walleye, sandies and wipers, pike and drum. I had to learn how to survive the "chomps" of the larger fish. I was lucky; I had the advice of a flyfisher. 

   Your situation seems a little bit different.

   Some of the really light gear is "enthusiast" gear. It can be less, not more, durable, mostly because every atom of material had been removed from it to make it lightweight. I wouldn't call it the most practical gear in the world, but man-oh-man is it FUN! And yes, I fell into that once.

   The other side of UL fishing is what @Rowsdower, @redmeansdistortion and @Bassjam2000 have commented on; get a good rod, fairly sensitive, and a reel that the manufacturer aimed at practical, everyday fishermen. You'll be able to catch fish WITH THE BEST OF THEM, and the "fun factor" is still there in sufficient quantity that you won't feel the need to spend lollapalooza amounts of money to upgrade.

   For what it's worth, I still have one ultralight. It's a Fenwick Eagle, 7' 2-pc., 1/16th to 1/4 oz. I have a Shimano 1000 Nasci on it, and I have 4 lb. Stren Magnathin on it right now. I've gone through several types of braid, though, and other nylon lines. I'll probably continue testing various lines come spring. I've gotten comments that this rod is too "springy" or "soft". For many people, it is. But I consider one factor of great importance when using light line: you have to actually acquire the fish after you set that hook. If the fish spits the hook, then everything you did up to that point is useless.

   And yes, I have another rod that lets that happen way too often.

   Rods are like women; they might have faults but ya still gotta love'em.    ?

   So you've got some decisions to make, and they're ones that only you can make. Test the rods listed above, and put various reels on them, and make your choice. And come spring, GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN!!!     JJ

 

[Bass Rutten]

On 11/29/2019 at 7:32 PM, KayakFishingSouth said:

Bassjam - which of those rods do you think can cast light jigs the furthest?

For 1/16 oz jigs and plastics the 7’ light for sure, 1/32+plastic on this rod doesn’t load to well but is doable in a pinch. For 1/32 oz the 6’9” ul casts further. Don’t discount how important line is either, I use 6 lb test sufix nanobraid on the light and 4 lb test on the ultra light, these ultra thin lines helps with distance  and sensitivity.

[KayakFishingSouth]

Bassjam - thanks for the reply. I'll probably throw mainly light (1/32) jigs + a plastic like trout magnets or gulps, only because my understanding is they are the best lures for panfish. I plan to use 2 lb test of some variety - a entire thread in it's own right!

 

Jimmyjoe - I think you and others are dead on with the whole "enthusiast vs practical" fisherman observation. I definitely fall into the "practical" category. I'll probably end up buying or ordering something thru our local Cabelas, knowing that if I don't like the way it fishes I can return or exchange it within 90 days.

[RealtreeByGod]

My UL is a 7ft Moderate Fenwick Eagle, and while it handles fish and throws smaller lures well enough, its length and whipiness make it very inconvenient to bring on a kayak. 

[Bass Rutten]

The st croix panfish series with fast and extra fast actions on such light blanks with super fast tip recovery is a whole different animal from the moderate ultralight bugwhips of old and fish well out of my yak,  I highly recommend them. Don’t mean to sound like a product rep

[haggard]

When I started out 3 years ago I learned on panfish with a St. Croix 5'6 UL/F. After doing more bass fishing (on a M/F) I knew I wanted a decent, dedicated panfish rod. I ended up with a 6'6 Avid L/F (AVS66LF). I chose the Avid because for panfish I wanted more sensitiity. I didn't go with UL because I wanted it to be able to handle the occasional bass. I paired it with a Stradic CI4+ 1000 size and use 6 lb copoly.

 

This setup is one of my absolute favorites. I'm sure the Premiere would do well too (I went with Avid for more sensitivity, given it was going to be my go-to panfish rod). The CI4+ is more than you wanted to spend but I'm sure there are plenty choices. I wasn't sure if I wanted 500, 1000 or 2000 size on this rod, and after trying all three, the 1000 felt best.

 

[KayakFishingSouth]

ALL of these suggestions are really helpful.

 

bassjam - I appreciate your independent opinion, even though your enthusiasm for St. Croix rods might qualify you to be a product rep. ?

 

haggard - Was your 5'-6" rod a Premium series? You're the first person that's recommended an Avid, although the reviews I've seen for that series of rods are really good. Do you think the Avid is worth the premium in price vs. the Panfish and Premium series? And you mentioned Premier rods (I have a 6'-6" MLF that I really like), but it's funny I haven't been able to find ANY reviews or comments for Premier rods in UL power. Maybe that should tell me something? It sure would be interesting to be able to compare a Premier 6' ULF  to a Panfish 6' ULF!

 

[browne762]

On 11/29/2019 at 7:32 PM, KayakFishingSouth said:

I was able to handle a St. Croix Panfish 7ft light extra fast, and the 6ft-9" ultra light fast. I was surprised how much stiffer the extra fast was in the tip compared to the fast, and wondered how that would affect casting distance when light (1/32 or even 1/64 oz) jigs? Bassjam - which of those rods do you think can cast light jigs the furthest?

 

I'm also a little surprised that nobody has recommended a little higher end rod, like an Avid. But maybe that is overkill when you're just fishing mainly for panfish?

 

 

I own two of the 7' light and two 6'9" ultra light St Croix Panfish series rods. All are paired with Shimano Sahara 1000s using 10 pound hi-viz yellow Power Pro and a lighter leader line case by case. They are some of my favorite setups I own and they get used a lot real early spring. Mostly we are getting bluegill and crappie. Largest fish we hooked were about 3 pounds on both the UL and L. They handled them fine as long as we were being careful and didn't try to boat flip them. It is actually pretty fun fighting them in on the lighter tackle.

 

I never have seen an Avid UL rod in person or used one so I couldn't compare them side by side with the Panfish series, but I do have other Avid rods. I like the guides, handle and reel seat better on the Panfish rods for the type of fishing then what is on the other series they offer. With the blend of graphite used in the Panfish series (SC2/SV6) I don't know if the Avid (SC3) is more sensitive then the Panfish rods. I think the price difference is probably made up in the Avid being made in USA and having a 15 year warranty more then the cost of materials. 

 

I have a UL Permier 5' rod from them as well that I really like. It is a mod action though so much more "noodle" like. I like that rod for places that the longer rods cant cast into very well or when I am planning to not cast far and use a float.

 

[Bigassbass]

Get on the Asian tackle fishing site spend 100 bucks and shipping is free, they mail it fast only takes a week to arrive at your door straight from Japan.  Shimano Sedona 1000 reels on there for 38.00 rods are priced great too. Major Cast rods are made in Japan and is one of the largest companies there.   You can't beat the prices anywhere.  I ordered two rods and a reel a few weeks ago super deal.  I've caught trout, brim, crappie and bass super nice set up First Cast FCS-602 UL rod get you one.

[haggard]

On 12/2/2019 at 11:28 AM, KayakFishingSouth said:

haggard - Was your 5'-6" rod a Premium series? You're the first person that's recommended an Avid, although the reviews I've seen for that series of rods are really good. Do you think the Avid is worth the premium in price vs. the Panfish and Premium series? And you mentioned Premier rods (I have a 6'-6" MLF that I really like), but it's funny I haven't been able to find ANY reviews or comments for Premier rods in UL power. Maybe that should tell me something? It sure would be interesting to be able to compare a Premier 6' ULF  to a Panfish 6' ULF!

 

 

Yes - my 5'6 UL/F is the Premiere series. I haven't used the Panfish series but from what I recall those may use two different modulus: a stiffer one in the lower section and a less stiff one in the upper. I don't have enough experience to notice the difference between that and a single modulus blank, so I stuck with the Premiere, because I had no complaints (other than at 5'6, casting distance was short).

 

So when I knew I was hooked on panfish and wanted to get one (and only one) dedicated setup, what drove me to the Avid was

 

1) I knew I wanted something longer (to cast farther)

2) I thought 6'6 in UL/F would be too noodly

3) a rod north of $200 would be wasted on me

4) given the small target species, I wanted as much sensitivity as possible without a huge price increase. The Avid AVS66LF is about $60 more than the Premiere PS66LF.

 

I absolutely feel the +$60 was worth it for the Avid - not because I doubt the Premiere would be great, but because the Avid combo seems dialed in "just right" for my panfish needs. It's one of the few rod-reel-line combos I have where I don't wonder about changing or modifying it in any way.

 

[KayakFishingSouth]

bigassbass - yeah, I guess quite a few fishermen swear by some of the Japanese UL rods, and I've watched some of TroutMagnetMan's videos on YouTube. Still, I don't know how to navigate the whole buying the rod/shipping/warranty route.

 

haggard - that's interesting feedback on the Avid. Have you tried throwing lighter (1/32 or 1/64) jigs on it? I'm still hesitant to spend that much money on my first rod dedicated to panfish, but I bet my wife would buy me one for Christmas.  ?

[JustJames]

If you are looking to cast 1/32 or 1/64 with 1” plastic, I doubt if any rod recommended here would get you any far. If you fish mostly from kayak and distance is not important (vertical jig or with bobbers) then any UL rod would do just fine. I’d love to try Avid panfish series myself. 

As of now I have 5’6 daiwa Presso pair with daiwa legalis LT 1000. I can cast 1/32 trout magnet about 20’ or so. On the other hand my bait caster setup UL 7’2 solid tip pair with either Daiwa Alphas Air or Daiwa Pixy can cast further about 30’+. It is fishable distance but not enough for me since I mostly bank fish.

If you are going for JDM or even CDM(Chinese domestic market) and want some distance, I recommend SUL or XUL with solid tip.

BTW I have another 6’ UL spinning rod with solid tip coming from China in a few weeks because I’m not so happy with 2 of my UL, 5’6 Presso and 6’6 Sensilite. If this still doesn’t work I might have to evaluate my 10lb braid line and go with even smaller line like Nano braid plus SUL or XUL rod (JDM only)next time.