Finesse vs. Ultralight??

[Davo]

Can any of you clarify what the difference between Ultra-light and Finesse fishing would be?  It's a bit confusing because the baits seem to be the same.  The answer will help me greatly with equipment selection

To me, Ultra light is any rig set up with 6 lb (or less) weight line and throwing lures of 1/4 oz or less weight.  Perhaps that doesn't exactly cover it.

I don't have a clear definition of "finesse" fishing but from what I've read on many posts on this site, there seems to be a distinction from "Ultra Light".  I just can't figure out what that distinction really is.  And yes, I've read quite a few of the articles.

Thanks,

Davo

[ThomasL]

Davo,this is just one of the new "catch"phrases that rod manus are throwing around these days,it is suppose if i am not mistaken a "technique" of fishing smaller baits for bass in a low bite mood.I will say lately i have seen more rod manufactures jumping on the band wagon at every little hint of something new to sell,even now loomis has come out with a trout series of rods,oh so the sr series is not good enough now and we have to have another specific rod for that now.In my opinion if you don't know what rod you should use for ultralight,worms,cranks,etc quit fishing and go back to watching football...

[Pantera61]

Ultralight is tackle type.  Finesse is presentation.  You can use a finesse presentation when flippin' but I wouldn't recommend ultralight tackle for flippin'.

[bigfruits]

ultralight fishing is using an ultralight rod, small reel and small light weight baits. if you are ultralight fishing with a small inline spinner youre not finesse fishing.

finesse fishing is typically slow fishing plastics but not necessarily ultra light weights. its typically used when fish are not very active, slowly presenting a bait to entice a bite. (dropshot,shakey head jig, spit shot). using a 1 oz weight to punch through weeds on a drop shot or using a 5/16 oz finesse jig (thin skirt, small trailer) would not be considered ultralight fishing.

thats my take on it at least.

[bilgerat]

Welcome, Davo.

If you have not done so already, consider getting an ultralight rig. It's a blast pulling in bass on four pound test line. Also, the selection of ul gear these days is so much better than even five years ago.

Here's a link to one of a few articles here on the site:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/light_line.html

[vicdotcom]

Ultralight is tackle type. Finesse is presentation.

Exactly. I can throw very small crankbaits and poppers on Ultralight tackle. These arent finesse lures though.

[NBR]

I have two or three ultralights but I only use them for crappies, blue gills and perch. Taking a long time to get a fish in the boat really stresses the fish and reduces the probability of a successful long term release. If I remember correctly it builds up lactic acid to levels that are harmful.

My only personal experience seeing this was three years ago. We were in Canada and my buddy hooked a very decent northern on a light spinning outfit with as I recall 6# line. He battled that fish for a long time. When we got it into the boat it was weighed (16#) and returned to the water. After working on the fish for quite a while it finally swam away.

Probably a half an hour later I saw something on the surface. We went to look and it was the northern we had released in a near belly up condition. We worked with that fish for nearly an hour and it finally swam away. Although we are proud that we spent the time I am not confident the fish did not became turtle food regardless of our efforts.