BPS Micro Lite Rods - Float n' Fly

[breezy]

It's going to be time to start using the float n' fly almost exclusively here, especially after this cold front moving through. With that being said I'm looking for a new rod, the cheaper the better since I don't use it year round; preferably around $50. I'm always looking for a 'deal' so if I could find another purpose for the rod I may spend a little more. I'm thinking I may be able to get a good FNF rod that would also work well when fishing with minnows/shiners in nearby ponds.

I've been looking at the BPS Micro Lite rods but unfortunately I can't find any locally to handle. They offer a wide variety and even specialized FNF rods. I'm looking to get some feedback on these rods or even some suggestions as to which model to get. The ones I have been considering are:

BPS Micro Lite Float n Fly - 8.5', 9.5', 10.5' ML

BPS Micro Lite Spinning - 7' M, 7'6 UL

BPS Micro Lite Spin/Fly - 7'6

The Float n Fly model seems to be the obvious choice but I'm not sure what length to go with; 10'6 is a very long rod and fear it may be awkward. I'm also concerned that the rod isn't going to have enough backbone to get a decent hookset or control the fish.

The normal spinning rod lineup is slightly cheaper, however I don't think a 7' ML is going to provide the casting performance I want, with the 7'6 UL being too much of a "whip". Went ahead and threw in the spin/fly rod as I thought it may have a stiffer action compared to the 7'6 UL, also always been interested in fly fishing...but I guess that's a whole other post ;D

I would appreciate any feedback about these rods or any other suggestions! BTW I will probably throw on an old Abu Garcia spinning reel I have for now, but eventually would like to grab a 25 or 30 sized Pflueger Trion (these are much smaller than a 2500 Shimano) to keep with the budget.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

For a float and fly presentation you want a rig similar to what is used by the steel head guys. I don't know about the BPS Brand specifically, but lengths from 8 1/2' up to 14' in ML power is typical. The length aids casting and line mending if drifting. This isn't a heavy cover technique, so ML power is sufficient.

[bilgerat]

I have an older Micro Lite ultra lite. I've caught literally hundreds of fish on it from gills to an 8# carp.

For the price you can't beat it. One thing that concerns me is that it appears they have started using all metal thin wire guides. Mine has guides with inserts. Maybe someone at BPS could confirm this.

[breezy]

I have been getting by with using a 7' M rod until now so I'm sure anything is going to be a huge improvement. But I hate not having the right tool for the job.

Leaning towards the 9.5' or similar BPS rod at the moment, mainly because it's the only rod I have found in the price range that fits my needs. Hopefully someone can chime in that owns one or has at least seen the rods in person because I haven't found a lot of info online. There don't seem to be many other options so I may end up getting one and finding out myself.

Thanks for the help guys

[KevO]

I've got the 9'6" FnF rod.  Great for the price!  It's a blast catching a 4-5lb smallie on the fly rod.    I recommend you get the weight system BPS makes for these rods it really improved the overall feel and comfort of my setup. 

[Jig Man]

I use them in 8 1/2' for FnF.  I can easily handle a 12' leader with them.  When I bought mine nothing else was available at BPS.

[Evans]

I have a 8.5' BPS Micro Lite and it is a very nice rod. I used it for a long time until I went to a FnF seminar and bought a Silstar Vertex(I think it's made by Pinnacle, can't remember and I'm not close to it at this time). It's 10' long, has the action of a trout fly rod and I picked it up at Nature's Tacklebox in Hiram, GA for a little over $30. I threw a $30 Quantum spinning reel on it and I couldn't be happier with it! After using it, the 8.5' BPS Micro Lite rod feels like a medium heavy spinning rod! I can cast a lot further with the Silstar and the action on it doesn't hurt any at all when fighting the fish to the boat. Plus I can throw leaders all the way up to around 15'-17' pretty easily although I usually stick to around 10'12'. The longer the better is my opinion on a float n fly rod because I can definately tell a difference in casting distance into the wind with the 10 footer!

Now finding one might be a little difficult. Punisher has one on their website for $45.95, but I picked mine up for around $30(think it was like $33 or so). My friend and I both picked one up when we went to the seminar, he ended up breaking his on the second trip(he's really rough on equipment!) but I have not had the first problem with mine at all. The only issue I have with it, is the first guide on it is pretty far away from the reel and I have to sometime make sure the braid goes on the reel correctly. Other than that I am very pleased with it and you can't beat the price!

[RandySBreth]

I have several of the BPS F 'n' F rods. the action is just about perfect for this type of fishing, although I use mine for other duties (Crappie) also.

You can sometimes catch them on sale, and then they are a real bargain.

[Stasher1]

I have an older Micro Lite ultra lite. I've caught literally hundreds of fish on it from gills to an 8# carp.

For the price you can't beat it. One thing that concerns me is that it appears they have started using all metal thin wire guides. Mine has guides with inserts. Maybe someone at BPS could confirm this.

This correct. The previous models used standard guides with inserts while the newer ones have the flimsy all-metal guides. They supposedly improved the blanks when they changed the guides, so the new may still be better than the older ones. 

[bilgerat]

I have an older Micro Lite ultra lite. I've caught literally hundreds of fish on it from gills to an 8# carp.

For the price you can't beat it. One thing that concerns me is that it appears they have started using all metal thin wire guides. Mine has guides with inserts. Maybe someone at BPS could confirm this.

This correct. The previous models used standard guides with inserts while the newer ones have the flimsy all-metal guides. They supposedly improved the blanks when they changed the guides, so the new may still be better than the older ones.

The blanks are the same. They have made the tip section out of solid carbon in an attempt to increase sensitivity.