CapeFairMO Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 I'm wanting a good spinning rod light to ultralight on a budget. I'll rig it with a Shimano Spirex 1000 model with 6lb fluorocarbon. I plan to use it for river fishing for smallmouth and possibly trout and white bass. I've been looking at the Shimano Voltaeus 5'6" UL for $40...any thoughts? Quote
Super User bilgerat Posted March 8, 2011 Super User Posted March 8, 2011 Unless you're fishing from the bank with lots of trees and brush around you, 5' 6" will be too short to get good casting distance. I would go with 6' minimum, 6' 6" would be better. If Shimano doesn't have that size, your other alternative at your price point is the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite lineup. Not a bad rod for around $45. There really isn't much middle ground with ultra light. They're either cheap or over $100. Make sure your drag is in top condition. Critical with UL. Quote
fishingkidPA Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 i dont have much input on what to buy but smallmouth fishing with an ultralight is a blast 8-) Quote
hookingem Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Shimano makes a 6'0 Clarus UL that id take into consideration. CSS60ULA Also would come with a limited life time warranty.... Quote
Super User Hooligan Posted March 8, 2011 Super User Posted March 8, 2011 I'm not going to be much help, but if you ever have the chance, get your hands on a Loomis Bronzeback SMR750SSP. It's the most awesome little stream smallie rod that's ever been conceived. In a more "real" answer you might try looking at lite, versus ul, you may have more options in terms of length and action. Quote
Super User bilgerat Posted March 8, 2011 Super User Posted March 8, 2011 My new baby, all 6' 8" of her.... http://www.fenwickfishing.com/cat.php?k=10321 Quote
hookingem Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 My new baby, all 6' 8" of her....http://www.fenwickfishing.com/cat.php?k=10321 That thing looks awesome! 8-) Quote
Super User Hooligan Posted March 8, 2011 Super User Posted March 8, 2011 My new baby, all 6' 8" of her....http://www.fenwickfishing.com/cat.php?k=10321 I've heard very good things about the River Runner. Have you gotten to play with it much yet? Quote
brophog Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 I've got a Shimano Compre UL in 7 foot that I really love. Quote
I.rar Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 i love my 6'8" light river runner. ive pulled in a couple 3lb? LM and peacock bass without issue. since then , ive put a saros 1000 on there with 15/4 powerpro and that thing is a light power BA. too bad i cant seem hook into those 3lbers again. imo , a light rod will give you more options. not only in rod selection but what baits you can throw and catch fish with effectively. ive cought bass (and a carp!) with a 5' UL ugly stick. while its possible , i just prefer to catch em on light tackle. all the fun as UL , just with a bit more backbone ;D. Quote
KSRonH Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Bilgerat gives you some good information. I would agree you need something longer than the 5'6'' rod and a reel with a good drag is essential. It definitely is hard to find a quality budget ul setup. St Croix has some really good longer ul rods and I too have heard some positive feedback on the Fenwick river runner. I would recommend trying to increase your budget, especially on a ul setup. Now, where's that monkey? Quote
KSRonH Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Just remembered another option that's in your budget range. Rapala made a ul rod that was sold in Canada called Xtreme UL. I was able to pick up a 6'6'' rod online for $37 dollars. You might try an internet search on them as they are excellant rods in their price range. Quote
Fat-G Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 A light action is a way better choice IMO. I have a lot of experience with light tackle. I prefer a 6'-6'6 Light or Medium Light, with 4# Yo-Zuri. Quote
KSRonH Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Rapala rod is called Xtreme ul. ( was omitted in above post ) Sorry Quote
tholmes Posted March 8, 2011 Posted March 8, 2011 Unless you're fishing from the bank with lots of trees and brush around you, 5' 6" will be too short to get good casting distance. I would go with 6' minimum, 6' 6" would be better.If Shimano doesn't have that size, your other alternative at your price point is the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite lineup. Not a bad rod for around $45. There really isn't much middle ground with ultra light. They're either cheap or over $100. Make sure your drag is in top condition. Critical with UL. I agree. If you're on a budget, the Micro-Lite is a great rod at that price point. I have the 6'6" UL version and it's served me very well for several years now fishing for SMB, white bass, trout and panfish. Tom Quote
Super User bilgerat Posted March 8, 2011 Super User Posted March 8, 2011 My new baby, all 6' 8" of her....http://www.fenwickfishing.com/cat.php?k=10321 I've heard very good things about the River Runner. Have you gotten to play with it much yet? Twice. First time I was catching crappie and they were biting VERY light, but I felt the slightest taps (using braid) Last weekend I got my first bass of the year, 3 lb. + on a Strike King 1/8 oz. crankbait. This rod whips light baits a mile but has serious backbone. Quote
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