Ultra Light Rod/Reel - Why Bother?

[rgreenland]

I've never thought much about UL tackle.....until the past few days. I think I must have seen a good price on a set up....
Anyway...today I couldnt control the urge and bought me an ultra light rod & reel combo. Now I am wondering...What am I going to do with it?
What do most of you do with UL rod and reel? It will only hold 4lb test. I guess I am thinking this will be my new crappie, small trout stream, etc rod?
I love what I bought...cool setup.
Love to hear your input.
[signature]

[fsh4fun05]

Throw a lure on it and some good line and go catch a fish, just a suggestion.[]
[signature]

[Fishhound]

Why bother ? Well for one thing, it's a lot of fun !


Here's a photo of about a 9 lb. carp from last year. It was on a 7 ft. light action rod with 4 lb. line. I've also gotten my share of large trout, catfish, and walleye on the same rig. So, you don't have to limit that set-up to only panfish and tiny trout.


[signature]

[Theekillerbee]

I'm personally a fan of the light action rods. I enjoy fishing smaller streams and lakes, and the light rod really intensifies the fight. I've lost some bigger fish due to the light stuff, but it is a lot of fun. Like the hound said, nailing a big kittie or carp is a lot of fun with the light stuff.
[signature]

[chefwhofishes]

I wouldn't trade my ultra light Uglystik for anything in the world. It is always the pole I grab first.
[signature]

[Kent]

The largest cutt I have ever caught (26 incher) out of Strawberry I caught on my unltra light and 4 pound line. Lots of fun.
[signature]

[albinotrout]

[cool]UL setups are some of the best fun that I have had. I use them on Crappie, perch, trout, and I have caught a bass on one too at Lake Powell. I use it on the small streams in the Uintahs as well as reservoirs like Jordanelle. You are now set for some fun!!!!!
[signature]

[GEEZER]

Here's my two cents worth. About all I ever use is an ultralight. I spool the reel with fireline 2 lb. dia. (I think it's 8 lb. test) line. It's a joy to use, it's light enough that you can flip jigs or hardware all day & not notice it in your wrist. I've landed a lot of big Utah Lake cats with it as well as some pretty honkin' trout & wipers. It takes a little finess (sp?) around the boat because the rod doesn't have the backbone of the bigger ones. My bet is you're gonna learn to love it.
[signature]

[lurechucker]

In the world of backpacking, the lighter the better! If I'm cutting the end of my toothbrush off to save fractions of an ounce, you better believe I'm going as light as I can on fishing gear.



lurechucker
[signature]

[waterat]

Because it’s the only way to go. I know we all want to put fish in the boat and fridge, eat the goods and fill the belly. But when it comes right down to it, It’s all about the fun, excitement, and the challenge. I know that I have lost the excitement of catching a 2lb trout on a rod built for a shark. It works well for children and for teaching them the skill, but for many of us seasoned fishers, it’s just not enough. The joy that comes from catching a trophy sized fish on a rod and reel built for something a quarter of the size is awesome. I fish many of the larger lake with only an ultra light GL3 and 4lb test. This works great when trolling with down riggers and light tackle. The fight is unreal. Once you try catching a wiper on 4lb test, you might not go back (unless you have to win the contest). Good luck and hold on.
[signature]

[guppyslayer]

As someone else mentioned, i started using ultra-light gear back in my backpacking days. I needed something light and compact and i found a nice little telescopic combo for about $20 (back in the early 90's).
It is an absolute blast using ultra-light gear. You can cast a country mile. You do not get fatigued from casting all day long as well.
I did change my line quite often, especially after landing a larger fish...those reels don't hold a lot and i always hate loosing a fish because of line breakage. [unsure]

I think the only real negative would be for those who plan on releasin most of their fish. If you catch anything that is larger, it takes a long time to land a larger fish and that will fatigue the fish and greatly reduce it's chances for survival (imo).

You do have to tie good knots and really learn how to use the drag system...but once that is done it's a reel kick int he pants using ultra-light gear.[cool]

cyas
rc

[lavaman]

I too have an UL Uglystick and it's my favorite setup. With 4 lb. test, you can't go wrong for these stream trout and bluegill. And if you know what you're doing, you can catch bigger fish no problem.

The main reason these UL setups are so popular is because they make fishing 'fun'. Where's the challenge in dragging in a fish with 10 lb. test (except big catfish of course).
There's nothing like watching the 'Stick bend like mad when you're fighting a nice fishy on the other end!
[signature]

[olmoose]

Love fishing with ultra lites, but there is a time and place for them. Out of a boat everyone else has to reel in to avoid being tangled and if you are planning on releasing the fish, you play them out to much.

[scartinez]

I wouldn't suggest using your UL setup in any type of heavy cover. All the big fish will take you deep in the cover and you'll get broken off more than 50% of the time.

There great setups for catch panfish or planter trout though.
[signature]

[MrLipripper]

Gee, Rob, with all the fishing you do I would have thought you had an ultralight outfit by now!
My in-laws used to use the same rod/reel for trolling with popgear and a worm as they did on the Upper Provo by the bridge on the Mirror Lake Highway!!!! It was like watching fishermen getting into some Yellowfin Tuna - lots of sport...NOT.
Ultralights are a hoot, especially, as TheeKillerBee said, on small streams and lakes.
HAVE FUN!!
[signature]