Ultra-lite fishing reels????

[Rogue Hunter]

I'm about to build an ultra-lite setup but can't decide which reel/rod combo to build. I prefer spinning reels, but when I use 2lb line, I end up with tangles; sometimes it's the way the line is put on the reel, other times I beleive it's the lack of tention on the line.

What is the reel of choice for the serious ultra-lite fisherman?

Thanks,
Rogue

[uffdapete]

Hi Rogue,

I've used ultralights for 35 years, and the best one I've used yet is the Diawa Tournament SS700. It has a bigger than average diameter spool for a UL, a great drag and has a history of being mostly trouble free. Diawa just came out with a new version this year called the SS2, which has infinite anti-reverse and probably a few other updates. Also an increase of $50.

I've gone away from the real tiny UL reels because the small spools in my opinion don't allow the reel to perform as well as a bigger spool, both in terms of drag perfomance and amount line retrieved per turn. The Zebco UL classic is a prime example of what I don't like in a UL.

Now that I'm a little older, lighweight outfits are becoming more important. Fatigue from holding a heavier outfit for hours can greatly diminish my ability to detect what I can't see on the other end of the line.

Hope that helps.

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[vidnovic]

I'm an avid utralight fisherman and my rig of choice is an all american made Gloomis 5' GL2 UL rod with graphite rings for the reel seat. For the reel I use a Penn Spinfisher 4200. Both are lightweight and give the best performance that I have seen. The rig will run you about $155 or $95 for the rod and $60 for the reel. I use 2lb Zebco line and have not had any tangle problems.

[delmuts]

i love the ul with 2lb. i agree , stay away from the tiny reels. you will get tired of reeling with small spools and a little larger reel will cast farther and easier. we use pinnalce 30 . be sure that the spool holds a fair amount of line, has a very good drag, with infinite anti reverse . i like a 6ft rod. the line problems could be from line twist , or not pulling any loose line from the reel before reeling. you need to let the line out every once in a while to get rid of any twist it may have.if you can, pull it behind a boat with no weight on it or go out and let it out on a lawn and pull it to let it relax. buy the best you can afford. they are great to fish with

[chief]

Rogue,

Lots of good advice here from others. If you are committed to extensive use of 2lb test, reels with large diameter spools and front drags are the way to go. When I've spent enough money, I've never had a problem with any major manufacturer's reels. By way of recommendation, I highly endorse Bass Pro Shops' series of Microlite rods. They're a steal at $40.00, and they come in the hard-to-find lengths of 6 1/2 and 7 feet. You'll be amazed at how much pressure you can put on a fish with 2lb test and a 7 foot stick. As for line, Tectan (available only from Cabela's)cannot be beat for handling characteristics. Good luck.

[Pherris]

I am in agreement on the bigger reels. I have a tiny piinnacle and it is a nice reel great casting but a lot of reeling. The UL set up I use the most is a St.croix ul rod with a shimano 500 sedona reel. It is great fun when you get into the fish.

[Rick]

Don't forget to check out Red barn Rods Trout/Panfish Series. They come in G-Loomis, St. Croix, and Orvis rod blanks. They come in sizes from 5'6" to 7'0"

You can see them by going to http://fishingminnesota.com/redbarn/

They can be ordered from there as well by going to the order page.

Al Lindner has a comment there about it as well as some other well known in the know anglers.

[slick2526]

I dont know how much you want to spend. My suggestion for a rod would have to be a Qauntum Xtra lite series. drop down from a 1/64oz jig to an 1/8oz But K-Mart carrys almost the exact same rod for 20 bucks cheaper. the only differnce of the two is that this one says renegade on it. For a reel im a die hard Okuma fan. I dont really care for the there line counters tho. have a look at there ultra-lite series reels. suprisingly they do hold allot of line. http://www.okumafishing.com/products/reels/ultralite/ultralite.htm

[vidnovic]

Retail stores selling rods for $20 less than the "brand name" should set off warning bells in your head. These rods may be made from blem blanks which will cause lower performance and durability when compared to the "brand name" counterparts.

[Dave]

Or, the rods were manufactured by the "brand name" oompany for Kmart. Two ways to look at it.