Love the content. Started watching you in the spring and have slowly transitioned to UL, next year being the first fully geared year. You have inspired me over this year.
Hey Ethan, I've been watching your videos for probably a year or so and you really showed me what its like to have fun fishing. Before I picked up a ultralight I was constantly trying to catch bass and get my new pb and it started to not be enjoyable anymore. Once I picked up an ultralight I realized why it is so rewarding its cheap, fun and on occasion you will hook into a nice fish and boy it will take you for a ride like no other. I owe so much of my ultralight success to you thank you. PS your donkey tail juniors hammer the bluegill in my area and all the other baits and jigs are amazing also!
Hye Ethan I have soo many UL rods and have caught about 10k crappie in my time and was wondering what you thought about the phenix m1 7 foot 2 light rod with a shimano sedona 1000?
I've been tying my own jigs for about 2 years, they always produce now that I've got some good patterns down. Caught a dinky largemouth and a decent Sacalait (Crappie) on christmas day with my son.
I talk about both in the recent UL gear recap video. Both are solid, the Dobyns is a faster rod so it’s my personal favorite but the Phenix is awesome too.
Just ordered my donkey tail jr... watching your channel made me try out ultra light fishing. I bought a TFO rod paired up with a Sheels guide series reel (Daiwa) 6lb braid to 3lbs p-line copolymer line
here in Pennsylvania we just got hit with a bad snow storm plus it's very cold outside as well. I haven't done any fishing yet and I don't plan on doing fishing until April gets here. I believe it's the first Saturday in April that trout fishing season opens up and starts, not sure but I'm just taking a guess. Nice catch here, that is for sure
been rigging a 1/4oz slip weight for casting distance to a swivel tying to a swivel and 2lb test on 1/80 mule jig. Getting alot of bottom feeding bluegills
I did that one December day while fishing in the Louisiana marsh after a massive fish kill. (Early 1990's. A 1/16 oz. white bucktail road runner I think. No trailer.) Caught a really nice keeper Redfish on that one while the normal casting a jig just wasn't getting it done. Great surprise and lesson!
Ethan, do you think the seasons are coming a month or so later than rhe calendar tells us? Summer here in Australia and ww are getting a tonne of rain and very few hot days so far.
Well that ba donk was a pleasant surprise. Unexpected...like hooking one on the drop shot another on the slip float. Dang. Thanks for taking us out Ethan. Blessings brother
Hi Ethan, I have a serious idea for you. I’m Ezra, and I target Australian species, which can be extremely finicky. One technique we use is a Hidden weight system (HWS) jighead. With this, the lead is inside the plastic, no lead shown, and it causes a natural horizontal slow sink. One thing- I’ve never seen them in the US. If you developed this with a Similar hook keeper to Daiwa’s Australian ones, the would stay on the plastic, be very finesse, and horizontally sink. Just an idea as I am pretty sure you work for mule fishing, I may be wrong. I think it would be super effective. Thanks 👍
Somewhat off topic but I love those gloves and am thinking of purchasing a pair. These are the water repellent version right? Glad you went with these or wish you had gotten the fleece?
Might be a good video idea but what about doing a vintage fishing video? Grab up some old rods reels and baits just to see how they do for fun 😂 i have an OLD Abu i use for fun on an ultra light setup. Definitely something different and a cheap entry into the hobby sometimes.
Hey, I just bought a rod and reel combo that you have to try. The Bass Pro Shop’s Crappie Max Quick Tip. It’s a rod and reel combo. The reel is not great but the rod is amazing. It has Fugi micro guides, the whole second half of the rod is carbon, the tip is red for bit detection, the reel seat is pretty darn good and it’s only $66. Again, the reel isn’t great, just think you’re paying $65 for the rod and the reel is free. I can’t believe how good this rod it.
Im amaze how people will have problem throwing the fish back into the water. But have have no issue with having a big sharp hook and piercing it into a fish mouth and drag it all the way above water where it cant breathe. If you do not want to hurt fishes, dont fish, simple. I fish a lot dont get me wrong, but least I dont pretend Im not hurting the fish.
Hey Ethan, I've been really enjoying your content. I recently got into UL fishing and have heard numerous positive reviews about your baits. Needless to say, I just ordered quite a few. I'm super excited to put them on and snag some dinkers and donkers. Tight lines, my friend, and happy new year!
I have always had an UL in my car but have not really brought it out more than once in a blue moon. but after watching you and AAA that has all changed in the last year (2023 that is) with the Mule line up and your content is just amazing.
Impressed. Hereabouts we just left deer hunting season (successful) and have entered firewood harvesting season. But I am intrigued by your "gloves". What are those? Monkey gloves of some type?
Picked up the drop shot this late summer landed multiple 2lb bass and a slab from the bank. It works I notice more bites on the fall and dead sticking it
Happy to answer, because I get this unsolicited feedback a lot. While it is more efficient to cast and reel with opposite hands, this is not what feels natural or comfortable to me. I have tested switching but I found I couldn’t present lures as effectively while holding the rod in my right and reeling with my left. I most certainly was costing myself countless bites and fish due to these less productive retrieves.
You'll do better with the 1000. More casting distance and better balance. I had a Sahara and took it back. Got a second 1000 size Regal as it felt smoother and was $60 instead of $80. (My 2 Regals caught 100's of fish in 2022 on a couple of St. Croix rods. 6' 9" one piece Ultra Lite/Fast Action, and a 7' one piece Lite/Fast Action) Since then, I purchased a NASCI, a Miravel and 2 Stradics. (Thank God for Christmas and birthdays and family that sends money!) They seem to STAY smoother the more you pay, except the Regals. They're still soo smooth. ...I love my Stradics! Christmas gifts for the past 2 years. They all cast the same distance, but the Stradics definitely have way less reel bumps/junk on the retrieve giving me a bit better contact/feel with my jigs, and less false hook sweeps (as opposed to hooksets) when I feel a tick or tap. Some of the "feel" is the rod... some of it is the braid coming through the guides. You can most likely catch the same fish on almost any rod and reel combo, but the more expensive ones are more enjoyable for me to fish. It comes down to what you can afford and are willing to pay. If you're looking for rods too, I just got a Lew's 6' Lite series Ultra Lite with a fast action. It's so comfortable and a real pleasure to play a fish on, and it was $70 less than my Dobyn's 6' 2" one piece. Those two rods are now my first choices 90% of the time, and I just changed the Miravel reel on the Lew's to the new Stradic. Can't wait to fish with it this Spring. So far only 2 crappie and they were when I had the Miravel on it, but they were so much fun to catch. I know I'm not Ethan, but I have been fishing with Ultra Lite gear for over 40 years! Best strategy change I ever made! I started with about a $15 reel and a $15 5 piece rod. Broke the rod getting it out of my jeep. It was caught inside the door handle so when I opened the door it snapped in 2. I cried! Went to the store and got a 5' 3" Fenwick Eagle to replace it. I still have that rod and on rare occasions, still fish it. It's great for creeks and small/tight casting areas. Been "upgrading" my ultra lite stuff ever since! Always fun to get the new rig, but I have made some "mistakes" and have returned several reels. Never a rod though. Always seemed to make good choices on that part of the set up. Hope this helps. Sorry for the rambling! Fishing has just been my main hobby for over 50 years, and it's so much fun to talk about. (I was also a school teacher, so as you might be able to guess, I love to pass on what I've learned to others). Blessings!
@@chipseiler1766 DUDE! This is awesome info! Thank you so much! You should be writing blogs for ultralight fishing. Great stuff my friend! I’m trying to take the ultralight fishing to the saltwater world with my channel using bfs casting and spinning with trout and redfish in the south Texas bays. I want my next reel to hold up in the saltwater and carry at least 90yd of braided line (6lb-8lb). I’ll look into those reels you suggested. I got the Sahara on a steal of a deal… literally paid $25 for it! But I may try and sell it now and get a Nasci ; because I love Shimano lol
@@FishiganMilligan If yoo can swing it, the Stradic is waterproof and will hold up much better in Salt water. Still gotta rinse after every trip though!!!!
@@FishiganMilligan Well, you got an $80 reel for $25. Use it 'till it falls apart! ..or did you get the 500 size? Anyway, I use 8 lb. braid on mine and get really good casting distance! It's the equivalent of 1.5 lb. mono size wise! The biggest problem is the wind! It blows that light line 20 feet to the side sometimes. I also use 4 - 10 lb. leader. Usually the 10 is on a reel with 15 lb. braid (4 lb. mono diameter). It matches up better because of the line diameter. I always use a double uni to tie my mono/flouro/composite line to the braid. Are you fishing out of Gavelston? I used to fish Texas City and Gavelston when I lived in League City, TX, just south of Houston. Enjoyed our conversation!
@FishAnything oh cool I moved outta Michigan myself In 2017, I'm in NH now, I've only caught one crappie by accident.. do you know if their common here too?
Any time you catch something this time of year it's icing on the cake. Thanks for getting out there Ethan. Warmer days ahead.
Heck yeah Jerry! Good mentality 👊🏽
Love the content. Started watching you in the spring and have slowly transitioned to UL, next year being the first fully geared year. You have inspired me over this year.
Me too!
Thanks so much guys I really appreciate that
Hey Ethan, I've been watching your videos for probably a year or so and you really showed me what its like to have fun fishing. Before I picked up a ultralight I was constantly trying to catch bass and get my new pb and it started to not be enjoyable anymore. Once I picked up an ultralight I realized why it is so rewarding its cheap, fun and on occasion you will hook into a nice fish and boy it will take you for a ride like no other. I owe so much of my ultralight success to you thank you. PS your donkey tail juniors hammer the bluegill in my area and all the other baits and jigs are amazing also!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. So happy to hear it!
Hye Ethan I have soo many UL rods and have caught about 10k crappie in my time and was wondering what you thought about the phenix m1 7 foot 2 light rod with a shimano sedona 1000?
I haven’t used that particular rod but that sounds like a great setup 🤠👊🏽
@@FishAnything ok thanks! Also love the vids!!!
I've been tying my own jigs for about 2 years, they always produce now that I've got some good patterns down. Caught a dinky largemouth and a decent Sacalait (Crappie) on christmas day with my son.
Always a blast to catch fish on your own creations
winter time is 1 or 2 fish time for me. If I can get one I'm happy!
For sure! Not a quantity time of year usually
Nice work 👍 I think we are lucky in Az, “winter” is trout season and summer is sunfish/bass/catfish season so we just have plenty to catch year round.
Ya sounds like you have a good setup!
Just received and used my first order from mule! The black horse fly saved me from the winter skunk 🙏
Love to hear it!!!
Can you try the MHX ultralight rod? I really want to buy one but I don’t know if it is a good brand. If you don’t want to it’s fine.
I’ll have to look into these! Thanks for the suggestion. 👊🏽🤠
@@FishAnything yessir bro
Phenix Elixir vs Dobyns Sierra UL??? How do they compare?
I talk about both in the recent UL gear recap video. Both are solid, the Dobyns is a faster rod so it’s my personal favorite but the Phenix is awesome too.
Just ordered my donkey tail jr... watching your channel made me try out ultra light fishing. I bought a TFO rod paired up with a Sheels guide series reel (Daiwa) 6lb braid to 3lbs p-line copolymer line
Sounds like a fun setup! Thanks for the support :)
here in Pennsylvania we just got hit with a bad snow storm plus it's very cold outside as well. I haven't done any fishing yet and I don't plan on doing fishing until April gets here. I believe it's the first Saturday in April that trout fishing season opens up and starts, not sure but I'm just taking a guess. Nice catch here, that is for sure
We are getting hit hard with snow now!
@@FishAnything
Sorry to hear that you guys are getting hit hard with the snow ❄️
been rigging a 1/4oz slip weight for casting distance to a swivel tying to a swivel and 2lb test on 1/80 mule jig. Getting alot of bottom feeding bluegills
Love to hear it! Sounds like a great setup
You have just given me an idea, im going to try your slip float in the saltwater here off the kayak on the "sleeper" rod.
I did that one December day while fishing in the Louisiana marsh after a massive fish kill. (Early 1990's. A 1/16 oz. white bucktail road runner I think. No trailer.) Caught a really nice keeper Redfish on that one while the normal casting a jig just wasn't getting it done. Great surprise and lesson!
@@chipseiler1766 sounds like a plan. I don't use bait (what you might call cut bait) just lures so having a 2nd rod in the water will be awesome.
Let me know how it works for you!
Ethan, do you think the seasons are coming a month or so later than rhe calendar tells us? Summer here in Australia and ww are getting a tonne of rain and very few hot days so far.
I’m no weatherman lol so I can’t say! I know I’m getting a lot of snow now
Would a Visa Gift card work on your site? Got a $100+ order lined up just trynna figure out the best way to pay
It should work I believe. Not sure why it wouldn’t! Just run it as a credit card.
Beast of a cold water fish!! Awesome!
Thanks man!!
Nice bass - great surprise and reward for getting out there for a quick trip.
Thanks Aaron!
Well that ba donk was a pleasant surprise. Unexpected...like hooking one on the drop shot another on the slip float. Dang. Thanks for taking us out Ethan. Blessings brother
Thanks Brian! Stay warm over there buddy
Hi Ethan, I have a serious idea for you. I’m Ezra, and I target Australian species, which can be extremely finicky. One technique we use is a Hidden weight system (HWS) jighead. With this, the lead is inside the plastic, no lead shown, and it causes a natural horizontal slow sink. One thing- I’ve never seen them in the US. If you developed this with a Similar hook keeper to Daiwa’s Australian ones, the would stay on the plastic, be very finesse, and horizontally sink.
Just an idea as I am pretty sure you work for mule fishing, I may be wrong. I think it would be super effective.
Thanks 👍
Is this the same thing as a hover rig? Thanks for the suggestion
@@FishAnything no idea, I’ll check hover rigs out.
Ah man, its 32* raining and windy here in Oregon
We’ve been getting hammered with snow these past few days in Michigan. 🙃
i think the drop shot works the best when the drop shot hook is on a dropper loop and not inline with the weight
Interesting - that probably gives it a lot more free-flowing action... I may need to play with this.
That was a pretty awesome bass you caught there. awesome video can’t wait for the next one
Thanks my friend! It may be a while but I promise more content will be coming in 2024 👊🏽
Somewhat off topic but I love those gloves and am thinking of purchasing a pair. These are the water repellent version right? Glad you went with these or wish you had gotten the fleece?
The water repellent are the way to go!
@@FishAnything thanks! you are the reason I got in to fishing!
What is your scent of choice in the Pro Cure line?
The panfish varieties. They have so many I can’t recall the exact name
Can i use both of
The rig set up in salt water ?
I don't see why you couldn't! I am not much of a saltwater fisherman but I imagine it would work just fine in certain areas.
Dam that's a giant bass for that tiny bait
Thanks buddy!
i caught a bass today on a ned rig and it's cold
Nice work!!
Might be a good video idea but what about doing a vintage fishing video? Grab up some old rods reels and baits just to see how they do for fun 😂 i have an OLD Abu i use for fun on an ultra light setup. Definitely something different and a cheap entry into the hobby sometimes.
great video where did you get your gloves
Turtle Gloves! Small Michigan company
Hey, I just bought a rod and reel combo that you have to try. The Bass Pro Shop’s Crappie Max Quick Tip. It’s a rod and reel combo. The reel is not great but the rod is amazing. It has Fugi micro guides, the whole second half of the rod is carbon, the tip is red for bit detection, the reel seat is pretty darn good and it’s only $66. Again, the reel isn’t great, just think you’re paying $65 for the rod and the reel is free. I can’t believe how good this rod it.
That’s awesome I’ll have to look into it!
Can you show you tied the work horse ?
It was a loop knot. I’ll try to show this in a future slip float video
Im amaze how people will have problem throwing the fish back into the water. But have have no issue with having a big sharp hook and piercing it into a fish mouth and drag it all the way above water where it cant breathe. If you do not want to hurt fishes, dont fish, simple. I fish a lot dont get me wrong, but least I dont pretend Im not hurting the fish.
What brand gloves???
Turtle Gloves. Small Michigan brand
You should do a video on mule fishing and how you make your lures. I think that would be interesting
Hey Ethan, I've been really enjoying your content. I recently got into UL fishing and have heard numerous positive reviews about your baits. Needless to say, I just ordered quite a few. I'm super excited to put them on and snag some dinkers and donkers. Tight lines, my friend, and happy new year!
Thanks so much! I hope to hear some stories from you about great experiences on the water :)
To Tha Future !!! 🥂
🤠🍻
Another great video … 🙏🙏🙏 and also the thank for your great product, I received my 3rd order of mule jig products and I loooooove it .
Thank you so much!! Truly appreciate the support 🤠
I have always had an UL in my car but have not really brought it out more than once in a blue moon. but after watching you and AAA that has all changed in the last year (2023 that is) with the Mule line up and your content is just amazing.
Thank you so much Kevin!
Impressed. Hereabouts we just left deer hunting season (successful) and have entered firewood harvesting season. But I am intrigued by your "gloves". What are those? Monkey gloves of some type?
They are called Turtle gloves. Small Michigan-based company
Loved the vid
Thanks man!
One dead stick and one working rod is always a good option when rules allow two rods per angler.
Definitely will be doing this again on bank fishing sessions!
Nice video and tips any day you can fish and catch them is a good day
Thanks man! I agree
Thank you for making this video.
Thank you for watching this video 🤠
Been waiting on a video for so long! Love your content and all your products. God bless and tight lines!!
More to come! Sorry things have slowed down a bit. Family will always come before fishing :)
@@FishAnything God, Family, Fishing. God bless brother hope everything works out!!
Thanks for the video Ethan.
Thank you Paul. 🍻
Nice first fish bass! I have had 0 success with a drop shot and always go float in hard times.
Picked up the drop shot this late summer landed multiple 2lb bass and a slab from the bank. It works I notice more bites on the fall and dead sticking it
It’s kind of a hit or miss rig for me. Can be really good or really slow. Definitely one to have in the arsenal though
Answer please, what is the point of casting spinning by right hand and fishing with left? You just do unnecessary job, it doesn't make any sense.
Happy to answer, because I get this unsolicited feedback a lot. While it is more efficient to cast and reel with opposite hands, this is not what feels natural or comfortable to me. I have tested switching but I found I couldn’t present lures as effectively while holding the rod in my right and reeling with my left. I most certainly was costing myself countless bites and fish due to these less productive retrieves.
@@FishAnythingimo your answer is slightly rude, but it's fine, I got your point and will not send you unsolicited feedback anymore.)
The king of Gondor has returned
Lmao 👊🏽
What size hook is in that workhorse?
Size 6!
Nice catch in the winter dink master
Thanks Wayne!
Absolute unit on the slip! Nice!!
Thanks Matthew! It was a pleasant surprise.
That was a nice chunk.
Thanks so much!
Great video 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you Dan! Hope all is well
That bass was a beauty!
Ya it was! Thanks for watching 🤠
Beauty of a bass 😍
Thanks Kirk it was a pleasant surprise 🤠
What a CATCH! 🙌🙌🙌
Heck ya! Definitely made me happy :)
Nice bass!
Thank you!!
First
Thanks dude!
Soo question… what are your thoughts on the 500 size Shimano Sahara reel?
You'll do better with the 1000. More casting distance and better balance. I had a Sahara and took it back. Got a second 1000 size Regal as it felt smoother and was $60 instead of $80. (My 2 Regals caught 100's of fish in 2022 on a couple of St. Croix rods. 6' 9" one piece Ultra Lite/Fast Action, and a 7' one piece Lite/Fast Action) Since then, I purchased a NASCI, a Miravel and 2 Stradics. (Thank God for Christmas and birthdays and family that sends money!) They seem to STAY smoother the more you pay, except the Regals. They're still soo smooth. ...I love my Stradics! Christmas gifts for the past 2 years. They all cast the same distance, but the Stradics definitely have way less reel bumps/junk on the retrieve giving me a bit better contact/feel with my jigs, and less false hook sweeps (as opposed to hooksets) when I feel a tick or tap. Some of the "feel" is the rod... some of it is the braid coming through the guides. You can most likely catch the same fish on almost any rod and reel combo, but the more expensive ones are more enjoyable for me to fish. It comes down to what you can afford and are willing to pay. If you're looking for rods too, I just got a Lew's 6' Lite series Ultra Lite with a fast action. It's so comfortable and a real pleasure to play a fish on, and it was $70 less than my Dobyn's 6' 2" one piece. Those two rods are now my first choices 90% of the time, and I just changed the Miravel reel on the Lew's to the new Stradic. Can't wait to fish with it this Spring. So far only 2 crappie and they were when I had the Miravel on it, but they were so much fun to catch. I know I'm not Ethan, but I have been fishing with Ultra Lite gear for over 40 years! Best strategy change I ever made! I started with about a $15 reel and a $15 5 piece rod. Broke the rod getting it out of my jeep. It was caught inside the door handle so when I opened the door it snapped in 2. I cried! Went to the store and got a 5' 3" Fenwick Eagle to replace it. I still have that rod and on rare occasions, still fish it. It's great for creeks and small/tight casting areas. Been "upgrading" my ultra lite stuff ever since! Always fun to get the new rig, but I have made some "mistakes" and have returned several reels. Never a rod though. Always seemed to make good choices on that part of the set up. Hope this helps. Sorry for the rambling! Fishing has just been my main hobby for over 50 years, and it's so much fun to talk about. (I was also a school teacher, so as you might be able to guess, I love to pass on what I've learned to others). Blessings!
@@chipseiler1766 DUDE! This is awesome info! Thank you so much! You should be writing blogs for ultralight fishing. Great stuff my friend! I’m trying to take the ultralight fishing to the saltwater world with my channel using bfs casting and spinning with trout and redfish in the south Texas bays. I want my next reel to hold up in the saltwater and carry at least 90yd of braided line (6lb-8lb). I’ll look into those reels you suggested. I got the Sahara on a steal of a deal… literally paid $25 for it! But I may try and sell it now and get a Nasci ; because I love Shimano lol
@@FishiganMilligan If yoo can swing it, the Stradic is waterproof and will hold up much better in Salt water. Still gotta rinse after every trip though!!!!
@@chipseiler1766 maybe if I save up lol
@@FishiganMilligan Well, you got an $80 reel for $25. Use it 'till it falls apart! ..or did you get the 500 size? Anyway, I use 8 lb. braid on mine and get really good casting distance! It's the equivalent of 1.5 lb. mono size wise! The biggest problem is the wind! It blows that light line 20 feet to the side sometimes. I also use 4 - 10 lb. leader. Usually the 10 is on a reel with 15 lb. braid (4 lb. mono diameter). It matches up better because of the line diameter. I always use a double uni to tie my mono/flouro/composite line to the braid. Are you fishing out of Gavelston? I used to fish Texas City and Gavelston when I lived in League City, TX, just south of Houston. Enjoyed our conversation!
What state are you in?
Michigan!
@FishAnything oh cool I moved outta Michigan myself In 2017, I'm in NH now, I've only caught one crappie by accident.. do you know if their common here too?
Nice...
Thanks 👊🏽