What Length Rod Should You Use For Ultralight Fishing?
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- Опубліковано 16 лис 2024
- What length rod should you use for ultralight fishing? Honestly, I have multiple ultralights now and I am still trying to figure out what is best! In today's video, I explain some of the major differences of each rod and some of my personal preferences.
Yes, this video is practically an episode of #5MinuteFishTalk lol the fishing has been booty, ok?!
RODS
Shimano Sojourn Ultralight Rod: amzn.to/36SvRcH
Daiwa Presso 7’ Ultralight Rod: amzn.to/2Ff8z5j
Pflueger President 5’6 Light Rod Combo: amzn.to/2RyKPyE
REELS
Shimano Sienna 1000: amzn.to/36X95QT
Pflueger President 30: amzn.to/30F3oFy
Pflueger President XT 20: amzn.to/37kVPWF
LINE
Berkley 2# Monofilament: amzn.to/2Rd5WYn
Sufix Elite 4# Monofilament: amzn.to/34DtXeF
#UltralightFishing
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![Fishing With The OKUMA CELILO Ultralight Rod! [First Impressions]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KR_JL6WpvIA/mqdefault.jpg)
I recently picked up a new Light Power TROUT COMBO which I love! Check that out here: ua-cam.com/video/XKZzg7uz43M/v-deo.html
To recap: January 2020: 5 feet is your favorite UL length; March 2020: 6 feet is your favorite UL length? :) where are you in Oct 2020 on UL length
My 4’ 6” is perfect at the creek. Can take it anywhere and it automatically upsizes every fish I catch. The dinks feel like decent fish and the decent fish feel like absolute donks.
Haha love this comment Lucas! Totally agree & that is what makes UL fishing so fun!
My 4’6 Ultralight Ugly Stik Gx2 is AMAZING!
I prefer my 4'6" UL over my 7' UL, butt I love both of them very much.
My 5'1 okuma is perfect for me, easy to throw in car with my bag and net.
@@Lemurs INDEED 👌🏾❗
I have UL rods from 4'6" to 7', they all have their place...but you can't go wrong with a 5'6" or 6' UL rod....it's the sweet spot as an all-around package....a reel that balances the rod will make for a fun combo to go gillin', trout, pond bass, perch...ect. UL is by far my favorite way to fish!
Right on - thank you for sharing! Totally agree that each size has its own unique value. I agree that 5' - 6' combos seem to be the best for all around fishing. UL fishing is quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to catch fish. I was always a finesse angler for bass, but now that I am exploring more panfish and trout, I find that UL is more fun than I ever realized when I was younger!
5’6 is a sweet spot for me.
what reel should use in this rod?
My 5’ 6” Okuma Celilo is by far my favorite rod Ive been super impressed with its performance. The portability and ease of use in tight spaces make it the perfect size for UL fishing imo.
I have heard good things about that little rod! Thank you for sharing. Maybe someday I will scoop one up :D
I just ordered one at 6' and I hope it will be similar & I'm gonna pair it with a Ceymar cxt-10.
Funny that you have a 7' and a 5' and my wife and I both have ultralights in those sizes. It works great when trolling for trout and trying to figure out what they want. We put a different lure on each one and then put the two longer poles out to the side in the front and the two shorter poles straight out the back. Allows us to cover a lot of water and find out what is getting their interest. Also, put a little sent on your line and lure. Trout not only have excellent eyesight but a keen sense of smell in the water. Braid to flouro is a cheap and effective way to fish them. Also, with your kayak you should consider throwing a bobber stopper on the 5 ft with a slip bobber beneath it and then a split shot about a foot above the jig. Much easier to cast a 5 foot ultralight with a slip bobber and yet you can get the bait down a bit using the bobber stopper as it will pass through the guides. Also, the split shot will help keep the mule jig down when you are slowly trolling it behind the kayak. Tie on a mule jig and pinch off about 1/3rd of a crawler and slide it on the jig. The trout can actually smell the crawler and will be drawn to it. Take the 7' rod, put on a barrel swivel between the mainline braid and about a 24" 2-4 lb flouro leader so you don't get a bunch of twist in the line and then tie on a panther martin, a rooster tail or a z-ray and cast to the front of the kayak. Both crappie and trout will hit them but trout really like them and when you troll them you get reaction bites. Also, they won't go too deep if you move steadily. Winter time we are finding trout in deep water but usually toward the surface. If you keep the drag light on the 5 foot the crappie or trout will run with it, giving you time to set down the 7 ft rod and grab the 5 ft. Don't skimp on ultra light reels as drag is very important and you are smart going to the 1000 as they have a better drag system than the tiny reels. If your going to go cheap do it on panfish set ups. If you are running 2 lb for trout and bass, which is extremely fun by the way, you need a more expensive reel like a Shimano or Daiwa (no I'm not sponsored by anyone) although Pluegers President series and up in the 1000 series is pretty good, but either way cheap rods tend to be cheaper because they cut back on things like a great drag system and, take it from experience, the last thing you want is to fight a nice 4 lb bass, get them up to the boat and they make that last run and the drag seizes just enough to snap your line. Started Ultralight fishing 48 years ago and that and musky fishing are still two of my favorite ways to fish. Sorry this is kind of long but thought it might help someone who wants to try crappie or trout fishing with Ultra Lights get started.
I absolutely loved every word of this comment so please don't apologize for "it being to long". It offers a ton of value and I truly appreciate the fact that you took the time to share all these tips with me and anyone else who reads this. I will definitely try these rigs out in the future! I need to find some lakes with trout in them to fish them out of the kayak though. As of right now, I only know of river/stream trout. That said, I am sure I can run these same rigs in deeper pools which I find.
Can't wait for spring now to try all of this out. Thanks again for sharing!
@@FishAnything You are welcome!
Love my ultralight bro, this subject isnt discussed enough.
Hell yeah, such a fun way to fish
You're hearing it from me first... I think it will be the fastest growing segment of fishing over the next 10 years. I simply think it is the bee's knees :)
Taco Bob where did u get your?
I almost exclusively use my 7” Shakespeare Agility UL when I fish freshwater. Not many people realize how versatile it is. My best catch so far has been a 30lb grass carp; so much fun!
I’m not a super experienced fisherman or anything but growing up in the Appalachian mountains having a 2 piece 5 foot rod was perfect for breaking down and strapping to a backpack by sticking it in the water bottle pocket to go fishing in the small creeks and rivers in the mountains.
That sounds like an epic combo and an even more epic way to adventure and experience the outdoors. I am very jealous!
I love my 4;8 and have been using it for around 7 years. Recently I have been looking at 5,6 but wanted to try a 5 footer. Found a 5 footer, bought it and waiting for the weather to improve. So jacked up, waiting for N.Illinois to warm up a bit.Keep doing what you are.
Heck yeah Tim! I think a little 4-footer would be a fun rod! I bet you will love the 5' size. Every time I use mine, I fall a little more in love :D
Hope you can get out soon to wrangle a few!
I’m just getting into trout fishing and bought a Okuma Cecilo Ultralight 6ft. with a 20 Pflueger President. I was going back and forth between the Pflueger 20 and 25 and choose the 20. It’s catching trout and the rod has a nice feel to it. I’m fishing small streams and sometimes when I’m forced to fish from the banks it’s nice to have a slightly longer rod.
Very similar combo to what I am now using as my #1 trout rod. 6' Light Fenwick Eagle w/ the Pflueger President XT 20. Been a solid setup!
I literally bought and ultra light rod just now and then 2 min later this video popped up. I hope I made the right choice lol.
I am sure you did :D I love all my ultralights no matter what! They are my babies lol
Which one / model?
Bro, Ive been researchin and tryin to find videos about this exact topic. THANK YOU. Havent fished for about 8 yrs, just started again a month ago and My buddy introduce me to crappie fishing. Im like you, i dont care what i catch, i just want action. Its like learning to fish all over again, the ultralight rod, the
2-4 lbs line, the micro jigs, the finesse. Man o man it was fun, there was a moment where after i catch one, the very next cast, hooked one and that happened 4 in a row. Yeah it was only bluegills, but after 8 yrs of no fishing to experience this. Of course i was using his gear, the rod, he said it was from a local guy he met fishing, the brand is COLA. It felt great fighting bluegills. 😅😂😅😂
My biggest on it so far is a bout a 9" crappie off the bank. When reeling in the fish, i just remember him saying, " oh, be careful, oh watch the tip, dont pull too fast" of course me, im not paying attention to the tip or rod bending. Starting to understand now.
Would like to try kayak fishing but not in price range rn or equipped to to do so rn.
Thanks for this video. 🤟🤟🤝👏
researching Ultra Light rods, first on the search, was My fav ultra light You tuber
:) haha that is awesome! Thanks Jerrett!
I have 4' 8" up to 7'.
A lot of the jigs I fish way practically nothing so I like the 7 foot for slinging those light jigs out there. That being said, my 5' 6" has caught me more fishing than anything else.
Recently while walking a creek I slipped in some mud & broke my favorite ultralight rod so being a budget fisherman, I picked up a Jawbone 5 1/2 ft Ultralight on sale for $9.99 at Dicks. It’s actually a nice rod & will do for now. Fish don’t know how expensive your combo is! Nice vid!
I was wondering about those rods! They are so inexpensive and feel pretty good! Glad to hear it is working for you. Sorry to hear you snapped your other one :/ I have been very close to doing that with these rods as well lol hoping they don't have the same fate.
Eagle claw makes some nice rods
I have a Shimano Sienna 1000 on a 5'6 Shakespeare with 6lb mono and its my favorite thing to use in farm ponds and the thick swampy creek I like to fish. Im always in tall grass or surrounded by trees and brush and its just well balanced and easy to handle. It'll cast surprisingly far down the creek channel and still haul in anything from bluegill to the typical large mouth and catfish I'm looking for. Just plain fun too
So here’s my two cents. I have a medium weight ugly stik 6 foot and a ultralight ugly stik 5 foot (best rod I’ve ever used but hard to find). With using the same reel (larger size reel on the medium but same model) I can cast farther with the UL, but it’s mostly the way you’d cast. I use a cross body underhand flip when at all possible and with the wobbliness of ultralights it really throws the baits
Good points thanks for sharing Andy! Definitely lots of factors that can impact the cast distance. I agree that casting technique can be a big factor.
I enjoy all of your videos, and this one is no exception. I'm a senior citizen who likes to hike in to remote alpine and fish. I love the St. Croix Avid Ultra Light. I mostly cast small spoons for trout with 2lb. mono. The Avid casts great and is very sensitive. I can feel everything. I also use it in my frameless pontoon when I fish small roadside lakes. I do use a short ultralight when shore fishing creeks or lakes with a lot of brush. Keep up the good videos and thanks.
Thanks so much John! Glad you like the videos. Sounds like you have a solid setup - I might have to check that rod model out!
As a Texas bass bank fisherman, I've been looking for an ultralight rod to take to Colorado rather than my regular bass spinning combo. Couldn't find one anywhere (Basspro, Dick's, Academy) except Walmart. I unassed some major cash ($16.97) for the 5'6" Shakespeare ultralight rod to go with my Okuma 2500 reel and heading north for some river fishing.
I think that combo will do just fine for you :)
I have that rod combo and love it. I caught a 4# largemouth on it and with 6# test line.I don't think I exhale until I landed it. It was so much fun.
I have 2 ultra light mini spins, 5’ and 5’6”. I use for pan fish and rainbows. This was a really good topic for discussion. I liked the video. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.
Thank you - sounds like you have two dynamite combos! I love the shorter length personally; the balance is so nice and they are so portable for skinny water!
5’6 feels like the all around good rod for ultralight. Smaller than that is great for creeks. I do have a 7 footer that I feel I can sling light weight lures further.
I am considering doing this video again with updated info. I definitely like 6’ for all purpose but I use all lengths depending on situation.
@@FishAnythingI agree I think 6ft is perfect as well
I have Leland 6'6" ultra light trout slayer rod because it is rate to handle the 1/64 oz panfish magnets. However they the rod length is actually 6" with the extra 6" length coming from the grip. It does handle the 1/64 oz panfish magnets well. However due to the design/grip length I need to put a slightly bigger reel on it to keep the balance. I plan to put 2 lb line on it as that's the recommendation line size for getting any distance from those 1/64 oz jigs. However, I just bought the 5'6" defy silver spinning rod and I can already tell it's going to be my favorite ultralight outfit. I'm matching that up with Okuma's Inspira 20b reel also with 2 lb test. I give it a head to heat comparison to the Leland rod with those 1/64 oz and see how it does. I suspect there won't be much difference. I'm a bank fisherman so those really long rods can be a determent at times. When I'm fishing creeks and streams the 5'6" rod is coming with me while that 6'6" rod is staying home!
Awesome! I might have to try that Leland someday. But I am with you, the Defy Silver is a beast for the price point. Tight lines, Leo :)
My setup. 4’6” ultralight with 4# Kastking tri-polymer for jigs. 5’6” light with 6# Vicious for inline spinners and tiny crankbaits. 7’ light with 10 # Suffix 832 for panfish float rigs and finesse bass fishing.
Sounds like a good lineup!
i have a 5'9" fishing pole, got it from cabela's. got the rod & real as a combo and paid only $45.00. this reel only gose up to 6 pounds test line and it's a great lite tackle pole & reel
Nice!
What is the fishing rod?
I picked up a 7ft combo and it works for me. I primarily pond hop and getting into kayaking. Unfortunately got a broken rod tip so now its slightly shorter lol.
Dang! Always stinks to break a rod tip :/ and yeah it is all about finding a length that feels comfortable for you. Everyone has slightly different preferences :)
got a shimano sienna 500 for ultralight fishing this year. thanks for bringing back the 5 min fish talk lol
I have 2 of those, and I like them. They are nice little reels.
Can't go wrong with those Sienna reels! I love mine. Clearly they are plastic and not the most expensive parts but they do the job fantastically for the price. It has held up well for me over the last few years :)
picked up a TFO 6ft 6 two piece for my intro to UL fishing . i have a fuego lt 2500D-XH on it with 6lb X9 braid and stren 6lb mono leader . it's been a great setup for me . thanks for sharing your experiences , jeff
Sounds like a super fun setup 👌🏼
There is also a variance between brands with ultra-light rods. I got a 7' Lew's ultra-light Laser SG1, and compared to my other rods to me it feels more like in-between a med-light and light. I made it my dedicated NED rod.
Very good point David! All rod companies have their own definitions of these actions and powers so I always recommend feeling whichever rod you are going to pick up in person. Sounds like that could be a very fun rod for a Ned Rig. Make sure to toss those 1/32oz Mule Jigs on there as well - I think that sounds like an incredible setup :)
I have a 7ft , 7.6ft and 8ft Presso and they are beautiful rods but I also have a Major Craft Finetail 662 Super Ultra Light paired with a Vanford 1000 and 2lb SOS Mono and this setup makes the Pressos feel like Shark rods
Oh my gosh that second setup sounds epic. I am jealous!
I’ve caught 27” rainbow trout on my 5’ ultra light with 4lb test line. It’s so fun!!
That sounds like an absolute blast.
Live the video. Great job. But my experience proves that a rod in the same brand/model/power changes drastically with a change in length. I just bought a 6’ basspro air stream and it seems much more flexible than the 6 1/2’ I bought a month ago.
Lots of guys talk about fishing with cheap reels. I try to use good middle of the road $60 reels. Same with rods. With this level you get standardized products (buy another and it performs like other one). Buy cheap stuff and this doesn’t happen.
Found this older video and love it. I have ultralight and light action spinning rods from 5 foot to 6'6. I have resisted a 7 footer but I get the performance and action from each that I need. Jigs are great on 5-6 ft models and 6- 6'6 are great for small baits and floats. I don't think that having a few is a bad thing. Thanks Ethan
I’ve found that the more rods I try, the 6’ length is my favorite for versatility!
@@FishAnything I've got 2 I absolutely wouldn't part with, same with the 6'6.
I got into ultralight fishing about a year ago & I'm totally addicted my favorite set up is my 6 ft presso ul teamed up with my Shimano vanford 500 spooled with 2lb RUNCL mono!
That sounds like an amazing setup! Ultralight is always a blast 🤠👏🏽
My current favorite is a ‘6-4” light powered all star drop shot rod. Planning on getting a bps panfish pro ‘6-9” ultralight at the spring classic coming soon.
Oooooh these sound like excellent rod choices! Thanks for sharing - I will check them out :)
Absolutely agree that 5 feet is more flexible than 7 feet. My first rod was 6'6", and I just bought a 5' telescopic rod. Love the shorter one much much more.
I have been fishing ultralight for a long time now. I almost feel like I felt pressured by all the videos that I watch and are using longer rods that I should also. To be honest I enjoy the shorter rods and have caught some of my biggest fish on the shorter ones. My shortest and cheapest pole that I purchased at Wallyworld is probably my favorite. I also broke this rod and fixed it and by the way its shorter now and still does great. It's a small ultralight I belive it's called a Black Beauty and it's great. So in other words I agree with you. Have fun out there.
You just need to use what you feel comfortable with! That’s the best piece of advice I have 🤠
Probably a Shakespeare Micro rod . I was lucky to get it and knew nothing about it as a first ultralight.
My favorite lite fishing combo is a Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner Lite 7’2” with a Pflueger President 25 size.
I use Fireline 8, 6lb test because I accidentally catch 15” plus LMBass & 20” plus Northern Pike fishing for Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, & Crappie. I like this set up because I am prepared for larger fish and the Rod & Line setup is insanely sensitive.
This rod comes with a lifetime warranty and Fenwick is awesome servicing their warranty. For $60.00 or less the Pflueger President is an incredible & dependable reel for the money. Plus they don’t spend Bookoo bucks on paying someone to endorse it and advertise it. We get a quality reel for a fair price. I own 7 of them and zero failures.
Good intel thank you for sharing! I will have to check out the Elite Tech Runner for sure :)
Well done. You dd mention ultralight float fishing. That's something that needsto be covered more as does drop shooting with ultralights. Ive got me a new 7.4 just for float fishing. And now to find time to go fishing. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Robert! Hope you can get out soon and smash them on your new Mule Jigs 🧡🤠 and thanks I’ll try to cover this more in the future!
I use an Iprimi 5’ 6” XXUL and it bends like I’m catching a marlin on a 4 inch rainbow. Now imagine what it feels like when you hook a 16 inch. I use 1/70 to 1/32 ounce spoons out of Japan on light 2 lb. (.004” diameter) nylon line. I find myself using it over my main 6’ 2” UL.
From my experiences, a 5'6 is definitely fun, but the casting distance is pretty weak. If you want a rod for fishing in a cluster fuck most of the time, go 5'6. If you want a little more casting distance and aren't choked out, use a 6', feels similar to a 5'6, but with a noticeable increase in casting distance. If you fish wide open lakes, don't have to worry about clutter and overhangs, use a longer rod, 6'6 to 7'. Just note that with ultralight, you really don't need the longer rods because you will rarely be casting across a lake with it unless you're in a boat or something. I already own a medium, 6'9 rod so I feel there's too much overlap if I use a longer UL, and I like the ability to carry the shorter length rods thru brush and using them in small, overgrown creeks.
Since the fishing is poo, you should bring back 5 minute fish talk for real. You are very insightful about tips like this
5MFT won’t come back but I may do more stuff like this as the right ideas come up. I don’t want to force subjects and with 78 total episodes of 5MFT, I’ve covered down on a lot of the topics I wanted to. I’ll do some brainstorming though!
Great video. I have a couple Quantum XT Micro reels on 5' Kmart $5 barrel Shakespeare carbon, loop wire guide rod that predates the Ugly Stik (and has landed gobs of fish - including some 4# bass & pike) and a 5'6" St Croix Premier. With a black Mr. Twistrer Teeny Tail of 1/32 or 1/16th oz jig they are my search rods when nothing else is happening. And tiny spoons or #0 spinners for trout. But I find in my 12.5 ft sit-in kayak a 7' UL rod (Lew's TLC2000 reel) allows me to get a little more control when fighting and distance when casting. Standing on a bank with a 5'6" is about the same as sitting at water-level with the 7'.
Thanks! Sounds like you've got some solid setups. As I fish UL more and more, I really understand how each angler may simply prefer different things. Personally, a shorter rod with super light line is my preference because I can still get the distance due to the low line diameter but it is so much more portable and the rod feels more natural for me. I do understand the argument for longer rods in certain situations though!
Yeah i see ur point.. A shorter rod is good so there are no tangles and so u can get to the spot without trouble. Thats a great idea! but i am looking to get an ultralight so would a 4ft 6 ul with 4lb line cast a 1/64 ounce jig decently far in order to get to the fish? or would a 5ft 6 do much better because its longer?
If you are dead-set on 4lb test, I would go for the 5'6 to get a little more leverage behind it. But if you are able to go down to 2lb test, I think either will work and wing out your small stuff well. Makes a noticeable difference!
6’8 is the perfect lenght for an ul-rod imo. Just my preference of course
Personal preference is a big part of it. I think I would say 6’3 is my optimal length for all purpose.
I think 6,4386 ft is best 😂
That 6 foot tfo trout and panfish 1 piece rod paired with a smooth reel is a great combo I have caught fish so underdeveloped you can see through all the way to 10 pound snakehead. The casting is only good for about 45 yards
I totally agree! love that rod :)
Personal opinion. I prefer a 7’ rod in general mainly because it’s what I grew up on. I also feel that a 7’ casts better when out in the open or on a boat, as well as being able to reach over brush and other cover that much better. So I prefer a 7’ for lure fishing with an ultralight. That being said, there is definitely a place for a 5’ in my arsenal. I have yet to find a better setup for me or my wife when slip bobber fishing than a 5’-5’6” ultralight spinning setup.
Personal preference is ultimately the #1 factor. Totally agree! And quite honestly, since making this video, I have tested more rods and still prefer a short rod but I use the long ones a lot too.
Just bought a Phenix feather 7’ light best Trout rod I own so far. Also own a 7 ‘ daiwa spinmatic ultralight And a 5’ st croix ultra light. Paired them all with daiwa fuego 1000 size reels. I’m addicted to ultra light fishing. I really love the high end stuff. I don’t mind dropping a few hundred bucks on a quality Rod and making my wife go crazy lol.
Haha love it! Sounds like some really nice gear. I myself just picked up a new fancy ultralight too. Dobyns Sierra Trout & Panfish series - it is amazing!
I always try and pick 5' to 4'6" they seem to work amazing for my pond near my house I mainly fish for trout maby a few sunfish or blue gill but that's it
I have a field and stream 6ft 1in rod love it caught 20in trout on it no problem have abu garcia reel lite reel rated 4 6 8 pound test use 4 pound stren moss green line larger spool size longer cast !!!! The reel is a x10
That is awesome! Sounds like some nice gear :)
Im here to help my ego feel better about liking 4’6” rods so much. I feel like there’s a stigma around it but ive never been one to care about that type of thing. Like watching other people hit trees on their cast and for trout most of the streams you could toss the lure with your arm let alone a full cast on a 4’6”. Ive only been wondering recently if im missing out on some sensitivity in open water, but I landed a 18inch large mouth this season on my trout setup in my canoe with no net.
I love my 5'6 fenwick eagle paired with me light weight daiwa regal lt 1000. It really is killer on everything from bullheads to trout!
That sounds like a beauty of a setup! I have a 5’6 eagle too. Solid stick!
Awesome discussion on ultra light rod lengths Ethan. I just picked up a 7 foot one myself (I have a ton in the 4.5-5.5 length). I wanted the 7 footer to be my spinning version of my 3wt flyrod. I haven't fished with it yet but I'm excited to get it on the water and throw some mule jigs with it. I love the discussion that has happened on this video. I was reading through comments and found some great info on BFS. I was into BFS years ago but it wasn't super popular or in high demand and the only reels you could find came out of Japan and cost hundreds of dollars. But through the comments I found info on some affordable and quality BFS reels and I just ordered one!
Fitz I’m so glad you combed through the comments. You’re exactly right, this comment thread has been rich with juicy information! And I can’t wait to see you slay multispecies with Mule Jigs. You could be one of the first UA-camrs to showcase them in action just saying 🤣🤣
Haha maybe. I have a nice little place planned out already to showcase them. Just need Spring to arrive 🥶
I think it depends on the situation, and where you are going to be fishing, on what length rod to use. In the kayak shorter rods aren't a bad choice, as you can get close to fishable cover quietly, and the rods take up less space. I like to have at least one 4'6", 5'0, or longer setup with me in the kayak. If I'm fishing from a bank, a 7 foot rod will help me cast around bushes and cover, and reach out further, even though it can be annoying to transport a 1 piece 7 foot rod. These past 2 years I haven't been using spinning setups much at all because I've got into BFS(UL baitcasting) gear. Funny thing is, I have been using the really cheap Shakespeare micro series 4'6" UL spinning rods, for years, and now since I got into UL baitcasters, I got 2 of the spincast versions of those same rods. It's the same tried and true rod blank as the spinning version. The 2nd Shakespeare micro series 4'6" UL spincast combo, I got less than 6$,on sale before christmas. To get these Shakespeare micro series 4'6" UL rods, I buy the spincast combo, and ditch the spincast reel.
I'm also a BFS guy and when I travel I bring my Aldebaran bfs on the plane and buy a Shakespeare micro series spin cast combo when I get to my destination, throw the reel in the trash and fish the hell out of that little rod. If I can't find someone to give it too prior to departure, I will pack the rod like a pretzel in my checked bag and they never break...not very sensitive but cheep and very functional.
This is good information guys - thank you so much for sharing! I definitely think BFS is going to be my next setup but I am holding off for a while. I am highly intrigued by these setups though!! I will look into those rods/reels when it comes time to buy :)
I bought a 7-foot UL rod last spring, thinking I'd love it for trout, panfish and wading for smallies. Sadly, I don't like it much at all. It's too whippy, isn't very sensitive and wouldn't set a hook in wet Kleenex. Plus it's so nose-heavy that it's kind of a pain to use. Back to an old favorite, my very old Berkeley Canadian Specialist Series 6-foot Light spinning stick. Don't know why I thought I could improve on it.
Haha thanks for sharing this Jim! I still love my Presso 7' UL but like you, I find the action of the shorter rod to be more my style. Just depends on the situation I guess. If I need to pick up a lot of line on a bass, the 7' will definitely help though!
My first ultralight was a 7’ ugly stick. Like you, that’s the length I used for bass fishing so I thought that would be what I liked. But then I bought a 5 1/2’ fast action ultra light and I love it. Rarely I use the 7’ anymore.
Exactly! Nothing wrong with the longer rods - there are certainly times they help out a ton. But the short one just feels better for the type of fishing I do!
Love using my 7ft rod but the 5ft I have also has its place. Depends on where I’m fishing and what I’ll be in.
I need to do an updated video on this topic. I have continued to test lots of rods and I definitely see a value in all lengths depending on fishing techniques/styles.
@@FishAnything
Absolutely there are rods for every occasion. Which makes it practical to buy at least one of each!!! Lol
So tell your partner you have to go shopping
I got a 6'4 st croix panfish ultralight paired with a daiwa laguna lt 1000 and it creates a very nice balance and it casts very nice as well I can probably get around 45 feet to maybe 55 feet out with a bobber setup
Sounds like a nice setup!
for throwing small jigs for trout i use a 7'6 with 2lb test.
That sounds awesome! I want to try the 7'6 range fishing rods but I need to find a model which feels comfortable for me.
@@FishAnything look at the daiwa presso or if you have a turners outdoors took at the trout rod. has a limited lifetime warranty.
My 7’ UL is the Presso!
@@FishAnything What diameter in mm is your 2lb line? I would never dare fish with a line with a breaking strength of 0,91 kg/2lb. This year I fished with a monofilament 15lb test (6,8 kg - 0,28 mm) and next year I'm gonna try a fluorocarbon at 8.1lb (3,8kg - 0,10 mm) and a spiderwire braid at 20lb (9,1kg - 0,08 mm)
I can’t get enough of my 10’ and my 4’ 6” UL rods!
UL is the best!
i use a 9 foot ultra light with 4 lb test for steelhead / salmon . I use a 7 foot ultra light for bass . I use a 6 foot ultra light for crappy and trout .
All are lamiglas .
Most have been used for over 10 years .
That is awesome! Sound like some solid setups :)
I have ul ugly stik 6'6, and micro series shakespeare 7 n hve been using for more than fifteen yrs, it really works well. Thanks so informative.
Awesome! Can't go wrong :)
😅 I have both of those . I also have a 2 more of the Ugly Stiks ...two 5 '. They are the Ugly Stik ....PRO LITE. Specifically made for Walmart and they are awesome. I bought them right before they were replaced for $25 each. I jumped on them. I got 4 all together. They're very light and I'd put them up against anything $150 or under today for ultralights . Looks and quality. Can't beat micro series I still have a 7' and a 5' 6" . Nothing can compare to them for the price. You can compare a Okuma Celio but it costs 3 or 4 times the price. Shakespeare Micro Series really has NO competition period. You personally really don't need anything else , unless you want something a little smaller . 😅
@@FishAnythingyou really need to just go ahead and do a Shakespeare Micro Series review. I know....I fish has. It won't be a waste of time and a very inexpensive review.
another benefit of a longer rod is line management and bait manipulation. the ability to let out or take up slack from your line or getting a good hook set when there is more line out is completely different on rods over 6 foot versus under 6.
Great point - I 100% agree!
I use a 7ft canyon creek super ultralight and it’s by far my favorite for general and especially for long casts. I would like to get some better line or maybe upgrade the reel but as of right now I’m good to to throw anything from 1/64-3/16 comfortably and within the ratings of my rod.
I have an UL problem.I own over 30 UL's if I feel a good one I buy it.I fish 4'6" to 8' UL.
The one I use most is a Charlie Brewer Slider rod 4'9"it just feels best and I enjoy fishing it the most.I like a short stiff rod,I can cast best and just as far with this type of rod.I just love fishing UL's.
Holy cannoli dude you have over 30?! I gotta show Online Outdoorswoman this comment so she can understand I’m not the only crazy one out here 🤣🤣🤣 that’s awesome man I love ultralight fishing too. I gotta get on your level!
@@FishAnything I was listing all rods and reels for insurance.I had 87 rods and 62 reels.Told my wife I was reel poor.
Hahahaha
Late to the party here but I love my 5’ UL. Then again I primarily fish local rivers and creeks which aren’t that big. I use a 6’ or 7’ for bass fishing the rivers it depends on where I’m going and the terrain. As always though I bring the UL and some crawlers with me if the bass fishing is slow.
I use a 4'6 ultra light for stream trout. Makes walking through the woods pretty easy.
Exactly! Short rods are so much more portable and easy to fish with in the small waters.
What length should I get for both bass and trout? Or should I have two separate rods? I already have one 6’6 medium abu Garcia. Should I just get an ultralight for trout?
If you already have a 6'6 Medium, I would use that a lot for bass. I would then add a 5'6 or 6' UL or L to your lineup for trout. UL would be better for panfish if you have interest but it may be too weak if you are fishing for large trout in water with lots of cover and current.
I have a 5'UL, 3-5'6" lights, a 7'UL, a 7'6"UL and an 8'UL. I use every one of them. They all have a time and a place.
Totally agree! My opinions have shifted a bit since making this video.
I just picked up a quantum strategy ultralight, 5’ combo and I love it
NICE! Sounds like a fun little fishing rod.
@@FishAnything Oh yeah, casting distance suffers until I spoil it up with 6lb test for light tackle
I have a 4ft 6 ul Shakespeare witha lews 75 spin speed and a 7ft l Shakespeare with a 2500 Shimano fx but use them for completely different fish, ul for creek chubb and baby sunfish and light for anything.
Sounds like fun setups!
The UL combo I just ordered recently came with a 5’ rod and a size 1000 reel. It feels really good in my hands; I know what you meant by the 7’ one feeling long; hard to describe but I would agree. I only fish with 7’ bass rods; but I wasn’t interested in a 7’ UL combo.
Glad you like the feel of your new setup. Sounds very similar to my Shimano Sojourn/Sienna combo which as I mentioned, is my #1 favorite. You will love it Gary! The only downside will be hooking fish good on a long cast due to the lesser leverage. That said, 95% of the time you don't need to fish more than 30' away from you.
Have you caught any bass with your 5'?
5’6 is my absolute go to for all occasions ofc on the water id prefer some more length to cover more water and some added leverage when i get those bigger fish
My 6ft lews lazer ultralight does the trick evrrytime we go out. Have some bfs and some other shorter spinners, I have a 8"6 ultralight too.
The 6" is the go too.
The 6' length has become my go-to for sure. Most versatile by far.
Most of the time 5ft 6 or 6ft is about the sweet spot for me. I like 6ft for banking fishing cause I can cast further but also not cast too far if I am in the boat with my dad or my papaw. I think 6ft (for me) is perfect.
I agree that 6’ is probably my most versatile rod length.
i’m gonna end up getting either a 6 or 6’6 probably
I don't think you can go wrong! Since filming this, I ended up with a 6' and I think it is the perfect length for versatility.
What reel speeds do you prefer. I'm seeing more spinning reels w 6:3 to 1 ratio
I’m not too picky for a spinning reel. Fast is good, but it doesn’t need to be crazy.
Just bought a 7’4 UL rod waiting for the ice to clear up now
Awesome! I hope you get out there and crush them :)
I have found that your videos are very useful and helpful! I think one piece rods are better. Personal preference! It's exactly what you said.....whatever feels good for yourself.
I definitely would prefer one-piece rods for all fishing too. I simply have two-piece as they were what was available in the models I wanted at the time. Thanks for watching Jon!
My new favorite is a 6ft tfo,i have a 5 and 7..but love the 6
That’s a super versatile rod! Good choice
Can confirm. The video turned out well.
:) thanks Riley!
I really enjoy your vids and always look forward to them. Keep up the great work! I think that in the future your subscription volume is going to increase exponentially and in a short time once more people discover your wonderful talents. You may want to consider a name change for your channel. Online Outdoorsman may be dated especially the Online part. Since your focus seems to be Midwest Finesse fishing you may try to work that into the name. Just an idea. You are definitely one of my go to youtube sites. Great editing. Thank you! Best regards!
Thank you so much Robert, that really means a lot!! And I think you raise a really good point! I’ve thought about it a lot but have a hard time coming up with a name change I like. I’m also super intimidated to change names tbh; Online Outdoorsman has become my second identity lol
I’ll have to keep thinking about this! I would certainly appreciate your suggestions as well 🤠
You may want to consult with the person from Show-Me Fish Tales. He smoothly changed his channel name from WinkieDoodles to its present name . I believe his name is Don and I think you know him. I subscribe to his channel also. If a brainstorm hits me I'll let you know. But I need a coffee first! Lol
Haha awesome! Interesting I had no idea he changed his name but Don is a good guy and I’ll have to go check that out 🤠 thanks for sharing!
I use a 6 foot 1 in field & stream rod two piece with Abu x10 reel split handle it seems to be more balanced it is a lot like the FENWICK except for handle !!!!!!!!!
Nice! Sounds like a solid setup :)
I use a 5'2" ugly stick that I've had since 1993 it still works great. I do have a GX2 but my old ugly seems to be better.
That’s awesome! Can’t complain about a classic Ugly Stik! I have a 6’ ML Ugly Stik back home with my parents... I might need to bring that puppy to Michigan!
Another great video, lots of information keep up the great work!!! 🤠
Thank you David! Tight lines :)
5'6" ultralight is my go to.
Definitely a great little setup!
I just ordered a 6 foot ultra light rod with a 1000 reel! I'm existed to sure it with the trout magnet.
Sounds like a fun setup!!
I literally am watching all these vids after askin you about it lol
You da man! Let me know how I can help and I’ll always happily do so.
i was at cabela's and bought a bass pro shops crappie maxx signature series spinning rod and real combo. also its a 6'6'' power med. light, action fast and line 2 to 8 pound test. also it only cost me $ 45.00 for the combo.
That sounds like a solid combo for a budget price! I bet that will be fun for Ned Rigs too
thank you, please keep up the great videos that you do. we all enjoy watching
Your passion for fishing just excites me man love my Shimano ultralight, best for hitting those creek banks and hitting around bridge pillars!
I love fishing bridge pillars with UL gear! You never know what you’ll hook into!!
Merry christmas. Good content
Thank you :)
i am about to get a 2000 vanford for xmas, thinking it might be a decent balance... but it is the C version, which is "compact" i haven't considered a shorter rod... but i might....
I am jealous! I bet that will be a fun reel :)
I Like 5'6" - 6 ' For all around but sometimes 7'
I agree with that!
Does a 36 inch rod with 10 lb line count as UL?
Less about the line/length and more about the ratings!
I have a 5 ft ugly stick ultra light, my favorite rod of all. My 4ft 6" is what I use for stream fishing. Ugly stick is the way to go no Matt what the length.
Always a good optoin!
I use a 5ft UL with shimano 1000 size as well. Used to use the 500 size but seemed too small to me. I fish in PA walking through heavy brush and along beaver dams. short rods a must.
Definitely! Sounds like we have a very similar UL fishing combo. The short rod is amazing for getting in the backwoods and chasing fish in skinny water. That setup will continue to get worked hard by me this year!
i bought a 5ft Ultra light ugly stick at walmart for about 39 bucks and man is it sweet!
Heck yeah! Don't have to spend big bucks to get a darn good stick!
I am a saltwater fisher which size will better for me ? 6.6 or 5.5 want to try some ultra light lately
I bought a 4'8 ugly Stik gx2 I hope it wasn't to bad of a purchase
Sounds like a fun rod dude!
4'8? Wow that is the shortest Ugly Stix I ever seen. Didn't know they make them that short. lol
@@walden6272I know it's pretty easy to meneuver it around and I've caught 4 pound bass with it
What line weight do you prefer on your UL rig? I have 4 pound, but have thought about moving to 6 pound.
Just depends on the setup and the goals I have for it. As mentioned, I spooled up 2# monofilament on my 5' UL and put 4# mono on the other two. I would probably switch to 6# if I was fishing around more cover and catching a bit larger fish. No wrong answer though!
How would you say an ultralight compares to a light/medium-light rod? I was thinking of getting myself a new lighter bass rod
If you are predominately chasing bass, I would probably just get a ML because that will be the most versatile for them and still be a hell of a fight. If you watch my Ned Rig videos, you will see the Gloomis GL2 I have is a ML and it crushes it with a Ned or other finesse plastic!
Online Outdoorsman thanks man. I didn’t actually know about the Ned rig until I started watching your channel and it is the absolute juice at my lake house. What size reel would you suggest? I completely forget how the reel sizes work
For anything bass, I always get Shimano size 2500 which would be similar to a Pflueger 30. Basically look at those reels and check line capacity and replicate that with whichever brand you’re looking into! And I’m super pumped to hear I could help 🤠🤠
I wish I could like this more than once for the impromptu Karma appearance. 🐶 I wish I could find any combo for $20. I picked up a Daiwa travel rod and Daiwa Legalis reel for those days when I feel like casting and blasting on my lunch break or after work.
That sounds like a badass combo! And haha I will tell Karma you said so. She will appreciate the thumbs up :)
The key to finding deals is always combing fishing departments in all stores and looking for clearance tags. 99% of the time there is nothing good, but occasionally you score. I scored this time :)
Love my 5'3 storm discovery 👍