Ultralight Madness...

[Waterborne]

I've caught less than a handful of 4" wild trout with my 3wt rod. But, the last 4" fish I caught was dragged through the water like a small piece of driftwood on my 3wt. I felt pretty bad for the little guy.

Thanks to all you crazies with your ultralight rigs and 4" fish debauchery, now I'm looking at 1wt set ups.

I've tried the search function for "ultralight" and "ultralight reels", but I get "The following words in your search query were ignored because they are too common words".

So, I'll just ask...

I know that there are some high dollar line storage devices out there for ultralights (Sage Click and Ross Evo LT 0), but are there any low cost (~$100), light weight reels for UL rigs?
I know TFO has the Finesse 1wt for $179, but are there any low cost ($100) UL rods?

I like owning nice things, but I can't get myself to spend $500+ for an outfit just yet.

[charlie]

Orvis BBS 1 isn't bad for a little over 100. They are good reels. You can also consider getting a light fiberglass, or a slow graphite in a higher weight. They are more affordable. I have an early 90's soft (full flex) 2 wt. that will bend past the cork and makes small fish fun. If you want real cheap, I think glass eagle claw 3 wts. are available. They're popular with guys in the south that chase tiny Appalachian (southern strain) brook trout. 4" ers will bend them past the middle of the rod. Even Angie would think she had something worthwhile.

Charlie

[WanderingBlues]

That Orvis looks nice. I tossed PTFlashbacks Orvis Superfine and BBS 1wt combo and it was well balanced. I have to say, stepping down to a quality 1wt was the best decision I've made in regards to local waters. Check in with Mike Brown (Dr. Creek) about UL info. He helped me quite a bit. There's a slew of other folks here that are very helpful when it comes to UL questions.

When you get it, let me know so we can test that sucker out!

[Sasha]

I'd buy a used higher end rod before I'd ever buy a new low end rod; however different people like different things. You should go check out some different combos and get what you like. Personally I really like the Sage ultralight rods but those Orvis rods are very nice as well. But like Curtis said Mike (Dr. Creek) is the expert on such things, maybe he will chime in soon....

[WanderingBlues]

But like Curtis said Mike (Dr. Creek) is the expert on such things, maybe he will chime in soon....

I believe the good Doctor is enjoying some quality time up the eastside as we speak....

[mike.s]

ask these guys...
http://ultralightflyfishing.yuku.com/directory

[Waterborne]

Thanks for all the input!

I noticed that the Orvis BLA is currently on sale for $139 ($20 more than the BBS). The gold finish is irresistible, and I find it hard to pass up a good sale. However, the BLA is 0.7 oz heavier and 0.5" larger than the BBS. This mental * is just terrible.

I'll heed the advice and keep my eyes open for a good deal on a TXL or Superfine.

[ptflashback]

Waterborne:

I wanted to share an option for you if you don't feel like dropping $700.00 on an UL set-up. Consider this guy's custom builds:

http://www.rdpflyrods.com/

I recently purchased one of his builds for $145.00 shipped and am pretty pleased with it. As part of the customization, I had the opportunity to specify the reel seat, ferrules, thread wraps, and personalization to my liking. I've fished my 1wt, 7'6" custom twice and have noticed that the action is smooth, fast, and similar to that of my Orvis Superfine. Is it a Superfine: of course not. Is it worth what I paid: you bet it is.

Not to get down the weight rabbit hole, but the above build is probably not a true 1wt. With that being said, it is an ultralight alternative, and when paired with my $90 Redington Drift, and an $8 Orvis Wonderline I scored on Ebay, I've managed to put together a solid set-up for a fraction of what I paid for it's more sexy Orvis brother.

Regardless of what you choose, I'm certain that after you throw a UL, you'll become like the rest of who now question what to do with that 3wt that was previously the "go to" stick.

[Justin]

Old TXL, with out the "F" and a 3100 with out the "click" in it and your all set, several killer deals out there.
My 2c

Justin

[Waterborne]

ptflashback,

Thanks for the lead on RDP and the Redington Drift! I think this might be the way for me at this time.

Sorry to chase you down the rabbit hole, but do you think your 1wt custom is heavier than claimed? I'm curious because I currently have a medium action 3wt (albeit a cheap one), and I'd rather not end up with something that is only marginally different... 2wt.

Superfines and SPL/SLT/TXL's sound like the best out there, but I can't compel myself to pull the trigger on one yet.

[ptflashback]

Water, I would say that if it isn't true 1wt, it's pretty darn close. When compared to my Echo 3wt, the 3wt is a telephone pole. The action is fast. Overall the quality of the rod build is good. Local dinks feel like tarpons.

I took a chance on the RDP, and I'm glad that I did. The guy who makes these things, his name is Mark. Super nice guy who offers, in my opinion, a good product at a good price.

I've been using this rod as a backup, but I've caught myself deliberating on whether to take the custom or the Superfine more than once. Honestly, I can't imagine how this guy turns a profit on these builds. At mid $100 range, I don't where else you could get a custom rod, let alone a 1wt.

[ptflashback]

Water, check your PMs.

I sent you yet another option. One that would meet Dr. Creek muster.

[flybob]

WB, I know what you are speaking of......lots of bucks to enter the TRUE UL Club!

Aside from a ridiculously great find on ebay or some garage sale, you will be hard pressed to get away with spending less that 300.00 total. Don't forget you will need some SAGE UL line at 69.00!

Now that being said, my entry to the quasi UL world, was the TFO Finesse 1wt, paired with a BBS1, and some Superfine 1wt DT, fortunately for me, the BBS and the line were on sale. The set up fishes well and for not spending the 700.00 to get into the class, the fish have not been able to tell the difference!

Ultimately I did spend the BIG bucks for a TXL 0wt, but I used YOUR money to buy it! (Bush's Stimulus Check)

So, just my opinion from someone who has a TFO.

Bob

And FWIW, even at the new higher price of the BBS1, it is still hard to beat for size weight and durability!

[Sasha]

But like Curtis said Mike (Dr. Creek) is the expert on such things, maybe he will chime in soon....

I believe the good Doctor is enjoying some quality time up the eastside as we speak....

Yea I remembered him mentioning it


I was just trying to not get involved in another "what rod should I get" thread. So I figured I would use that line


To the OP: There are a lot of UL rods out there, each person is going to like different rods based on their own personal criteria. For example I have owned Orvis Superfines Sage TXLs, SPLs, SLTs and some TFO UL rods. Bottom line is that I personally hated the TFO and loved the SPL and SLT. The TXL was good but not my favorite same as the Superfine Trout Bum. Orvis has come out with the Superfine Touch; I have screwed around with that stick in the shop and am highly interested in it. I may just pick one up and sell it if I don’t like it.


So what was the point of this post you ask? It is to go try out some different rods and see what you like. If it were me I would not sacrifice something I like to save a few $$$. EBay is a very good way to get higher end stuff for good prices. As far as reels I wouldn’t worry about dropping cash. Most of those fish down there aren’t going to put a drag to use

[RatFaceMcD]

I've been fishing ultralights for years now, and one thing that I can tell you is that I've NEVER had to actually reel a fish in. The reel on an ultralight is just a storage place for the line, so find something affordable and light. I use Redington's - as I recall the model was GD, which is not longer made - but they serve the purpose just fine.