Ultralight Madness...

[Sasha]

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.

Catch 15"-20"+ Trout on one and you might think differently

[briansII]

Scroll down in this post. I think the J Austin Forbes, or Lamson would be fine reels.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6089

These reels have a cult following. Not easy to find, but here's one on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Redington-CT-2-3-Re ... 415bc74874

This used Gunnison would be a nice reel

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ross-Gunnison-1-1-3 ... 56454c0b56

There are a slew of cheap, Chinese made reels on Ebay. If you want something to hold line, they _might_ fill your needs......just check the dimensions. Some maybe too big for your application.

briansII

[Waterborne]

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

Thanks for the reply! It's definitely helpful. I do hear what you're saying... try out some different rods.

The problem is that I don't know what I exactly like at this point in terms of fly rod feel. I'm new to fly fishing, frankly just ignorant. Being a newb, I haven't developed a personal style and don't have the casting experience to appreciate all the nuances of casting that a more experienced caster feels. So, reading what others like or dislike helps me get some idea of what I should be paying attention to when I cast, gain more experience, and start developing my own tastes.

My intent for this post was simply data mining. I wanted to find out what's out there and what the perspectives are from others. My hope was that beyond the popular, high end stuff like the Superfines and SPLs, there might be an underrated gem.

My current and first fly rod setup (Cabelas Three Forks 7'6", 3wt, 3pc, medium action w/ Prestige Plus reel) cost me a whopping $80 with backing, line, and leader. I got a lot of solicited input, advice, and recommendations from friends. No one suggested that I buy what I did, and some actually steered me to pricier gear and in heavier weights. There was definitely a lot of temptation to buy "nicer" gear (build quality, faster action, large arbor, machined aluminum, carbon drag, etc.). I sifted through all the advice and the "conventional wisdom" for beginners, then coupled it with what I knew from my bubble/fly UL spinning gear days to end up with what I did.

What I know for sure is that I want to appreciate the strength of small stream fish rather than overpowering them and dragging them through the water like a piece of kelp. The 3wt, despite being 2-3 weights lower than the conventional "all around" trout rod, feels like a crane on the fish that I will probably catch most often.

[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.

Catch 15"-20"+ Trout on one and you might think differently

That, of course, brings up the question of why you would even think about fishing an ultralight where you had a chance of catching a fish that large. I have caught a 13 incher on my 00 (and didn't use the reel), but that qualified as a trophy trout for the stream it was in. If I new there were 20" trout in the stream, I would most likely be fishing at least a 4wt. But, you knew that all along, right?

[Sasha]

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.

Catch 15"-20"+ Trout on one and you might think differently

That, of course, brings up the question of why you would even think about fishing an ultralight where you had a chance of catching a fish that large. I have caught a 13 incher on my 00 (and didn't use the reel), but that qualified as a trophy trout for the stream it was in. If I new there were 20" trout in the stream, I would most likely be fishing at least a 4wt. But, you knew that all along, right?

Because it is quite fun; now before somebody chimes in with the "UL rods kill fish from over playing them" line understand this. I know my 4x will give out before my rod so I personally don't play them any longer than I would with a 5wt. Yes I fight them differently but in the years I have been doing it I have never had to play a fish longer with a lighter lined rod. Do I do it all of the time? No, however I do, do it frequently.

[briansII]

Thanks for the reply! It's definitely helpful. I do hear what you're saying... try out some different rods.
The problem is that I don't know what I exactly like at this point in terms of fly rod feel. I'm new to fly fishing, frankly just ignorant. Being a newb, I haven't developed a personal style and don't have the casting experience to appreciate all the nuances of casting that a more experienced caster feels. So, reading what others like or dislike helps me get some idea of what I should be paying attention to when I cast, gain more experience, and start developing my own tastes.

Don't sell yourself short. Even though you are new to ffing, I bet you would be able to tell the difference between two different rods. I'll even bet you would have a preference of one over the other. Just because someone with experience says XX rod is good, doesn't mean you wouldn't prefer YY rod more. Also, in my mind, you buy a rod you like _now_, not one you will grow into. IMHO, the old saying that no one can tell you which rod is best for you, still applies even if you are a newb. I have not found anything as helpful, and informative, as casting rods I am interested in.....or even rods I'm not interested in.

My intent for this post was simply data mining. I wanted to find out what's out there and what the perspectives are from others. My hope was that beyond the popular, high end stuff like the Superfines and SPLs, there might be an underrated gem.

Always a good idea to mine info from the more experienced. Not only to find the gems, but to steer clear of the stinkers.

What I know for sure is that I want to appreciate the strength of small stream fish rather than overpowering them and dragging them through the water like a piece of kelp. The 3wt, despite being 2-3 weights lower than the conventional "all around" trout rod, feels like a crane on the fish that I will probably catch most often.

This is something I could never quite warm up to. I get the notion, but to me, a 4" trout, is a 4" trout. Using a 00wt, doesn't change that fact. Maybe it's just me, but I don't want to play a small trout. It's off the fly ASAP(with as little damage as I can), and on to the next one. I enjoy using my light gear, because it's so light. The feeling is hard to describe, but I haven't found anything quite like it.

briansII

[1mocast]

My current and first fly rod setup (Cabelas Three Forks 7'6", 3wt, 3pc, medium action w/ Prestige Plus reel) cost me a whopping $80 with backing, line, and leader. I got a lot of solicited input, advice, and recommendations from friends. No one suggested that I buy what I did, and some actually steered me to pricier gear and in heavier weights. There was definitely a lot of temptation to buy "nicer" gear (build quality, faster action, large arbor, machined aluminum, carbon drag, etc.). I sifted through all the advice and the "conventional wisdom" for beginners, then coupled it with what I knew from my bubble/fly UL spinning gear days to end up with what I did.

Don't sell that setup short! It was my first FF setup. I still use that rod today. You will be able to punch through the wind with it and cast heavy weighted nymphs. Those two things a noodle can't do as well. Get your casting timing down first, then start exploring the noodles.

You will get to the point later of just picking up any rod, and cast it nicely. I would highly recommend showing up at the next FF Addicts casting party in Dana Point. There are so many rods to test!

As to a 1wt and under rods, its kind of harder to find in them in the "value" manufacturers. If you go 2pc, you can get the TFO Signature Series 6ft 2wt for about $100. Another option is building your own rod. You can get a noodley Pac Bay 2wt 6 foot built for under $75 for all the parts.

The Orvis BBS 1 reel is nice for under $100 in ebay.

[beachbum]

I still think my 3 wt is an ultralight!

[Pigeon]

I have an Elk Horn 1st which I fish a lot. Is has a lifetime warranty and was less than 200 for the rod and under 200 for the reel. I got them from David at the Trout Magnet.

[briansII]

I still think my 3 wt is an ultralight!

Me too!

briansII

[Waterborne]

I still like my Three Forks 3wt. I actually enjoy casting it a lot. I do think it's overkill for the conditions and the guppies I fish.

Plus, all the cool kids have rods that they can describe by using the word "ought".

[briansII]

I still like my Three Forks 3wt. I actually enjoy casting it a lot. I do think it's overkill for the conditions and the guppies I fish.

Plus, all the cool kids have rods that they can describe by using the word "ought".

"ought"

I may be in the minority here, but personally, I do not think a 3 wt is overkill for any creeks/small trout I target. I use a 3wt, just as often as my ought. Again, I may be alone here, but I just don't have much interest in playing a small trout after I hook it. I'd much rather get it back to me, and back to it's home as quickly as possible. Quick, easy, and the fish doesn't put down the run. I also typically don't use tippet lighter than 5X, with 4X being the most used......even on my ought. Yes. Heresy!! After about a gajillion small trout on a dry, I'm ready for something else. That's when I'm apt to tie on a streamer and go pig(relative)hunting. I can do that with a ought, but it feels more like fly casting with a 2-3wt.

BTW, I have a Three Forks 3wt. I used the heck out of that rod, until I broke the tip off. I paid around $49 for the rod, reel and line. Fun rod. Money well spent.

briansII

[Pete]

You ultralight guys ever hook a 4" fish on a light weight Bamboo rod? Now we're talkin . I know Bob and Shane know what I'm talkin about .

You'll never experience anything like it. Yes..... I'm bias toward Bamboo and with good reason .

Pete

[Waterborne]

These reels have a cult following. Not easy to find, but here's one on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Redington-CT-2-3-Re ... 415bc74874

briansII

briansII and DrCreek, thanks for taking the time to provide your input. I do appreciate it.

I was watching that reel. It sold for $71.51 WITH new 1wt Orvis Wonderline!!! I contacted the seller to find out what line he had on it. When the auction closed, I was tied up at work and didn't get to a chance to bid snipe. I was actually planning on bidding a little higher than what it sold for.

Well, the search is over for now. I have no patience, and I'm an irrefutable gear * with no shame.

I won a bid on a brand new Orvis Superfine Touch 1wt for $312. I'm gonna order the BBS I and Superfine 1wt line tonight.

Maybe I'll bid on the 1wt Sage as well, then I'll really get to try out a "couple" rods.

[L. Ben Doe]

...take your time, try some sticks out wherever you can, then save the bread to get it.

I think I'll take Creek's advice and start by trying out Water's new Orvis (if he'll let me...)