Ultra light fishing has changed my life dude it’s so much fun. Me and my brothers at my dads there’s a little creek to small for bass but loads of creek chubs so I brought my ultra light and was down there all day and cought about 9-10 creek chubs it was so much fun it was a hook up after hook up we doubled up to many times to count😂
This has been my first season fishing ultralight, thanks mostly to your influence, and I’m loving it. I still get pumped when I manage to send a 1/64 mule jig and horsefly combo a whopping 20’. Just recently I paired a DTJ with a 1/16 workhorse on Burly’s good recommendation and I can really launch that one.
The workhorse jig was designed to help with that exact thing! The only thing is… the 1/64oz mule jig does a better job drawing strikes in a lot of scenarios. I’d keep working on it if I was you. Maybe drop your line diameter a bit and see if you gain distance!
Just use a Sabiki, you can tie an 8th ounce weight on the bottom and put your 1/64 on top that way you can just kinda dangle it on the bottom, but of you wanna suspend you can Sabiki 2 16th or 32nd ounce jigs and you can really yeet those I bet if you can sling just a single 16th.
@@Gstar5150 Adding weight can be great to get more distance and depth, but it can also hurt the action and reduce total bites. Just depends on the situation!
@@FishAnything that's why I said you can mix it up with Sabiki combos you can tie a 32nd on top of an 8th ounce weight and when you dangle it on the bottom that 32 will have a nice subtle action. Or you can even pair 2 16ths or 32nd ounce jigs together so you can suspend.
I’m glad to see someone explain how to put the right weight onto the right rod and how to load it up and use the flex and how much it all matters........I wish I’d seen this many years ago. LISTEN TO THIS MAN......HE IS GIVING YOU THE BEST ADVICE THAT YOU COULD GET ABOUT CASTING.
Nice. You are right about the small presentation being an effective way to catch fish. This year I tried some really small lures and jig heads and it was funny how a big pike or bass would give up their ambush spot to come out and grab a tiny snack. I am going to get some trilene sensation and give it a go next season. I am definitely getting into ultralight fishing. Thanks for the video Ethan.
I've been a "finesse" fisherman my whole life since before it became a hype word, it was nice to see someone else rocking the 2lb line and tiny Jigs. I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to share this to my teen son's company page as most of what he makes are micro plastics and I'm hoping this can help his customers.
Bill dance was teaching me about finesse fishing in the 90s it's been a term for a while before bass fishing became trendy 10 years ago. Everyone loves those 4 lb swim baits and I never played that game. I've caught mobster bass on 1/16 jigs and I pretty much throw a Texas rig senko knockoff exclusively (or 3" jig on 1/8 head) in lakes, and a jointed shad rap for river smallies.
I'm excited about your content! I find UL rods w/whippy tips adversely affect casting distance,so I'm currently using a 4'6" medium heavy ugly stick. I cast using a modified dock shot underhanded cast I developed while fishing under bridges. But as you already know, I want more distance. All thoughts are welcome.
Thank you so much for showing ultra light fishing , I'm 64 and have been ultra light fishing all my life, even salt water, it was getting hard for me to tying 2 pown line, then I bought a sewing niddle tool for threading a niddle , I use mono line, I've tried all the other lines , mono is the best, for 2 to 4 pound line
Legit question, is ultra light fishing in saltwater basically using bass fishing gear on freshwater? I live in the Midwest and have never been saltwater fishing.
@@Nohhbody no ultra light fishing is using, a true rod for 2 to 6 pound test , most of us after years of fishing, 2 to 4 pound, I caught a 6 pound Walleye with 2 pound test line, when I was station at little rock AFB,, if y'all didn't have such cold ass weather, be in winter, we southerners would move up there and y'all could move down here, ultra light fishing, can be used any where, you just have to know, mostly, always take the drag washers out and geasse them ,, no matter the cost of the Rell ,, and I only use spending reals , learned how to apply pressure while back realing
@@rayhall3010 I never would've thought of using such light line in the ocean. It is definitely getting cooler. High of 31 this Saturday. It will be nice fishing season soon.
Happy you guys like ultralight fishing too! Such a fun way to target fish of any type like you said. I’d love to try some more saltwater fishing in the future!
Loved ultralight fishing this year. Ethan and Mule fishing have made it so much fun. Cant wait for warm weather again. Favorite presentation, 1/64 chartreuse mule jig with a 2.2 Dakota Sunrise Mule Minnow. Caught a nice 3.5lb Large Mouth on that setup. Thanks again Ethan for getting me hooked on Ultralight. #Mulefishing ohh and keep the videos coming during the winter months :)
I think the best metaphor to use is the lever advantage for lifting. If your rod loads up more, you get faster starting velocity for the lure, and therefore, you get farther casts.
The description of a rod as "fast" or "slow" or similar is actually a description of the tapering. Fast means the action is in the tip. Slow means the action is more spread out along the length. Slow action rods are ideal for casting live baits as it reduces the stress on the bait. Fast action is as described, to fling a lure with more stored energy.
I've been learning bass fishing over the last 3 yrs or so, and have never really understood the "fast", "moderate", or whatever the action of the rod is. This is far and away the best description that makes sense to me. You, sir, were meant to cross my path! Thank you for your knowledge and sharing it here!
Another way to demonstrate a rod's "action" is if you grab it at the middle and at the tip and bow it. The closer the pronounced curve is to the tip, the faster the action. "Power" is how much the lower half of the rod bends when you try to bow it by holding at the butt end and halfway up.
Thank you for some pointers that confirm much of how I think about the science of casting. I think a lot of us learned bad habits from our fathers who did not have these awesome modern rods and fishing lines. I’m liking the Daiwa J-Braid. You didn’t get into the importance of the back action and turn-around of the cast which initially loads up the rod tip. At least for me, this is the difficult part to master. When I put an effort into loading up the rod tip if often leads to a wild cast in an unwanted direction but then, not all men were intended to be be great fishermen. Another thing that I’d like to get better at is the quick turn around after a retrieve that is displayed by many youtube fishermen. In the end I suppose its just practice practice practice. I’m look forward to spring.
You have a really good channel. I use a mono from DAM (Damyl), SensoFlex, made in Germany. Lines made in the EU are mandated to "Truth in Advertising" or "Declarations" Thus the test-ratings have to be the minimum but no greater than something like a 5% or 10% variance above that, and consistency is mandated to stay above 95%. Vanish states 6# is 0.009" or 0.23mm. DAM rates metric, but an easy conversion to make, 5.7# or 2.6kg is 0.007" or 0.18mm; the 8.2# or 3.7kg is 0.008" or 0.22mm; and 10.11# or 4.6kg is 0.009" or 0.25mm. Very soft, memory-free and good knots & sensitivity. I bought 1/4 pound spools so on ultralight reels...I have a ton of line. Pound for pound, it's not as easily broken as Flouro, and as strong as Sensation 4#. Sensation 2# is 0.006" or 0.15mm. I find my line is a dream to cast, flows really well. I use it in 23# and 36# on my salt water spinning gear, again bulk, 1# spools. They too have ridiculous thin diameters and cast a dream. I'm unsure they still make this and another 2 lines I bought in bulk and use quite a bit. Tectan which on my baitcast reels is superb and very thin, plus one called "SteelPower" which is also super thin, but it's much less flexible and I only have higher weight ratings to use in the salt, troll & jig. VERY sensitive, almost braid-like, but too stiff for spinning except on much bigger spools, 60 plus, and it does shrink when drying so only use on metal spools. I also like my reels to come with 2 spools. The metal spool holds mono, the graphite spools hold 6#-8# braids with 2-3' flouro leaders. I have a LOT of gear. My Ultra/Super Light rods are 10'6" through to 3' light Ice rods. All work very well with most down to 1/32oz. The 10'6" is actually a Salmon/Steelhead float rod, but with a 5-size reel & light SensoFlex are my distance champs. The 3' Ice rods handle 1/16oz very well, and are what I need in brushy shorelines where back-casting can be a nightmare Thanks for sharing!
I love it. Switched from walleye fishing to crappie few years ago, cheap ultralights and 4lb Berkely XL and can cast 1/32 jigs 60ft. The 4lb seems to slow the fall of the jig for the better also, super slow horizontal movements or drifting with has landed me a lot of giant crappies and surprise 10" bluegills suspended every summer
I've been fishing Toquish Creek in Michigan. Lots of brush and high banks. I'm using an 26" ice rod just so I can get a cast. I've been watching your channel for tips. I've been chucking 1/80 oz Mule jig 20 feet. Thanks for the tips. 8:218:23
In my opinion I'd rather use 4lb line and reduce the risk of leaving a hook in a fishes mouth even if it does reducing my casting slightly. Also daiwa jbraid is fantastic just like you said
Fair point. I think that braid helps with that tremendously. Use a strong leader that has good stretch with braid and you will rarely break a fish off.
Just leave the drag loose enough and you will rarely break the line. Reeled in a 14 lb pike last year with 0.06mm jbraid. Lucky it didn’t chomp thru my 0.20mm fluoro leader. Haven’t had a single line break with 3-7 lb bows either, except when I’ve forgotten to loose the drag.
@DirtyMardi that doesn't resolve the uncontrollable variables like rock rubbing and Line knicks. Where I'm at the bottom of my lakes and rivers are primarily sharp shattered rock and slate.
I like this format of video. It’s nice to mix up the videos a bit. We have varying opinions on some of the points that you mentioned but all good info!
I’d love to hear what your varying opinions are! You probably like longer rods? And that’s fair because you use solid tipped models so they retain a true fast. Most standard graphite rods don’t maintain a good fast past 6’ ish. What else do you think differently on? I always love your opinion and try new things because of it.
🎣 during the colder season, I like to use a 1/64 oz or a 1/32 oz. The reason for this is these are lighter jigs and they will sink slower in the water and I think the fish has a better chance to go after them too. Haven't really been fishing all that much lately, work getting hard rain like crazy once again. Great video and information, enjoyed watching.
@@FishAnything You're very welcome. I highly doubt I'll be getting out there anymore this year. Also the rain is just crazy too. In the process, I am restocking up on trout fishing stuff and trying to get a lot of my bass fishing stuff ready too. I want to start doing bass fishing besides trout for 2023.
Enjoyed your video. Good advice for anyone trying ultralight fishing for the fist time. Using the right gear is critical to enjoying your fishing and you can land surprisingly big fish if its balanced. Here in the UK we only really have Perch to go at for our light predator fishing. However , last winter I managed to land a Pike of about 6lbs on my ultra light set up. I was a bit lucky for sure, but my gear was balanced!
Very good guidance on ultralight fishing basics. I appreciate the way you covered all aspects from rod type and length, lure weights, line test size, casting techniques, and expected casting distance. This video answered many questions I've had regarding lightweight fishing! Thanks!!
You are spot on longer rods in UL don't cast further. I have found a shorter fast rod will cast further with less effort and better control .I own UL's from 4'6" to 8'6" and I always pick up a 5' to 6' rod for my UL fishing.Thank you for all your UL videos.
The selection of rods and lines is huge. I have mostly light and some ultralight spinning gear. Paired with no more than 4# mono or the newer 5/6# braids has worked. I like Berkley lines so maybe I give 2# Sensation a shot here. On the current setups I can sling 1/64 & 1/32 jigs pretty well and ultralight hard baits. The length sweet spot seems to be 6-6'6 rods. Thanks Ethan
I just got a ultralight combo at Walmart 6 foot comes with 6 pound test I am going to try it out soon I wanted to thank you fore this information you gave me watching this video thank you and love and respect to you and your family Paul frome p.a
Fair warning combos that come pre spooled usually have trash line but good luck on your Ultra light travels. Get ya a nice smallmouth and giggle like a little kid the whole time
@@paulbohn1971 for ultralight I prefer 4 and I've landed plenty of quality crappie, smallmouth and walleye with it but it's all preference I'm usually using 3/32 to 1/16 jigs etc so it makes a noticeable difference also try and find a line that gives you good sensitivity an isn't to stretchy because it makes crappie fishing in sub par conditions difficult. I use Suffix pro mix but I've heard good things about trilene sensations
Good callout! Most prespooled reels have really cheap mono that has a lot of memory. I’d probably get some higher quality co polymer like trilene sensation. Go with 2lb if you’re fishing tiny stuff otherwise 4lb is great too!
I got into ultralight crappie fishing and I got 7’ moderate action and just like you were saying i just gives too much that it doesn’t help load the cast. Thanks for the videos!
I like floppy ultralight rods, very parabolic. A little while back I found a Canyon Creek Super Ultralight 7' (model DS-702SUL). I think I paid like $18 for it at my local Dunham's. This is a gem of a rod, especially for the price. And it's actually rated for 1/64-1/8 lures. I have a Piscifun Viper X 500 on it, with 6lb Calamus Bastion braid to a 2lb Trout Magnet S.O.S. mono leader. I use the braid (neon green) because I simply can't see 2lb mono. I'm able to cast Joe's Flies with it, fairly well depending on wind. If you know what those lures are, they weigh practically nothing, they almost don't even sink in water, and they catch wind like nobody's business. It holds up too, it easily landed a channel cat for me today.
Another great video Ethan.👍🏻 Since you are using fast action rods you certainly need to snap that cast with your wrist to get that slightly stiffer rod to load up on the cast.
When I was growing up I used ultralight 5ft to 5 1/2 ft Rods and 4lb test line for Trout in Mountain Streams in the California Sierra Mountains. And drink right out of Streams of that clean snow water too. Oh those were the days.
I've been using Suffix pro mix the last 3 years or so and I've had no complaints about its sensitivity or durability but I'll definitely give that line a try next season when I respool. It's a good time to hit the smallies in the river I think it's time to throw the insulated waders on an do some fishing
I have used a st croix 6’-0” ultra light rod with a Pflueger President Spinning reel and Damyl Tectan Superior Monofilament Line at 6.6 lb strength .18mm dia. For years. The key is the line.
I ordered my UL rod a few days ago, quite excited. But I think you could cast a lot further with thinner line and higher quality line, if you check Line Laboratory you'll find that many fishing lines are 2-3 times their advertised strength and dimensions and that really affects casting distance a lot. For those tiny fish a 2-3 lb line (Such as Varivas Ester) would've been more than enough to reel them in and you would've gotten maybe 20 ft more casting distance out of it.
Great content! If you want to cast a 1/64th jig far, try Berkley Nanofil line. 6lb or 4lb test. I use 1/64th jig heads a lot with 2" Baby Shads for Crappie w/a ACC Crappie Stix rod and I can throw em really far. Sometimes I step down to 1/80th or 1/124th jigs if I want a really really slow fall if Crappie are finicky. Berkley Nanofil is considered a Nanobraid. Its very strong but thin. I believe Suffix makes a Nanobraid too but I have yet to try it. Next time I place an order I'm going to try the Suffix Nanobraid but the Berkley Nanofil is amazing line!
I plan to try the Sufix Nanobraid soon actually. I picked up 3lb test. I agree that Nanofil can cast pretty far but my frustration with it was the memory. It is very wiry feeling so it doesn't quite lay as flat as I prefer.
Great video, I've noticed one thing though. You seem to be righthanded, you cast with right then you switch sides when using the reel. Wouldn't it be way easier to have your reel handle on the left sinde, so you don't switch sides that often? Cheers!
Hey Leeroy! Yes and no… I have played with a LH retrieve but it’s tremendously uncomfortable for me and I’m not coordinated properly to work my bait the best way. I find that I catch way more fish by simply switching hands. In an ideal world, I would have learned to avoid this though.
I have always enjoyed ultralight fishing. One advantage not mentioned is how much less fatigue you get during a day on the water due to not carrying and flinging as much weight. My go to is 4# mono, and 6 to 6.5 ft rod and 1/16 to 1/8 ounce lures. One note is you must pay attention to knots and line nicks. 4# is very strong, but a little frayed knot or section of line really can loose a nice fish, because the strength margin is small. Another thing is to be easy when snagged or you'll loose you lure. After a fish or a snag always recheck knots and for fraying.
I get what your saying on the shorter rods being a sweet spot for the lighter setups. But i seeing videos saying use a bigger rod for longer casts.... Looks like i need both.
Lol it all depends. If the longer rods actually load properly, they will cast farther, but in most cases I find that longer ultralights struggle to maintain the right action.
I've mostly used your 1/80 oz jigs when wet wading in shallow water I'm feeling like 20-30 feet is pretty healthy for that size. They also cast well on tenkara (barely light enough) which is super fun. I just ordered some 1/64 and 1/32 though. They should be stocking rainbows in the Lower Salt River soon and I need to restock my freezer.
Get ready for some chunkers, azgfd outsourced pretty sure since page springs had the bacterial outbreak In july...some real nice 14-16" inchers and larger.
@@lagginswag I was out there today and it looks like it's still not stocked. Still had fun catching bass and then I jumped over to Saguaro and played with some gills. It will be worth the wait to get some larger fish. I remember in 2019 there was an issue with our hatcheries and they brought all those trout from Colorado. Only problem was that it was a bunch of their brood stock and I kept getting eggs and jizz all over my shoes lol. They were nice big fish though.
I am curious to the reasons why you don't like the 13 fishing reel. I am currently shopping for a new ul, they have a setup that is 6'2" with a 1000 series reel. Thanks for a great video
The one I owned just felt clunky and not smooth compared to what I’m used to. I’m sure they work fine but it just didn’t feel right to me. Personal preference!
Loved the video as I learned a ton on a topic I knew little about, so thank you!!! In the first part of the video you’d mentioned having a reel video that would also be relevant to casting ultra light lures. Anyway, could you please direct me to that video?
new to this ultralight scene. would adding a small split shot weight defeat the whole purpose of an ultralight set up? good video, though! thanks for the information
Thank you for your video. I noticed the conversation on line weight starts at 4lb. I'm sight fishing shallow water with no snags for bigger fish, and feel 6lb test is the minimum line weight i can use and still hustle a 4-6lb fish to the boat. My lure weight is a little higher at 1/16 to 1/8 oz plus the soft plastic grub body, (or no jig head, #1 hook only) and I'm limited to mono or flouro. Max distance is primary. Having enough line strength and rod backbone is secondary. Any specific recommendations for these parameters are very welcome.
Sounds like you are a step above what I’m talking about in this video. I think the strength of braid may be the best option. Something like 6 or 8lb braid to a 6lb leader should work well for you!
Technically BFS casting gear is an option but I wouldn’t recommend it for SUPER ultralight lures. If you are keeping things around 1/16oz, you’ll be fine with it.
i'd love to see your opinion on Gliss braid. i fish ultralight for trout in Australia throwing some small minnow plastics on 1/32 jigs. Gliss gave me an extra 15 feet easy compared to the 4lb braid i was using.
My favorite ultra lite pole is a 7 foot . I get more action that helps me cast farther . I also use 4 lb test mono or 6 lb braid . I catch to many nice bass and trout when fishing for crappie and bluegill . I used to use the same 4 lb mono for my salmon and steelhead jig pole . My girl uses a 6’6” pole for her ultra light pole . She is 5’ tall . She caught a nice 4lb trout when we was out with our ultra light poles .
Yeah, 7' is the ticket for me too. I use higher end rods, and they generally aren't "whippy". Whippy rods, for me anyway, are only used for micro cranks and inline spinners
I’m using 4lb crappie maxx as my heavy and 2lb SOS as my other line that I’m experimenting with. I want to try the 2lb trilene sensation line you talk about. I have it in 8 lb line for my other rods and it seems to work great.
Something that will greatly reduce your distance is the number of eyes your rod has, I like a maximum of 2 eyes per foot. Removing guides from a Berkley Lightning rod improves casting distance.
I think the kinematics of casting have some similarities to cracking a whip. The right inputs on the big end will maximize the effect at the skinny end.
Brian Flieshig of Mad River teaches fly casting (with a fly rod) and his analogy to the wrist movement is like flicking paint off the end of a brush or throwing a dart. In this case, instead of waiting for 20+ feet of line to load, it is pretty instantaneous with a 2' of line and a tiny jig. I thought the camera view of "loading the rod" at 14:21 in the video was a perfect teaching moment. Also that side cast is something used often to sort of get under the wind on windy days (A Roland Martin tip) which in this case also could help to lengthen the cast a bit.
@@baronistheone I use my 5'6" spinning rod on windy days specifically because I can side/underhand cast it and shoot out just above the water and get the line down on the surface before the wind has a chance to blow a big belly in it. Brian Flechsig is great. I watched a bunch of his old DVD flyfishing tutorials years ago.
Lure line weight and rod power and action are all important for effective casting. I look at it this way, are you flicking a booger off your finger? Or tossing a boulder from a catapult? A booger is so small and light you wouldn’t hold your arm straight and pivot to get it off, you’d curl your finger and flick it very fast to get it to fly. A boulder you couldn’t flick, it’s so heavy it needs that big long heavy catapult arm to move it through the air without breaking.
A product called "reel magic" will do all the things it says on the can, one of which is cast farther. You spray it on the line directly on the reel. Good stuff. Got it at Acadamy sports.
I am a novice for super ultralight and was wondering if flourocarbon holds less line memory that mono? In my larger fishing rigs I have switched from flouro to mono for my leaders because mono is stronger and cheaper. Thank you for any of the tip you can share.
BFS has a time and place. I don’t think it’s an effective option for true ultralight lures though (sub 1/32oz). It can vary a ton too, so it’s hard to say what the best line option is. Just depends on what you want to do. Example - for bass fishing bfs applications, I’d go 10lb braid. For panfish I’d probably go 4lb mono!
Solid tips, great video. Gotta step up (down) my gear game because I've been using a medium heavy rod with stiff tip to cast 1/32oz jigs and 0.35mm 26lb mono to target carp and I get maybe 10ft casting distance at most. Kinda hoping they just inhale the jig since pike and walleye are still a no go in my area. I'm thinking a light, medium light rod with 12lb mono should be able to pull out 10lb carp?
I’d swap that mono out to braid and run a leader. Braid can greatly reduce your line diameter pound for pound so you will be able to increase your distance by a long shot
I use a 5 1/2' light action Ugly Stick with a Pflueger President reel loaded with 4# line. I've not yet seen anything lower than 4#. It catches fish just fine.
Great information thank you I have same of the cream ultralight lures from walmart what power and size rod would you use I have a 5'4" or 5'6" ultralight shakespeare spinning rod and a shakespeare 7' lite power spinning rod and a casting rod
One of the most deadly panfish tactics.I know where I live is waiting around and pitching ahead through really thick tangled trees logs dead falls and wheat beds. Sometimes I'm only in fifteen inches of water catching fish. In these conditions, the fish are so spooky that no jighead, bobber, bubble, or sinker can be used, so I am "free-lining" half nightcrawlers or sometime Gulp minnows. It's literally impossible to cast overhead because of the trees. I'm often pitching out line ahead of maybe three times the length of my rod maximum. So it's very specialized but a six foot rod with very few guides a stiff middle, fast taper and soft tip is exactly what you need for this. I usually go with four pound line because the fish are going to immediately start swimming through the logs. And where I'm fishing for bluegill, there are often bass up to twenty inches. The up-side is, if you can sneak up on the fish, they can not stand watching that worm sink that slowly. My one innovation is that sometimes a perfectly clear plastic bead,, about 3/8" dia. CAN used right ahead of the hook.
What reel size do you normally use. I’m new to ultralight fishing, and want some tips on what is recommended. I’m getting a temple fork outfitters 7ft ultra light, Piscifun carbon x ll size 2000.
I have just started fishing a few months back and i face a problem of my hook being stuck on rocks similar to the small 1s shown on the place you are fishing at, whats your best advice to handle that situation.
Fish with smaller gear that doesn't bog down in the rocks as much. Generally you have issues with that when you are using heavy baits that get down to the bottom quickly.
You should create a small creature bait for mule fishing and or a small skirted jig like 1/64-1/16 ounce jig. Not marabour or fur but some sort of silicone type material that can pair up with the mule minnow and donkey tail. Horsefly too!
@SMP I totally disagree with your statement that micro applications are “only for small fisheries”. The super slow rate of fall can catch fish in all bodies of water. It’s a matter of being around fish, not the water you’re fishing. I have tons of success with tiny lures on large lakes all the time.
Just depends on your price range and style of fishing. I like the 13 fishing defy silver a lot for $50. Also the shimano sensilite! Otherwise, for an even lower price, you can go shakespeare micro series or Okuma celilo. I don’t like those as much but they’re solid for the price!
Hmmm a seemingly easy question but I throw different colors all the time. I’d probably say a Chartreuse 1/32oz Mule Jig with a True Chartreuse Donkey Tail Jr.
Just learning to try and fish light stuff with spinning rewl, so appologiese if this is stupid question but with only using a 2lb line, wouldnt that increase the line breaking off on snags more/things of that nature, etc.. ? Not tring to debate, just asking question.
ETHAN YOUR THE MAN.AND AGIAN THANK Q SUCH MUCH FOR THE YODA LURE.ITS IN MY SAFE.THANKS AGAIN FROM A 67 YEAR OLD MAN WHO LOVES TO FISH AND WATCH YOU
You the man, Ian!
Ultra light fishing has changed my life dude it’s so much fun. Me and my brothers at my dads there’s a little creek to small for bass but loads of creek chubs so I brought my ultra light and was down there all day and cought about 9-10 creek chubs it was so much fun it was a hook up after hook up we doubled up to many times to count😂
Love to hear it! Ultralight fishing can open up so many doors!
This is one of those informative videos from which all anglers can benefit. Thank you for your effort, knowledge and approach.
🤠👊🏽 thank you!!
Awesome video on ultralight gear and presentation. I really appreciate how you broke down the reel, rod and what line you use. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much!
This has been my first season fishing ultralight, thanks mostly to your influence, and I’m loving it. I still get pumped when I manage to send a 1/64 mule jig and horsefly combo a whopping 20’. Just recently I paired a DTJ with a 1/16 workhorse on Burly’s good recommendation and I can really launch that one.
The workhorse jig was designed to help with that exact thing! The only thing is… the 1/64oz mule jig does a better job drawing strikes in a lot of scenarios. I’d keep working on it if I was you. Maybe drop your line diameter a bit and see if you gain distance!
Just use a Sabiki, you can tie an 8th ounce weight on the bottom and put your 1/64 on top that way you can just kinda dangle it on the bottom, but of you wanna suspend you can Sabiki 2 16th or 32nd ounce jigs and you can really yeet those I bet if you can sling just a single 16th.
@@Gstar5150 Adding weight can be great to get more distance and depth, but it can also hurt the action and reduce total bites. Just depends on the situation!
@@FishAnything that's why I said you can mix it up with Sabiki combos you can tie a 32nd on top of an 8th ounce weight and when you dangle it on the bottom that 32 will have a nice subtle action. Or you can even pair 2 16ths or 32nd ounce jigs together so you can suspend.
Bro actually, you are the best fisherman on youtube man, you are helping peoples that start fishing like me and this is so nice. Thank you for this❤
Thanks so much!!
Great communication, man. Very effective and easy to listen to and understand
Thank you so much!
I’m glad to see someone explain how to put the right weight onto the right rod and how to load it up and use the flex and how much it all matters........I wish I’d seen this many years ago. LISTEN TO THIS MAN......HE IS GIVING YOU THE BEST ADVICE THAT YOU COULD GET ABOUT CASTING.
Thank you so much for the kind words :)
Try fly fishing
Learning new stuff all the time. I never knew what the numbers on the rod stood for. Thanks for the knowledge!
Thanks for watching! Tight lines :)
Fantastic; I am so thankful for this video. Will definitely be able to use this info moving forward.
"Elephants eat peanuts too." 😂
🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽
Nice. You are right about the small presentation being an effective way to catch fish. This year I tried some really small lures and jig heads and it was funny how a big pike or bass would give up their ambush spot to come out and grab a tiny snack. I am going to get some trilene sensation and give it a go next season. I am definitely getting into ultralight fishing. Thanks for the video Ethan.
Thanks Paul! Good luck, I think you’ll like it!
Lots of great information and perspectives, and so very well presented. Thank you!
Thank you very much!
I've been a "finesse" fisherman my whole life since before it became a hype word, it was nice to see someone else rocking the 2lb line and tiny Jigs. I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to share this to my teen son's company page as most of what he makes are micro plastics and I'm hoping this can help his customers.
Thanks! Go right ahead thanks for sharing :) good luck to your son!
I use 6 pound fire line, it's diameter is equivalent to 2 pound test diameter. I switched from 4 pound with no loss in action.
Bill dance was teaching me about finesse fishing in the 90s it's been a term for a while before bass fishing became trendy 10 years ago. Everyone loves those 4 lb swim baits and I never played that game. I've caught mobster bass on 1/16 jigs and I pretty much throw a Texas rig senko knockoff exclusively (or 3" jig on 1/8 head) in lakes, and a jointed shad rap for river smallies.
Wtf is a hype word
@@Sufferinwithmat overused, 'zeitgeist' , taboo, hip, trendy, blown up.
I'm excited about your content! I find UL rods w/whippy tips adversely affect casting distance,so I'm currently using a 4'6" medium heavy ugly stick. I cast using a modified dock shot underhanded cast I developed while fishing under bridges. But as you already know, I want more distance. All thoughts are welcome.
How heavy of lures are you typically presenting? I’d recommend going lower diameter on your line if you want to get more distance!
Thank you so much for showing ultra light fishing , I'm 64 and have been ultra light fishing all my life, even salt water, it was getting hard for me to tying 2 pown line, then I bought a sewing niddle tool for threading a niddle , I use mono line, I've tried all the other lines , mono is the best, for 2 to 4 pound line
Legit question, is ultra light fishing in saltwater basically using bass fishing gear on freshwater? I live in the Midwest and have never been saltwater fishing.
@@Nohhbody no ultra light fishing is using, a true rod for 2 to 6 pound test , most of us after years of fishing, 2 to 4 pound, I caught a 6 pound Walleye with 2 pound test line, when I was station at little rock AFB,, if y'all didn't have such cold ass weather, be in winter, we southerners would move up there and y'all could move down here, ultra light fishing, can be used any where, you just have to know, mostly, always take the drag washers out and geasse them ,, no matter the cost of the Rell ,, and I only use spending reals , learned how to apply pressure while back realing
@@rayhall3010 I never would've thought of using such light line in the ocean. It is definitely getting cooler. High of 31 this Saturday. It will be nice fishing season soon.
Happy you guys like ultralight fishing too! Such a fun way to target fish of any type like you said. I’d love to try some more saltwater fishing in the future!
I've fished most of my life but never ultralight. I had a lot of questions about equipment and you answered a lot of em! Thanks! 👍
I am happy to hear that! If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out.
Loved ultralight fishing this year. Ethan and Mule fishing have made it so much fun. Cant wait for warm weather again. Favorite presentation, 1/64 chartreuse mule jig with a 2.2 Dakota Sunrise Mule Minnow. Caught a nice 3.5lb Large Mouth on that setup. Thanks again Ethan for getting me hooked on Ultralight. #Mulefishing
ohh and keep the videos coming during the winter months :)
THANK YOU CHRIS! More videos to come this winter, although I can’t promise any good open water fishing haha
I think the best metaphor to use is the lever advantage for lifting. If your rod loads up more, you get faster starting velocity for the lure, and therefore, you get farther casts.
Definitely a great way of putting it! The small jigs need to put a load on the rod for it to have a chance.
Last cast paid off!! Nice crappy! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.😊
Thanks for watching, Leo!
The description of a rod as "fast" or "slow" or similar is actually a description of the tapering. Fast means the action is in the tip. Slow means the action is more spread out along the length. Slow action rods are ideal for casting live baits as it reduces the stress on the bait. Fast action is as described, to fling a lure with more stored energy.
I've been learning bass fishing over the last 3 yrs or so, and have never really understood the "fast", "moderate", or whatever the action of the rod is. This is far and away the best description that makes sense to me. You, sir, were meant to cross my path! Thank you for your knowledge and sharing it here!
agree with the other guy. i'm a noob and this is the clearest explanation of action i've heard so far
Another way to demonstrate a rod's "action" is if you grab it at the middle and at the tip and bow it. The closer the pronounced curve is to the tip, the faster the action.
"Power" is how much the lower half of the rod bends when you try to bow it by holding at the butt end and halfway up.
Thank you for some pointers that confirm much of how I think about the science of casting. I think a lot of us learned bad habits from our fathers who did not have these awesome modern rods and fishing lines. I’m liking the Daiwa J-Braid. You didn’t get into the importance of the back action and turn-around of the cast which initially loads up the rod tip. At least for me, this is the difficult part to master. When I put an effort into loading up the rod tip if often leads to a wild cast in an unwanted direction but then, not all men were intended to be be great fishermen. Another thing that I’d like to get better at is the quick turn around after a retrieve that is displayed by many youtube fishermen. In the end I suppose its just practice practice practice. I’m look forward to spring.
It can sometimes be challenging to give tips when so much of this stuff is muscle memory! Practice is absolutely the best way to get it down.
Try using what we call a stalker rod. 5’6” ultralight. I personally tend to cast way better and more effective with the shorter rod.
You have a really good channel.
I use a mono from DAM (Damyl), SensoFlex, made in Germany. Lines made in the EU are mandated to "Truth in Advertising" or "Declarations" Thus the test-ratings have to be the minimum but no greater than something like a 5% or 10% variance above that, and consistency is mandated to stay above 95%. Vanish states 6# is 0.009" or 0.23mm. DAM rates metric, but an easy conversion to make, 5.7# or 2.6kg is 0.007" or 0.18mm; the 8.2# or 3.7kg is 0.008" or 0.22mm; and 10.11# or 4.6kg is 0.009" or 0.25mm. Very soft, memory-free and good knots & sensitivity. I bought 1/4 pound spools so on ultralight reels...I have a ton of line. Pound for pound, it's not as easily broken as Flouro, and as strong as Sensation 4#. Sensation 2# is 0.006" or 0.15mm. I find my line is a dream to cast, flows really well. I use it in 23# and 36# on my salt water spinning gear, again bulk, 1# spools. They too have ridiculous thin diameters and cast a dream. I'm unsure they still make this and another 2 lines I bought in bulk and use quite a bit. Tectan which on my baitcast reels is superb and very thin, plus one called "SteelPower" which is also super thin, but it's much less flexible and I only have higher weight ratings to use in the salt, troll & jig. VERY sensitive, almost braid-like, but too stiff for spinning except on much bigger spools, 60 plus, and it does shrink when drying so only use on metal spools.
I also like my reels to come with 2 spools. The metal spool holds mono, the graphite spools hold 6#-8# braids with 2-3' flouro leaders. I have a LOT of gear. My Ultra/Super Light rods are 10'6" through to 3' light Ice rods. All work very well with most down to 1/32oz. The 10'6" is actually a Salmon/Steelhead float rod, but with a 5-size reel & light SensoFlex are my distance champs. The 3' Ice rods handle 1/16oz very well, and are what I need in brushy shorelines where back-casting can be a nightmare
Thanks for sharing!
I love it. Switched from walleye fishing to crappie few years ago, cheap ultralights and 4lb Berkely XL and can cast 1/32 jigs 60ft. The 4lb seems to slow the fall of the jig for the better also, super slow horizontal movements or drifting with has landed me a lot of giant crappies and surprise 10" bluegills suspended every summer
love the info Ethan. Also, agree with the weather. I wish we had a little more warm weather.
It’s never enough! Thanks T!
I've been fishing Toquish Creek in Michigan. Lots of brush and high banks. I'm using an 26" ice rod just so I can get a cast. I've been watching your channel for tips. I've been chucking 1/80 oz Mule jig 20 feet. Thanks for the tips. 8:21 8:23
Happy they help! Hope you’re having a great summer :)
In my opinion I'd rather use 4lb line and reduce the risk of leaving a hook in a fishes mouth even if it does reducing my casting slightly. Also daiwa jbraid is fantastic just like you said
Fair point. I think that braid helps with that tremendously. Use a strong leader that has good stretch with braid and you will rarely break a fish off.
@FishAnything absolutely. Even 4 pound braid really can withstand 6 to 7 pounds easy. I feel naked when I fish without braid haha
Just leave the drag loose enough and you will rarely break the line. Reeled in a 14 lb pike last year with 0.06mm jbraid. Lucky it didn’t chomp thru my 0.20mm fluoro leader. Haven’t had a single line break with 3-7 lb bows either, except when I’ve forgotten to loose the drag.
@DirtyMardi that doesn't resolve the uncontrollable variables like rock rubbing and Line knicks. Where I'm at the bottom of my lakes and rivers are primarily sharp shattered rock and slate.
@@camdenfurry5187 oh yeah, that’s part of the reason I use leaders, sometimes even wire, if there’s a lot of pikes.
Great video, I randomly stumbled upon this I mostly fish for bass but now I want to get an ul set up because of this video lol
Heck ya! It’s such a blast - I hope you try it out 👊🏽🤠
What a journey man!! Contagious joy!! Thanks for sharing
Thanks! 👊🏽🤠
I like this format of video. It’s nice to mix up the videos a bit. We have varying opinions on some of the points that you mentioned but all good info!
I’d love to hear what your varying opinions are! You probably like longer rods? And that’s fair because you use solid tipped models so they retain a true fast. Most standard graphite rods don’t maintain a good fast past 6’ ish. What else do you think differently on? I always love your opinion and try new things because of it.
Super informative vid. I need an ultralight setup so bad. That's the only way to guarantee breaking any skunk!
Ultralight fishing is a great way to avoid skunking!
🎣 during the colder season, I like to use a 1/64 oz or a 1/32 oz. The reason for this is these are lighter jigs and they will sink slower in the water and I think the fish has a better chance to go after them too.
Haven't really been fishing all that much lately, work getting hard rain like crazy once again. Great video and information, enjoyed watching.
Definitely! Thanks Shawn, hope you get out there and catch some soon!
@@FishAnything
You're very welcome.
I highly doubt I'll be getting out there anymore this year. Also the rain is just crazy too. In the process, I am restocking up on trout fishing stuff and trying to get a lot of my bass fishing stuff ready too.
I want to start doing bass fishing besides trout for 2023.
Enjoyed your video. Good advice for anyone trying ultralight fishing for the fist time. Using the right gear is critical to enjoying your fishing and you can land surprisingly big fish if its balanced. Here in the UK we only really have Perch to go at for our light predator fishing. However , last winter I managed to land a Pike of about 6lbs on my ultra light set up. I was a bit lucky for sure, but my gear was balanced!
Heck yeah, Mark! Thanks for watching and glad you agree. I bet that Pike was an absolute blast :)
Perch are beautiful
Very good guidance on ultralight fishing basics. I appreciate the way you covered all aspects from rod type and length, lure weights, line test size, casting techniques, and expected casting distance. This video answered many questions I've had regarding lightweight fishing! Thanks!!
Thank you so much! Tight lines :)
You are spot on longer rods in UL don't cast further. I have found a shorter fast rod will cast further with less effort and better control .I own UL's from 4'6" to 8'6" and I always pick up a 5' to 6' rod for my UL fishing.Thank you for all your UL videos.
Thanks man! Glad we agree on that. The 6' length feels like the sweet spot in my experience.
I just bought 5’6 okuma rod and am having trouble casting good distance
The selection of rods and lines is huge. I have mostly light and some ultralight spinning gear. Paired with no more than 4# mono or the newer 5/6# braids has worked. I like Berkley lines so maybe I give 2# Sensation a shot here. On the current setups I can sling 1/64 & 1/32 jigs pretty well and ultralight hard baits. The length sweet spot seems to be 6-6'6 rods. Thanks Ethan
Sounds like we have similar taste! I think you’ll like that sensation. Let me know if you try it!
I just got a ultralight combo at Walmart 6 foot comes with 6 pound test I am going to try it out soon I wanted to thank you fore this information you gave me watching this video thank you and love and respect to you and your family Paul frome p.a
Fair warning combos that come pre spooled usually have trash line but good luck on your Ultra light travels. Get ya a nice smallmouth and giggle like a little kid the whole time
@@eagletalon6240 should I replace the line if I do what should I use it is 6 pound test
@@paulbohn1971 for ultralight I prefer 4 and I've landed plenty of quality crappie, smallmouth and walleye with it but it's all preference I'm usually using 3/32 to 1/16 jigs etc so it makes a noticeable difference also try and find a line that gives you good sensitivity an isn't to stretchy because it makes crappie fishing in sub par conditions difficult. I use Suffix pro mix but I've heard good things about trilene sensations
Good callout! Most prespooled reels have really cheap mono that has a lot of memory. I’d probably get some higher quality co polymer like trilene sensation. Go with 2lb if you’re fishing tiny stuff otherwise 4lb is great too!
Great video.
I have an entire arsenal of ultra lights that I've never been able to figure out how to use.
Hopefully you can put them to good use and catch a lot of fish soon!
Good video, only thing what was missing for further casts is to fill up your spools👍😉
Fill them up, but don't overspool them! Good callout.
I got into ultralight crappie fishing and I got 7’ moderate action and just like you were saying i just gives too much that it doesn’t help load the cast. Thanks for the videos!
Also with it being a moderate action I’ve found that crank baits work the best for it jigs i feel I miss the hook set more
Totally makes sense! I am a "fast or bust" kind of guy. I don't really find much of a use for moderate ultralights.
I like floppy ultralight rods, very parabolic. A little while back I found a Canyon Creek Super Ultralight 7' (model DS-702SUL). I think I paid like $18 for it at my local Dunham's. This is a gem of a rod, especially for the price. And it's actually rated for 1/64-1/8 lures. I have a Piscifun Viper X 500 on it, with 6lb Calamus Bastion braid to a 2lb Trout Magnet S.O.S. mono leader. I use the braid (neon green) because I simply can't see 2lb mono. I'm able to cast Joe's Flies with it, fairly well depending on wind. If you know what those lures are, they weigh practically nothing, they almost don't even sink in water, and they catch wind like nobody's business. It holds up too, it easily landed a channel cat for me today.
That’s awesome! I’ve heard that’s a good rod for the price. I’ll have to look out for one.
Another great video Ethan.👍🏻 Since you are using fast action rods you certainly need to snap that cast with your wrist to get that slightly stiffer rod to load up on the cast.
Yeah it all depends on your own styles. Moderate rods are fine too but definitely a different motion.
Great presentation. Invaluable information for this beginner and refresher for anyone. Waiting, not so patiently, for NY's opening day.
Hope you get out there and crack on some soon! Thanks Charles :)
@@FishAnythingcrack?
I was just looking at the Varivas lines today. Awesome. Hopefully you can look at the Tenryu or a fine tail JDM rod in your panfish rod series.
I did the finetail just recently! I’ll look at that Tenryu.
Thanks for the tips! Especially around the holiday season!
Go get them! 👊🏽
When I was growing up I used ultralight 5ft to 5 1/2 ft Rods and 4lb test line for Trout in Mountain Streams in the California Sierra Mountains.
And drink right out of Streams of that clean snow water too.
Oh those were the days.
Sounds like a darn good time!
Yep, and step in a slightly deeper spot and your voice goes up 10 octaves...just sayin'
I've been using Suffix pro mix the last 3 years or so and I've had no complaints about its sensitivity or durability but I'll definitely give that line a try next season when I respool. It's a good time to hit the smallies in the river I think it's time to throw the insulated waders on an do some fishing
I need to give that stuff a try!!
I may be late but I’m here now throwing a thumbs up 👍🏻
Thank you!!
I’ve caught 30 pound catfish with 8 pound braid, 8 pound flouro leader, on a one piece 5’ ugly stick pro lite. Without too much trouble
That had to be fun!!
I have used a st croix 6’-0” ultra light rod with a Pflueger President Spinning reel and Damyl Tectan Superior Monofilament Line at 6.6 lb strength .18mm dia. For years. The key is the line.
100% agree that line is the ultimate difference maker!
I ordered my UL rod a few days ago, quite excited. But I think you could cast a lot further with thinner line and higher quality line, if you check Line Laboratory you'll find that many fishing lines are 2-3 times their advertised strength and dimensions and that really affects casting distance a lot. For those tiny fish a 2-3 lb line (Such as Varivas Ester) would've been more than enough to reel them in and you would've gotten maybe 20 ft more casting distance out of it.
Yep it is all about diameter! Ester is a great option for micro presentations
Mid Michigan here.
Wonder where you're based.
Would love to run into you sometime and pick up more tips on micro fishing.
I am on the west side of the state. Feel free to DM me on instagram if you have it.
Great content! If you want to cast a 1/64th jig far, try Berkley Nanofil line. 6lb or 4lb test. I use 1/64th jig heads a lot with 2" Baby Shads for Crappie w/a ACC Crappie Stix rod and I can throw em really far. Sometimes I step down to 1/80th or 1/124th jigs if I want a really really slow fall if Crappie are finicky. Berkley Nanofil is considered a Nanobraid. Its very strong but thin. I believe Suffix makes a Nanobraid too but I have yet to try it. Next time I place an order I'm going to try the Suffix Nanobraid but the Berkley Nanofil is amazing line!
I plan to try the Sufix Nanobraid soon actually. I picked up 3lb test. I agree that Nanofil can cast pretty far but my frustration with it was the memory. It is very wiry feeling so it doesn't quite lay as flat as I prefer.
I've used sufix nanobraid. It cast amazingly, but its so thin I couldn't kept breaking off my leaders at the knot (Using FG knot)
Great video,
I've noticed one thing though.
You seem to be righthanded, you cast with right then you switch sides when using the reel.
Wouldn't it be way easier to have your reel handle on the left sinde, so you don't switch sides that often?
Cheers!
Hey Leeroy! Yes and no… I have played with a LH retrieve but it’s tremendously uncomfortable for me and I’m not coordinated properly to work my bait the best way. I find that I catch way more fish by simply switching hands. In an ideal world, I would have learned to avoid this though.
@@FishAnything I do the same thing for the exact same reasons😂😂
I have always enjoyed ultralight fishing. One advantage not mentioned is how much less fatigue you get during a day on the water due to not carrying and flinging as much weight. My go to is 4# mono, and 6 to 6.5 ft rod and 1/16 to 1/8 ounce lures. One note is you must pay attention to knots and line nicks. 4# is very strong, but a little frayed knot or section of line really can loose a nice fish, because the strength margin is small. Another thing is to be easy when snagged or you'll loose you lure. After a fish or a snag always recheck knots and for fraying.
absolutely awesome video dude, insanely descriptive in every way that i was lookin for, appreciate it man
So happy you liked it! Thank you Keith :)
@@FishAnything of course (: also idk if you've tried it or how well it'll work, but have you heard of drop shotting flies on an ultralight setup?
I get what your saying on the shorter rods being a sweet spot for the lighter setups. But i seeing videos saying use a bigger rod for longer casts.... Looks like i need both.
Lol it all depends. If the longer rods actually load properly, they will cast farther, but in most cases I find that longer ultralights struggle to maintain the right action.
I've mostly used your 1/80 oz jigs when wet wading in shallow water I'm feeling like 20-30 feet is pretty healthy for that size. They also cast well on tenkara (barely light enough) which is super fun. I just ordered some 1/64 and 1/32 though. They should be stocking rainbows in the Lower Salt River soon and I need to restock my freezer.
YES! So happy you’ve been enjoying the gear so much :)
Get ready for some chunkers, azgfd outsourced pretty sure since page springs had the bacterial outbreak In july...some real nice 14-16" inchers and larger.
@@lagginswag I was out there today and it looks like it's still not stocked. Still had fun catching bass and then I jumped over to Saguaro and played with some gills. It will be worth the wait to get some larger fish. I remember in 2019 there was an issue with our hatcheries and they brought all those trout from Colorado. Only problem was that it was a bunch of their brood stock and I kept getting eggs and jizz all over my shoes lol. They were nice big fish though.
I am curious to the reasons why you don't like the 13 fishing reel. I am currently shopping for a new ul, they have a setup that is 6'2" with a 1000 series reel. Thanks for a great video
The one I owned just felt clunky and not smooth compared to what I’m used to. I’m sure they work fine but it just didn’t feel right to me. Personal preference!
Great video I got a bunch of good information from you on that thank you
Glad you liked it! Thanks LBF
I was going to get an Ester line for Ajing but will have to try that Variva FC line. Thank you.
Hope you crush fish on it!
Loved the video as I learned a ton on a topic I knew little about, so thank you!!! In the first part of the video you’d mentioned having a reel video that would also be relevant to casting ultra light lures. Anyway, could you please direct me to that video?
Thank you Ron - happy this helps! The video I mentioned is here: ruclips.net/video/X0iIDJlsKYA/видео.html
I agree that when casting micro jigs, having a 7' ultralight is too long and "whippy", as you said. What pound braid do you use?
I usually use 6lb test just because it is the most easy to get. Hoping to get some 3-5lb range in the future though!
Great information ! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!!
Good video with a lot of information.good job
Thank you Daniel!
I love 2lb line for panfish but never tried trident sensation. Going to order it!
It’s a good budget friendly product!
Have that same temple fork rod but in w 5’6 and i gotta say i get impressive distance from those tiny lures
Yeah that little rod works pretty well!
new to this ultralight scene. would adding a small split shot weight defeat the whole purpose of an ultralight set up?
good video, though! thanks for the information
Not necessarily but adding weight can significantly change the action of lures so I would try to avoid it in most cases. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your video.
I noticed the conversation on line weight starts at 4lb.
I'm sight fishing shallow water with no snags for bigger fish, and feel 6lb test is the minimum line weight i can use and still hustle a 4-6lb fish to the boat. My lure weight is a little higher at 1/16 to 1/8 oz plus the soft plastic grub body, (or no jig head, #1 hook only) and I'm limited to mono or flouro.
Max distance is primary.
Having enough line strength and rod backbone is secondary.
Any specific recommendations for these parameters are very welcome.
Sounds like you are a step above what I’m talking about in this video. I think the strength of braid may be the best option. Something like 6 or 8lb braid to a 6lb leader should work well for you!
"at least we are on the board" amen to that !
Any fish is a good thing, especially the first one :)
Great presentation. I'm just starting to look into ultra light equipment. Are baitcasters an option?
Technically BFS casting gear is an option but I wouldn’t recommend it for SUPER ultralight lures. If you are keeping things around 1/16oz, you’ll be fine with it.
i'd love to see your opinion on Gliss braid. i fish ultralight for trout in Australia throwing some small minnow plastics on 1/32 jigs. Gliss gave me an extra 15 feet easy compared to the 4lb braid i was using.
Hmmm I haven't heard of it but will be on the lookout! Thanks for the suggestion :)
1/8 oz carolina rig with 6lb line is a my to go, always catch anything with it
Sounds like a fun rig!
My favorite ultra lite pole is a 7 foot . I get more action that helps me cast farther . I also use 4 lb test mono or 6 lb braid . I catch to many nice bass and trout when fishing for crappie and bluegill . I used to use the same 4 lb mono for my salmon and steelhead jig pole .
My girl uses a 6’6” pole for her ultra light pole . She is 5’ tall . She caught a nice 4lb trout when we was out with our ultra light poles .
Yeah, 7' is the ticket for me too. I use higher end rods, and they generally aren't "whippy". Whippy rods, for me anyway, are only used for micro cranks and inline spinners
Have you reviewed Ironfeather 3lb Braid?
I have the 4lb on a reel and it’s my favorite right now. Video will be coming later this year at some point.
I’m using 4lb crappie maxx as my heavy and 2lb SOS as my other line that I’m experimenting with. I want to try the 2lb trilene sensation line you talk about. I have it in 8 lb line for my other rods and it seems to work great.
Something that will greatly reduce your distance is the number of eyes your rod has, I like a maximum of 2 eyes per foot. Removing guides from a Berkley Lightning rod improves casting distance.
I think the kinematics of casting have some similarities to cracking a whip. The right inputs on the big end will maximize the effect at the skinny end.
It’s all physics!
Brian Flieshig of Mad River teaches fly casting (with a fly rod) and his analogy to the wrist movement is like flicking paint off the end of a brush or throwing a dart. In this case, instead of waiting for 20+ feet of line to load, it is pretty instantaneous with a 2' of line and a tiny jig. I thought the camera view of "loading the rod" at 14:21 in the video was a perfect teaching moment. Also that side cast is something used often to sort of get under the wind on windy days (A Roland Martin tip) which in this case also could help to lengthen the cast a bit.
@@baronistheone I use my 5'6" spinning rod on windy days specifically because I can side/underhand cast it and shoot out just above the water and get the line down on the surface before the wind has a chance to blow a big belly in it. Brian Flechsig is great. I watched a bunch of his old DVD flyfishing tutorials years ago.
i just ordered that dobyns rod for my diawa ballistic 1000 reel
It is a heck of a rod, you will enjoy it.
Lure line weight and rod power and action are all important for effective casting. I look at it this way, are you flicking a booger off your finger? Or tossing a boulder from a catapult? A booger is so small and light you wouldn’t hold your arm straight and pivot to get it off, you’d curl your finger and flick it very fast to get it to fly. A boulder you couldn’t flick, it’s so heavy it needs that big long heavy catapult arm to move it through the air without breaking.
Good comparison! I will now refer to my ultralight lures as boogers :)
@@FishAnything “the mule booger! In stores now!”
A product called "reel magic" will do all the things it says on the can, one of which is cast farther. You spray it on the line directly on the reel. Good stuff. Got it at Acadamy sports.
I will have to try it out!
Do you think a 64th Oz would be to light for 6 pound sufix nano braid ?
Nope! I think it would do just fine with the right rod. I haven’t used my nano braid yet but I have a 3lb spool ready to throw on a reel
I am a novice for super ultralight and was wondering if flourocarbon holds less line memory that mono? In my larger fishing rigs I have switched from flouro to mono for my leaders because mono is stronger and cheaper. Thank you for any of the tip you can share.
I have had a lot more break offs with fluoro compared to mono. I think mono is much more durable pound for pound for ultralight applications.
Great video! What’s your take on BFS fishing? Weights you can cast with it best line for it etc!!
BFS has a time and place. I don’t think it’s an effective option for true ultralight lures though (sub 1/32oz). It can vary a ton too, so it’s hard to say what the best line option is. Just depends on what you want to do. Example - for bass fishing bfs applications, I’d go 10lb braid. For panfish I’d probably go 4lb mono!
Solid tips, great video. Gotta step up (down) my gear game because I've been using a medium heavy rod with stiff tip to cast 1/32oz jigs and 0.35mm 26lb mono to target carp and I get maybe 10ft casting distance at most. Kinda hoping they just inhale the jig since pike and walleye are still a no go in my area. I'm thinking a light, medium light rod with 12lb mono should be able to pull out 10lb carp?
I’d swap that mono out to braid and run a leader. Braid can greatly reduce your line diameter pound for pound so you will be able to increase your distance by a long shot
Wrist snap like a forehand Frisbee throw helps me get my stuff out further
Good way to put it!
Interesting you’re right handed but left hand reel?
It’s all a comfort thing. fishanything.com/which-hand-should-you-reel-with/
I use a 5 1/2' light action Ugly Stick with a Pflueger President reel loaded with 4# line. I've not yet seen anything lower than 4#. It catches fish just fine.
Great information thank you I have same of the cream ultralight lures from walmart what power and size rod would you use I have a 5'4" or 5'6" ultralight shakespeare spinning rod and a shakespeare 7' lite power spinning rod and a casting rod
I’d use the 7’ light with those
really nice video learned a lot
Happy to hear it! Tight lines
I am always scared with my 5 grams rod, and I would catch a big fish, is it possible to land that fish in my net without breaking my rod or line???
You can absolutely land big fish on light gear. Just need a good smooth drag set properly.
Do you recommend the Dobyns over the TFO trout and panfish for throwing your lures for trout?
Probably not. The TFO is softer and is probably better for most trout applications.
Quick ? how many feet should you be able to cast a 1/32 jig. Thanks
On a decent ultralight I’d say around 50 feet? I am not great at judging that stuff so that’s just a rough guess. I’ll try to measure some soon.
One of the most deadly panfish tactics.I know where I live is waiting around and pitching ahead through really thick tangled trees logs dead falls and wheat beds. Sometimes I'm only in fifteen inches of water catching fish.
In these conditions, the fish are so spooky that no jighead, bobber, bubble, or sinker can be used, so I am "free-lining" half nightcrawlers or sometime Gulp minnows. It's literally impossible to cast overhead because of the trees. I'm often pitching out line ahead of maybe three times the length of my rod maximum.
So it's very specialized but a six foot rod with very few guides a stiff middle, fast taper and soft tip is exactly what you need for this. I usually go with four pound line because the fish are going to immediately start swimming through the logs. And where I'm fishing for bluegill, there are often bass up to twenty inches.
The up-side is, if you can sneak up on the fish, they can not stand watching that worm sink that slowly.
My one innovation is that sometimes a perfectly clear plastic bead,, about 3/8" dia. CAN used right ahead of the hook.
What reel size do you normally use. I’m new to ultralight fishing, and want some tips on what is recommended. I’m getting a temple fork outfitters 7ft ultra light, Piscifun carbon x ll size 2000.
I almost always use a size 1000. I’ll bump up to a 2000 if I feel it will balance better or I want more capacity.
I have just started fishing a few months back and i face a problem of my hook being stuck on rocks similar to the small 1s shown on the place you are fishing at, whats your best advice to handle that situation.
Fish with smaller gear that doesn't bog down in the rocks as much. Generally you have issues with that when you are using heavy baits that get down to the bottom quickly.
You should create a small creature bait for mule fishing and or a small skirted jig like 1/64-1/16 ounce jig. Not marabour or fur but some sort of silicone type material that can pair up with the mule minnow and donkey tail. Horsefly too!
Thanks for the suggestion - definitely some interesting ideas I will look into!
Isn't the reel handle suppose to be on the left side if you cast with your right hand?
No right or wrong. It is more a matter of how you learn and what feels comfortable to you as an angler.
Recommendations for affordable ultralight, light rods?
5'6" Ultralight Bass Pro Shops Whuppin' Stick
@SMP I totally disagree with your statement that micro applications are “only for small fisheries”. The super slow rate of fall can catch fish in all bodies of water. It’s a matter of being around fish, not the water you’re fishing. I have tons of success with tiny lures on large lakes all the time.
Just depends on your price range and style of fishing. I like the 13 fishing defy silver a lot for $50. Also the shimano sensilite!
Otherwise, for an even lower price, you can go shakespeare micro series or Okuma celilo. I don’t like those as much but they’re solid for the price!
Thanks for the replies much appreciated.
I need to know. What is your go to always got good luck with it. What lure and what color and what color jig head and size
Hmmm a seemingly easy question but I throw different colors all the time. I’d probably say a Chartreuse 1/32oz Mule Jig with a True Chartreuse Donkey Tail Jr.
Just learning to try and fish light stuff with spinning rewl, so appologiese if this is stupid question but with only using a 2lb line, wouldnt that increase the line breaking off on snags more/things of that nature, etc.. ? Not tring to debate, just asking question.
100% it will. Pros and cons of fishing with ultralight gear.