Anyone else like ultralight fishing?

[AUFred]

Using light baits you are likely to catch a lot of different fish. A decent size fish on 4# test is always fun.

[senkosam]

Originally Posted by AUFred

Using light baits you are likely to catch a lot of different fish. A decent size fish on 4# test is always fun.

No doubt the most productive way to catch more fish including some decent size fish! For years I was strictly a bass angler, casting large heavier lures. I did well, no complaints. But after having days where I only caught less than 20 bass, I figured there's got to be more to fishing than just bass and the bass tournaments I fished. Enter the world of lure-making and modifying smaller lures.

Spinning and spincast reels have come a long way since the first Zebco I cast as a kid. Both reels are the only way to cast lures weighing less than 1/8 oz. Light line (8# test braid) allows the best lure action at the slowest retrieves yet almost zero breaks as with mono.

Light jig/ soft plastic rigs get all kinds of fish to strike - from 4 lb bass to 4" panfish. 130 fish days are not uncommon. In fact, I caught 241 fish from the same lake this last week between two days. Bass and panfish sizes were surprising on the upside and more strikes/hook sets per hour very satisfying.

I doubt I'll go back to casting strictly heavier lures any time soon. Lure variety in shape, size and action got me hooked!

[AUFred]

I fish a lot of clear or near clear water the lighter lines & lures offer the opportunity to bend the rod. Some large panfish pull much harder than expected. I have caught bass up to 7 pounds on 6 pound test monofilament & up to 5 pounds on 4 pound test. Fun to catch no matter the size on light tackle.

[senkosam]

We are on the same page. Too bad we are the few that get a thrill seeing the rod bend only to see it was a 3" bass or 18 pound carp - both pleasant surprises.

[AUFred]

I went this morning. The largest bass I caught was around a pound but was on a #3 lined flyrod. Caught several fish on 4 pound test as well. Caught around 25 in 3 hours..

[senkosam]

It's not the line breaking that has me concerned when using thin diameter braid. It's the thin-diameter hooks straightening out that are on my light jigs. The braid I use is Kastking and very strong even at 8 lb test/ 6lb diameter. I can pull my 12' boat to a snag it's that strong. But thin wire hooks don't do so well when trying to get a fish out of heavy vegetation. Never fly-fished but can imagine the fight from a 2 lb bass on a fly rod!

[AUFred]

Light tackle whether ultralight or flyfishing is enjoyable even in small bodies of water. I understand the straightened hook situation. Builders of light lures tend to use light wire hooks to cut weight. I have straightened my share of hooks even worm hooks on heavier gear.

[senkosam]

You been using braid on ul rods/reels?

[AUFred]

Originally Posted by senkosam

You been using braid on ul rods/reels?

I only use monofilament. I have never tried braid on any of my rods. I suppose I have too many bad memories from braid in the 60's.

[senkosam]

Originally Posted by AUFred

I only use monofilament. I have never tried braid on any of my rods. I suppose I have too many bad memories from braid in the 60's.

Braid has come a long way! 8' test/ 5# diameter Kastking braid is my favorite line for spinning and baitcast reels. Some spincast reels do okay with it casting light lure 40', some not so much and I've gone back to using fluorocarbon or mono on those.
Braid is so strong that I can pull my row boat to a snag and get the lure back. Zero stretch, zero memory or line twist - makes mono the antique of fishing lines. Plus the small diameter allows light lures great action. Long-distance hook-sets and strike sensitivity are major advantages.