5 of 10

Write now Article Tools

Over the past two or three years, I have fished almost exclusively with ultralight tackle. The results have varied. I have caught some very nice fish on light equipment, but there have been moments when the big one got away, and I've wound up sitting on the bank with my head between my knees doing my best Nancy Kerrigan impersonation. One could make a good case for loading the biggest reel that money can buy with 20 lb. test, but, honestly, ultralight rods and reels have breathed life into fishing, and I find myself hitting the streams more now than ever because of the fun factor. Anything that makes catching a nice-sized bluegill or rock bass exciting is a must have.

I have two combos that I use more than the rest. One is an Okuma Inspira IA-10 mounted on a 4.5' Cortland rod. The other is a St. Croix 750 coupled with a two-piece, 5' Eagle Claw Feather Light rod. Neither of these setups would have a prayer with a 30 lb. carp or catfish, but I have been surprised with what I've landed on more than one occasion. The tiny reels spooled with 4 lb. test line have dragged in a 17" sauger, several bass in the 16" range, and trout up to 15". I'm a small stream fisherman from West Virginia, and to me these are relatively big fish. Others may disagree, but it's hard to argue the fact that they all put up a really big fight.

For that matter, a 12" bass puts up a whale of a fight against my ultralight combos. The important thing to remember is that the longer the fish is fighting, the better its chances of getting away. One key is to keep the rod tip up. In most cases, this will keep the fish from rubbing the light line on jagged rocks below the surface. I can only speak for myself, but I've lost more fish due to line breaking than than spectacular leaps when using ultralights. Why? Quite simply, 4 lb. test won't take very much abuse. Another factor in landing big fish on small tackle is a proper drag adjustment. A medium setting has always worked best for me. Set the drag too high and the line will break, but if it's set too soft, any fish of a relatively decent size will go right for the rocks or the deep water. Yes, it's okay to endure a few good runs from the fish, but eventually, the fisherman will have to make some progress of his own.

Here are a few important ideas. Fisherman are encouraged to change their line at the beginning of each new fishing season. With ultralight tackle, I would recommend respooling three or more times a year. As I mentioned, small line doesn't take much of a pounding, and any little nick or abrasion will create a weak spot. Also, if a reel only hold 60 yards or line, any line loss can create a dilemma. With an ultralight, the fisherman is never more than a few snags or a bird's nest away from having a half-empty spool. It's also important to perform regular maintenance, such as greasing, on the reel itself. Like 2 or 4 lb. line, small reels aren't built for much of a beating either.

As a result of fishing with ultalight equipment, the fisherman will experience many thrills of a lifetime, but he also has to be prepared for many frustrations and much lamenting over the big one that got away. Does the former outweigh the latter? You betcha! It's not every day that an angler lands a 25" smallmouth, but if light equipment can make landing one two-thirds the size just as thrilling, why not go for it. Besides, one of these days I'm going to outlast that 20+" lunker with my tiny Okuma, and that is going to be the ultimate fishing thrill that I'll remember the rest of my life.

Learn more about this author, T.C Leonard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Catching big fish on ultralight rods?
We want to hear your view. Write now!