I discovered your channel a month or two ago, and didn't know much about UL finishing before that. My son wanted to go bank fishing at a local park today, so instead of my usual setup, I borrowed my 6-year old's 4'6" starter rod and tied on a Trout Magnet worm on a 1/16 oz jig head. I pulled 4 decent bluegill and a tiny largemouth out of that shallow, muddy pond! Great, informative videos... keep up the great work.
Been a while for me and I definitely understand the seasons of life. Last year wasn’t great for me getting my kids out to try and foster an interest in fishing, but I’m trying to make a commitment for 2024. Thank you for all you do!
This is by far the best RU-vid channel out there. Love your content and all of your products. Hope you meet you one day and maybe get the change to fish with you. Keep up the awesome work brother!! God bless and tight lines!!!
Hey Ethan!! Love the videos. I was convinced by a shop owner to go leader-less this season and I can't be happier. Running Sufix 131 6lb test on my Megabass ultralight without a leader and have zero complaints. Enjoy your summer!!
@FishAnything the owner of Tackle Trap. I buy my megabass gear from him and he mentioned it in conversation so I asked a few more questions and went leader-less this season. We have pretty clear water here in western Massachusetts and don't ever see us going back to leaders. I've been in boats with other fisherman who use leaders and we have no catch quantity differences.
I've been watching your videos in the last couple weeks and started to add UL fishing to my weekly trips. I can personally vouch for the Dobyns UL paired with the Shimano reel because I caught a 10 pounder largemouth on it! As always, thank you for these review videos :)
I have been building my BFS arsenal over the past several months and have 3 baitcaster rods from Dobyns with Shimano reels. However, I have been using Fenwick HMG spinning rods outfitted with Dawia Tatula reels. All of them have V2 Power Pro braid, either 8 or 10 pound. These will be used for pond or out on the kayak. My local tackle shop is starting to get more of the smaller BFS lures in lately also. I picked up some more lures from Eurotackle last week. Landed a 3.57 lb bass Friday using the Eurotackle crankbait on the 7' Dobyns baitcaster rod. It was a blast.
Nice video Ethan. I like the Dobyns a lot but I also picked up a Falcon this past summer that I really enjoyed. It's only a 5' UL but it has great sensitivity and feel. The shorter rod worked great on some of the creeks and ponds that I fish. Thanks for the video and the great information. Happy Holidays my friend.
I have 45 rods and 30 are light and ul no longer than 5'6" and have landed many fish on them, they are perfect. I catch 10 plus lbers all the time great fun
Loved this video. In total agreement with the Dobyns rod. (the 1 piece version - Sierra Series 6" 2") It's my go to (80% - 90% of my fishing most days is done with this rod. - even caught a 5 lb. bass on it while panfishing! I recently purchased a Lew's lite series and absolutely LOVE it! (Lew's Lite Series 6" Ultra Lite Fast) The handle is soooo comfortable and I just love fighting fish on this rod. ...My reels are a Shimano Stradic 1000 on the Dobyns and a Shimano Miravel 1000 on the Lew's. Only $10 more than the NASCI (which I also have and love) and it's lighter and even smoother! I'm using 8lb. Daiwa J Braid x8 on both (like you said, Braid lasts for a long time, and even though I fish 5 - 7 days per week, I still haven't the need to replace it yet, so I haven't tried the Spro yet) and 6" - 18" fluorocarbon, but mostly composite (Love the Trilene Sensation line) or mono leaders in 2 - 10 lb. test. Always use the double uni to attach the two together as well. I keep my leaders short so that when I cast, I reel up to just berfore the knot so my double uni doesn't have to go through the guides. When in a tighter quarters where I need to be a bit more accurate, I will reel past the knot and the line does indeed go through the guides, even on the Dobyns, very well. I say all this in a way to say thank you for all the info you have shared in your videos. I probably would never have stepped out and purchased the Dobyns rod or have tried Daiwa J Braid x8 or Trilene Sensation line except after seeing you use them and talk about them in your videos. Keep up the good work! Also have to shout out the Mule fishing line up of jigs and soft plastic lures as they have caught many fish for me this past year since I've been using them!
Thanks for the great information especially the addition of lines. Hope your family and you have a wonderful Christmas! As far as reels go found great deals on outgoing reels! Especially the Daiwa Tatula Lt!
I picked up that exact Dobyns on your recommendation. Paired it with a Shimano NASCI 1000FC and it balances perfectly. Sadly, this was late in the year, so I've only had the chance to catch a few crappies before the temp turned. Next year is going to be the year of the Mule! Can't wait until spring.
Excellent vid. You absolutely have to try 2023 Diawa Legalis 2000 sp 2k size but it is no bigger than a 1k size.. the 2000 sp size has a super drag and the 4.8:1 gear ratio helps work those light jigs really slow & keeps it in the water column longer.
Glad you mentioned the details on the dobyns and it was still your favorite. I am glad you mentioned it was best for jig fishing. I kept wanting the Daiwa Presso, but some reviews said the action wasn’t as fast as others. I was wanting a rod for UL and Sub UL plastics.
I'd recommend the RUNCL flurocarbon line in 5lb. I've had great success with it and the only time it breaks is usually at the connection knot or after way too many fish without retying
appreciate your insight in this video. Ive been wanting to try ultralight fishing but was unsure of what to get for gear. Hoping to save up and try it this spring!
I like to use a dock runner ugly stick rod with a tiny okuma cymar reel. I spool it up with 6lb braid and a fly fishing leader. It’s insanely compact, extra durable and absolutely slays fish.
First fixing the drag on the Sedona is super easy at most you need an inexpensive felt drag washer and some very lightweight grease for tools maybe a pair of tweezers or some skinny needlenose pliers if you are afraid of losing the spring. Make sure you loosen the drag between trips and the washers will last longer. If your line is getting caught in the line roller it's either loose or you are just using way to thin a fishing line.
I like these types of reviews I know its all subjective and what you prefer. I started ultralight fishing when I was 10 and stopped for bass fishing for the next 30 years (also added in some deep-sea fishing, and fly fishing) to me these are the most important is what you are holding 90% of the time, the rod and reel. I would love to see the low down on kayaks. novice to advanced. I have been fishing from large boats for years and we all know those little guys can go almost everywhere.
I’d love to do more kayak content. I wish I could get a bit more support from kayak companies to do that but they don’t seem to have interest. It’s hard to give genuine unbiased information without having tested several current options though.
First I appreciate watching your videos and have found them very informative. With your Shimano Nasci"s line catching crack, you could fill it with a caulk or something like Shoe Goop. It will be removable and should eliminate that problem. I haven't done this but would try, couldnt hurt.
Absolutely agree with you on fishing braid for ultralight. I like the Berkley Jordan Lee X9 braid in 6 lb. Great durability and retains its softness; at least that’s my experience.
Just broke my Cadence Essence 6'6 L action that I've used for the past 2 years. Great timing for you have this video out. Maybe its time I invest a little more in a UL/L action rod. As always thanks for the great content and products!
I have been using the sixgill aether for small mouth fishing and love that rod paired with a 500 okuma ceymar. Works great with the donkey tails but mostly throw panther martins. Have pulled in 7lb wallet out the grand as well as an 8 lb coho.
Nice shirt! I just made 1st order from Mule, I can’t wait until the warmer weather to try them out. I wish you had those awesome hats in stock; maybe on my next order.
I highly recommend you try VARIVAS line. Specifically the Area Trout Infinity braid, Area Trout Master Limited Shock Leader fluorocarbon, Area trout Twitch Master monofilament, and Area Trout ES2 Esterline. It's Japanese line but they ship directly within the US.
I’ll be trying more varivas this year. I just wish they would simplify their collection of lines. I think they overcomplicate how many options they offer personally.
I like the new Sahara 1000 reel and the new Legalis 2000...those are my two UL reels for fresh water crappie and panfish...I have 6# Trielene on the Shimano and 8# Kast King braid on the Daiwa...been excellent outfits with super nice drag and cast extremely well...caught several big chain pike that tested them!
totally agree with the line being the most important. I found some .07mm braid 9lb rating and it has helped massively in my BFS reels, Just got my order too. I love the tackle box and those blue jigs!!!
@@bugtussle7475 it's called Kingdom micro fly I ordered it off AliExpress but it is good line I have caught 3lb rainbows and large mouths on it no problems if you don't have your drag locked down
Greetings from so cal. Excellent video. 🔥my whole lineup of all Phenix including my ocean rods. But I ordered a Dobyns a few years back and it came damaged so I just got my money back. I’m a Phenix fan boy anyway 😂 love your channel. 🤙
Great video man! I have the Dobyns sierra light fast for my BFS setup and I love it. Also I agree the Sedona is definitely a bang for the buck. I have the 1000 and 2500 and they are workhorses.
Gamma polyflex line has become my favorite copolymer all around, I use 4 and 6lb for panfish all the way up to 20lb for salmon mainline on my centerpin
It’s a good thing my wife wasn’t around when I was watching this, otherwise she’d be asking me why I have so many rods and reels when you’re saying you only need 3😆🤣
lol I really am trying to become more minimalist in my approach. I like to test gear in an effort to be a resource but I never want to send the message that you need thousands of dollars worth of gear to catch fish.
I just purchased a BPS Micro Lite Graphite 4’6” UL Spinning Rod; it really seems amazing. It’s very lightweight and seems well made. It matches perfectly with a KastKing Zephyr size 500 spinning reel. All of my UL combos are 4’6” since I’m either fishing/wading small creeks or fishing ponds or in the boat making short accurate casts around cover. I’ve contemplated a longer rod but as of yet I don’t have a need (although you never know when I might need a 5th UL combo; haha). Great video though; I absolutely love all of your videos since I only fish UL and Micro Finesse. If I do need to cast something a little further I can always tie on a 1/8oz micro jighead which is within limits of my rods and I can cast them a country mile.
awesome vid man! always enjoy your input on the equipment you use. I just got into light/ultra light and fixing to set up an ultra light combo here soon (started with baitcaster bass fishing). I recently got the Crappie Slayer thanks to your videos and love that rod. I say it's budget friendly and good sensitive tip with lots of strength. Looking forward to more videos. Happy Holidays!
"If it works, don't fix it!" I'm a bank angler. I've been using my early 2000s Okuma Inspira 15 lined with KastKing 6lb braid with 2lb YoZuri Hybrid leader on a Shakespeare UL telescopic rod for a year or so. I can chuck this rig in my motorcycle trunk. YoZuri is weird: The 2lb breaks off at 5lb and the 4lb breaks off at 8lb. When I noticed this, I started choosing my lines according to the diameter and not what is stated on the label. I use the Dodd Knot to connect my lines. Ethan, how about this challenge: Bank fishing with a budget combo like mine while using the Dodd Knot as a connecting knot. I'm curious to see what I might be doing wrong or right. Thank you sir.
For sure great video here. That's what I'm looking for right now, a good rod and reel combo that I could use for trout plus River fishing as well. I miss fishing for catfish, fun to catch and tasty they are.
I have an abu Garcia black max reel that my line used to get stuck on like that all the time. I took the screw out where it tends to get stuck.. and i put a little tiny rubber washer in there and screwed it back together.. haven't had a problem sense😅. Also, i recommend the pfluger president on the cheaper side of reels, and if there's any ultralight rod review I'd like to see, it's the new monsterbass ultralight that jeff and paul put together over at aggressively average anglers. I'd love to hear what you think of it and what you'd specifically use it for. Can't wait to see more videos and btw i stuck a peek at my stocking stuffers when my gf wasn't home and im happy to say I'll be putting some donkey tail juniors to work when the crappie start spawning next spring😁🤭
Ethan, thanks for the video. Can you do testing with: Major Craft Benkei casting rod ( one piece and two-piece) with a BFS reel? Can you also test Major Craft Benkei UL Spinning rod ? Off-topic: can wait to get your Mule Fishing jig box❤
I love my new Okuma Ceymar OTD reel. It's great on my Finwick Eagle rod. I wished I got the 2000 size because the 1000 is almost a 500 size. Maybe I'll try a Diawa or Shimano at some point . Lews has let me down 2 times. I don't think I'll ever go back. Never had a bad experience or problems with Kastking ....reels , rods or braid.
totally agree about the 832 & J-braid. I find 832 is good for over 8# and J-braid for anything below 8#. But I don't use the Grand so much so maybe I'll try it. But I tried it in the higher did, and felt it was too "soft". My procyon reels are a favorite. I watch for sales where I found them for 50% off so I have 1000, 2000 and 3000 and love them all. I have also started looking at the Fuegos when on sale and that MX you have looks just like it. My TF UL is my UL goto with a 100 Procyon, and the Procyon light rod w/ a 2000 is my best all around rod. happy holidays!
Hey Ethan I’m just retiring and ready to start ultra light fishing this year. Thanks for the info. I’ll start out with a budget combo and get some mule baits. Perhaps I’ll see you again on Campbell. No ice yet. 😢
I want to see you try out the Kastking Kestrel UL spinning rod, piscifun carbon x 1000 spinning reel and 4lb Sufix Seige mono! The seige has been insanely awesome for me!
Awesome video as always! i know theres some videos out there on the Shimano Soare rod ranges, but if you get the chance please try it out, i reckon you would be very pleased with the crisp action and sensitivity
Thanks for the response, if you’re unsure what model to look at (as you know you can’t test out jdm rods) I would go for the shimano soare xr 602sul, I think it would be a great application for crappie
Great video and content brother. Looking forward to more reviews in 2024. I have been experimenting with 3 braided line choices. Power Pro has been good but not ideal for ultralight. I picked up 2 spools of Daiwa J braid in 6# and some 5# Reaction Tackle camo braid. So far so good. Blessings this Christmas 🎄 season to you and your family Ethan.
Stick to daiwa and Shimano, maybe Okuma but Shimano and daiwa are the best. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Good video also by the way, keen for the next one👍
I totally agree. I’ll probably try an Okuma at some point but I just don’t think there’s any reel company that has showed the potential of a Daiwa or shimano yet. Maybe someday
You are definitely correct about the 500 spool not casting as far. If you didn't know the difference between a 1000 and 2000 is a 2mm larger spool diameter, same body.
@@needmoreboost6369 smaller isn't better for casting as the coils of line coming off the spool are smaller so I suppose there is more resistance as it's easier for the lip of the spool to start affecting the cast.
I think the 2000 is worth playing with too, but I feel like there is likely a diminishing return to the diameter going up. The 1000 and 2000 are much closer than the 500 and 1000 so I don’t see as significant of a difference. I’ll test more this year though.
Really great insight for line, always was curious about the spro finesse def will try it out this spring. Would really like to see you test the Tfo trout and panfish v2, see how it compares to the old one. Maybe some GLoomis rods if possible, are they worth the money or is it just the brand. Thank you and we'll catch you on the next video 🫡
Thanks Alec! If someone gives me a TFO I’ll fish it, but I don’t think I’ll go out of my way to test it because I believe it’s the same rod as before simply with different aesthetics.
Dude please try some berkley X9 braid . A few months ago I put 6 lb flame green on my ul and love it . Been using th 15 lb on my medium since last spring and have only had good experiences with it . it's very soft/limp and very very quiet going through the rod guides and reel roller . Take care , jeff .
Please try the lamiglas infinity trout and panfish rod. Phenix braid is good but in my experience i had too many wind knots. Also the same problem you had with jbraid. Periodic break offs🤦♂️ I really like the kastking silky smooth braid. The lowest is 6lb. But its .10mm thick and no windknots or break offs. My go to leader line and sometimes mainline is Runcl power fluoro. Its a copolymer line and is .15mm thick in 5lb. Super thin compared to 99% of 4lb. Lines that are .165 mm thick. I got the 23 Daiwa legalis 2000 shallow spool from Amazon Japan. $69 its pretty amazing! You'll love it
Great video I always love the gear talk. Two rods I would love to see you try our the new TFO trout and panfish V2 and the new AAA rod from monster Bass
I probably won’t mess with the new TFO unless they send me one lol. From what I’m told the blank hasn’t changed, just aesthetics. I’ll probably try the AAA rod though
Great vid just subscribed! Any way you can do a vid of best 5”6 and 6 micro rods with best reel and line combos for 2024 budget and just best in general please?
I’ve never had a double uni knot fail either. Last year I’ve been adding a 20lb leader to my frogging setup just to see if line visibility made any difference(it didn’t) but yeah. Used the same leader and frog for the whole summer with no issues.
Have you tried stepping down (tapering)for leadership lines. In fly fishing, we step down to get the fly to toll out on the cast and to allow better presentations. In UL we deal with similar issues, especially with 1/64 ounce. Iwas thinking maybe ste]ing for 6 # braid to 3' of 4#, then 2' of 2 or 3# would improve casting and presentation. Wondered if you have tried it. Thanks for the great videos.
Shimano makes the exact reel you want, just not sold in the USA, you can get them imported easily though, Have you tried the Japanese market Shimano compact 2000 shallow reels? Pretty much all those reels you like i.e. Sedona come in a c2000s size. Same weight and body size as a 1000 but with a nice shallow, big spool perfect for ultralight.
P-Line flouroclear is what I’ve been swinging for almost 20 years. Every time I’ve tried something else I’m disappointed. I run 3# on most of my ultralite rigs currently, sometimes 4#.
I don't know much about ultralight but would like to learn the nuances a bit so I can effectively fish light-micro jigs and minnow baits. I think I may go with the TFO 2 piece 6'6 ultralight. at least I can order parts like a new upper section if I break it . plus it not crazy expensive at 119.
Wish you would have gone into more detail on the jdm reel. Ive been eyeballing one for a few months but cant find any good reviews. Look forward to more videos soon.
Test this one: 5'6" Ultra Light Bass Pro Shops® Whuppin' Stick Spinning Rod I've had a lot of fun with it. And it costs next to nothing, often on sale at $20Cdn
I know it’s a little pricey but it is braid so you don’t have to respool as much but try seaguar smack down I use 10-15lb for my regular bass setup because it’s so small and thin I think you’ll really like it
I'd like to see you compare the Dobyns Kaden 700 to the Sierra. I have a Daiwa Fuego 1000 sitting around and want to fond a nice rod to pair it up with.
I'm in the Detroit area and would love a video to show what to start UL fishing with. I've been Bass fishing for 10+ years and want to expand. You may have made one but I can't find it.
You should give ester line a shot varivas es2 2.3 lb if you don’t mind great casting high sensitivity line just remember use a leader and check your spool after casting tight line and merry Christmas
Well I haven't tried using braid with ultralight fishing. I usually fish with 4 lb test mono. I guess I need to try it if you say it makes it easier to cast and detect bites. I had to buy me another Defy Silver mine broke a couple of months back 😔. Great info as always buddy 👊👍.
I still use Berkeley XL mono for nearly all my fishing LO.L. Landed. A 45 inch musky and big catfish on 8 pound trilene On light action rods while small mouth fishing.. Set Drag correctly and you can land almost anything😊
You need to up ur reel game . You should pickup the Shimano Vanford 1000 and throw some braid on it and pair it with your Phenix Elixer ... the whole setup will wiegh 250grams (elixer 94grams Vanford 155grams) itll be the lightest setup in your lineup but u can confidently slay 10lb trout on it.
Fantastic video! Have you noticed that some reels can make the same rod more or less sensitive? I’ve tried 5-6 different reels(all size 1000, all roughly the same weight) on the same rod with the same line with a huge difference in feel/ sensitivity
Interesting - not sure I’ve ever noticed any difference despite switching reels out all the time. May be something to do with the reel seat and how it fits a reel
Hi Ethan! I've learned quite a bit from your videos on UL fiahing. There are a few lesser known rods I'm interested in and I wonder if you've fished with them, especially the Mustad Detector, BnM TCB, and Denali Pryme. I'd love to know what you think. Thanks!
I have a couple videos with st croix panfish rods. I like them and they are clearly nice, but I haven’t been a huge fan of the way they balance. I find they are tip heavy
The drag wearing out is because of the carbon drag disk, if you can find a felt disk and get some of i_fish es grease you wont have nay more problems with the drag slipping (i_fish is a ul youtuber like you, he makes some really good bluegill / crappie jigs aswell but they dont have a wire keeper so they dont work very well with elaztec types of plastics
After the Daiwa line up revamp the Shimano cheaper end is looking a bit weak, I grabed a new Crossfire and a Sienna and it's like night and day, also the Revros is miles ahead of whatever Shimano has on that price point, on the chinese side, the Seaknight Treant III is on the same price point as the Sienna and miles ahead, also the Kastking Kestrel SFS that I got just under 50$ is amazing. I Also love J-Braid and stay with Daiwa for the Fluoro going with a bunch of Prorex leader line I got on a bunch of lb test.
I’m looking for a best bang for the buck ultralight trout rod/reel combo for small steams and lakes. Can you give a suggestion? Maybe a Sedona 1000? If so what rod? I’d prefer something 5’6 or 6’.
Try Shimano pitbull x4 in 0.5 or 0.4. I've abused mine and I fish salt water only and it's been holding up well even when I get knots it's pulls out of it.. I love the xj diawa line too but in x4.. x8 seems bit to thick but maybe just because I use mostly x4 😅 works very well on my stella and Vanquish and exist
I picked up a Daiwa Revros after watching one of your past videos and I love the sh*t out of it. I’m definitely going to pick up more of them. I would like to see a what’s in your UL tackle bag video. I need to rebuild mine.
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