Thread: Ultra-light setup

I'm looking to buy an ultra-light setup. I'm thinking something for 4-6lb test that I can use for spanish and skinny water critters.

I saw a guy catch a nice speck wade fishing the other day on a tiny setup and it sure looked like a lot of fun.
I'd really like something that would make catching the big whiting late in the year a little more fun.

Don't want to break the bank. For reference my primary reel right now is a fierce 3000 that I really like. So I'm looking for something similar just a bit lighter.

Need rod or combo recommendations too.

I like the smooth drag on the 1000 and 2000 (2500) series Shimanos for UL.

For pier I'd recommend a fast action 6 1/2 to 7 foot rod. There are a bunch for $50-$100.
For UL surf I have found none better than the BPS 9 foot Carbonlite ($99.99) without going to the outrageously priced Loomis or St Croix.

I use a Penn 430SS reel with a 6 foot light weight rod with a soft tip. It works great on the fall croaker and whiting as well as doing a good job on flounder. I use the same rod on lighted piers in little lagoon for specks and have caught some real hogs with that rig. I also look forward to the fall croaker and whiting because they are fun to catch and great on the table. I try to stock my freezer for the many months to come.

I'd get the Shimano Sahara for your reel. 2000 would be ideal, but stepping up to a 3K might help against those incidental redfish.

As for the rod, that depends on the "where."

You may need two, in all fairness. One, as Pier#r suggested, as a 9' surf rod for casting those needed distances from the shoreline.

The second, and some will knock it until they try it, I'd go with a Shimano Clarus rod. I love this tough mini tank of an Ultra Light. Handles light lines so smoothly and has extraordinary sensitivity. So light, you'll never face fatigue. They start at 5' length and up. I've caught everything from specks to kings on these rods.

Takes a little getting used to on the casting for distance and precision, but once you have it down, you'll want nothing else for short range casting. My only gripe about these rods is the hook holder is on the right side. No biggie. I just take it off. Pliers, wiggle it a few times and it slides right out. They are only $79 as well, and BPS carries them on the shelf.

Is the 2000 series smaller than the fierce 3000? What is the shimano line comparable to the fierce?

Pier#r, what do you use on the pier? I've seen you land some nice specks on a pretty light setup. Is that the 1000 or 2000?

Fierce holds a lot more line.

Difference is it is a horsing reel, rather than smoothness and finesse. Meaning it doesn't work as well with lighter lines. Made to handle stronger fish and hold heavier lines.

Originally Posted by AA

Is the 2000 series smaller than the fierce 3000? What is the shimano line comparable to the fierce?

Pier#r, what do you use on the pier? I've seen you land some nice specks on a pretty light setup. Is that the 1000 or 2000?

Yes, the Penn Fierce 3000 has a line capacity of 250 yards of 6# mono
The Shimano Sahara 2500 has a line capacity of 200 yards of 6# mono

My (current) UL pier setup is a BPS 2000 Tournament Pro with 225 yards of 4# mono


On a 7 foot UL BPS Micro Lite IM-6 graphite rod
Bass Pro Shops® Micro Lite? Graphite Spinning Rods | Bass Pro Shops

Originally Posted by oldfisherman

I use a Penn 430SS reel with a 6 foot light weight rod with a soft tip. It works great on the fall croaker and whiting as well as doing a good job on flounder. I use the same rod on lighted piers in little lagoon for specks and have caught some real hogs with that rig. I also look forward to the fall croaker and whiting because they are fun to catch and great on the table. I try to stock my freezer for the many months to come.

Picked up an old Penn 430SS on ebay. First time to have an old reel, comes with box and manual and looks to be in excellent shape.

Originally Posted by Pier#r

Yes, the Penn Fierce 3000 has a line capacity of 250 yards of 6# mono
The Shimano Sahara 2500 has a line capacity of 200 yards of 6# mono

My (current) UL pier setup is a BPS 2000 Tournament Pro with 225 yards of 4# mono


On a 7 foot UL BPS Micro Lite IM-6 graphite rod
Bass Pro Shops® Micro Lite? Graphite Spinning Rods | Bass Pro Shops

David, are these reels anywhere to be found? If not, any other reel recommendations? I'm looking to get an ultra light rig for November. I'd like a 2000-2500 series.

Probably not any left.
A Shimano Sedona should work fine....