Thread: Ultralight Reel Options

Curious what y'all would go with for some small reels. I have a small Tiny Pinnacle w/4lb test that John Boone gave to me and I want to get another ultralight. What are some options that y'all would suggest?

Thanks!

For me it's all about smooth drag and line capacity. Oh and pri$e
Also if the line roller doesn't turn easily it will give you problems (burn offs) with fast running fish like mackerel and bonita.
A spare spool is a good idea too.

There must be at least 100 ULs that fit that mold for under $50-$75 :yippee:

[size=12pt]I like the Daiwa Black Gold Series BG10 and BG13[/size]

I have an Abu Garcia Cardinal 102i on a Berkly lightning rod. I got the reel for 45% off, but actual cost of the reel on their website is $35 The rod is about $35-40 at Walmart. It is one of my favorite combos. It holds 185-190 yards of 6# test. I have landed 2 small kings on it. Very smooth drag, very smooth reeling(has 5 bearings). I have been using this combo for about a year now. 0 problems, 100% reliability.

shimano stradic ci4 2500

What are you considering ultralight and what are you going to target with it? I ask since opinions and expectations vary. I'm not trying to start a debate on the subject with anyone, in fact if this does start one I won't participate any further. I just want to know what PNG is expecting from a reel and how he intends to use it.
In my opinion and by what I consider ultralight tackle to be; I will tell anyone that, aside from inshore duty, UL tackle for saltwater fishing is a joke. If you look at and want an UL reel in the 4# test and less category then I would suggest looking at reels in the 500 to 1000 size from Daiwa, Pflueger, Quantum and Shimano. They all have models that I have used that I'm impressed with in terms of smoothness, balance and overall quality. I have had other reels from other manufacturers that were good reels but those reels are gone from their current line ups. One of my favorite reels of all time was a 050 Shakespeare Sigma that I cut the bail off of before I ever mounted it on a rod. I like Penn reels and probably the biggest defender of their current reels around these parts, but will tell you they don't know jack when it comes to UL. I guess Penn knows that they're a saltwater company and that UL for saltwater is a joke also. IMO Penn made only one decent UL reel in the 420SS and it was only that, decent not great. Sorry Fierce, Sargus and Battle fans out there, I'm simply not impressed with the Sargus gear train to consider it a good UL reel, it is tough, but not smooth enough.

Now if you consider 6-8# test tackle to be UL, then that change up things considerably for what to expect in terms of ability and the qualities needed to achieve those expectations. This is what I consider light tackle and light tackle has its place in saltwater fishing beyond inshore fishing. In the light saltwater category I would bring Penn into the mix and actually put them on top and start to consider dropping Pflueger from the list of worthy suspects.

Thanks for the input.

I'm using 4lb test now and will more than likely spool whatever I choose with 4lb also, maybe lighter just cause I'm curious. I'll be using it to throw 1/8 and 1/16 oz jig/plastics. And freeline shrimp and such. It'll basically just be for trout.

PNG, I don't have a recommendation on a particular model reel, but I would NOT recommend Pflueger. Now all you Pflueger owners just calm down and let me explain. I repaired freshwater reels for several years and dealt with all major reel companies parts departments. Pflueger's customer service and parts department absolutley sucks! Don't get me wrong, they make a pretty good reel, but if you ever need any parts you might as well just buy another reel. They cost me a couple of customers because they kept sending me the wrong part! Idiots! Also stay away from"combos" because most are made cheap so they can be sold cheap. IMO you can't beat Shimano for overall quality and their customer service is by far the best I have dealt with.

yeah your right UL is kinda odd for me i use 10lb for spanish,sheephead and other small fish on like a 42-4500 penn i like to catch fish and not loose em on 4lb-8lb test i mean its fun but i rather have fish to eat and not go damn i lost em at the pier :headbang: I'm ready for the new spinfisher 5 to come out next month gonna get a little one 1st then the manual pick up next year hope ya find a good reel and have fun mane :eat: