Five Things You Should NEVER DO While Ultralight Fishing!

[@gailreineke7186]

I’ve fished all my life, and am 65, but have just in the past year or two, been fishing with ultralight gear. I enjoy it. I find it’s especially satisfying because I’m a bank fisher. Or off a pier or boat dock. I’ve learned quite a bit from watching your videos and Creek Fishing Adventures. Thanks for the reminders and for the great content.

[@FishAnything]

Thank you for watching! Glad to hear you are enjoying ultralight fishing from bank. Definitely a great way to increase your odds and catch more fish :)

[@jonhammes6209]

My wife and I creek fish with ultralights almost every weekend. I discovered your videos and your lures last spring. Wow what a season we had! We literally caught 100's of fish last summer and fall! Our best season fishing yet! Can't wait until spring

[@jscott1320]

I fish with my wife too!

[@FishAnything]

That is so cool you guys! So happy the videos have been helping you out on the water. Exactly why I do this stuff :)

[@ikazukison2]

what did you do with a hundred ultralight fish?

[@Jaxon7719P]

I fish witch my mom :)

[@chriscook215]

I divorced mine

[@rogerharvey1698]

I’ve always loved ultra light gear, and in the fall, when I’m slip bobber fishing minnows for ‘toilet seat’ slab crappies I invariably hook into big pike. The past few years I landed the majority of them. Couple of tips to guys that hook into 30+” pike on ultra light. DON’T EVEN ATTEMPT TO HORSE THEM!!!! Set your drag a little light! If the fish goes on a run just let it go, it will tire. As you begin to work it toward the net, don’t pull, rather “steer it”. If you sense the fish is going to break the water and thrash, relax tension. And remember, that the first attempts to net the fish almost always sends the fish on yet another run. Then once it’s landed, try to keep the fish in the water, and take the time to revive it fully. Playing a fish like that is really rough on the fish.

[@FishAnything]

Excellent tips, Roger!!

[@poimendave9536]

Love the tip on closing the Bale by hand instead of using the crank to eliminate line twist. I’ve never heard of this or done it that way until NOW. Thank you Ethan your a fishing Guru.

[@FishAnything]

I am glad that helps! Not a lot of people think about that but it can be super helpful. I know from experience lol

[@stephen579]

It's great to see another angler who winds in with the right hand, I am constantly being questioned about why I do this.

[@FishAnything]

Do what is comfortable for you :)

[@crazyburkey3677]

I've always reeled in with my right hand, my father did as well even though he was left handed, I'm right handed

[@gotnokush]

Dude I just put 10 lb test and a half Oz chatter bait on my ultra lite😂😂😂 seen this video and took the line off immediately. 5lb test going back on and smaller lures. Rookie here. Thanks for the advice. When you're on a kayak you try and eliminate unnecessary problems and this could have been one. Thanks again

[@FishAnything]

Glad it helped! A 1/2oz chatterbait could snap a rod in half :D

[@gotnokush]

@@FishAnything newbie issues. That's why I'm on your channel lol. Gotta learn.

[@valentinmalinin]

As an avid ultra light fisherman I can say those are great tips and not only for ul fishing, but in general. Btw, nice rod selection, Blue Currents are dope!

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Valentin, glad you agree! And yeah, that Blue Current is a great little rod.

[@losingbigfish9473]

Great video some good reminders not to do one thing to add right rod for right spot. bringing too long of a rod to a spot that can handle it where there’s trees or brush.

[@FishAnything]

Definitely. I prefer short rods in areas with lots of cover/overhanging trees. Flipside I like longer rods when fishing open water with certain applications where I want to move a lot of line quickly.

[@michael1529]

Great tips. Bank fishing with ultralight is the bomb. You are absolutely correct on everything you said. Thanks for the reminders

[@FishAnything]

Thank you!!

[@shelleyb.1522]

I'm 63, have had an ultra light since the 70s. Thanks for getting me back into it. I fish saltwater.

[@FishAnything]

Awesome! Such a fun way to catch fish :)

[@TimHaunFishing]

Great advice for newer anglers, excellent reminder to seasoned anglers. Good video my friend

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Tim!! Tight lines :)

[@frankcornacchia8637]

Great tips! I've busted at least two rods using the 'high stick' method...ugh! I always close my bail by hand because I always figured there's only so many times you can slam that bail down using the handle before something breaks...I have a few 30-plus year old spinning reels (Shimano) that I've always treated like that and they still serve me well.

[@FishAnything]

Darn right, Frank. Treat your gear properly and it will last a long long time. And I am sorry to hear you busted a few rods high sticking them. Hopefully that never happens again for you!

[@mwaym4490]

Never heard of closing the bail by hand, but I always have twist and looping problems.... thank you for the tip !!

[@FishAnything]

Hope it helps!

[@shawneldridge4465]

🎣 here are the ounces that I use when I'm fishing, I would say nothing more than up to a weight of a nickel give or take. 1/16 oz. 1/24oz. 1/32 oz. 1/64 oz and 2/32 oz. These are good for trout fishing, panfishing and even great for crappies as well. Been using these for years now Great tips and information right here, especially for those who are just starting out. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@FishAnything]

Darn right! You and I have similar style :)

[@shawneldridge4465]

@@FishAnything 👍🏻👍🏻

[@shelumielbatasin-in4715]

im a beginner and im from the philippines. thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@FishAnything]

Thanks for watching. Tight lines :)

[@Larry77777]

Hey Ethan: Great warnings, well explained! I avoid high sticking completely on my kayak by using short rods only.

[@FishAnything]

That is a great way to do it. More portable and easier to manage landing fish!

[@team3d180]

Gonna get me a 6'6 celilo and im new to fishing as it is, thank you for helping me not destroy my rod! :)

[@Economics-rn3ef]

I lost your channel. Got into ultralight fishing only watching this channel. Caught what was probably the biggest bass of my life yesterday on my Shakespeare Durango 5'0 ultralight, Castking Zephyr with 4lb test. But I didn't have anything to measure him with. Glad I found your channel again.

[@FishAnything]

I am happy you found it again! I am even happier that you caught a giant bass on an ultralight! Heck yeah :)

[@logannewman4532]

This makes me want to get down in the weeds with discussion on static loads vs dynamic loads. I will say that my hand lining ability has improved due to the amount of tenkara/keiryu fishing I do. There is a whole conversation that can be had about training yourself to quickly grab a fish. There is a physical discipline that has to be turned into muscle memory. Being able to quickly reach and firmly and safely grab the fish with no hesitation is very valuable but requires practice.

[@FishAnything]

Definitely a lot of physics to the sport of fishing. And yeah, experience is king for all of these tips.

[@boar211]

These are all great reminders. I know all these things, but sometimes fail at them in the moment. Great video sir! (as always)

[@FishAnything]

I definitely grab the line a lot. I know it is wrong but it is sometimes the easiest option.

[@stevereinitz2176]

Definitely agree with a previous comment. A video on setting reel drags would be awesome! Great channel

[@FishAnything]

I will try to talk about it in a future video. I don't have much of a rhyme or reason, mostly just go by feel and experience.

[@paulmajor5585]

@@FishAnything how does one know if the drag is locked down all the way?

[@peterolbrisch8970]

I lock down the drag and backreel everything I've ever caught. This makes your reel more like a winch. When you hook one you keep that rod tip high. You're in effect using the rod to fight the fish instead of the reel. Also when a fish can spin the handle you know it's a good one. This is considered old school, but let me tell you, if you have never backreeled in a fish, you don't know what you're missing, it's incredibly fun.

[@FishAnything]

I have been meaning to do this. Thanks for the reminder!

[@peterolbrisch8970]

@@FishAnything Let me know how you like it or if you need any help. Good luck! And thanks for your reply and have a great day!

[@chawalitwisitpongpiboon3257]

As newly on ultralight, all you said is all my done. Thank you for suggestion.

[@freeroamer9146]

Good physics lesson on line and rod. Very applicable! 👍

[@FishAnything]

Thank you! Tight lines :)

[@logannewman4532]

Drag is music. I love the attention to detail many reel manufacturers seem to put into getting a certain sound from their drag system.

[@FishAnything]

I love the sound of a screaming drag. My Procyon LT 1000 has my favorite drag out of all my setups. Something about it just sounds right.

[@logannewman4532]

@@FishAnything First time I took apart a Daiwa reel I giggled a bit at how they very intentionally turned it into a small bell. There is a very bright "ting" to each click when the drag starts to slip. Very nice sound.

[@DavidBrown-rc6bv]

Nice video on 5 mistakes on ultralight fishing. I must admit I did a couple of those do not do and fortunately I didn't lose a fish or break my pole. Thanks again

[@kenappleby8481]

Great tips. Yup, grabbing the line has cost me both my mule jigs plus that pan fish...happens nearly every time I grab that light line.

[@FishAnything]

We all do it haha

[@bluesguitarfire]

Very well articulated and a great video!!

[@FishAnything]

🤠👊🏽 thank you!

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

Great video, useful information, not only for a new angler but also good reminders for everyone.

[@FishAnything]

Thanks for the kind words! Tight lines

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

@@FishAnything Right back at you!

[@colintonks4060]

the amount of times i've tangled due to turning the handle .... great tip

[@FishAnything]

Glad it helps 👊🏼🤠

[@jadrankodolovcak627]

Nice explained, and affect all fishing today, we are all using today as light equpment as we could. Slow jigging on this light rods is very similar with UL.

[@eagletalon6240]

Ah hard lessons...those were fun and costly I gotta get better at closing the bail manually thanks for the reminder. Tight lines

[@FishAnything]

Happy to help! Yeah, the manual closing of the bail becomes extremely fast once you create muscle memory. And it reduces so much line twist in the long run.

[@vegetablejoe2389]

Great content/reminders. I always have an UL set up with me every time I go out. Simply the best.

[@FishAnything]

Can't hit the water without at least one UL :) Thanks Joe!

[@TheVTRainMan]

Good suggestions. I have been using UL fishing gear since I got my first kayak. It's so much easier to manage. But, I think the first thing I would recommend, is the correct line weight. I stick to 4-8lbs and maybe 10lb max for braided. Out of necessity/desperation, I tried 20lb line on an ultralight reel. It won't cast correctly, you can't spool up as much line, and I find that mono usually increases line loops and twists that creates rats nests because it is too tightly wound up on those small spools. Lastly, the thick line is hard to tie onto light tackle. TBH, It feels terrible. But, more than anything you will inevitably break your rod trying to break free of a snag. ;)

[@FishAnything]

100% agree. I typically use 2lb mono or 6lb braid personally. Tight lines, Roger!

[@turtlepoi]

ALWAYS fully relax the drag on your reel when in storage. leaving them tight is what causes surging in reels that were previously nice and smooth.

[@FishAnything]

Good tip! Thank you!

[@jasamnono]

I got ultra light ugly stik and i can throw max 7g lures which is 1/4oz, i usually trow cranckbaits and topwater lures, and i rareley pass double of that, my rod never had signs of braking and im throwing as much lighter spoons, frogs and cranckbaits as possible. I got a Trabucco Kronos SFX 2000 reel and it has a good drag. I still would like your opinion on this. Very good video!

[@cpsullivan69]

Great and helpful advice! I got distracted by the Hop Lot shirt. I was up that way for business a while back and got to stop there. The 90 MPH Backwards is amazing! (I still have dreams about that beer! :) ) Fish Anything!...with beer! :)

[@FishAnything]

Haha heck yeah man. Hop Lot has such a cool brewery! Such a cool spot to relax outside and have a cold one. And yeah their beer is fantastic. Not sure I tried that one though 🥲🤠

[@MiguelRodriguez-zi4sl]

Really Awesome to see you again doing well! Thanks 👍

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Miguel. Hope all is well :)

[@ikazukison2]

thank you for warning about highsticking, I'm very new and very green

[@FishAnything]

Best of luck! Let me know how else I can help :)

[@JujuPig-vz5mq]

Thanks for these tips.

[@FishAnything]

👊🏽🤠👊🏽 thanks for watching!

[@user-gu4lg4ch1x]

Thank you for the great advice 😊

[@FishAnything]

Hope it helps :)

[@jbates1463]

I always carry a dock demon deluxe paired with a pflueger president micro in my tool box of the truck. sounds crazy but its an amazing combo. those dock demons are tough as nails and paired with a decent UL reel is a great combo. Thanks for sharing !

[@FishAnything]

I have been meaning to fish with one of those! Thanks for sharing :)

[@donnamessick8684]

Learned a bunch from your video (1st one I’ve seen). I really enjoy fishing with the Dock Demon and have caught big Bluegill or Redear - up to 9” so far!! And that’s just w a bobber& earthworm!

[@lrakwons9799]

People laugh at me when I have the dock demon sometimes but I loveee it. Nice casts when you change the reel like you said. Probably the rod I’ve caught most fish on outta the ones I own

[@billbohobo3633]

This is an awesome video. I've only been fishing with ultralight rod and reel for couple years. I didn't know about the drag. I actually have been locking it down. I've got a question though in terms of the reel and a smooth drag that may be something I am actually lacking. Can you recommend an inexpensive ultralight reel?

[@FishAnything]

Daiwa has some of the best reels for a budget price. I enjoyed their Daiwa Revros LT 1000 on the lower side of things.

[@lighttacklekayaking7247]

Hey Ethan Great advice and nicely presented. Very helpful information. Tight lines. Kevin

[@FishAnything]

Thank you Kevin! Tight lines and Happy Thanksgiving :)

[@CampWaffleStomper]

Fantastic tips as always! Thanks Ethan!

[@FishAnything]

Thank you!

[@shahrulaiezam924]

can reel size 3000 use for UL? cuz i have one 3000 reel and 1 ul rod lying around so might as well use it, but i dont know if its match

[@FishAnything]

Ehhh that’s a bit large for ultralight applications. I’d steer away from it personally.

[@haldasinger6440]

good tips . . . I see people reaching for the middle of the rod all the time. I think it's just something they see others do on videos and subconsciously add to their techniques . . . but as you point out it changes the physics of the rod in a bad way

[@FishAnything]

Thanks for watching! Broken rods are not fun - I would not advise it lol

[@RoyMcAvoy]

Thank you for the tips. I just started fishing and ul is my choice.

[@FishAnything]

Heck yeah Roy! You will love it :)

[@jimcastillo8950]

Hello, can i use 1/4 oz when the rod only goes up to 3/16 oz? thanks

[@FishAnything]

You probably can but I’d just be mindful of the fact that you’re casting on the high side so don’t cast it super hard

[@shadowscion]

Does the weight rating include everything attached to it (bobbers, swivels, etc)? A weighted 2" cigar float, trout magnet grub + jig together is around 6 grams (~.2oz). Tiny, yet still pushing it. What about things like wacky rigs that I have seen you use? A senko weighs like 10 grams (.35 oz). For that matter I can't imagine a nightcrawler weighs any less than that.

[@FishAnything]

The ratings account for the total weight. I wouldn't stress it a ton if you go a little over but just don't cast it super hard. A slight loft works :)

[@calebprice304]

Love your videos. Just got my order in. I can’t wait to fish them

[@FishAnything]

Go get them, Caleb!!!

[@davidb4122]

Thinking of getting a bass pro Microlite elite as my second trout setup, should I

[@FishAnything]

I haven’t used it! I have heard several people recommend it though.

[@davidb4122]

@@FishAnything Ok thanks ! I’ll have to look into it though

[@pauls3616]

Thanks for the video. Great tips and advice for sure. 👍

[@FishAnything]

Thanks Paul!

[@stanwright8583]

Good advice... I no longer fish with 1# test and 2# test line... I have trouble seeing the line to tye the knots... 🤣🤣🤣 it's 4# test line for me these days.

[@FishAnything]

Lol I feel that!

[@GregPodster133]

Thanks for sharing this video. 🙌 🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@FishAnything]

Hope it helps!

[@johnkeynes8873]

Thanks for the good advice. 😊

[@FishAnything]

Hope they help :)

[@jamescooper2618]

Good points.

[@FishAnything]

Thanks James!

[@imperialwhovian3461]

Would grabbing a good braided line really cause it to break? While I’ve never fished ultra light I’ve never had line break on me by grabbing it and I usually only use 8-10 lb line

[@FishAnything]

Braid is probably a lot more forgiving due to the sheer strength. That being said, if you grab it, it will definitely create some opportunity for the fish to create slack line and shake the hook.

[@oldeschoolbob1022]

Thank you, Ethan. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@FishAnything]

Same to you Bob :)

[@danthompson1467]

All great points and I probably done them all lol good luck with the snow ❄️

[@FishAnything]

I wouldn't be able to make this video if I hadn't done all of these myself haha Happy Thanksgiving, Dan!

[@nicklloyd9165]

Confession I did #4 the other day... lost the lure, the fish. Great advice!

[@FishAnything]

Live and you learn! Tight lines Nick :)

[@nicklloyd9165]

@@FishAnything Some days you win and some days you learn.

[@taylorhill6747]

Have you ever tried fishusa flagship ultralight? I have been looking at them and they look like a very strong backbone and flexible tip.

[@FishAnything]

Never heard of it until now but I will give it a look!

[@stanferris1974]

thank you for telling people about the lure rating it hurts me to see a rod that has caught lots of different size fish for me over years get a bad review because someone was using to big of lures for the rig they have right up there with people using way to big Pound test line it doesn't make fishing easier

[@najroe]

i have caught Salmon well above 10kg with UL equipment, not intentionally, but I frequenyly fish on a river with salmon among the species, and at times I catch a Salmon, if handled gently they rarely make those high intensity fights and can be brought into the net surprisingly gently, it is almost as if the gentle pressure is not registered. I can't say I land them all, but that goes for any type of equipment.

[@stephenballard3759]

You know i'm an absolute panfish and ultralight nerd. And the one skill I have never really developed is catching lots of big bluegill, etc.In cold weather. I mean I can do it through the ice, But really early spring and fall are tough for me. Sometimes I even resort going trout fishing if you can imagine. Any chance I could talk into doing a video about that?

[@Localgreen445]

I’m kinda dumb can you use a 1/8 lure on a 1/16to1/32 ounce rod

[@FishAnything]

I mean, you can, but I wouldn’t recommend going too much heavier than the rod’s ratings.

[@johnloxley8705]

Love watching this video … the one thing I think that sticks out in my mind is when I cast out I use the real handle to engage the Bale arm …. never thought of actually manually closing it and come to think of it I have had line twist on some occasions and maybe this is because I have used my message instead of the one you use. Definitely going to try and get into the habit of doing what you have shown …… I absolutely love using ultralight gear. I mainly fish for perch and Chub … most of which are around about 8oz to 2lb but occasionally come across chub to 5lb and Pike into low double figures so I can’t get away with really low test lines unless I know I’m Fishing an area where there is a lot of small fish. Do you have a video on how to un-snag a lure or any recommendations. Thank you so much and all the best. 😁👍😁

[@FishAnything]

Happy you enjoyed it! To unsnag lures, I often use the bow-and-arrow technique. I don't have it in a video specifically but you basically create tension and snap it back to pop your lure free.

[@johnloxley8705]

@@FishAnything cheers for the information buddy. I will look it up. Much appreciated. 😁👍🎣

[@dafobbishon3]

@Fish Anything thanks for the tips! I'll keep these in mind! I have a quick question for you, what's your go-to knot for ultralights? I notice I keep losing fish because my line snaps at the lure. I'm using 8lbs mono and a 6' medium/light action and drag is not locked at all, I keep the drag fairly light but the fish still seem to snap my line.

[@FishAnything]

Hmmm I am sorry to hear you are dealing with that. I typically tie a standard palomar knot for about 95% of my fishing.

[@zero-uz6ok]

Wet line when cinching knot.

[@st162man]

One other thing to consider for weight limits for a rod is the total weight of the jig with the soft plastic, not the weight of the jig itself.

[@FishAnything]

Yep good point!

[@garrettsgarage4769]

Just got into ultra light, i haven't used any of my other poles since.

[@FishAnything]

That’s how it goes 😂😂 too much fun!

[@brianathern9154]

Great video on what not to do. I've been guilty of at least half or more over the years. I try to remember that when I'm in the moment but it did cost me a favorite 5'6 light action spinning rod. Had the drag cinched down, set the hook on a monster 14 inch pond bass and yep...it exploded. Still kick myself every now and then but lesson learned. Thanks Ethan. Happy Thanksgiving brother

[@Bert.Stanton]

Tip no.6 Never start fishing while your net is still collapsed. Did it yesterday and lost a beautiful 3lb brown trou right at my feet, he gave one last jump while I was trying to open my net with one hand and hopped right off the jig head. I was so annoyed. It was a beautiful fish. Biggest of the day too.

[@FishAnything]

Bummer! Sorry to hear that happened - bet you won't let it happen again!

[@Bert.Stanton]

@FishAnything you're right there dude. First thing I do now is open the net 🤣🤣

[@Landy-i1u]

Pls help asap what length best for ultralight fishing rod pls reply

[@FishAnything]

I personally feel that a 6-foot rod is the most versatile!

[@jasonpullan488]

Just seen this video, one thing I've learned with ultralight rods, if theres a burr or hook on the guide foot, your rod can snap under load as the metal punchers the blank, supposedly "rare" I've had it happen twice, once with a $100NZ rod, and once with a $250NZ rod. Was told it was my fault with the higher price rod (young didn't know much) but stood my ground with the cheaper rod, and got a new one! Lesson; if your ultralight rod beakes at the end or side of a guide ring foot, inspect the guide foot!!!!

[@johnhanes3450]

At the 5:38 mark there is a worm on your jig? New creation? Also, any chance you could ever do a video demonstrating different retrieves for the Mule Minnow?

[@FishAnything]

I intend to do a retrieve video in the future for sure. And I always love how much attention some of you pay in my videos :) It is just a piece of a plastic worm. I think it will work well for perch ;)

[@just_keep_fishing8025]

Don’t forget number 6! Always have some Mule Fishing gear in your arsenal when you hit the water.

[@FishAnything]

I would have been a bit biased to add that, however I tend to agree!! :)

[@pcaravaca]

Great video man ! Thank you

[@FishAnything]

Thank you!

[@Jumajaju811]

I know this was posted a year ago, but I had a big fish, my personal best, the other day and I didn't have my net. I grabbed the line when it got to shore and SNAP! Wish I had seen this 3 days ago 😢

[@FishAnything]

Ugh - that is a bummer! Sorry to hear it!

[@expomm]

Good tips thanks

[@FishAnything]

Hope it helps! Thanks

[@christopherguarnieri7439]

Can you make a video on going over knots you like when using 2lbs monofilament

[@FishAnything]

I will try to cover that eventually, but to tell you the truth, I basically use one knot for 90% of my rigs... Palomar. For leader knots, I do a double uni. And for certain float rigs, I run a loop knot.

[@paulmajor5585]

@@FishAnything have you ever used a micro barrel swivel for leaders?

[@hailholyqueen]

Could someone explain why not hand flipping the bail causes line twist?

[@FishAnything]

When you don't hand flip the bail, you often create some slack line which can form loops on the spool and lead to line twist. Hand flipping the bail ensures the line lays on the spool tightly.

[@Grim-k8r]

FYI that 32 dollar collapsible R2 rod and reel combo, the reel is trash and the rod is good for what it is. A little softer tip than I'm used too but yea. Throw a decent reel on that and you can throw it In you bag. Not bad setup. Always have med to heavy gear so when you find that spot you cnlan come back like me lol.

[@RustyKnorr]

“Don’t grab your line!” Tenkara fishermen…”Hold my beer.”

[@FishAnything]

Lol fair

[@poepflater]

I weigh and write the weight of lures on them directly for easy ID in the field.

[@Brunnen_Gee]

Another one to keep your rod healthy is to never boat flip with it. I'm guilty of doing this one a lot, luckily I haven't broken anything yet as I do it with tiny fish, but it would only be a matter of time.

[@FishAnything]

Yeah that’s a good point!

[@BaronVonSTFU]

How does a half ounce lure damage a rod, but you could have 2lbs test line on the rod as well that theoretically could catch a 2lb fish and that's ok?

[@FishAnything]

2lb line is a breaking strength and does not weight that much or put near that kind of load on a rod blank. Landing a big fish is fine too because the way it loads on the blank and the way you use the reel’s drag system. Casting a heavy lure puts a very different intense load on the rod blank. Not sure how to exactly explain it but hopefully that makes sense.

[@danishdaniel785]

what reel in the thumbnail?

[@FishAnything]

Daiwa Procyon LT 1000

[@jeramyh9344]

Cant believe I missed this video. Just got my Mule Fishing order. Cant wait to land some bass on my Burro Bug and purple jigs.

[@FishAnything]

Heck yes Jeramy! Tight lines my friend 🤠

[@kundetjenesten]

Generally sound advise, but the sad fact is that most rod producers mislabel their products, be it fly rods or spinning rods. I don't encourage anyone to go crazy, but just slightly above the upper limit often makes quite a difference when it comes to loading the rod.

[@tywood8629]

On #2 , is there a good rule of thumb of how to best set your drag? Or is it safe to mess with your drag while having a fish on? and boy, oh boy, #4 is losing fish, time, AND money haha. I need to sharpie that on to the back of my hand or something.

[@FishAnything]

Haha dang right, Ty! As far as drag goes, you can absolutely tighten/loosen it while fighting a fish. Just make sure to keep tension on the fish otherwise you might give them slack while you're messing with your reel. Honestly, I don't have a system. I just go by feel. If it is 2lb test, I know that it needs to peel out pretty low resistance. If it is 6lb braid, I can tighten it down a bit more. etc. etc.

[@robertjones-iv7wq]

Arghh! I deleted a long reply & hit a bad button, lost it all (and I 'oh-so know', you all would have appreciated some of my crap). Been on UL fishing since '72 in beaver ponds, creeks, rivers, blah, blah. My UL gear: reels 5-15 size, a 20 on a 9'glass with Reflex guides (old); rods from 10'6" to 3'. Love them all., can't pick one over the other. Fussy on line though. DAM SensoFlex mono, PLine CX Premium, a flouro-coated mono, because they are very thin for the test rating and will sink (PLine faster than DAM). Braids only on 1 reel, 8# as it floats and I'm fishing dry flies or very shallow water, using 4# flouro leader after a small weighted float. For someone just wanting to get into it, your choices are far wider than almost any angling sport around. A lot of rods are truthfully "crossovers", yet UL actions, ranging from 16' to 3'. Good freakin' luck choosing, but they each have a good reason for being. Reels are a lot easier...Sizes range from 5, 10 to 15 in spinning reels. Absolutely, the drag is THE most important. I still own my first (1972) which is not skirted, all metal and has a wet drag. As I now have a lot of gear, obviously I own some much lighter, newer and very nice stuff, but I still do use that boat-anchor and maintain the drag as needed. It was the very best that could be had back then for its' size, and is still excellent. Ugly Sticks??? I've owned a bunch and got rid of them after my first use. EXCEPT for two!.. A 7' Tiger saltwater casting model rated 50# test & 6oz and, what pertains to this channel, a 7' "Light" casting rod which I paired with an Omega & 6#. It throws 1/16 oz very nicely, and the rod actually BEHAVES which is odd for any Ugly Stik. (I have +/- 100 rods & +/- 100 reels, some rods to $485. The Ugly Stiks are tough, just not NICE. But... my middle brother owns 1 rod, a 4'6" UL Ugly Stik & loves it, and is an exceptionally successful angler. To me it's a wiggly, sloppy noodle.) Excellent channel, excellent guidance.

[@mrstackracks1189]

Bought my first light pole not and ultra light and let me tell ya the best fights ever , running 5.2 seaguar finess line,, Lew's hypersonic

[@FishAnything]

Can't beat it!

[@knobstonestickbows4962]

I'd add that if you get your lure stuck, don't pull on your rod to get it free! Cut your line or free the lure with your hand. Broke 2 ultralight rods learning that the hard way lol

[@FishAnything]

Oooof! Good point!

[@CrucesNomad1]

If I don't brake a rod while fishing, I aint fishing lol. As for drag, you need to be able to gently pull your line and the drag releases line. Had a few reels explode, but never a rod explode. Even in my kayak, I have a net so Im not sling shooting the fish into the yak. Learning how to tie a knot will help you not loose fish by grabbing the line. Im going to out and try to brake my rod tomoorow.

[@pescatoralpursuit1726]

Down South, "high-sticking" means holding the rod angle at less than 90° to the line, or at an angle behind the vertical plane.

[@Melissa-qs8qc]

Thank you 😊

[@skj468]

Woohoo first!

[@FishAnything]

Thanks for the support :)

[@evanlashway329]

I throw a little over the rods limit. Not too much the biggest thing I’ll throw a 1/4 on my pole at best.

[@Trp510]

It may not cast right if you use the lurer that’s too big or small and weight, but it’s not going to break. Think about all the anglers that accidentally maybe caught much bigger fish than they were intending and it didn’t do anything to their rod think about the time you have to snatch it out of a heavy snag. Perfectly fine

[@FishAnything]

I see what you mean, however the load a big fish puts on a rod with properly set drag is a totally different situation than a cast putting a very aggressive load on the blank. Lure ratings definitely exist for a reason, but I do agree there is some flexibility.

[@Trp510]

@@FishAnything I’m positive you know more than me about fishing so we’ll just go with your version lol 👌🏾

[@Kaelland]

Also: Don't cast into the wind. I grew up fishing on a 6 foot rod with an old Zebco 33 or a 6.5 foot rod with a size 3500 spinning reel, either one loaded with 10-pound mono, and no lures lighter than 1/4 ounce on either. I got used to being able to cast into the wind with no problems other than getting a shorter cast. I've recently started fishing with ultralight gear, and any time I've made the mistake of casting into the wind, I've had massive problems with my ultralight spinning reels birds nesting. So yeah, don't cast into the wind.