Thread: What's a good ultralight combo for under $50?

Definitely the Shakespeare Micro,and you can get a Shimano IX Series Spinning Reel for 9.99 that's smooth and durable.

Shimano IX Series Spinning Reel | SCHEELS.com

I'm glad you asked. I've never really liked the Shakespeare stuff, but that's my personal opinion (I've not tried the ones mentioned here). The micro series seems to be a graphite composite blank with stainless steel guides. I like the Okuma Celilo ultralight trout rod. It is a graphite blank with aluminum oxide guide inserts. Most of Shakespeare's stuff is inexpensive and a lot of their rods are fiberglass, which is great for strength, but not great for weight or sensitivity. The Celilo is about $30. I am losing fish because I'm used to a stiffer rod and my hook sets are kinda weak.

For reels, I got a Shimano Sienna FG 500 and LOVE it. You need to be using 4 pound (or less) line. The reel is about $30. If you want to use more than 4# test line, go to the 1000 series. That's over your $50 limit for the combo, but with that Shakespeare rod that others have mentioned, it puts you right around the $50 mark.

For the Sienna reel, the FG series has 3+1 ball bearings whereas the FE series had 1+1, so try to get the FG series (they have the red spool). Mine are only a month old, so I can't say how well they hold up over time, but they are silky smooth right now.

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

I like the Okuma Celilo ultralight trout rod.

I had 3 of those rods, and all three the tips broke.

Originally Posted by Techno2000

I had 3 of those rods, and all three the tips broke.

Darn. I like mine. It's a bit on the whippy side, but this is my first foray into ultralight.

I wouldn't worry about it. Catch fish, have fun.

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

Darn. I like mine. It's a bit on the whippy side, but this is my first foray into ultralight.