ultralight rod/reels

want some advice on ultralight rods/reels, like which brands to choose from and what is the best lengths and what is the best store to get them at


thanks aaron

:popcorn
You’ll get plenty of suggestions .
We’ll need to know what you’re fishing for and how you plan on catching them .
Are you looking for something you can buy from a dealer here in the USA ?
Or are you interested in JDM tackle , which is considered to be the ultimate in UL fishing tackle .

:hesaid

okay i want to catch crappie and bluegills on jigs or small crankbaits and either one USA or JDM

My ultralight panfish fishing has evolved over the the last couple of years .
I used to fish all kinds and lengths of rods and have too many that just sit .
Mainly because I have become a jig twitcher .
My favorite combo (right now) is a 6’6” St Croix Avid ultralight rod paired with a Shimano Soare XR 500spg , spooled with 6# Daiwa J Braid x8 , with a 6-8’ P-Line Flouroclear leader .
With this combo I can cast tiny jigs that weigh around 1/64 ounce , up to just under 1/32oz , fifty to sixty-five feet . I use either a Trout Magnet body or a handtied jig of chenille body with rabbit fur tail , usually in black or dark olive .
I catch all species of panfish from bluegills, crappies, bass , to catfish .

A 6’ to 7’ rod will allow you to cast small lures and will handle bigger fish when you hang one . A 500 or 1000 reel will keep the overall weight of your combo light .
I started using the Daiwa J braid , recently because it’s smaller diameter than the 2# Floroclear I use to use . It’s 1.5# test diameter .
The braid took some getting use to , but I’m liking it more every trip .
I hope this helps .
You’ll get a variety of recommendations, because some like short rods , while others prefer longer ones .

It depends on what you want to spend. If you're just wanting to dip a toe into the jdm market check out the majorcraft aji do 1g series on digitaka.com. Great rods that will cost you a little over a hundred dollars. The exchange rates are really good right now. You can get a shimano miravel 1000 for less than 100 dollars and have a great combo.

I can vouch for the Aji-Do 1G. I just got one, and it is amazing. If you are wanting to go a bit less and still have a great rig, the Crappie Max at Bass Pro seems to be a big hit for the past couple of years. Pair that with a Daiwa Legalis or Shimano Sahara in a 1000 or 2000 size and you will be out the door and fishing for around $150. Another great cheap rod with a cult following is the Shakespear Microlite (or something like that) 7 footer you find at Wal-Mart for around $20. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about those rods.