Ultra Light Fishing Tackle
Ultra-light fishing tackle is enjoying an increase in popularity for many reasons. Many fishermen, trouters included, are learning to enjoy the sport of catching and release, rather than just creeling fish for the fry pan.
Realizing that the lighter the tackle the more ultimate the thrill of fighting a fish, anglers sought ultra-light fishing tackle. These ultra-light outfits run the gauntlet and encompass both light and ridicuously light outfits. The tackle manufacturer's aiming to please the fishing public, gave them what they desired.
Spinning reels were developed of light weight metal and in miniature sizes for reduction of weight. They were stripped of unnecessary attachments again for weight reduction. The tackle industry came up with a spinning rod weighing not over an ounce and barely over four feet in length. Gossamer-like monofilament line was added to the ultra-light reel, and lures weighing but a few grains came into being.
Why Ultra-Light Spinning?
Ultra-light spinning was designed to answer a definite need among fresh water anglers. Conventional tackle was sometimes too husky, ruining the sport of catching small fish; or it could not properly deliver the lure to a wary fish without spooking it.
The line decides if an outfit will be an ultra-light one. It's the line that delivers the lure, and deceives and holds the fish. The line also determines the size and weight of the lure or bait to be cast. Four pond test monofiliment is usually standard.
When using lines for such tackle, certain precautions should be taken. A tiny nick in these fragile lines will reduce the strength greatly, making it near impossible to catch a fish. Check the line frequently; always discard the first two or three feet after you catch a fish and befor each new trip; and change the line on the spool a few times each season.
Although ultra-light spinning tackle will never take the place of conventional spinning outfits, they do open a whole new field for the angler. Small fish, even trout, hooked on this delicate rod, are the ultimate in sport and test an anglers skills at fighting a fish. For the angler who has tried just about everything else, ultra-light spin fishing can lay before him a whole new fishing concept.
Not to be outdone, the fly rod man has seen the sport this new trend provides and he, too, has turned to the ultra-light outfit. Ultra-light fly tackle, however, presents a problem, for the shorter the rod, the more difficult it is to cast. It's no fun hanging a fly in your ear!
Ultra-Light Fly Fishing
Ultra-light fly rods average a mere ounce or two in weight and barely reach five or five and a half feet in length. Rod butts are stripped of metal reel seats for weight reduction and the entire rod is slenderized. Fly reels are nothing more than a mere skeleton of a conventional-sized fly reel.
Ultra-light tackle, be it fly or spinning gear, has its decided limitations. It is perfect for still-water lake and pond angling, and for quiet runs in creeks, rivers, brooks, and streams. But for fast water fishing astream, it is practically useless. The extreme light weight outfit is so light, it will usually fail to hook and hang a fish in these heavy waters.
On the other hand, when waters are low and dainty lures are required, these ultra-light outfits can present lures and baits delicately and provide an exciting extra-curricular pastime that's very rewarding.
