How to Make Suitable Spinning and Bait Casting Reel Selection For Ultralight Fishing?

Reel selection process is also very important so that it can give satisfaction when fighting the fish. With the advent of more modern ultralight reel it has now become more smoothness, various speed, better gearing, tough shaft, durable entirely, improvise  line roller and smoother reel drag but this has caused the reels selection become more challenging.

ultralight-anglers-kanicen-nix-Spinning-Reel-For-Ultralight-Fishing

What is the important aspect when buying an ultralight reel?

1. Price

Price is very important if you are still in school/college and did not have enough pocket money. If you want a good reel then save some of your pocket money to buy a reel that can give you a sense of satisfaction.

Normally the price of a reel depends on the technology and materials used. Best in technology will definitely higher in price. But there is also a good technology reel with high quality at a very good price. And please note that most reels available in the market is expensive because of their brand.

So, our advice is to find a reel that suits your pocket. Budget reel can be really good sometimes.

2. Target Fish

Choosing a good reel that suits almost all ultralight game is something impossible to do but an overall reel sound more realistic. Most anglers today will have at least 2 reels which they can use either for salt water or fresh water. As long as you can do this then you just need to adjust it to suit your target fish. It’s not only the rod you should match your target fish but also a reel to balance with the rod. No point getting a great rod but the reel is not balance and matching with the rod. The best thing to do is to adjust the reel with a common type of fish you are fishing.

What we normally do is the small size reel for small fish and large reel size for species that have a stronger force.

3. Ultralight Reel Size

Its “ULTRALIGHT” so you got to accept the reel should be as light/small as possible. Period!

Based on experience we would say that reels sizes from 200 to 2000 (shallow spool) are most suitable for ultralight fishing and the maximum drag should balance with the rule of thumb (6lbs) maximum of 2.7kg. It’s not easy to find reels below 2.7kg in the market since most manufacturers produced a 3kg drag reel (it’s the closest to 6lbs) and above because of the demands. But it should be fine to use even if you set the drag to full force since it won’t be a dead drag. Apart from that most reels within these sizes the drag are not solid dead so it hardly do any harm to your setup especially your ultralight rod.

Reels sizes from 200 to 500 normally suitable to combine with rods 6 feet and below since it will nicely balance but do bear in mind it’s also depending on your lines, rod action and other factors as well. This is for you to explore and get the best out of it. As for me I would choose all-rounder reel size of 1000 since it’s well-balanced with most rods.

Small, light and smooth reels will help you cast your baits a good distance. It also reduces stress to the angler when fishing for a long time. Remember the term “ultralight” it means light as possible. It would be great if you can get a shallow spool reels because most are really light and allow you to cast with ease. Whatever your choice is you need to be sensitive and do research so that your setup is balance and matching with your style of fishing.

So to simplify choose a reel based on (kg) drag first then see whether its match and balance with the rest of your setup. Take time to choose a reel that will give you extra feel when you get it right. Also choose based on your budget and slowly upgrade when you’ve gained valuable experiences. Remember the rule of thumb is always 6lbs.

By the way, we do understand normally some will say “we are not going to set the maximum drag” even when using 6kg drag reel. Yeah we do know this. Rules of thumb when setting a drag is around 20%-30% but how many of you know this rule? How many of you will always measure it before fishing trip and will always measure during fishing trip? And why on earth manufacturer producing reels with drag below 3kg? And why not making your life easier by balance and matching it. Solve all the hassle. Easy right?

You see… all these refer to only one conclusion and that is “technology”on the old days and present. And that’s the main reason arguments exist among anglers . There are many other factors but that’s for you to explore and understand it.

Here some of the reels that suit for ultralight fishing that you can use. Below are some of the reels available in the market at estimation price. Drag specifications below we’ve written it as best efforts and if there’s mistakes do let us know so that we can fix it.

Shimano Reels

1. Model: AX ULSA 500 / Harga: RM 90++ / Drag: 2kg
2. Model: Sedona C2000HGS / Harga: RM200-RM220 / Drag: 3kg
3. Model: Sienna FD 500/1000 / Harga: RM90-RM150 / Drag: 3kg
4. Model: Sahara 750FB / Harga: RM235-RM265 / Drag: 2.6kg
5. Model: Stradic 1000FJ / Harga: RM445-RM480 / Drag: 2.6kg
6. Model: Stradic Ci4+ 1000FBHG / Harga: RM700 / Drag: 3kg
7. Model: Stradic Ci4+ 1000FB / Harga: RM670-RM740 / Drag: 3kg
8. Model: Stradic Ci4+ 1000FA / Harga: RM500-RM600 / Drag: 3kg
9. Model: Stradic FK 1000 / Harga: RM480 / Drag: 3kg
10. Model: Stradic Ci4+ c2000s / Harga: RM600-RM780 / Drag: 3kg
11. Model: Soare Ci4+ 500S / Harga: RM800-RM1200 / Drag: 3kg
12. Model: Soare Ci4+ C2000SSPG / Harga: RM800-RM1200 / Drag: 3kg
13. Model: Soare Ci4+ C2000PGSS / Harga: RM350-RM450 (second) RM800++ (NEW) / Drag: 3kg
14. Model: Soare 1000s / Harga: RM350-RM650 / Drag: 3kg
15. Model: Ultegra 1000/1000s / Harga: RM450-RM780 / Drag: 3kg
16. Model: BIOMASTER C2000HGS / Harga: RM600-RM900 / Drag: 3kg
17. Model: Cardiff C2000HGS / Harga: RM950-RM1200 / Drag: 2kg
18. Model: Stella 1000PGSDH / Harga: RM1000+ / Drag: 2kg
19. Model: Nasci c2000s / Harga: RM380-RM480 / Drag: 3kg
20. Model: Symetre 500FL / Harga: RM220-RM260 / Drag: 3kg
21. Model: Nexave 1000FD (NEW) / Harga: RM120-RM140 / Drag: 2kg
22. Model: Sedona SE1000FI / Harga: RM200-RM220 / Drag: 3kg
23. Model: Nasci 1000s / Harga: RM370-RM380 / Drag: 3kg
24. Model: Sahara 500HG (JDM) / Harga: RM230 / Drag: 2.5kg
25. Model: FX/AX 1000FB / Harga: RM50-RM70 / Drag: 2kg
26. Model: Aernos 1000FB / Harga: RM210-RM230 / Drag: 3kg
27. Model: Elf C2000S / Harga: RM230-RM240 / Drag: 3kg
28. Model: Sienna 1000FE / Harga: RM150-RM170 / Drag: 3kg
29. Model: ALIVIO 1000FD / Harga: RM95 / Drag: 2kg
30. Model: Catana 1000FC / Harga: RM155-RM180 / Drag: kg
31. Model: Sedona 500FD / Harga: RM130-RM150 / Drag: 3kg
32. Model: Sahara SH500FE / Harga: RM220-RM260 / Drag: 2.5kg
33. Model: ELF 1000S / Harga: RM300-RM450 / Drag: 3kg
34. Model: Aernos XT 1000S / Harga: RM220-RM240 / Drag: 3kg
35. Model: Nexave 1000FC / Harga: RM180 / Drag: 3kg
36. Model: Nexave 1000RC / Harga: RM200 / Drag: 3kg
37. Model: Nasci 500HG / Harga: RM-RM / Drag: 2.5kg
38. Model: Aernos XT(model lama) / Harga: RM135 / Drag: 3kg
39. Model: TwinPower1000PGS (2015) / Harga: RM900-RM1180 / Drag: 3kg
40. Model: TwinPowerC2000S (2015) / Harga: RM900-RM1180 / Drag: 3kg
41. Model: Biomaster 1000 (2004) / Harga: NA / Drag: 3kg
42. Model: Biomaster 1000s (2011) / Harga: NA / Drag: 3kg

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Daiwa Reels

1. Model: Revros 1003R/2000R / Price: RM150-RM200 / Drag: 2kg
2. Model: Crest 1000 / Price: RM155-RM175 / Drag: 2kg
3. Model: D-Spin 500B / Price: RM55-RM75 / Drag: 2kg
4. Model: BG 1500 / Price: RM300 / Drag: 2kg
5. Model: Laguna / Price: RM130-RM160 / Drag: 3kg
6. Model: Steez type 1 ( 1025 ) / Price: RM1600 / Drag: 2kg
7. Model: Sweepfire 500B / Price: RM80-RM105 / Drag: 3kg
8. Model: Presso Iprimi 1503 / Price: RM600-RM800 / Drag: 2kg
9. Model: Certate 1003 (2016) / Price: RM1800-RM2200 / Drag: 2kg
10. Model: Certate 2004 (2016) / Price: RM1200-RM1500 / Drag: 2kg
11. Model: Certate 2506 (2016) / Price: RM1250-RM1500 / Drag: 3kg
12. Model: Certate 2506 (2016) / Price: RM1270-RM1500 / Drag: 3kg
13. Model: Luvias 1003 (2015) / Price: RM900-RM1100 / Drag: 2kg
14. Model: Luvias 2004 (2015) / Price: RM910-RM1100 / Drag: 2kg
15. Model: Luvias 2506 (2015) / Price: RM950-RM1100 / Drag: 3kg
16. Model: 14 Presso 1025 / Price: RM1450-RM1550 / Drag: 2kg
17. Model: 14 Presso 2025 / Price: RM1300-RM1450 / Drag: 2kg

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Quantum Reels

1. Model: Smoke 10 / Price: RM540-RM690 / Drag: 3kg

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Ryobi Reels

1. Model: Mini Power 500 / Price: RM160-RM200 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Kiki 500/800 / Price: RM135-RM165 / Drag: 3kg
3. Model: Spiritual 500 / Price: RM140-RM150 / Drag: 3kg
4. Model: SMURFS 500/800 / Price: RM100-RM130 / Drag: 3kg
5. Model: Krieger 1000 / Price: RM160 / Drag: 2.5kg
6. Model: Spiritual DX 800 / Price: RM155-RM165 / Drag: 3kg
7. Model: Virtus 1000 / Price: RM100-RM130 / Drag: 3kg

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Ajiking Reels

1. Model: Atom II / Price: RM65-RM75 / Drag: 2.7kg
2. Model: Supra 500 / Price: RM75-RM85 / Drag: 2.5kg
3. Model: Barramundi / Price: RM115-RM130 / Drag: 3kg

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Weebass Reels

1. Model: Mini 2016 / Price: RM90-RM100 / Drag: 3kg

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Okuma Reels

1. Model: Safina Noir SFR10 / Price: RM50-RM95 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Ceymar c-10 / Price: RM80-RM130 / Drag: 3kg

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Abu Garcia Reels

1. Model: 300U / Price: RM145-RM165 / Drag: 2.6kg
2. Model: Ultracast II / Price: RM150-RM170 / Drag: 3kg
3. Model: Cardinal II STX 1000S / Price: RM200-RM220 / Drag: 3kg
4. Model: Cardinal 100U / Price: RM160-RM200 / Drag: 3kg
5. Model: Abu Cardinal STX5 & STX10 / Price: RM160-RM180 / Drag: 3kg
6. Model: Silver Max 1000H / Price: RM150 / Drag: 3kg
7. Model: Cardinal SX5 & SX10 / Price: RM120-RM140 / Drag: 3kg
8. Model: Promax 2000 / Price: RM190 / Drag: 3kg
9. Model: Promax 1000 / Price: RM150 / Drag: 3kg
10. Model: Blackmax MBAXSP10 / Price: RM140 / Drag: 3kg

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Tokushima Reels

1. Model: TY800 / Price: RM80-RM90 / Drag: 2.5kg
2. Model: TM800 / Price: RM80-RM90 / Drag: 3kg

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Tica Reels

1. Model: Cetus SS500 / Price: RM80-RM120 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Cetus SE500 / Price: RMRM150 / Drag: 3kg
3. Model: Cetus GCA 800 / Price: RMRM130 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Cetus SB500 / Price: RMRM130-150 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Cetus LE500 / Price: RMRM50-80 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Cetus LF500 / Price: RMRM50-80 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Cetus GV500 / Price: RMRM50-80 / Drag: 3kg

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KEWL Reels

1. Model: Eevee 800 / Price: RM75-RM85 / Drag: 3kg

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Santec Reels

1. Model: Bone 500 / Price: RM90 / Drag: 3kg

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Relix Reels

1. Model: Sapphire 750 / Price: RM80 / Drag: 3kg

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Pioneer Reels

1. Model: PT SR-500L / Price: RM60-RM75 / Drag: 3kg

————-

Pflueger Reels

1. Model: 500 Microspin / Price: RM70-RM90 / Drag: 3kg
2. Model: Trion / Price: RM160 / Drag: 3kg
3. Model: Purist / Price: RM280 / Drag: 3kg
4. Model: President Limited Edition / Price: RM295 / Drag: 3kg

and many others.

For those who want to use Bait Casting Reel (BC) as finesse fishing for Ultralight game then you can use this:

1. Daiwa Presso (Max Drag – 2lb)
2. Shimano Cardiff DC 50s/51s (Max Drag – 2.5kg)
3. Shimano Stephano Finnese (Max Drag – 3kg)
4. Daiwa Pixy Yellow (Max Drag – 3kg)
5. Daiwa Pixy Red (Max Drag – 3kg)
6. Daiwa Pixy Silver Mica (Max Drag – 3kg)
7. Daiwa Dynastar 150L (Max Drag – 3kg)
8. Abu ambassadeur 1500c (Max Drag – 3kg)

There are lots other reels available or will be available in the market. You just need to google it.

Arguments can never stop between spinning and BC users. Whatever your arguments is please understand the terms ultralight is actually start from spinning. For bait casting (BC) is referred as finesse fishing or also known as BFS which means lures presentation / adjusting your setup (lures, reels, lines) for the target fish. BFS can vary in poundage and is not included in line classification of 6lbs. But ultralight line classification remains 6lbs as a rule of thumb.

Lots of experience anglers able to cast out 2g lure with BC reels of 5kg drag or more but does that mean it falls under ultralight classification? Nope it’s not because the rule of thumb is 6lbs so everything got to balance and match. What is the point the manufacturer giving the reel specifications but not following it? And yeah you can control the drag but again what is the point doing that where getting a suitable reel that will give you more thrills, better challenge and fair game? And how many of you will never use thumb to stop fish from running away? Doesn’t this add more weight / pressure where it will surely add more force than the reel drag? So, where is the logic its ultralight when you thumb it?

Whatever the reason is just ask yourself is it balance and match to use 7kg drag reels with 6lbs line? If you’re looking for satisfaction then you need to make sure everything is properly matched. Many still confuse with ultralight spinning and BFS bait casting. BFS is really wide to explain but it was created especially for the target fish and lure presentation as the basis. So, don’t mix it with ultralight. If you want to use BC then make sure to follow the same rule of thumb which is 6lbs.

4. Matching & Balancing

When you purchase a reel make sure it’s well-matched with the rod and line that you bought. Make sure you understand the reel specification before deciding to buy one. Usually, you have to understand the given line recommendation so that it matches the game that you are looking for. Make sure the reel drag measured is not over 6lbs if not the percentage you break the line or rod is high.

Matching the whole things is not easy as you think and for me to put it into words also kind of hard because it needs soul to really understand this. But don’t worry because through experience you will soon learn how to tune. The more you fish the better exposure you will get. And then you will learn what reel to go with what rod and what line based on your target fish and your fishing area.

spinning-reel-combination

5. Reel Types

When buying a reel you need to know whether you want to use it for salt water or fresh water or for some cases both. This is important as not all are suitable for all types of water.

Reels must be properly maintained. Not all reel suitable for all uses, but if you are sensitive in maintenance then you can use it for all kind of fishing game. Reel selection for the intended game is very important because it will bring the best in the game and this is where you get the satisfaction. Choose a reel that allows you to cast the lures with ease and have smooth drag system.

6. Drag

Drag system is one of the most important elements in the reel. If the drag is not smooth it will not give neatness when handling fish. When the drag is not good it will cause the main line breaks easily because there’s uneven force (pressure) which can make the main line break with a shock. Smooth drag can provide a great fight with the fish and at the same time it does not harm the rod, reel and also the line.

Smooth drag that balance with the rod and line strength able to give the maximum satisfaction when fighting a fish even if the drag has been fully tightened. Avoid using a reel with a drag that is choppy when fully tightened. This will give the burden to the rod and main line. In worse case when a rod getting a continuous choppy shock (in-balance pressure) it may cause the rod to break. You are lucky if the line break first.

7. Spool

It is important avoid buying a reel that has deep and narrow spool. It can cause issue like line tangle as the line not flowing out from the spool smoothly because lots of friction on the spool itself. Distance also normally affected. Reel sizes from 200-500 usually give this kind of issues.

If you can afford to buy a reel with shallow spool then it will solve most above issues. You will have more fun because allow you to cast out any lures easily. However, the setback not many reels with shallow spool available in the market and even if it’s available it’s really going to drain your pocket. This is where we have to tolerate and choose a reel that has semi-shallow spool which normally price is within affordable range. In the end what really matters is we able to enjoy the game.

8. Gears & Bearings

The smoothness of a reel depending on the bearings and gears. This is the main difference when fighting a fish. Reel with more bearings decide the smoothness where it reduce the friction between moving parts and while gearing connects the handle to the spool to make a smooth round helping to keep reel moving under loads created from drag and winding.

So, more bearings or fewer bearings better?

spinning-reel-parts
spinning-reel-parts

spinning-reel-gears

Of course the reels with more bearings because it will spin smoother than the less bearing reel. But do take note that NOT all reels with more bearings reflect the quality but most normally are smooth. Even best reels if you are not maintaining it properly it will stop working right.

Avoid buying a reel that has plastic gears. You should never invest even if it’s expensive reel. Don’t ever be satisfied with the investment for the reel with plastic gears.

Conclusion

To be a successful angler with good catches you need to make sure the combination of reel, rod and main line must be rectified. If you want to hunt for a Indo-Pacific Tarpon then make sure the setup is suitable for tarpon so that you can enjoy the game. Reel with max of 2.7kg with line between 2lbs to 4lbs and moderate action rod with 1lbs-6lbs will be ideal to make a Indo-Pacific Tarpon trip.

Knowing what to do when buying a reel is very important for real satisfaction. Examples Reel A is able to fight mega-sized fish but the main line that was used breaks many times. Many do not realize that not necessarily mainline giving a problem, sometimes drag reel that not smooth also affecting and stress the line to break easily. Normally, it happens after using it for quite sometimes. While Reel B which has a smooth drag able to fight and land a mega-sized fish without breaking the lines. Anyway, this is an example.

Making a wise choice for the targeted species and fishing location is the most important factors when choosing a reel. When you understand the target fish it will help you to choose the best reel. Make sure all the setup such as rod and mainline is in accordance with the reel. Balancing and matching concept has to be taken into consideration because this is the only way to protect your sensitive setup from damage and at the same time it will allow you to get the maximum satisfaction.

Note:

All information given is based on a best efforts to express our opinions and knowledge that has been acquired. Paragraph or inappropriate words may have been used and it is out of control because we have tried most wisely. If you have suggestions, please comment. We will make changes.

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