Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Ranger many yrs ago I had a 8' fly rod.
Never got the hang of it.
Wasn't interested in learning.
Made a flat spot on the handle n taped a spinning reel on it
Biggest carp was 15/16".
I could walk around the bank. Made carp fishing fun 👍

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Started with a 8' 5wt fly rod.
Removed handle n seat. Replacement was a spinning rod handle n reel seat.
Finished product is now 8'3" spin fly or fly spin whichever 👍

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ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Thanks Grizz but more than I want to mess with. Think I getting the Fenwick 6' 6" light . Like the looks of them.

rngaston702 Loc: Sacramento

Yes. Ultra light is good for small fish especially trout and panfish.They are rated for smaller and l8ghter lures and jigs. I perfer 7ft or longer to maximize casting distance. My favorite rods are 8ft ultra light Eagle Claw rods. They are excellent for this type of fishing and not expensive. Sometimes hard to find. Walmart.

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Thank you

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

I’ve been fishing ultralight for over 50 years. Originally it was rods 4-1/2’ to 5-1/2’, small reels that weighed less than 7oz., and 2lb test line.
Rods have gotten longer and lighter, Bering made of graphite instead of fiberglass, reels smaller and lighter, and line thinner.
I’ve built several rods from 6’ to 7’ using fly rod blanks sometimes 3 or 4 weight. They seem to be lighter, more flexible, and more backbone.
Everybody has their own preferences. Personally I use 6’ to 7’ ro d depending on the situation. Small reels that I like to keep around 6oz and 2lb test.
My PB was a trout that went 12lb on 2lb test.

fridge Loc: Alger, Michigan

I could say the same thing. The extra length is also useful for having some extra spine in case of a fight with a larger fish. The extra length provides me with more accuracy in my cast.

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Thanks for the infor

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Andy B Loc: East Springfield PA

I fish a 5' $20:00 ul with a pfeugh sp? Tiny reel for perch in the late fall out of my yac . It fits well without rod holders by just laying it down against my leg for a quick snatch and set . Perch caught on this set up are a blast . I'm using 6# leader because just this past November I caught and landed a 15# channel cat and a couple 3+# LM while perch fishing . For me it's all about having fun and finishing up the season . A far cry from my usual "Rippn' Lips" frog rods. I've not encountered a prolonged battle that wore a fish out just get em close to the yac and net them. The UL let's me feel a 11-12"perch and the extra bend allows for some give should something run close to the yac.
I grew up flyfishing and just don't feel the need to slip and fall on slippery rocks anymore, the knees and back do much better in the yac seat.
In conclusion I have come to the realization that my enjoyment of a day on the water fishn' and catching is not determined by the price or overall quality of my rods and reels. My most expensive bait casters are in need of cleaning and repair and my less expensive bait casters are still hauling in 5&6# LM. So guys use whatever makes you happy , comfortable, and fits your personality. I still drag my Bonafide SS127 on a old trailer and pull it with a 2000 Toyota Camry. And I manage to catch a few bass every now and then!! 🤪🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🇺🇲🇺🇲

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Those are some great fish Andy on that UL. Just shows simple is best sometimes. Just looking to upgrade a couple of rods, thanks for the infor and pictures

fool4fish Loc: Anteloppe

You are right about the extra length is an advantage instead of a typical smaller rod. I can cast further, I can also raise my rod to maneuver my line to avoid obstructions or to keep the fish from going in a different direction.
I just purchased a couple of Berkely Trout Lightning rods. 8' UL, Lure 1/32-1/4 oz lure, line 2-6 lb. #BSLR802UL.
These poles are perfect for trout and smaller fish. I would not recommend for bass bc it would be hard to set the hook since the rod is noodley. Very nice looking rod also. Purchased at Walmart for $39.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I concur on the Berkeley Lightning 8'. Best trout rod I have ever owned.

Andy B Loc: East Springfield PA

Nothing wrong with buying "NEW" equipment or anything related to what a guy loves to do. Just a simple purchase of an inexpensive rod or reel as mentioned by many here can get a guy to visualizing being out and fishing. That alone is sometimes worth the money spent especially during the months we're going through now. As a kid just getting a simple piece of fishing equipment before opening day of trout season would send my brain into a flurry of visualized fishing trips . Not much has changed today in that aspect thank goodness. Each person has their "own" way of doing things and I would support anyone's opinion . It's also great that we as a community can discuss our ideas and offer advice to anyone that asks , this makes this site so amazing.
Each style of fishing is different as well as the results and expectations each of us have for enjoyment or success ,from simply enjoying the opportunity to be on the water on a beautiful day and taking in God's creation to perhaps feeling the need to catch numbers and specific sizes.
I have a pile of fishing gear plus I paint plugs and tie flies but yey I'm still itchn' to take a trip to Sportsman's Warehouse to use my X-mass gift card. Sometimes it's just about the journey!!
So thanks so much for everyone's opinions , it's so wonderful to get such a diverse wealth of knowledge to draw from. "Going fishn' is about the journey not the count at the end of the day" Keep safe everyone 🐸🐸🐸🐸🐸🇺🇲🇺🇲

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.