18 replies to this topic

[jackthefish]

Curious what poles you slab anglers use in the spring. I am thinking of getting a new one to replace my store brand cheap-o-combo pole. I can save my shekels over the winter and get something nice.

I was thinking either a short 5' - 5'6" medium action pole with a slower tip, or going ultra-light in the 5'6" - 6' range. I really like what St. Croix has to offer, but they are a shiny penny for something that is going to land fish less than 1lb lol.

This is the time of year where I sit in my den staring at my warm water tackle, scheming!

[NiagaraSteel]

I think ultra lights are tons of fun. 5'6"-6'

[grubman]

Joe check out BPS microlite series rods. I have the 7'6" UL. Sweetest outfit out of all my 8 UL outfits. Pair it up with a Mitchell Avocet II or the Browning Micro lite reel and 4lb line and you be smiling all day.

[FishingNoob]

I have a 5'6 ultra light spinning combo from rapala that works good for panfish and small bass. Truthfully I really enjoy fishing for panfish with a handline, there easy to use and easy to store!

[CanadianAngler87]

Get youtself an ultra light! Great for the pans and really fun to fish walleye with because of their light pick ups.

[shantzez]

I use a 6' Rapala UL Trout Rod, it's super sensitive and has the blank going all the way through the cork handle. I think it's called the "lil brushin' stick"
It's paired with a mitchell avocet 2, great not super expensive setup for panfish, walleye etc.

[jackthefish]

Joe check out BPS microlite series rods. I have the 7'6" UL. Sweetest outfit out of all my 8 UL outfits. Pair it up with a Mitchell Avocet II or the Browning Micro lite reel and 4lb line and you be smiling all day.

The Browning micro-light reel has good reviews on BPS, but I never trust what anybody has to say on that site. Any problems with it? You have me curious about the 7'6" model...

[jackthefish]

Thanks for the replies! I have to say I am leaning towards ultra-light.

[grubman]

No probs with the Browning reel at all, it's on a Browning Medallion 5'6" UL rod. They are a sweet pair. The 7'6" micro has the Mitchell Avocet II, perfect balance there. I would not put the Browning Micro Lite reel on the 7'6", the reel is too small and light for that rod.

Small fish feel big, big fish feel huge, huge fish will break line........lol. I always believe lighter line=more fish, my outfits are proof of that. But lighter line does not = bigger fish.

[Stu59]

I've never been a fan of Ultra Lights, I have a 5'6" bps UL fiberglass rod and I didnt care too much for it. I just came home from BPS and bought the St Croix Premiere in ML 6'6", cant wait to get out and try it! I've always liked having a stiffer rod for when I go for panfish, but its probably because I fish mostly weeds and muck.

[FishingNoob]

I've never been a fan of Ultra Lights, I have a 5'6" bps UL fiberglass rod and I didnt care too much for it. I just came home from BPS and bought the St Croix Premiere in ML 6'6", cant wait to get out and try it! I've always liked having a stiffer rod for when I go for panfish, but its probably because I fish mostly weeds and muck.

I know what you mean. I like my bass poles the same way.

[grubman]

Stu, glass is not where it's at. It's too soft, go graphite. If you're fishing in heavy weeds then a UL is not the place for it. I usually carry 4-5 rods with me when I'm out. Only one is rigged with 8lb line, my heaviest. It gets out fished by my UL. Right place, right time, right rod. I'll take your UL if you don't want it.........lol.

[Stu59]

if you want to come up to richmond hill you can have it! im not gonna say its a waste of money when i bought it but its just not really my style i guess. I have a pile of old tackle that I am going to give away as soon as I finish going through all my tackle bags and boxes, so stay tuned for that as well

[AnglerAnonymous]

Glass is good for fast moving baits like spinner baits, jerkbaits, crankbaits.

delays your hook set so the fish will have a chance to take the lure in.

most rods for these baits are now a blend of graphite and glass

[Stu59]

I didnt know that, maybe thats why i am not satisfied wth the rod. I dont use crank baits or spinners for pan fish, normally just jigs or worms

[BackwoodsBassr]

If you plan to spend any amount of time specifically targeting panfish I'd go with the UL... my personal preference is a shorter rod if you're using it for panfish exclusively (more action and better in tight places) but if you also want to use it for other small fish that require longer casts to target I doubt buying a longer rod would hamper your success with the panners at all.

I find that neither my Medium-Light or my Light rod/reel combo has any problems detecting strikes or setting the hook gently on panfish when equipped with the same 6lb mono I usually use for bass...

That being said, those rods cannot deliver anything close to the sensitivity of a UL and, as such, the "fight" you get with a panfish on the line doesn't amount to much unless you've hooked a freak.

Good luck!

[grubman]

The Toronto Sportsman Show is coming up Feb 7-10. I've never been a real fan of it, $20 parking, $15 entrance fee, $5 in gas, and the 40 min drive in downtown traffic and everything you buy is "as is". I'm saving my money for the BPS Spring Fishing Classic, free parking, 30 min drive on 401 = 40 min in downtown traffic....lol., they have the reel trade in, on for 10 days not 3, and lots of specials.

I'd hold off till then to find a deal on UL or any other gear.

[NiagaraSteel]

The Toronto Sportsman Show is coming up Feb 7-10. I've never been a real fan of it, $20 parking, $15 entrance fee, $5 in gas, and the 40 min drive in downtown traffic and everything you buy is "as is". I'm saving my money for the BPS Spring Fishing Classic, free parking, 30 min drive on 401 = 40 min in downtown traffic....lol., they have the reel trade in, on for 10 days not 3, and lots of specials.

I'd hold off till then to find a deal on UL or any other gear.

Thanks for the prices grub

[jackthefish]

There is a St. Croix Premier 5'6" ultra-light I have been eyeballing for the last little while now... and it should balance fine with the little Pfluger President 6920 I have.

Ah BPS sales... I usually make an arse of my self when I dump a buttload of gear and tackle and a s---eating grin in front of a grumpy cashier who is not happy about scanning everything.

I only go when there is a sale on... got to make it count!!! Already have a mile-long shopping list! It is going to be awesome!