I have been fishing for pike for decades in Canada. I used to pride myself in catching 35 inch plus pike with first 8 lb test, and later 4 and even 2 lb test. What I found was that if I had a metal leader, these worked well. I needed to be patient, and avoid wrap-around issues with sticks or debris in the water. I stopped this when I found that the strain on these big pike was unethical. I now use 18-20 lb test, and muscle the fish in, with a quick photo and then release. Much better for the pike.
Good thoughtful comment especially for those large pike. Most everything I catch is under 3 pounds (90% under 2 lbs.) and am able to get in boat quickly. I think you're correct about getting larger fish in quickly. All the best. ~John
Ugly stik elite is miles better! Broke mine on the first cast. Got the elite and let me tell you haven’t had an issue since! There’s also a mini kit made by trout magnet and they’re tiny but they crush! Everything from panfish to largies.
Another benefit, and perhaps someone mentioned it already, all fish can be caught, or at least hooked, on ultralight tackle. Big fish will take small baits. So the variety of fish that can be caught is what draws me in. I catch bass, pike, and all of the panfish species on my favorite lake all using the same ultralight lures and rod and reel combo.
I`m hooked on ultralight fishing. You never know what you might hook into.....better make sure that drags set right for that 2lb line and hold on tight! You`d be surprised what you can land on light line with a properly set drag. I love your "How to" videos, lots of folks just show you what they`ve done, but not how they did it. Thanks for taking the time to show us how.
Nice video. I’d like to add a couple points. Ultralight rods are frequently 2 piece- making them great for hike or bike Cheap ultralight rods can be left in truck always without too much worry about some doper stealing them It is very easy to make fishing happen if every piece of gear can be bought in one place (wallymart) Tiny rods are great for kids When you catch a big ole fish on a tiny rod you get 2x kool points Berkeley Cherrywood 5’6”, 2pc with 1000 series reel and 4 lb Omni is my mini D.O.C. Lastly I’d like to mention that a 7’6” 3wt fly rod will be the most fun you ever had. Don’t know how to fly cast? LEARN. 100+ fish days await you Great video sir, thank you
Thanks for taking a moment to leave the comment...you're correct about a smaller fish can feel great on the ultralight. BTW: Great Channel you have. ~John
John you forgot to mention MY number one reason for panfishing. The name itself says it all, they taste great! Love me a mess of bluegill or crappie on the table. And small channel cats are not all that rare when your fishing light. Great video!
Good to see you John! My stepson is autistic and likes to fish with me when we go camping, so I love to grab an ultralight and have some panfish fun. I always use live bait because his motor skills wouldn't be good for a lot of casting and retrieving, but I'd like to try lures.
Ultra light baitcasting with a diawa Steez on a medium light casting rod makes it possible to throw such lures further and accurately but its the opposite of inexpensive. Fun to do for baitcasters though.
I have been fishing for pike for decades in Canada. I used to pride myself in catching 35 inch plus pike with first 8 lb test, and later 4 and even 2 lb test. What I found was that if I had a metal leader, these worked well. I needed to be patient, and avoid wrap-around issues with sticks or debris in the water. I stopped this when I found that the strain on these big pike was unethical. I now use 18-20 lb test, and muscle the fish in, with a quick photo and then release. Much better for the pike.
Good thoughtful comment especially for those large pike. Most everything I catch is under 3 pounds (90% under 2 lbs.) and am able to get in boat quickly. I think you're correct about getting larger fish in quickly. All the best. ~John
Ugly stik elite is miles better! Broke mine on the first cast. Got the elite and let me tell you haven’t had an issue since! There’s also a mini kit made by trout magnet and they’re tiny but they crush! Everything from panfish to largies.
Another benefit, and perhaps someone mentioned it already, all fish can be caught, or at least hooked, on ultralight tackle. Big fish will take small baits. So the variety of fish that can be caught is what draws me in. I catch bass, pike, and all of the panfish species on my favorite lake all using the same ultralight lures and rod and reel combo.
Excellent suggestion about the size of bait. ~John
Agree 100% . Inexpensive gear , a low cost kayak and small water make for a relaxing and fun day IMO . ( NJ )
Rich, thanks for taking a moment to stop by. ~John
@@omoutdoors I will be back . Think I'm gonna like your channel . Thanks.
I`m hooked on ultralight fishing. You never know what you might hook into.....better make sure that drags set right for that 2lb line and hold on tight! You`d be surprised what you can land on light line with a properly set drag. I love your "How to" videos, lots of folks just show you what they`ve done, but not how they did it. Thanks for taking the time to show us how.
Thanks for taking a moment to comment and for your kind words. All the best. ~John
Nice video. I’d like to add a couple points.
Ultralight rods are frequently 2 piece- making them great for hike or bike
Cheap ultralight rods can be left in truck always without too much worry about some doper stealing them
It is very easy to make fishing happen if every piece of gear can be bought in one place (wallymart)
Tiny rods are great for kids
When you catch a big ole fish on a tiny rod you get 2x kool points
Berkeley Cherrywood 5’6”, 2pc with 1000 series reel and 4 lb Omni is my mini D.O.C.
Lastly I’d like to mention that a 7’6” 3wt fly rod will be the most fun you ever had. Don’t know how to fly cast? LEARN. 100+ fish days await you
Great video sir, thank you
Excellent points and good suggestions. Thanks for taking time to pass along your ideas. ~John
I love to use an ultralight and target panfish and folks that don’t are missing out on a lot of fun in my opinion. Nice video
Bill, thank for taking a moment to pass along a comment. ~John
Ultralight is the best. Another reason I love Ultralight is when I hook a decent size bass it feels like a tuna! Lol
Thanks for taking a moment to leave the comment...you're correct about a smaller fish can feel great on the ultralight. BTW: Great Channel you have. ~John
John you forgot to mention MY number one reason for panfishing. The name itself says it all, they taste great! Love me a mess of bluegill or crappie on the table. And small channel cats are not all that rare when your fishing light. Great video!
Excellent point and it is a top reason I like to panfish. I especially like bluegill. All the best to you. ~John
Good to see you John! My stepson is autistic and likes to fish with me when we go camping, so I love to grab an ultralight and have some panfish fun. I always use live bait because his motor skills wouldn't be good for a lot of casting and retrieving, but I'd like to try lures.
Great story about your stepson. Goes to show how universal UL fishing can be. ~John
Love Ultralight fishing. I like the challenge of landing fish using light tackle. Great video Sir. Fish On!
Thanks Vance, great to have you along. Keep those videos of yours coming...I really get some good ideas from them! ~John
I love ultralight for saltwater especially when I’m fishing for bait. It’s so much fun
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. ~John
Ultra light baitcasting with a diawa Steez on a medium light casting rod makes it possible to throw such lures further and accurately but its the opposite of inexpensive. Fun to do for baitcasters though.