Ultralight Fly Fishing and the use of lightweight fishing tackle, combined with fly lines as thin and lightweight as 00# 0# 1# 2# and 3# weight becoming far more popular with many seasoned fly anglers! Not only are these lightweight fly rods and fly-lines being used on small streams and small rivers; there has also been steady move toward Ultralight Fly Fishing by fly anglers fishing on large spate rivers; and many lake and reservoir fly anglers are now fishing with ultralight fishing tackle. We are seeing tackle manufacturers producing a wide range of lightweight : Fly Rods - Fly Reels and of-course ultralight Fly Lines!

My tackle now consists of several #2,weight and #3,weight rods; and I'm slowly changing my fly reels to a smaller diameter and of lightweight construction! The heaviest outfit I own at present is a 9ft,#4,weight.

I have started this thread to discuss the move towards lightweight fishing tackle and ultralight fly fishing! I find myself getting far more pleasure from fishing with lightweight equipment; and lightweight fly lines!

I would certainly like to hear from other Ultralight fly anglers their reason for moving towards lightweight fly fishing? and also the type of lightweight tackle they use?

I find this type of fly fishing truly enjoyable and fascinating, it's surely the way forward for many of us; and the end of the old heavy line fishing of yesteryear.

Ultralight Fly Fishing, Anyone else?

I'm afraid i havent graduated beyond 4 weights Mostyn, but would love to try it. Are these lightweight oufits not useless on anything but small rivers and still days?

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Irish by birth, Munster by the grace of God.

I'm not sure I've experienced that much of a difference on the river or stream! I suppose it would depend on the severity of the wind force? I cannot speak for the Lake and reservoir angler; although, I suppose a decent wind could reduce the length of line one could cast! Swings and roundabouts as far as I'm concerned. The pleasure derived from light line fishing outweighs any minor weather related problems I might incur. Anyhow, I'm prepared to adapt to any situation when fishing.

I am starting to follow the same route with my tackle. I've sold most of my 6-7 wt stuff and now am happy with 8' 4wt and 7' 3wt rods. I too have downsized my reels to suit.

Guess it started with the 8' Hardy Ultralight rod that came in a deal about 6 weeks ago. Matched with a Rio Gold line it casts very well and easy to put out 20 yds if need be.

Suprised me how simple it is to fish with. Close range it's a cinch, just a flick and it's there. Recent first outing was to a local 'pond' a test run really, caught 4 rainbows around 2-3lb mark, the rod was faultless. So light and flickable, made me smile. Have since added a Featherweight 7' 3wt. Not been out with that one yet but hopefully tomoz.

For me the 'lightweights' are a breath of fresh air. It's been a long time since a rod/set up made me smile. They definately have the wow factor for me. Not bothered about wind, as you say it's simply a matter of adapting. Although I fish mainly rivers I have no qualms about using the 8' for the odd occasions on a stillwater.

Horses for courses but hey the lightweight approach really is fun-I'm sticking with it .

Chris.

Chris,

I love the Hardy Classic Lightweight Range of rods and reels! I now have 4, of the lightweight Reels and two Rods! I've paired them with a DT#2 and #3, Hardy Marksman fly lines! And using them does make you smile and appreciate the delicacy of lightweight tackle.

withdrawn:

My old go to rod was always a 10ft #7 which saw me through thick and thin, however over the years I have also down sized and find it much more fun and just as easy (if not easier) to catch as many fish.

I prefer my 6'6" #3 weight rod for most river fishing and good weather loch fishing and have an 8ft #4 for tricky conditions which is usually the heaviest I will use.

I am looking for a two or a one weight but not yet come across any to my liking yet.

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Just My Tuppenceworth!!

Mostyn

I have nothing against ultralight but find that practically the three weight is as light as I want to go, On windier days I find a three wght hopeless ,
and find that generally a four weight is a far more usefull all rounder, and on the larger rivers I prefer a five...

Andy


Becks and Brown Trout

(stands up and raises hand)

I'm a light line convert. Have been for a long time. My first 2 wt (6'6") was 10 years ago and I rarely fish more than a 4 anymore unless I expect wind, then I'll bump to a 5. I'm also a light leader/tippet convert. I rarely use more than 6x as I'm usually fishing flies from 16 and down. Thats just my style of fishing which I prefer. I like light line and light presentations to picky fish. I like to sight fish. "If I can see it, I can catch it" is my logic and style. Light rods are perfect for that.

My undersized rods include a 5'2" 3/4 wt, a 6'6" 2 wt, (2) 7'9" 3 wt, an 8' 3/4 wt, a 10' 4 wt and one or two others. I've also owned and sold on a few more including the Sage SLT 8'9" 3 wt, possibly the most wonderful dry fly rod I've ever cast. Reel wise, the Ross Evolution is perfect for ultralight trout rods. It is as light as most click and pawl reels, but it has a silky smooth drag mechanism. The machining is perfect. I have a pair (#1 and #2 I think) and the are awesome. The Orvis battenkill LA is also another that I have and use. It is super light and I really like the handle on it. That reel goes with the 7'9" rods.

My next rod purchase will be along the lines of an 8'6"-9' 2-3 wt. That is a missing point in my arsenal. I have a few blanks in mind, and a few rods. If I could get the SLT again I probably would.

Thanks,
Rick

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