Went fishing at a pond this morning and tried out my ultralight setup, but I was having trouble casting more than about 20 feet with a 1/32 oz jig head and a 1” Berkley Gulp Minnow. There was no wind, so I’m not sure what the issue is.
Here’s what I’m using:
Rod: Daiwa Presso PSO564ULFS
Reel: Daiwa Regal LT2000D-XH
Line: 6 lb Trilene XL Smooth Casting
Jig: 1/32 oz with a 1” Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnow
Is it normal to get such short casts with a lure this light, or am I doing something wrong? Would switching to a lighter line help, or is it more of a technique thing?
Also, is braid better for ultralight fishing? If I switch to braid, would I need to use a leader, or can I just tie the jig directly to the braided main line?
It was also my first time using jig heads, so any tips on how to fish them would be appreciated!
Posted by 0Rob0
8 Comments
6 is too heavy for casting a 1/32 oz jig. 4 would be better. 2 is best, if you’re only fishing for panfish and no chance of other big fish biting. 2 is awfully light though and easy to break off on snags.
I’d say the 6 lb mono is probably limiting your casting distance, especially with something as light as a 1/32 oz jighead. I’d recommend trying 4–6 lb braid with a 4 lb fluorocarbon or mono leader. The thinner braid should come off the spool easier and help with distance. With a lure that light, you want a smooth cast that lets the rod load rather than trying to muscle it out there. You could also try a 1/16 oz jighead if you want a little more distance. As far as fishing it, try a slow steady retrieve with occasional pauses or small twitches.
I would try 4lb mono, or even better, 4lb braid. Having the correct amount of line on the spool really matters in UL casting performance.
It also takes good casting technique. If you aren’t loading the rod and don’t have good timing you aren’t going to get far.
For the fishing part let it sink to the depth you want(count it down), a slow retrieve with varying twitch pauses, or a lift of the rod, then let jig fall while reeling up the slack, repeat. Sometimes a slow even retrieve is what they want, sometimes the twitching while retrieving is it. Let the fish tell you.
Like everyone else said, it’s the line. 5’6” is also short so adding some rod length would also help
So 2lb. Test casts the farthest. If there isn’t any weeds or logs to break you off, 2lb works well. Just keep a fairly loose drag. If here are weeds etc. go with the 4lb test. Berkley xl in clear is my go to. You don’t honestly need braid. 6lb test is a little heavy for 1/32oz. Alison don’t be afraid to spool that line right up to the lip of the spool. Everyone worries about overfilling their reels. However after cutting out one tangle you will be perfect. After fishing for a week or two and losing line my spool will look like yours. I consider this low on line and replace it when it gets as far from the spool rim as you are. Seems minor, but you loose a lot of distance due to extra friction with the spool the lower your line gets. If it is right up to the spool rim, it will cast much further. If you do this with 2lb test you will be able to cast much, much further! Good luck! Lighter line and more fully filled spools cast lightweight lures the furthest. I actually use unweighted a lot on my 2lb setup just fine.
Go 4 lb braid
I would try 4 lb mono or even some braid, get the lightest braid you can. Keep a few dozen yards of the 6 lb test for backing on your reel (save the rest for leaders) and spool on braid until nice and full. You’ll cast fantastic with anything from 4-8 lb braid on there.
Try suffix resolve.