[Roosterfish]

Looking for a UL spinning rod to throw very small crankbaits (wee crawls) at smallies. Looking for a short rod with a slow action to fish the LMR from a kayak. Thinking about a G.Loomis SR6010, a Falcon FES-UL-146, or a FES-UL-16. Anyone fish with any of these rods, or know of a good rod for this application? I just want to keep the rod under $150.

 

[george tinkham]

I HAVE A COUPLE I GOT AT WALMART AT 4 1/2' MICRO AND HAVE TAKEN 2 BASS ON 4# AND6# SILVER THREAD and a micro spinning reel.the rods were less than 20$ and the reels i found.

 

[Andy Gehle]

Rooster,
I wouldn' t think that you'd have to drop that much cash for your requirements. Wanting a slower action opens up some good medium range options. BPS Billy Westmoreland Rods are a great smallie rod with a slower action for crankbaits. I don't know if they make an ultralite, but I'm sure a light action could wing that wee=craw around no problem. ~$40
I throw alot of small of small cranks with a Fenwick 5'3" light action. It's a great rod and I wouldn't want anything smaller than that guy. I'd think that you might tangle with some fish over there when you'd want a hair more than ultalite. This one's a nice shortie,great for kayaking,can throw small baits with,but has enough backbone for an 18"er. Action might be faster than you want though.~$90
Thought I'd toss out a couple differnt options.

 

[george tinkham]

oh in the above post i meant to say i have taken 2 bass over 8# on the walmart microlite 4 1/2' dandies.

 

[Flatheadmaniac]

Roostertail

Andys right, i bought my son Tyler the same rod he has...he landed his biggest smallmouth on it(first year wadin) and it was 18.5"....and small crankbaits are our favorite
Also check out Those UL St. Croixs, you can find them at most places for around $60, and you know they'll handle smallies for sure!

 

[BottomBouncer]

I was checking out those 5'6" Croixs today. I think a 1000 size Shimano would go good on that. I like 6'6" or longer because I can get better casts out and a better presentation, also makes using lighter line a bit easier.

 

[Flatheadmaniac]

hey BB

Im not against those who use UL rods for smallies..i just dont prefer them for my fishing, but again i dont fish from a Yak either were long rods could be a problem..
Only reason i bought both my boys UL rods is they are 7 & 8 yrs old and can not handle a longer rod.
I matched Tylers Fenwick with the same 5'3" HMX that Andy has, i put on a Shimano Sedona 500FA because it was the only small reel that didnt feel too heavy for that rod and he could reach the line with his finger .
He did awsome with it last year and was casting like a pro towards the end...he tok a 17" & 18.5" smallie on this set up using of course G-power 6lb line
I bought my youngest a 5' UL rod, but bought him an Okuma Avenger 15AV that has 6BB's and instant anti-reverse...i turned around and bought one for Tylers combo as it is SO much better than that Sedona.
I fish streams for smallies and have caught a 20'+ smallie each year for the last 7 yrs..i catch a ton of smallies 16"-19" every year also. Last year i got 300+ smallies fishing for them part-time along with all the other species i fsh for.
I personaly prefer LONGER rods than most with my shortest rods from 7' one pcs. in small streams all the way up to 8'6" 2 pcs. for certain baits ,of course there ALL St. Croixs .
My favorite all around rod is a 7' one pcs Tidemaster Inshore rod rated med. power, fast action, 8-17lb line, 1/4-3/4oz.
I have take most of my big smallies on this rod.

Now i know the quaulity of fish that others hav in thier streams might not be like mine, but still i dont want to have a LARGE smallie on close to wood or rocks and loose it because i was using UL gear.
But rods and reels are a PERSONAL choice and you have to match them for the size of the fish YOU catch !

 

[BottomBouncer]

I would use the little 5'6" rods from the boat for crappie and drifting for crappie and 'gils.

I have a 7'6 ML action rod I use for nearly all my stream/river fishing/wading. I have two spools, one with 6 the other with 8. It is my favorite light setup that I have......does real good on those early tailwater 'eyes!

 

[Flatheadmaniac]

what?

is..."tailwater 'eyes"?????

 

[BottomBouncer]

Something to get me by while catching shad. I pis'd off some of the "greenlawn locals" while throwing my cast net down there. They weren't catching sht and I was 60' away casting into 3' of water........dumb bass turds.

 

[Andy Gehle]

Damn, boys. Those are some flagpoles. 8'6"...WOW! I guess a guys gotta keep his distance around you! LOL! I'm either kayaking or wading for smallies. I guess I like the shorties because all my smallie rods are 6'6" and under. I can definately see the advantages of longer rods, I just got used to slinging the shorties. Plus, in the kayak, shorter rods are less cumbersome. I like to be able to strap 'em down and protect them from breaking when I'm floating through some dicey water.
But getting back to your question,Rooster. Most of the rods brought up ought to have a slow enough action that you're looking for when you go with the ultralight. Can't go wrong with any of the ones that you listed either. Have fun spending.

 

[Roosterfish]

Thanks for the advice guys! This is a rod specifically for casting small crankbait to small fish from a kayak. I wish the fish were bigger…but they’re not! LOL The most important attribute would be a slow action, as I have lost many fish on crankbaits with a fast action rod. I think that I will go with a Falcon FES-UL-16 or the Looms SR661. There is a huge price difference in the two rods, but I saved $50 by going with last year’s reel (or I would not be considering the Looms). Only problem is that I can find them locally, and I like to hold a rod before purchase.

 

[BottomBouncer]

Me too......seems no matter what the specs say you never know what the action of the rod is unless you play around with it.

I know the action of my rod was different after a couple beers