Hi everyone!

I have a St. Croix Avid Ultralight rod that I usually use for panfish and the sort. This past weekend my friend and I head off to do some largemouth fishing. As we are getting ready, I line up my Avid. My good friend gets this look on his face like I just smacked his mom. He then procedes in telling me how my rod will break by the end of the day if I used it. I thought it should be ok especially since the average bass size for this pond is 3-5 pounds. Someone once caught a 7 pounder we heard but that would be the big mama of the lake.

My question to everyone is: Was my friends concern for the wellbeing of my rod warranted? Or was I ok to use an ultralight for fishing this small pond for 3-5 pound bass?

Thanks for any input all! Ohh also I was using 4 pound test hybrid line and the rod is rated for 2-6 pound line.

Vic

I don't think you would damage it as long as you don't over-stress the rod...keep your drag light.  I'm not sure what you are using for bait but you must have a tough time setting the hook on a bass with an ultra-light rod.

Using an Ultra Light to catch bass is an exciting way to do it. Ask Ray Scott (The founder of B.A.S.S.) It's his favorite way to catch a bass.

I caught my Personal Best (9.98lbs) on a limp noodle rod and 6lb test. It was awesome.

I've caught alot using an UL Lightning Rod and 4# line. They are great fun on UL and sometimes that's the only way I can catch them. I usually use small inline spinners and crankbaits(Rebel crawfish and crickets). I don't think any bass short of 10# could hurt my little Lightning Rod. That rod is almost a flexible as an Ugly Stick.

He just doesn't want you to have the fun of fighting a 3lber on a ultralight!!  Believe me ITS AWESOME!!!!  Also, you can backreel.  I think the line will break before the rod.  Also, if the rod does break from you fishing the warranty will still be good.  You have to worry about the warranty when you slap the rod against the boat and it breaks.  Have fun!

Hey everyone,  thanks for all your input.  I thought I was right on this matter.  I thought like you did KVD in that the line would break before the rod.  I have caught a few small fry on the rod already while going for panfish and it was FUN.

Thats the main reason I wanted to take it out but since it was his boat I respected his feelings.  But next time it should be a blast.

Thanks again all for the input!

Vic

My question to everyone is: Was my friends concern for the wellbeing of my rod warranted? Or was I ok to use an ultralight for fishing this small pond for 3-5 pound bass?

Isn't ultralight tackle what Fish Chris uses to catch huge sturgeon?  

For some reason the site is VERY slow for me tonight.  Maybe I'll be able to find his report on the MONSTER he caught with very light tackle.

Needless to say, your rod is safe provided that the line you are using isn't too strong for it.

You friend is right and wrong. He is right in that you probably have a prayer of a chance if you were fishing heavy cover. But if the cover you are facing is sparse, he is wrong.

The UL rod should be able to protect your line regardless of the size of the fish with a properly set drag.  I know of folks who have landed 30# King Salmon on ultralight with 6# test. If that is true and it is, then shoot, your ul which I am sure is a quality ul rig could definitely land a 5lb bass if the cover isn't too harsh. The bass could struggle all it wants. It will not break the rod.

As one who loves to UL fish for bass (especially when the "real" lures and gear aren't working  :), there is nothing like watching the parabolic bend of my rig when I have a 3-4 lb bass on and I fish confidently that my rod will protect my line with a properly set drag.

It is awesome. Your buddy doesn't know what he is missing.  Anyone can horse in a 3-4lb bass on stout gear, but it takes a those made of sterner stuff and an iron clad mind set to land a nice sized bass on UL gear. Okay, so I'm flowering it up a bit, but catching bass on UL gear conditions permitting is a great way to fish for them.

I think you did the right thing. The next time out, you take him and show him the joys of UL fishing.