Spinning Reel for Ultralight Fishing 2024

Skunky reply :

Ello

Been a long time lurker around these forums, they’re a great wealth of information but this is the first time I’ve found myself completely stumped.

I’ve been looking for a spinning reel designed for ultralight fishing. Currently my rod is a Fenwick HMG 7’0 UL Moderate action weighing 4 pounds. My lures rarely weight above 1/8 oz but this rod can handle up to 1/4 oz. I prefer inline spinners if that helps. Currently I’m targeting trout but might advance to other small fish.

I was using a Sahara 1000R (5.2:1) but find that my casts don’t get much distance, and I need to reel pretty quick to get the blade moving on my spinners (I tried multiple brands).

Do do you think I need a reel with a higher gear ratio so I can reel slower, and a wider spool for distance (which I’m not even sure about because I use braid). Any recommended models?

Thanks for any information.

MN Fisher reply :

Question: What pound test braid are you using? Ever consider Mono? I'd never use braid for a UL rig, it's too thin for the pound test I set up on my UL rig...digs in to itself.

The 1000R retrieves at 27" per turn of the handle, that's fairly fast for smaller-spool spinning reels. Reels in the same price range as the Sahara with faster retrieves.

Mitchell 308 Pro - 30.5" per turn.

Pflueger President XT 30 - 31" per turn.

Abu Garcia Elite Max 20 - 31.3" per turn.

I'm a Pfluger/Mitchell/Abu fan from way back.

Pickle_Power reply :

I use Pflueger President reels for my UL rods, one a 20 size and one a 25 size.

I have a 30 size Quantum Smoke that does 36" per handle turn. I imagine that reel in a smaller size would not be that much per handle turn, but I bet its close to that.

markedman reply :

I have a Pflueger President size 20 and a Pflueger Summit XT size 25 for my UL setups. The Summit XT is a BassPro/Cabelas only reel made for them by Pflueger.

Skunky reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 4:47 AM, MN Fisher said:

Question: What pound test braid are you using? Ever consider Mono? I'd never use braid for a UL rig, it's too thin for the pound test I set up on my UL rig...digs in to itself.

Yes, I forgot to mention I’m using 4-Pound Fireline braid.

Thank you for all your helpful replies. These President reels are quite nice for their price.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 6:08 AM, markedman said:

I have a Pflueger President size 20 and a Pflueger Summit XT size 25 for my UL setups. The Summit XT is a BassPro/Cabelas only reel made for them by Pflueger.

He was looking for something faster than the Sahara 1000. The President 20 is much slower at only 20.2 IPT and if the Summit compares to the other '25' spinning reels, it's not much faster at around 22 IPT. Need to hit the 30 or 35s from Pflueger to get faster than the 27 IPT of the Sahara.

jimmyjoe reply :

That Sahara should work just fine for that purpose. I personally use mono on UL setups, but I used several different superlines for about 5 years. I like mono because I can see to tie it. ????????

When you say your casts "don't get much distance", what exactly is the distance you're getting?

As for the retrieve ratio, it's just fine. An UL is made to mimic small denizens of the water, and small denizens of the water don't race around madly. jj

MickD reply :

If you are not getting good distance with 4 # braid, something is seriously wrong. Any reel, with a 7 foot rod and 4 # braid, should cast very well. I just don't know what to propose to fix cast distance.

Skunky reply :

Oh, my judgment is bad for measurement but I’d say close to 50-feet at most, usually it’s less.

With my spinners I’d spin slow with quick jumps in between, but the reel requires I return fairly fast to get keep the blade moving.

I wouldn’t put it past me to say my technique sucks and it’s my fault and not the reels. Hah

Manly Studson reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 6:37 AM, MN Fisher said:

He was looking for something faster than the Sahara 1000. The President 20 is much slower at only 20.2 IPT and if the Summit compares to the other '25' spinning reels, it's not much faster at around 22 IPT. Need to hit the 30 or 35s from Pflueger to get faster than the 27 IPT of the Sahara.

I agree. And the President 20 wouldn’t balance so well with a 7’ rod. I use the size 20 on a 6’ St Croix Panfish rod, which is very light. The IPT is very low, but it works for me. If he were to purchase a larger reel, should he just load it with 150+ yards of 4 pound mono?

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 9:27 AM, Manly Studson said:

I agree. And the President 20 wouldn’t balance so well with a 7’ rod. I use the size 20 on a 6’ St Croix Panfish rod, which is very light. The IPT is very low, but it works for me. If he were to purchase a larger reel, should he just load it with 150+ yards of 4 pound mono?

I'm using a President 25 on a 6'6" rod myself...I'm so use to my old Pflueger 640 (which I retired and replaced with the President) that I have no problems getting an inline spinner to turn.

For the line - he could go that route or lay a backing on the spool...few turns of electrical tape maybe to give it a non-slip base.

jimmyjoe reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 6:58 AM, Skunky said:

Oh, my judgment is bad for measurement but I’d say close to 50-feet at most, usually it’s less.

With my spinners I’d spin slow with quick jumps in between, but the reel requires I return fairly fast to get keep the blade moving.

I don't know which spinners you have, but let's start out with a known quantity. Get a #2 Mepps Aglia, which is 1/6th ounce. Aglia spinners spin well on a slow retrieve. You should get good results. If you don't, return here and tell us. The reason I ask is that one time I got some cheap spinners that wouldn't spin worth a rat's patootie.

One other thing; are you using a good ball-bearing swivel or snap swivel? That size spinner should use a #00 or #0 swivel. Don't use a crane swivel. Not using a swivel can cause line wrap (or twist) that can cut down on the distance you achieve.

You said that your spinners are rarely above 1/8th ounce. Does that mean that you're using 1/12th and 1/16th ounce spinners? If so, remember that they're notorious for not casting a long ways.

Please get back to us. jj

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 9:38 AM, jimmyjoe said:

Aglia spinners spin well on a slow retrieve. You should get good results.

Aglias and Comets are the main ones I use...got burned on another brand - blade kept pausing on retrieve. For inline spinner-baits, it's Mepps or nothing for me.

jimmyjoe reply :

On 4/25/2019 at 9:45 AM, MN Fisher said:

..got burned on another brand - blade kept pausing on retrieve.

cocka-doodle-doo? ???? jj

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

You need a larger outer diameter spool size plain and simple even with light braid it makes a difference. A 20 size PFLU or 1000 size shimano wont cast as well as a 30 PFL or 2000 daiwa or 2500 shimano. Retrieve speed just look at IPT on what reel you like get it 29.5 plus.

I have the 20 Pres and a 1000 stradic but much prefer 2000 Daiwa(RG-AB) for inline spinners and I use .005 braid/nanofil lines same as the 4# fireline you use.

waymont reply :

I would recommend a Shimano Nasci 1000. It would balance nicely and is a very nice reel for the price.

islandbass reply :

Get a decent size 20 reel. That is what I use on my 7' UL. The wider spool should aid in getting more distance for the same effort. Not all size 20 reels weigh the same. Some are lighter than others. Size 20 is the smallest I go, even for a UL 6'6" or longer.

GeekFisher reply :

I use Pflueger President size 20 on a Ralala Classic Trout light and President XT size 25 on a Fenwick HMX Light. I also use an older Sedona size 750 on a Fenwick Eagle. That are my actual setups for trout fishing. A size 1000 would do also

NYWayfarer reply :

My suggestion is the Lew's Mach II Metal Speed Spin size 100 spinning reel. This is my second season with this reel and it is a workhorse. I use it for Trout fishing on a light action rod. I have caught everything from Trout, panfish, 14"+ Chain Pickerel and a Smallmouth Bass just shy of 4lbs on it.

Best of all it has an Aluminum body and Winn Grip knob.

One of my favorite things to throw on it is a Panther Martin inline Spinner. No issues getting the blade spinning with it's 6.2:1 gear ratio.

Skunky reply :

Thank you for all the replies.

Went to the store to demo a few reels with bigger spool sizes and higher IPT advice in mind, and I really liked the Pflueger Supreme XT 30. Figured I’d splurge a bit from my tax return.

On 4/25/2019 at 9:38 AM, jimmyjoe said:

One other thing; are you using a good ball-bearing swivel or snap swivel? That size spinner should use a #00 or #0 swivel. Don't use a crane swivel. Not using a swivel can cause line wrap (or twist) that can cut down on the distance you achieve.

You said that your spinners are rarely above 1/8th ounce. Does that mean that you're using 1/12th and 1/16th ounce spinners? If so, remember that they're notorious for not casting a long ways.

I never thought to use swivels on braid...Do I add some leader after the swivel to the spinner or can it be snapped directly without impeding function? My spinners do come in 1/16 sizes, correct. Some of my favourite brands have been Panthers, Mepps, Blue Fox. I’m on the fence with Rooster Tails but love them for sentimental reasons ????.

Boomstick reply :

I have a Daiwa Triforce 5'6" UL rod with a Daiwa Crossfire 1000 rod for ultralight. It's a cheaper trout/panfish setup, but quite smooth and you've never guess I only paid about $50 for both the rod and reel.

greentrout reply :

own the shimano sienna fe 1000 .... great little reel ... off the rack at academy ... 29.99 ...

good fishing ...

J Francho reply :

If you are looking for the fastest spinning reel, a Shimano Ultegra 1000 picks up 31' per turn.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/26/2019 at 4:09 AM, J Francho said:

If you are looking for the fastest spinning reel, a Shimano Ultegra 1000 picks up 31' per turn.

I posted these earlier - Ultegra isn't the only choice, J.

Pflueger President XT 30 - 31" per turn.

Abu Garcia Elite Max 20 - 31.3" per turn.

Couple more I found

Pflueger Supreme 30 - 31.8" per turn

Pflueger Supreme XT 30 - 31.8" per turn

Mitchell Mag Pro 3000 - 33" per turn

Abu Rexo-X 20 - 33" per turn

Abu Revo-S 20 - 33" per turn

and more

So quite a few even faster than the Ultegra.

jimmyjoe reply :

On 4/26/2019 at 3:31 AM, Skunky said:

I never thought to use swivels on braid...Do I add some leader after the swivel to the spinner or can it be snapped directly without impeding function? My spinners do come in 1/16 sizes, correct. Some of my favourite brands have been Panthers, Mepps, Blue Fox. I’m on the fence with Rooster Tails but love them for sentimental reasons ????.

I do it two ways; I use a VMC #00 swivel, and attach about 1 foot of leader material, or else I just put a good snap swivel directly on braid. The reason is that I'm experimenting to see whether there's any difference. I'll tell you next year. ???? Good luck. jj

microotter reply :

On 4/26/2019 at 4:31 AM, MN Fisher said:

I posted these earlier - Ultegra isn't the only choice, J.

Pflueger President XT 30 - 31" per turn.

Abu Garcia Elite Max 20 - 31.3" per turn.

Couple more I found

Pflueger Supreme 30 - 31.8" per turn

Pflueger Supreme XT 30 - 31.8" per turn

Mitchell Mag Pro 3000 - 33" per turn

Abu Rexo-X 20 - 33" per turn

Abu Revo-S 20 - 33" per turn

and more

So quite a few even faster than the Ultegra.

Those are all 20 and 30 sized reels compared to the 1000 sized Ultegra.

MN Fisher reply :

On 4/26/2019 at 6:20 AM, microotter said:

Those are all 20 and 30 sized reels compared to the 1000 sized Ultegra.

I use a 25 size reel for my UL...just showing options.

NYWayfarer reply :

Lew’s Mach II Speed Spin MH2 100 size spinning reel is 30” per turn as an option.

$79.99 full retail price, I got mine on sale for $55

rt dak reply :

I think your rod is a bigger problem than your reel is. I would imagine the moderate action of the rod is what's hampering your casting distance with those light inline spinners. If you have any other UL rods with a fast or extra-fast action try tossing the spinner on that before you write off that reel.

Just for some info, I have a UL setup that is dedicated to throwing inline spinners. The majority of the time it's 1/16 oz Rooster Tails but sometimes I bump up to 1/8 and branch off to Blue Fox, Panther Martin and Mepps. I've never had an issue with the blade spinning and i'm usually slow rolling them. Setup is a St. Croix Avid 6' UL/Fast and a Shimano Stradic 1000FJ. 6 lb. Sunline Super Natural to a size 10 Spro power swivel to around 15" of 4 lb. Sunline Super FC Sniper. The Stradic is 6.0:1, not sure about the IPT.

Jcj90 reply :

500-1000 sized shimano that meets your budget spooled with 4lb trilene xl. Using this for years and never had an issue

J Francho reply :

On 4/26/2019 at 4:31 AM, MN Fisher said:

I posted these earlier - Ultegra isn't the only choice, J.

Pflueger President XT 30 - 31" per turn.

Abu Garcia Elite Max 20 - 31.3" per turn.

Couple more I found

Pflueger Supreme 30 - 31.8" per turn

Pflueger Supreme XT 30 - 31.8" per turn

Mitchell Mag Pro 3000 - 33" per turn

Abu Rexo-X 20 - 33" per turn

Abu Revo-S 20 - 33" per turn

and more

So quite a few even faster than the Ultegra.

Those are pretty big reels, not appropriate for an ultra light. My point is that the Ultegra is the least expensive option for a 30"+ per turn, small form factor reel. Put a 1000 size beside a 30 or 3000 size and you'll see. BTW, most Shimano 3000 size reels are 34-35 IPT, so they win there too. It's exactly why I choose them for deep drop smallmouth rigs. The speed helps to keep up with a rocketing smallmouth.

Hulkster reply :

I like 1000 size shimanos for UL fishing. I use Sufix Siege 4 pound test. I agree with the others, switch to a size 1 or 2 Mepps Aglia or Black Fury and you should be able to get great distance with a 7 foot rod. I use a 6'7 UL loomis rod and a #1 or 2 mepps casts a long ways.

d-camarena reply :

I use a shimano sienna 1000 and my inlines turn just fine, i use 10lb power pro with no problems. Although for ul i prefer berkley nanofil. Eitherway something is wrong with your line or lures, i dont think its the reel

Tim Kelly reply :

Rather than winding fast to get the blade turning a quick flick of the rod tip at the start of the retrieve usually gets it going. Could be that you've got so much twist in your braid from using spinners that it won't cast well.

Skunky reply :

I’ve looked into all your reel recommendations and decided on Pfuelger Supreme XT, with Lew’s reels coming in close based of feel.

The 30size (6.8) actually weighs less than my Sahara 1000R (9 oz). The 35s and 40s are on discount, but would that be too much for my rod?

On 4/26/2019 at 7:25 AM, rt dak said:

I think your rod is a bigger problem than your reel is. I would imagine the moderate action of the rod is what's hampering your casting distance with those light inline spinners. If you have any other UL rods with a fast or extra-fast action try tossing the spinner on that before you write off that reel.

Unfortunately the HMG lineup didn’t feature F or EF, which I was aware to look out for during my buying research. This also happens to be my only rod, but I’m still happy with it. ????

On 4/27/2019 at 1:08 PM, Tim Kelly said:

Rather than winding fast to get the blade turning a quick flick of the rod tip at the start of the retrieve usually gets it going. Could be that you've got so much twist in your braid from using spinners that it won't cast well.

I think you’re right that might have been a factor, even with correctly filled spools and keeping line tight. I’ll start using swivels to minimize that.

I noticed a lot of line recommendations, should I switch out my FireLine? I know Nanofil is advertised for cast distance but I fear losing tackle due to its weak abrasion resistance.

Fried Lemons reply :

I fish a 1000 size shimano with a shallow spool and 26 ipt. I use ultra thin 2lb fluoro so I would have a hard time filling a regular spool with the stuff. If your cast distance is suffering with spinning gear chances are your reel is not the problem. I recommend switching to mono in 2-4lb test. Braid does not cast as well as mono in equivalent diameters. Never tried Nanofil so can't comment on that.

Rod is also important. Most ultralight rods have a noodly action. Try and find one with a fast responsive tip and I think you'll appreciate the difference.

OkobojiEagle reply :

I wouldn't suggest your casting distance is affected as much by your equipment as by your casting motion. Your new Supreme 30XT is a fine reel (I fish light hair jigs with one). I use original Fireline 6lb without problem and I've used NanoFil without incident as well. My hair jig casting performance is maximized with a side arm, slightly lofted cast. With about 18" of line extended the rod tip is loaded at about butt (my butt) height and cast with a slight loft to propel the light bait rather flatly, compensating for any wind effect which might "float" your spinner. Give it a try before you spend more $.

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