Ultimate Ultralight?

[Kima]

I spend a lot of time throwing the 1/64th oz trout magnet in streams and rivers. I've tried a bunch of rods looking for the perfect one, and am wondering if there's anything even better out there.

I had a 5'6" MHX that was great until I broke it, and currently have a NFC that's about the same.  Is there anything else I should look at?  The rod will have a Shimano 750 filled with 2 lb mono. 

I'm looking for max distance with the tiny weights and then sensitivity. I'm open to both built rods and blanks, and reel seats or Tennessee handles.  Would like to stay under $150.

[MikeK]

Prior to switching over to the fly rod for river trout,  I liked the longer 6 or 6'6" st croix premeir graphite in ul.  The longer rod and moderate action  increased casting distance with light lures while really protecting the 2 lb test I used.  It also excellent at the slingshot cast in tight quarters. If I were to buy another, I would strongly look at the premeir 7 ft ul.  My pb trout (28 inch brown) was landed on the premeir 6 ft with 2 lb test and a shimano 750.

[Skunkoff]

+1 for the Premier.  I have the 6ULF and love it.  Amazing rod and not too pricey.

 

Check out the new Trout Series as well.  I think they changed the handle, which everyone complained about.  I have the old gen 54ULF, handle doesn't bother me.

Edited February 22, 2022 by Skunkoff

[hobobob]

Take up fly fishing. 

[vce12342000]

this has worked well for me ....

[Johndixon177]

I absolutely love my phenix rod for panfish.  *  I bought the 5ft, (180$) while traveling thru California for work in 2018.  Rod is super responsive.  I've had it replaced twice (my fault) once for cracked handle that my buddy stepped on and another for cracked eye insert.  

My local pond is crappie heaven during the summer.   But I often am able to land largemouth and trout  over 2lb at the river and  the occasional smallmouth.  I have paired with a daiwa LT 2000 spinning reel and 4lb floro at present. Cast is about 25 yards on 1/32oz jigs .  Series is "mirage",    Stellar performance no matter  the size.  

Edited February 23, 2022 by Johndixon177
Please don't post commercial links - thanks :-)

[Johndixon177]

[justafisher]

Daiwa iprimi , it will throw 1/80th of an ounce . 

[Kima]

1 hour ago, justafisher said:

Daiwa iprimi , it will throw 1/80th of an ounce . 

Have you used one?  I considered that rod but haven't really found any reviews 

[justafisher]

Yes I have one . The 5’6 . It throws the light weights well , very soft .

[Local66]

 

  I have a rod I built from the top 3 sections of sage Xi3 589 that's a lot of fun, certainly covers water efficiently. I used it mostly for 1/8oz kastmasters, chasing pompano and Spanish mackerel using 4lb braid. I'm not suggesting you cannibalize a premium fly rod to make something like this, but an inexpensive 5/6wt fly blank might be a good option. Just toss the butt section.  I think it's about 6'6".

[spoonplugger1]

When you bought your NFC, why didn't you go for the FW 741-2 (HM) considering your criteria?

[Skunkoff]

On 2/23/2022 at 0:51 AM, Johndixon177 said:

Smallie chunk.  Nice fish!!

[Skunkoff]

On 2/23/2022 at 9:09 AM, Local66 said:

 

  I have a rod I built from the top 3 sections of sage Xi3 589 that's a lot of fun, certainly covers water efficiently. I used it mostly for 1/8oz kastmasters, chasing pompano and Spanish mackerel using 4lb braid. I'm not suggesting you cannibalize a premium fly rod to make something like this, but an inexpensive 5/6wt fly blank might be a good option. Just toss the butt section.  I think it's about 6'6".

Bad Assssss!  Vanford on that?

Edited February 26, 2022 by Skunkoff

[DougK]

I got a Shimano Trout One for about $200, more than your budget but this is really a terrific rod.. rated for 1g-7g, I cast trout streamers weighted with tungsten beads at about 1/64oz with it. 
 

Somewhat cheaper rods that I've read good reviews on, Tsurinoya Ares and Kuying Teton. These can be had under $100 if you're willing to shop on Aliexpress. Shipping times are long, months, otherwise I've had good experiences buying there. 

 

rod with a 1.5g Shimano Slim Swimmer spoon..