I need some help selecting ultralight spinning line. I have a little shakespeare synergy and 4.5 ft rod that feels really good. I have been using 4#XL and Vanish, and they just dont cut it for me. Way too flimsy.
I am mesmorized by all the varieties. Looking for castability, but not necessarily great distance with very light baits.
I've been using a product called Stren Easy Cast 4# test for several years. For my money it's been the best performer as far as castability and durability. Good resistance to abrasion. The only problem is that it's getting harder to find. I don't know it it's being replaced by a different product. I just know that every time I find something I really like they quit makin' it.
BM,
I've got a similar setup, Shakespeare Micro Spin with matching reel. I use Trilene XL 4# on it and fish with it 3 or 4 times a week. The spool is so small that you have to find a line with very little "memory" or it won't cast at all.
I'll be watching to see what others suggest.
Chip
It sure is fun catching fish on a little noodle rod with light line. Even small fish put up a good battle. On my ultra lite set up I use 6# trilene XT. I like the added abrasion resistance and tensile strength when you need to move a fish from around cover. Since the line is a little thicker than 4# I use the green color which is invisible in the water. Make sure to check for nicks in the line and retie often. Good luck!
I like Berlekey's Fireline.
Frank
I use Spiderwire, 12 to 17lbs. I have it on a Diawa minispin that I have used for years and and on my new outfit, a 9' Cabela walleye rod with an Okuma UL10 reel. The 9' noodle rod is a kick. I use the Spiderwire for several reasons, casts well, light small diameter, abrasion resistant, it has no memory and on the occasion you hook a large fish, strong. It's hard to tie, will cut you in a second and I am told will cut thru rod guides. If you don't use a leader, getting hung up is frustrating.
My ultralight set up uses 6 lb Berkley Fireline -- which has a diameter similar to 2 lb test. PowerPro also makes a 6lb test 2 lb diameter.
It's very fine, almost like fly tying thread. It may be too fine for your tastes -- but I like it because it is very sensitive -- very hard to see (good for fish, bad for my 45 year old eyes) and if I get hung up, it's strong enough to straighten a hook and pull free.
That said, I'd recommend it for a spinning real, but I think the Synergy is a spon/cast reel, correct? If so, look at P Line FluoroClear -- a fluorocarbon mono mix. Best of both worlds, IMHO. it comes 2,3,4,5 6 and up in lb test -- maybe try a 4 or 3 and see what you think.
I build many of my own rods and this little ultra light started out has a handle mock up for a St Croix catalog. I finished it out, and it now lives on the farm with the ponds. There are days I miss it in the boat -- but it's at home on the farm.
The only 4lb test line I use is Cabela's Pro Line in green. I've tried them all and for the money it's the best IMO. But, I do re-spool alot, and cut off two feet every time I tie a knot. Trilene XL is second best for me, in green of course.
I have three UL rigs, 2 Gloomis and a St Croix, and they all have the Cabela's line on them.
Fish don't break line, fisherman do.
I use a 7ft ultra light rod. I do not use the ultralight spinning reels, I get a size larger reel that will handle up to 8 - 10 lb line. I fish with 6lb line (Bass Pro Shops Excel fishing line, bought in bulk spool) I have been real pleased with the Excel line.
I picked up the Power Pro 10# line and tried it today. I like it a lot and the jig action is great with it.It's really small in diameter, close to the size of 2# test monofilament.
tell me more, Chip. Is it available at walmart, academy, etc? Is it braided?
bm,
I think it might be what you're looking for. I caught about 40 fish today on the same knot.It's made from "Spectra", a MilSpec textile from the good people at Honeywell. They call it a microfilament, but it looks like a twisted yarn that's been heat-set. I used to work on machines that made kevlar gloves and it's real similar to that type of yarn. Clippers won't cut it.
I got mine at Wal-Mart; here's the website:
http://www.powerpro.com/index.asp
Chip, you forgot to mention it has no memory!
Also no strech so don't set the hook as hard as you do with mono!
bought some today, Ya'll. Thanks for all the inputs!