UL spinning reel fishing setup?

[Yoyo]

I have a BassPro Microlite rod (3 piece) and a Pfleuger 4520GX Micro. The weights are as follows:

Rod = 102 g (3.60 oz)
Reel with 4 lb test line = 184 g (6.49 oz)
Spinners, assorted 1/4 to 3/8 oz (4) = about 1 oz
TOTAL = 11.09 oz

Is there anything lighter out there these days? Especially the reel? I'm only interested in quality stuff–cheap telescoping rods aren't my thing.

[Michael K]

1) I don't think that you'll get significantly lighter on the reel without going really expensive with the newer magnesium reels. Any reel smaller (smaller spool) is going to have annoying line twist and poor casting.

2) You can reduce 1/2 oz. by going with a casting bubble and an assortment of flies instead of lead weighted spinners.

[Andrew F]

That's actually pretty light. To put it in perspective, my Tenkara kit (rod, 2 lines on holders, tippet, flies, small multitool) weighs 8 oz.

[Kerry Wilson]

My rod(4pc)/reel combo for spinning comes in at 9.7 oz. It gets a little lighter if I put the fly reel on (8.3oz.) but I hate to be so committed to fly fishing only.
Like others have said, you are getting pretty light for spin setup, now you just gotta figure out how to keep the tackle weight under control while being ready for different types of water.

I am getting ready for an August trip and settled on my spin combo for its versatility.

[Stephen Murphy]

Can you give some specifics on your 9.7oz setup?

[Scott Musack]

I'm using a Pflueger Trion spooled with 4 lb which weighs in at 6.25oz. I know there is a reel out there a tiny bit lighter, but I trust the pflueger name and this rig catches fish.

I use 4' 6" Shakespeare rod that weighs 2.25.

Total is 8.5oz.

My tackle set up weighs 3.25 oz and includes a spinner, 6 hook varieties, some lead, a small bobber, crappie jig and some artificial worms in a little Plano box.

[Peter Nash]

I've used a Lexus Silstar 20 for many years. It's the lightest reel I've ever found at 4.5 oz.

Unfortunately, it's no longer available. The lightest spinning reel I found online today is the Pflueger Patriarch. The lightest is model 9525X. It weighs 5.60 oz., according to the Pflueger website.

Usually, over time, lighter equipment becomes available. It seems that isn't true for spinning reels.

Is there a lighter reel than the Pflueger Patriarch?

[Kerry Wilson]

Stephen;
I will post the specifics in a few days after I get home..Travelling right now. I do know the rod is a 4 pc. graphite pack rod by Fenwick 3.9 oz.

Looks like you are right there on the rod….maybe need to look at the reel for some weight savings…

[Jim H]

I've got an old telescoping rod and plastic shakespeare reel that has worked just fine fishing lures or flies on a bubble. However, with this combo, this fishing is more chore than fun. The reel is far from smooth, and the rod is very short. I end up bringing my tenkara kit too and fishing that more often, even though I don't catch as many fish with it. I can't even find much info on the reel, they must not make it anymore, but it's labeled Shakespeare 2500 ULX Spinning Reel, and according to their website it's early 1990's vintage. The rod pretty much looks just like the cheap telescoping ones on amazon.

[Brian Curtis]

I've been through a lot of reels over the years. Recently I've been using Shimano AXULSA. They weigh in at 5.6 oz according to Shimano and are inexpensive. They've been good reels for me, unlike many I've gone through in the past.
http://www.fishusa.com/Product/Shimano-AXULSA-Ultra-Light-Spinning-Reels

[Peter Nash]

That's as light as the Pflueger Patriarch, but much more affordable at $20. Great find.

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