Lightweight lures, ultralight fishing worth the learning curve

In fishing, there is always something new to experience or learn. Recently, I have been experimenting with lightweight lures on ultra-light (four-pound class) spinning tackle. The learning curve has been steep. However, after much trial and a lot of error, I have developed a system that is highly effective and very fun to fish. 

This journey began with the desire to fish a Z-Man Slim SwimZ lure on a 1/10-ounce jig, a lure combination that I felt would provide a slower rate of descent that fish would strike.  Unfortunately, this lure combination was difficult to cast and control with my regular 10-pound class light-tackle spinning outfits. I began testing with four-pound class ultra-light spinning gear. 

This proved to be the perfect match for the Slim SwimZ on a 1/10-ounce jig. It cast well and had sufficient sensitivity to feel the lure. Problem solved. 

Trout cannot resist the Slim SwimZ. It was highly effective. Plus, fighting trout on ultra-light tackle is a blast. 

Things were going swimmingly well (no pun intended) until Brody and I encountered a large school of decent-sized redfish. On ultra-light tackle, the trout were a blast, but the redfish were a bit of an angling challenge. 

It took a while to learn the fish-fighting limits of four-pound class spinning tackle. As it turns out, in the right situation, you can land pretty large redfish on very light tackle. I can say with confidence: big redfish under a dock is not the right situation. 

FISHING CLASS UPDATE 

Providence Church on Daniel Island has graciously agreed to host the Community Fishing Class on March 28, from 10 a.m. until noon. The class will cover how to locate fish in our rivers and creeks and the techniques to catch them. Thanks to Providence Church, we now have a few more seats available. If you would like to attend the class, please send me an email at captgregp@gmail.com.