I think it was Charles Norman, who back in the eighties frowned on the gung- ho brigade who boasted of catches on ultra light gear. He definitely had a point and was certainly way ahead of his time back then, by promoting the catch and release ethic of playing a fish quickly and responsibly. His quip being that the boast was outweighed by the inevitable terminal tackle failure, which left lunkers looking like swimming tackle boxes!
Times have changed however and with the onset of ‘superlines, ‘ and their ridiculous diameter to breaking strain ratios, ultra light is getting a re-look. With the advances in these lines as well as the drag systems of modern spinning reels coupled with the test curve and fast tips in modern ultra light rods, it is remarkable how
many big fish can be moved and landed. In recent times I can think of far more parted flouro leaders when trying to cross the eyes of a pig on my heavy gear, than on the lighter stuff.
Not everyone is a spinning tackle convert as baitcasters are beautiful pieces of equipment with design features at every turn, so why fix the proverbial unbroken?
I think the best way to demonstrate why is to take a look at early Charlie Brewer You- Tube videos and see the chunks this old geezer could land with ease. These clips date back to the late 60’s and he is credited as being the father of finesse with his Slider, “do nothing “techniques.
The system he developed is simplicity itself and relied strongly on a smooth rhythmic cadence whilst retrieving a 4 inch, action-less worm called the Slider.
ULTRALIGHT
DOES SIZE COUNT?
Bass Digest/February, 2014