Bass fishing with ultralight gear?

Question

I tried it for the first time today, and had a rough go of it! My line was in good condition, but fish kept breaking off and I couldn't understand it (lost several lures!) Had it been my gear, the line would have been Trilene! I love ultralight fishing for bream and crappie, but never tried bass. My question is, what would you recommend as far as line goes? I was using 4lb. mono. Is 4lb. too light? Would a copolymer or fluoro have been better? I'm partial to Trilene, but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

I would try 8 lb on up. I like using fireline myself.

Answer 2

4 pound line will catch big bass and i agree with using Trilene XT.....I have caught many fine bass both smallmouth and largemouth using ultralight gear while wading the creek......the key to success is having the drag set properly.......you have to expect to play a larger fish and it could also be the knot you are using......don't let anyone tell you that you can't catch large bass with ultralight  

Answer 3

  Go to 8 lb line and set the drag where fish cannot break the line before the drag starts slipping. You troubles will be over with.

Answer 4

sounds to me l;ike your trout fishing lol. i use trilene too, 4lb test is too light for bass fishing, i would go with a medium heavy or medium rod (action of the rod) and use 10lb test. i would prefer the ugly stickbecause it is a great, long lasting rod. for a reel i would suggest a okuma, probably an EF-30. honestly thats all ill say, hope this helps

Answer 5

I fish primarily in very clear, very deep lakes and 4lb line is acceptable for a variety of species including Bass. You will find that the "ultra-light" or finesse pattern calls for a consensus of 6lb, but I do use 4lb.

In heavier cover, lilly pads and grass 4 lb wont be acceptable.

Trilene is a major band name and has many varieties. 95 percent of all bass fishing is best done with mono and the exceptions are heavy cover where braids are more acceptable or night fishing where flurocarbons shine. If find flurocarbons too stiff for finesse fishing.

I personally like P-line.

Answer 6

been there done that

I sometimes use an ultralight setup when fishing for bass.

I use 4 lb. P-Line fluoroclear.

I dont think 4 lb. line is too light.

I fish castaic lake,ca and ive pulled up 10-15 lb. stripers with 4 lb. line.

my largest stripers there was a 19lb. caught on 6lb. line.

*****NOTE:those big fish take a LONGGG time to get on the boat with ultralight gear =)

Tight lines!

Answer 7

Ultralight is too light for bass, and 4lb is too light.  I'd say set your drag super low so you don't break your line.. but then you're never going to get a fish in.  I prefer either 10lb line or 8 lb(size) braided.

Answer 8

Trilene is great try the Trilene XL or XS(10-12 pound test) (mono)

Another mono is bass pro shops tourney tough

4 pound test is way to light..u'll be losing fish left and right

For braid try Stren sonic braid or Stren super braid...both work extremely well

For ur bass line you are gonna want between 8-12 pound test depending on the cover of the lake..if there is a lot of vegetation go with the 12..and if there isn't that much go to 8-10..i prefer 10-12 pound test(which ever u can find)