For a beginner, using light line is key to trigger the most amount of bites possible and learn what subtle bites really feel like. A monofilament line in the 4 – 8lb test range is ideal. Remember if you want to worry less about breaking your line, heavier lb test line (8lb) is better, but the line is also thicker in diameter allowing the fish to detect it more. Lighter line will often trigger more bites because it is thinner in diameter, however, that thinner diameter line is more susceptible to breaking if you’re fishing in areas with a lot of cover (like underwater wood, concrete, rocks, etc). As you get more advanced I always recommend a 2lb test line for ultralight to produce maximum bites and catch most amount of fish, but this line requires you to set your drag on your reel correctly, know how to set the hook properly, and know how to fight a bigger fish out of cover with a light line.

Rods should be between 5.6” and 7’ long. Something to consider is longer rods will allow you more casting distance, however, most beginner fishalots will fish from the bank where you will have to deal with overhanging trees, brush, and less than ideal access points to the bank where a shorter rod can be beneficial for casting in close quarters with trees and brush.

Ultralight fishing will be in all three sections because no matter how advanced you become at fishing, Ultralight will always remain as one of the best ways to trigger the toughest bites and works for a huge variety of fish. As you get more advanced in fishing, often times fishalots will use ultralight tactics to catch bait and move their way up the food chain to catch much bigger fish. You can see this in action on my channel in a number of videos.