Salt Water Ultralight Fishing Under the Lights texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout As water temperatures warm during the spring and into summer, hoardes of speckled trout and other gamefish will begin feeding more actively throughout the day, and night. For those feeding at night docks and piers, several of which are fitted with lights, make ideal dining areas for these predator fish. When fish are in the neighborhood, a set of lights can draw them in and make for consistent action deep into the morning hours. However, many of these spotted dock dwellers will be 12 to 14 inch “jug” trout. These dimunitive predators are often ready and willing to strike, but fall short in the fighting category. To help balance the scales, an increasing number of fishermen are turning to “ultra-light” tackle. And, although going light under the lights is a blast, that is but one use for ultra-light gear in the brine. Ultra-light, as the name suggests, is lighter than light tackle. This term can be applied to anything from two to eight pound class tackle. In saltwater, it generally means six or eight, but four pound outfits can also find a niche here. A wide array of ultra-light tackle can be found at a variety of tackle shops and in catalogs. But, at times you may need to take a gander at the “freshwater” section to find what you are looking for. Not every situation is appropriate for ultra-light gear. But, get your hands on a lightweight wand and you can find a use for it. The above scenario, sniping specks under the lights, can be appropriate for anything from four and one-half foot to six and one-half foot spinning rods. As a rule, the shorter the rod, the shorter the cast. Under the lights distance is rarely an issue, thus allowing for the stubbier stick. On the flats it is best to stick with a six and one-half or seven foot tool. Regardless of length, a good ultra-light rod has a decent amount of give. Too fast a rod is instant disaster on low-breaking strength line. Not to mention casting 1/20 and 1/32 ounce baits calls for a limber lever. For this reason, the majority of ultra-light outfits are of the spinning variety, although a few spincast and casting models are around. When piecing together your ultra-light outfit, it is of utmost importance to balance the components: rod, reel and line. Once the rod is chosen, decide which line it will cast. Again, an exact match is critical: too light a line equals extra breakoffs. Conversely, a heavyweight line can overmatch, and ultimately damage, a delicate rod. If you are just getting into ultra-lights, stick to something in the eight pound range. As you progress, or in situations with small fish or unobstructed areas, start experimenting with six or four pound thread. With the rod and line chosen, a reel should be found to complete the package. Depending on the scenario line capacity can range from as little as 75 yards to as much as 150. Assess the situation properly. Sewing-thread-thin line has a tendency to snarl and tangle. Therefore, you don't want to overdo it on capacity. If it is a tight-quarter canal, 75 yards will do; a wide-open flat, better go with 150. To further reduce the chance of tangles, some fishermen choose `underspin' reels when using two or four pound test, the most common culprits among easily tangled lines. Underspins are essentially a cross between spinning and spincast reels. They can be easily operated by even novice fishermen without risk of “bird's nesting.” These models work fine of schoolie specks in canals, but when fishing the flats it is best to go with a traditional spinning reel, which gives a greater range of drag and increased line capacity over underspin models. One last consideration on the reel is the drag itself. Although braking power is not much of an issue, since the drag will be set at around one pound, start-up inertia is. With such a tender tether between you and the fish, it is important that the drag release line smoothly and instantly to avoid breaking off. Rigging an ultra-light entails a bit more work than using a standard issue bay rig. Obviously shock leader is necessary with such a light line. However, due to the rig's delicate nature, you are limited on how heavy of a shock can be used. Usually a 12 or 15 pound leader is all that can be implemented without disrupting the castibility of ultra-light tackle. Even with these relatively light lengths of shock, it is necessary to double the standing line before attaching the leader. Use either a Bimini Twist or Spider Hitch to form a one-foot double-line. To this attach a foot of leader. Attach the plug with a loop knot, which will allow the tiny offering to look more alive in the water. Finding plugs to attach to the rig is usually not a problem, in the freshwater aisle. Beetle spins, Tiny Torpedoes, Road Runners and miniature RattleTraps are all good offerings and are generally found in the panfish section. On the salty side, tiny spoons, grubs and the DOA 1/20 ounce Shrimp are all dynamite both under the lights and sight casting on the flats. For fly rodders wishing to “lighten up,” try taking your favorite four or five weight with you next time. Shrimp and baitfish patterns tied on size six or eight hooks will do the job. Small poppers will also draw strikes from specks and reds. Again, ultra-light tackle is not appropriate for every situation. However, try using it the next time you find yourself surrounded by school trout. Odds are you will gain a new admiration for these dotted demons, as well as a sense of satisfaction from fighting the fish rather than simply overpowering it. texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout