Thread: Ultralight Rods Relating to Panfish #2

Originally Posted by Cliffardo

Hopefully redearhoosier will chime in on that particular model. I have the 69III and consider it an ultralight, especially compared to my Falcon ultralight which feels more like a ML next to the Yamaga! The 63 should be a little lighter if that's what your looking for. They look like they have similar bending curves on the website. Great all around rods but not as light and whippy as the SUL area trout rods. Still fun with small fish, but can handle some big ones, too. The 69 throws 1/32 up to 1/4 with ease and has enough of a flexible, progressive bend that I don't worry about snapping it.

I just saw this post and have not read the thread beyond Cliffardo's post. Agree with Cliffardo about the BC 69III. I have one with a 2015 2003 Exist on it. Matches perfectly with 3 lb. test Super Trout Advance high viz mono. Plenty of bend in the upper half to two-thirds with some backbone toward the bottom. BC III 69 has gotta cast further than the 63, if that is a consideration. Also have the 74 which is a little stronger. IMO, BC III rods seem to be good for casting distance, progressive bending under load and affordability. The are not as sensitive to me as my Evergreen Scout Master, Olympic Graphiteleader Super Bellezza, or 610 and 75 Lunakia.

Be cautious about buying a JDM light game rod based on its line rating. The Scout Master I have is rated for a line range of 1-3 lb. test. I use it with 4 and 5 lb. test. It is much stiffer than that line rating may indicate for American freshwater fisherman. The Scout Master is rated for up to 10 grams, which it handles well. As Yodie says, the 610 Lunakia is a great versatile rod for 4 lb test. You could use it for 3 lb. I have not tried 2 lb. Both Lunakias stiffen up in the lower half, especially the 75. It will handle up to 7 lb test. Randy and others have more experience with more companies rod lines, especially area trout rods.

Will second the BCIII 69 recommendation again for ultralight. It is reasonably priced and made in Japan. You can check out the casting videos on Yamaga Blanks website. Good luck.