Ultralight Fishing Tips and Tricks For Ultralight Anglers Ultralight Trend Setter
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Ultralight Angling has not only transitioned into a phenomenon locally, but it has spread it’s reach globally. In the past, when Ultralight Angling was introduced to Malaysian anglers, many were skeptical about it and were of the impression that it will not receive a healthy reception amongst local anglers. As of now, almost all local anglers in Malaysia possess an ultralight angling setup and would bring this whenever they go angling because fishing spots have drastically decreased as a result of over-development within the nation.
Aside from the acceptance of the Ultralight Angling sport which has gripped the nation by storm, it is natural for various opinions and approaches towards Ultralight Angling.
So what exactly is Ultralight Angling?
Well, for a detailed account on this, kindly refer to one of our earlier articles for a better grasp or understanding within the following link :
https://www.ultralightanglers.com/what-is-ultralight-fishing/
The following link below has more surrounding topics on the same sport which a reader may find useful, intriguing or even educational:
https://www.ultralightanglers.com/category/ultralight-fishing/
BRIEF HISTORY
Within this article here, we will touch-base on the standard drag requirements which we have established within the Facebook Group (Ultralight Anglers) and we also intend to respond towards general enquiries and clarify the common confusion amongst many anglers why the requirement of a 6lbs drag (2.7kg) has been set.
Ultralight Angling focuses on utilizing a light angling setup, ranging from a featherlight rod to a 6lbs line are the basic requirements of any form of ultralight angling. However, during the early conquest of Ultralight Angling locally, no drag requirements were initially set because at the point of time, it was near impossible to own a reel which suits the bill of Ultralight Angling, hence there weren’t any set requirements for drag.
However, this began to change come year 2012 as reel manufacturing began to spread the sales of reels with a drag of around 4 kg which was way lower than what reels used to offer and this, while it may still exceed the current drag requirement for ultralight angling, was getting closer to the ideal drag to be utilized by anglers to fully enjoy ultralight angling.
As the shift of market demands towards angling and ultralight angling increased, reels dishing out a drag of 3kg and below were quickly becoming more common as opposed to the past. The market demand and shift towards procuring reels with this drag requirement quickly caught much opposition from several retailers as the stock they had in hand did not meet Ultralight Angling requirements. A key point to note is the reason why a drag requirement was established, and the reason is simple, to empower ultralight anglers to be able to enjoy the sport the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Angling enthusiasts will be capable of understanding why such a requirement is established, try picturing utilizing a rocket launcher to hunt for a squirrel, it is pure overkill and in angling, a similar result is obtained when we utilize an overpowered reel with a high value of drag, it kills the fun of the fight while angling as we lose out on the thrill to land a catch with such a high setting of drag on our reels.
The key to savouring and enjoying the ultralight sport is to utilize a very light but balanced setup to land catches, and having a high drag value on the reel will most definitely throw this balance off and defy the purpose of Ultralight Angling.
A BRAND NEW SOLID DRAG SETTING OF 2.7kg (6lbs)
In order to preserve and empower all ultralight anglers to enjoy the sport at it’s finest, a new standard was set (a reel with a drag of 2.7kg / 6lbs) within the pioneer group of Ultralight Anglers within the nation, yeap, we set the standard not with the interest of overthrowing the market’s demand for fishing gear, but with the pure intent to empower all similar anglers from the ultralight scene to be capable of enjoying the sport the way it is meant to be enjoyed.
Why was such a standard set? The following factors were the contributors for it:
Balance
When utilizing light angling gear, balance is prioritized, which is precisely why a fishing rod has a given rating as a guideline.
More Challenge
The sad reality of development is it encroaches on our eco-system, causing fishes to be smaller and it is our sole intention to ensure that the challenge to land a fish is preserved. In order to preserve the challenge and joy of angling, the complete fishing setup of 6 lbs as a guideline is to be adhered to, from lines, rod to reel. After all, it would seem redundant to utilize an overpowered setup for a fish that is only the length of 2 fingers.
Intensifying the Thrill of the Fight
We do not deny the fact that by setting such a standard, we have created the ground works of a more challenging and intensifying experience for ultralight angling. Landing a catch weighing 1 – 2 kilos on an ultralight setup is a bigger thrill than it ever will be as opposed to landing the same catch on a medium heavy setup, ever wondered why? The rationale is simple, it is because if we utilize a much heavy duty setup, we are indirectly killing the joy of fishing such like sized games.
The following example which relates to the above statement can be referred to for a better overall understanding.
Example:
Rod: 1–6lb
Line: 6lb
Reel: 4kg drag
By utilizing a reel capable of dishing out a maximum drag value of 4kg, the risk and hassle of setting the drag at it’s ideal value itself could undermine the ultralight angling experience for over-setting the drag may cause the line to snap or worse case may break the rod and under-setting the drag may cause our prized catch to get away.
Protecting Ultralight Angling Gear
If we opt to overclock our ultralight fishing rod with a reel that dishes out a maximum drag value beyond 6 lb, the potential risk of having the same ultralight angling rod to snap is higher. Simple physics applies here, the rod simply cannot withstand a force beyond it’s designated capacity.
As such, as angling enthusiasts, we understand and know how well and how much angling enthusiasts prize their fishing gear, hence it would be rational to set a drag standard not only capable of optimizing the thrill of the sport, but also capable of ensuring our setups are protected against any form of unnecessary risks.
Low Drag Ratings Are Still Capable of Landing a Prized Catch
With the right technique, even an ultralight setup is capable of landing a prized catch / big fish, it’s a matter of patience, skill and luck. With the right technique and the right amount of skill, a prized catch can be landed, although it may take some time. The following videos will support this point:
Our Standards
We have set the bar of utilizing a drag value of 2.7kg and below as we wish to establish a profound way of angling which is linear to our angling approach (ultralight angling) to ensure the best and optimal experiences are preserved during the course of pursuing our favored sport. We at Kanicen Nix do not believe in blindly following trends, but rather, we believe in constantly challenging existing concepts to set brand new trends. We believe in being trend-setters as opposed to trend-followers as we are passionate about the sport we pursue.
Demand & Technology
In the past, the technology we currently experience is not as advanced as it currently is, causing the angling gear being supplied to not be capable of supporting reels with lower values of drag. Hence, manufacturers produce reels which are versatile to empower the market to utilize these reels for a generic purpose. This in turn caused many retailers to stock up on these kinds of reels.
With the present trend we have set for ultralight anglers to utilize reels with a drag value below 3kg, the market’s demand has shifted towards purchasing such reels in order to be capable of experiencing ultralight angling the way it is meant to be enjoyed.
The experience of landing a catch weighing 1 – 2 kilos on a smaller reel with a drag value of 3kg is hands down more exhilarating than utilizing a reel whose drag value is above 12 kg. Since technology now supports the creation and manufacturing of such reels, we as end users possess the right to select our gear in accordance to the angling sport we pursue, hence the demand of such reels have drastically increased, causing retailers to cater their products to the market’s needs.
Common Queries
Huge brands like Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Shimano and so forth have begun manufacturing small to moderate sized reels with a higher drag value, why?
- Japan is a country that caters to it’s people’s needs. The majority population in Japan love angling as a sport, hence, the products manufactured by most big brands cater towards the Japanese nation’s angling needs. When this occurs, obviously, the reels manufactured will be in accordance to the specifications of the native fishes which are available in Japan, hence the by-product of having such reels.
- The demand for small – medium sized reels with a high value of drag is still high globally. In business, it is only natural to produce products that cater towards the market’s generic demands.
Locally, as the ultralight angling scene grew, the demand for reels which are small sized and support a drag value of 3kg and below became rampant because current age technology allows the manufacturing of such products and also the demand has grown.
As the owner and creator of the brand, Kanicen Nix, I am a Malaysian who has set the trend of utilizing a drag value within 3kg to cater for ultralight angling and have made a huge impact to the local ultralight angling scene, as a Malaysian, I am proud to have been capable of setting a trend and am overwhelmed by the positive reception and response of this trend.
There is only one main factor which contributed to the trend being set, it is because a majority of anglers who enjoy the ultralight angling scene are of the same mindset. The trend setting phenomenon I have since achieved locally is a testament to how much passion I pour in to the sport, it took time and much research to set the trend by first hand experience as opposed to merely setting a standard because I felt it was best.
Our Direction
The current standards we have set for ultralight angling has now spread to few of Malaysia’s neighbouring country and has even begun to spread to South America, Europe and many other countries.
The positive reception of the new standard which has been set globally is a testament towards enjoying ultralight angling the way it is meant to be enjoyed.
My Intentions
Before the brand Kanicen Nix, comes the man behind it, and at the core, I am merely an individual who is passionate about the ultralight angling scene. My goal of setting a new standard or trend is not to gather fame or recognition, but rather to educate and share with the angling community that ultralight angling can be much more than what it was, and presently, we all can enjoy a higher level of satisfaction for ultralight angling.
It has always been an honour and privilege for setting a new standard and it will always be a strong driving force for me to continue expanding awareness on the joys of ultralight angling as well as to share, learn and guide new anglers exploring the ultralight scene.
Conclusion
The new standard of 2.7kg / 3kg is a by-product of the brand Kanicen Nix along with the owner being a Trend Setter. As users, we always have a right of choice.
As the owner of my brand of Ultralight Angling Gears, I have a strong desire to continue with my journey in expanding not just the brand, but the awareness and the scene of ultralight angling not just within Malaysia, but globally.
Thus far, the products we have manufactured is a result of sheer effort, diligence, and passion for the ultralight angling sport, and I sincerely hope the ultralight angling or even the angling community at large, will grant their blessings and support for my earnest efforts in not just producing the finest ultralight angling gear, but also in terms of sharing, educating and providing guidance towards ultralight angling techniques which will aid in the expansion of the ultralight angling scene.
Thank you.
Note:
All information given is based on a best efforts to express our opinions and knowledge that has been acquired. Paragraph or inappropriate words may have been used and it is out of control because we have tried most wisely. If you have suggestions, please comment. We will make changes.
Hey guys! You can call me Kanicen and I’m a nature lover. I spend most of my time outdoor with fishing. I have to admit that I am not an expert but I will do my best to share with you interesting stuffs I know. I love ultralight game which means I live to challenge myself with UNREALISTIC LOGIC for satisfaction.
