I am looking to spend about $60-80 for a ultra light spinning real. I have little experience with these reels and was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction. I will be using the reel for white bass fishing in small creek areas. If possible, feel free to give me some advice on a pole too (length, brand, etc).

Thanks!!!

The setup I've been using for the last 2-3 seasons is this:

Bass pro Bionic Blade 6' Lite action 2 pc. #BNX60LS-2 with Shimano 1500 Sustain or 1000 Symetre.

The pole will break down and fits into one of Bass Pro's White River 36" fly rod cases, and the reel cover portion holds the reel and extra spool when dismounted. I love this set up, and have probably caught more fish with this than anything else. It travels well, I can switch out line easily w/spare spools, and it handles White Bass, Trout, Panfish, Crappie, etc..

Try a Shimano in 1000 or 1500 size, the best one you can afford, and you'll get literally years of service out of it.

One more thing. If you get a BPS rod, you can put their weight balancing system on it and it is incredible how well it handles.

My $0.02

Fishsing

email dadsoletackle@aol.com and he will advise you on a setup under $50.00

I have a Daiwa Laguna 500 that I like. The 1000 might be better if you want more line capacity. Mine is on a Loomis SJR6400 IMX. I love the rod, especially the Tennessee handle. It's a sweet little UL rig. I would put a Shimano Stella 750 on it if they made one...

I would suggest a Penn 4200, its the smallest spinning reel they make. I've had one for about 10 years and they are bullet proof. Just take care of it and clean it once a year. Even if something breaks on them you can buy spare parts over the phone. I think they cost between $70-$80. As for a rod, you get what you pay for. I would suggest an All-Star, G-Loomis, or a Lowrider ultralite. All of these rods are expensive but they are worth it.

I have a browning I bought at bps several years ago and cant read the number on it but still works fine, also have a mitchel avocet. either on an ugly stick would be fine for what you want it for and I am pretty sure it would be about 50 dollars for the setup at academy or wal mart. the browning might be a little more, I do like it better then the mitchel and I don think I have seen it at wal mart or academy.

I bought what i feel is the perfect set up. Shimano Sedona 750 on a Bass Pso 6 foot light action Graphite rod. Great balance and plenty of fight even if you get into a few hybrids also. Price for combo should be under $80

Got me a Wally Marshall crappie setup with the 4 1/2 foot rod and six pound test. Great little rig for around $30.

Shimano Sedona 750 was crafted especially for UL fishing. If you look at all the traits of it comparted to the other higher-end Shimanos (Symetere), it has them, but only in the 750...the 1000 and 1500 are lesser "featured". I bought mine from Academy ($60) and ordered a second spool from Shimano ($20 shipped). I picked up a St. Croix 5'6" UL - Fast action from Sportsman's Warehouse ($50). It's a 2-piece that fits in a 36" case as well. It's designed to use with 1/32 to 3/16, but you can throw upto 1/4. Before I used a Diawa from BPS that was $20...it worked fine.

I think the line is more important than the rod, but I'm no expert.

I use Power Pro 10/2 braided. It is super thin, but almost too limp. I'm going to try a 15/4 and see if that helps.

I fish Denton Creek feeding into Lake Grapevine often from my inflatable pontoon. The Sandies are running hit and miss and hopefully will take off in earnest soon. I found that the 1/8 green and chrome cicada from Sportsmans Warehouse is the most effective at around 2-3'

i wouldnt consider the 4200 an ultra light reel(I have one and its a good size reel that holds a ton of line, and can be used for just about anything in shore or at a lake).
The laguna 500 would be a tight little reel, nice setup mhood. Daiwa spinmatic 500 is a little cheaper and will get the job done too. I have a 5'0 or so falcon and a 5'0 walmart FLW rod with a tiny abu on one and a daiwa on the other. Believe it or not, I use the Walmart brand rod the most, the action is awesome, stiff, sensitive, and str8 up light. I know someone out there has one, its the rod with the brown blank. The rods started out at 48$ but were eventually clearanced out for like 20 or something(good deal) Both rods and reels are rated for 2-6lb test, that is ultra light. It makes fishing for sandies, trout, crappie, bluegill, specks, and carp a blast. I like to spool it with 4lb yozuri hybrid, that stuff is strong as can be.

is a 4lb Yozuri stonger than 4lb mono....is the weight based on diameter?

PiePuncher, the reel I'm talking about is the little black and gold Penn 4200 spinning reels, I think they wiegh about 6 oz. They hold 2-6 lb. line and are great ultralite reels.

Tx.Fisher, its the 4300 that I have, sorry. Just checked it out, next time I will make sure I am 100% right instead of 99% right before I speak. lol Sorry

4lb yozuri is just strong as can be in comparison to other 4lb lines. I have tried quite a few on a river near my house while catching carp and the carp break just about every line I use, except for the yozuri. I am fishing a shallow river with loads of carp and they usually bolt like a rocket once the hook is set. With 6lb test, it isnt a problem but using four, the line makes all the difference in the world. I was shocked at the difference but I wont be buying stren or trilene 4lb any time soon.

I use the 4# Yo-zuri too but have gone to the Ultra Soft on everything...especially the spinning reels. I've heard that the Cobra is really nice too.

Sedona 750 on a Eagle Claw Featherlite rod. If I snag a $20 rod on a tree walking down to the San Gabriel, its no big loss. I switch the reel over to a Ugly Stick Light after the run for crappie fishing.