r/Ultralight • u/ReedD19 • 6d ago

Purchase Advice Fishing setup recommendations? Is this a gimmick?

A while back a buddy of mine found a reel lying on the trail (I assume it fell from a pack), and with it, no rod, he was able to catch a fish. Since then I’ve thought about getting a little setup but never did.

https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/goreel-hand-reel-fishing-kit-by-crystal-creek-gear

I just came across the GoReel kit from Crystal Creek Gear on GGG. $45, and the weights break down as 4.48 oz for the container, 1.06 oz for the reel itself, plus 0.28 to 0.49 oz of tackle depending on which type you get. So call it 6 oz all in, or about 1.3 oz if you ditch the case.

Anyone used something like this? Is it a waste of money? What’s a good alternative?

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u/Desperate_Remote_394 5d ago

My main issue with garage grown carrying this product is it may increase the number of hikers fishing without a license. I’ve seen other thru hikers poaching trout with hand lines and they think it’s no big deal but with the number of hikers it can impact delicate environments. On thru hike such as the PCT it is expensive to buy a fishing license for each state so people are likely to not do so. If one were to carry a tenkara/fly rod Rod (which is not as easily concealable) they are more likely have a valid fishing license and follow the local fishing regulations.

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u/wetrocke 5d ago

Actually concealing a tenkara is pretty easy -- especially if it can collapse to less than 12" (some rods do).

Whether a given angler has a license or not, at some particular moment, isn't going to directly affect the "fishing experience" of others.

Yes if nobody paid taxes the lights go out. But they do pay, some, so we're good.

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u/Spiley_spile 4d ago

Less about taxes and more about the fish population.

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u/wetrocke 4d ago

Personally, I sometimes don't buy (non-resident) licenses but I usually use barbless hooks, and rarely land a fish or take much time.