The rod is a 6-6 UL rod that features 7 guides plus a tip top. The deep blue blank is pretty and highlighted by some nice graphics. The handle is a sweet split grip that features very solid cork around the reel seat and a foam butt that has some nice silver inlays and graphics on the butt end bottom.
The reel seat has a wide range to adjust to a reel with even the largest footings although for UL, that really isn't all that necessary. The blank just above the reel seat has very clean winding checks and more pretty graphics.
Visually, the rod is rather stunning. To me, this has never been an issue but the rod definitely gives you that degree of finish that one would expect in the Japanese market.
On The Water Performance
The Basspara is about as true an ultralight rod as you will find that is still useful for bass. I would say it is a “0” power rod. It has a moderate action and can handle baits from 1/32oz up through 3/16oz. I used 1/8oz hair jigs on it exclusively so far but I think it would make a killer drop shot rod as well for really light stuff.
The rod lacks the backbone of a typical bass fishing rod but it isn't a spaghetti wand either. Like I said, it is a true UL rod. I teamed it up for this photo session with a Shimano Symetre 750 and 6lb Fireline and threw hairjigs all day taking several fish in the 2+lb class with no issues.
I personally don't like to fish with a 2pc rod but it seems that all decent UL rods are 2pc. This was no exception and I have to admit that this ain't my Daddy's old 2pc rod. This one features a really solid friction joint/ferrule system that seems much smaller than typical 2pc rods. It simply works, is compact and the connection is small and holds the rod together solidly; I really didn't notice it at all.
I like just about everything regarding this rod with one small exception. The rod seemed to creak and crackle a bit when it flexed. I'm certain there is nothing defective about it as took several dozen fish on it so far but the occasional sound does take some getting used to. This may be due to the fact that it is a 2pc rod and the cracking sound could be the friction joint settling. Like I said, I wasn't too concerned by the time I finished fishing with it a few times. Being made for the Asian market, there is no warranty on this rod that translates to US use.
In all this is a very solid UL rod that is a true UL action. The price, performance as well as the beauty of it compel me to highly recommend it. It fished comfortably and handled both the baits and the fish I hooked. Major Craft has several rods in this series for UL from 5-0 to 7-2.
For flinging small hair jigs, the 6-6 Basspara BP ULS was perfect. I have had no issues with it while taking fish up to 3lbs. If you can get past the occasional creak, it really is an excellent UL spinning rod for a great price.
