The Best Ultralight Fishing Rods

When we want to have a fun day out on the water, we bring our ultralight spinning rods along. It is a great way to inject some excitement and adventure when going after smaller fish. Of course, as we have learned over the years, finding the best ultralight spinning rod isn’t as easy you might imagine.

Read : Trout Fishing Tips – As Voted By 19 Fishing Experts

For one thing, there are quite a few factors to take into consideration when selecting one. Focus on the wrong specs and you could end up with a dud on your hands. If this is something that you want to avoid at all costs then check out our buyer’s guide and review below.

What to Look For in an Ultralight Fishing Spinning Rod

These are the features that you will need to look for when selecting the best possible ultralight spinning rod:

The Action

When you consider the action of a fishing rod, you are examining the point along its length at which it will bend under load. The action is described as being slow, moderate, or fast. A rod that has a slow action will bend closer to the handle while a fast action rod will bend closer to the tip.

Most ultralight fishing rods are designed with either a moderate or fast action. Which one you select will be determined by what kind of experience you are looking for when you are fishing. Thus, the action will largely depend on your preference.

For instance, fast action rods are often known for providing control. Such action will come in useful if you are trying to reel in a slightly bigger fish. These types of rods also tend to have a slightly higher sensitivity as well.

Read : Baitcasting Reels

The moderate action doesn’t offer up much in the way of control. However, its ability to bend and curve does have a few advantages. It has a cushioning effect on your life, thus offering some sort of shock absorbance when you are fighting a more stubborn fish.

The Construction

Now, the action of the fishing rod is based on a few different things. Nonetheless, one of the main factors is the material used in the construction of the rod. Thus, if you have a specific action in mind, it is important to pay attention to the material. The rod material also has an impact on the overall weight of the rod as well.

Here, you will often need to select between four different kinds of materials – fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber, and composite:

• Fiberglass: what these rods lack in sensitivity, they make up for in durability. They have a slow to moderate action and are great for novices since they can take quite a beating. As an added bonus, they are quite affordable as well.
• Graphite: these rods are lightweight and boast faster action. They are also known for their sensitivity, making it suitable for more experienced anglers. With just a nibble, you will know that something is at the end of your line. These rods are more expensive than the fiberglass ones.
• Carbon Fiber: these rods can’t be beaten in terms of low weight, durability, and fast action. However, they can be fairly expensive which is why only experienced anglers will opt for them.
• Composites: these can be a combination of either fiberglass and graphite or some other materials. They often fall in between these rods in terms of durability and action. Thus, they are more sensitive than fiberglass but not quite as nearly as powerful as graphite rods.

Guides

Ultralight rods also need to use incredibly light gear, including fishing line. Now, light line can pose a rather unique issue. This is because a lighter line can often cause greater friction against the guides. Thus, the guides need to be more durable to withstand this additional pressure.

Length

With ultralight rods, the main concern is maintaining the balance between casting distance and accuracy. As such, it is rare to find an ultralight spinning rod that is greater than 7 feet in length.

However, it is up to you to decide which length is right for you. In case you want to maximize your casting accuracy, you may want to opt for a rod that is closer to 6 feet in length. However, if casting distance is just as important then a longer, close to 7 feet will be more useful for you.

The Best Ultralight Spinning Rod Reviews

Here is an in-depth look at some of the best ultralight spinning rods available:

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

There is quite a bit to enjoy about this spinning rod including its overall performance, sensitivity, and durability.

This is a rod that virtually anyone can enjoy and offers up enough of versatility to be suitable for most anglers.

What We Like:

• Design Options: if you want more selection with your ultralight spinning rod, then the Elite line has it for you. From here, you can select 4’6”, 5’, 6’6”, and 7’. So, whether you are looking for improved casting accuracy or distance, you are sure to find what you are looking for.
• Additional Graphite Content: the added graphite ensures that the rod is lighter and boasts greater sensitivity as well.
• Durability: from the blank to the guide, this rod has been designed with durability and longevity in mind.
• Comfort: the cork handle makes it easier to get a good grip on your rod while also improving the overall comfort of your fishing experience.

What We Don’t Like:

• Smaller Reel Seat: the smaller real seat makes it a bit more difficult to find a compatible spinning reel for this rod.

Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for quality, sensitivity, or ease of use, this is an ultralight spinning rod that has it all.

This rod works equally well for novices as well as those who have been fishing for years. In this sense, it is incredibly versatile.

What We Like:

• Versatility: in case you want to maintain greater casting control, then there are shorter rods for you – 4’6” and 5’. Or, if casting distance is more important, then there are longer options with the 7’ and 7’6” as well.
• Good quality features: for the most part, this spinning rod has been built to be rather durable. While the guides and the inserts are made from stainless steel, they hold up well for constant wear and tear.
• Sensitive: the tip of the rod is quite sensitive, making it suitable for those lightweight fish that only come in for a nibble.
• Cushioned Hood: not only does the cushioned hood promote the smoothness of your fishing experience, but it is also compatible with more line types.
• Good grip: the cork grip makes it easy for you to get a good and comfortable handle on your rod.

What We Don’t Like:

• Flimsy Tip: the tip may not hold up well to heavier fish so you do have to be careful of the prey that you go after.

Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod

If you are looking for a well-reputed spinning rod for a much lower cost, then this is the rod for you. The Fenwick name comes through again with this particular make and model.

As such, you will be able to enjoy catching a multitude of smaller fish with all of the perks that you would expect with a bigger and heavier rod.

What We Like:

• Appropriate Lengths: this rod is available in 7’, 7’6”, and 8’. This means that depending on whether you are seeking accuracy or casting distance, you will be all set. It also makes the rod more suitable for all kinds of anglers.
• All-round Lightweight Features: every inch of this rod has been built to ensure the overall low weight of the gear. This includes various lightweight, stainless steel features.
• Sensitive: the graphite blank of this rod ensures that it is actually quite sensitive. So, with just a little nibble, you will know exactly when the fish are biting.
• Great Handle: the B2 burled cork handle looks and feels like the real deal. However, it is more resistant and durable than traditional material.

What We Don’t Like:

• Guide Quality: guides are made from stainless steel and need to be constructed with more durable material to stop them from breaking with heavier catches.

Cadence CR5-30 Spinning Rod

If you want a smooth fishing experience but don’t want to break the bank, then this is the rod that will do it for you.

Complete with lightweight construction and well-designed features, this is a spinning rod that will undoubtedly help you to catch the fish that you are looking for.

What We Like:

• Sensitive: this spinning rod is great at transferring vibrations down the line. As such, you are immediately alerted to when there is a nibble in the water.
• Good Accuracy: the shorter length of the spinning rod improves the overall casting accuracy, ensuring that your line goes where you want it to.
• Durable: the carbon matrix graphite blank works to provide a strong and durable rod that can stand up to most small and medium-sized fish.
• Smooth: the guides with the SiC inserts creates a smooth, frictionless surface that allows for the line to pass smoothly through.

What We Don’t Like:

• Loose Reel Seat: the reel seat is quite loose which means that you have to find a way to keep it tightened at all times.

Okuma Celilo Rod

If you are just getting started out and don’t want to make too much of an investment, then this is certainly the spinning rod for you.

Its overall design and compatibility make it a great piece of gear for most novice anglers.

What We Like:

• Casting Accuracy: this rod boasts an excellent balance between length and flexibility. As such, it is able to offer up great casting accuracy. Even if you are new to fishing, this rod will be a pleasure to use.
• Sensitivity: complete with a blank graphite construction, it is incredible just how sensitive this rod is. Even the movements of the most cautious fish are sure to be picked up.
• Compatibility: thanks to the stainless steel hooded seats, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a reel that is a good match for this rod.

What We Don’t Like:

• Lack of Durability: it is best to stick with smaller fish with this rod as it is uncertain how it may hold up against heavier loads.

Shimano FXS Spinning Rod

With its shorter length and user-friendly design, this is an excellent spinning rod for someone who wants to try their hand at catching smaller fish.

In addition to offering up a good performance, this rod also has the benefit of being affordable, even for newer anglers.

What We Like:

• Good Sensitivity: the reinforced Aeroglass blank ensures that this rod is incredibly sensitive, alerting you even when there is the slightest nibble at the end of your line.
• Smooth: the guides are incredibly smooth ensuring that the line flow is just as smooth as a result.
• Comfortable: the EVA foam handle allows you to keep a comfortable grip on your rod even when the handle is wet.
• Versatile: this rod can be used in a number of different conditions including offshore and marine conditions.

What We Don’t Like:

• Doubtful Durability: the spinning rod doesn’t seem to be all that durable and thus isn’t suitable for heavier fish.

Best Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rod

So, out of all these excellent options, which one would be the best for you?

Well, after careful consideration, we would have to nominate the Ugly Stik as the clear winner of this competition. It is well-designed, comfortable to use, and boasts accuracy as well as sensitivity.

You would be hard-pressed to find a spinning rod on the market that could do better.

FAQs

Here are some of the more common questions that anglers ask about ultralight spinning rods:

What is Ultralight Fishing?

Ultralight fishing is where all of the gear and equipment used are made from lightweight materials. This gear is typically smaller than traditional equipment as well.

What are Ultralight Spinning Rods Used for?

Ultralight spinning rods are used when you want to fish closer to shore or in calmer waters. They are best suited for smaller fish.

Can You Catch Bass with an Ultralight Rod?

You may be able to catch smallmouth bass on an ultralight rod. However, most other kinds of bass are typically a little too big or powerful for most ultralight spinning rods.

What is the Best Length for an Ultralight Spinning Rod?

The best length for an ultralight spinning rod depends on your performance preferences. Shorter rods are most suitable for casting accuracy while longer ones will provide you with greater casting distance.

What Kind of Fish Can You Catch with an Ultralight Spinning Rod?

The most common kinds of fish to catch with this kind of rod is trout. At the same time, you will be able to snag crappie, panfish, and similar species.

This concludes what you need to know about ultralight spinning rods. With this information, you should be able to find the most suitable rod with minimal hassle.