Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Ultralight Rods

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
Ugly Stik
Elite Spinning Rod
Check Price
Bottom Line

The strongest and most responsive rod that's also good for long fishing days.

Pros

Tough yet lightweight construction (graphite and fiberglass). Its unique Clear Tip design makes it very sturdy and responsive. Cork handles reduce pressure on hands. Guides prevent insert pop-outs.

Cons

Some find the rod to be a bit uncomfortable.

Best Bang for the Buck
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
Okuma
Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
Check Price
Bottom Line

Ranks high for its reliability and durability, even when tossed around in the boat or on a pier.

Pros

Endorsed by professional and experienced fishers across the world. Sensitive graphite blank construction. Aluminum oxide guide inserts, graphite blank construction, quality-grade fore and rear cork grips, and stainless steel hooded reel seats.

Cons

Some claim it's not as durable as advertised.

South Bend Microlite Ultralight Spinning Combo
South Bend
Microlite Ultralight Spinning Combo
Check Price
Bottom Line

This affordable rod is good for occasional, casual fishing.

Pros

Chrome guides with a graphite reel seat and stainless steel cushioned hoods. Cork handle and top-notch ultralight action. Fiberglass rod blank, a 2-ball bearing drive. Has an aluminum spool.

Cons

You get what you pay for as it's not the most durable reed.

Shimano Sojourn 2-Piece Spin Rod
Shimano
Sojourn 2-Piece Spin Rod
Check Price
Bottom Line

While not the most durable pick on our list, the one-year warranty brings reassurance.

Pros

Very light, effective graphite composite blank. 5" long with low-profile aluminum oxide guides. Custom shimano reel seat and a cork handle for comfort.

Cons

Some units were broken upon arrival.

Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rods
Fenwicks
Eagle Spinning Rods
Check Price
Bottom Line

We recommend this rod for pan fishing and hobby purposes.

Pros

Its B2 burled cork design gives the feel of traditional cork, but is more durable and prevents chipping. Stainless steel guides and inserts are light and corrosion-resistant.

Cons

Quality control could be a problem as some of the eyes may be defective.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

56
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
16
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for best ultralight rods

Ultralight fishing rods have been favored by trout and bass anglers for decades. They are now gaining popularity with backpackers who angle in high mountain streams and small glacial lakes, as well. Because ultralight rods weigh so little and don’t take up much space in a backpack, they are perfect for traveling, hiking, and camping. They’re also suitable for people with mobility issues, shoulder stiffness, and back pain.

Ultralight fishing isn’t just for people who want to travel light, though. It’s for anyone who is interested in casting off much of the weight found on traditional rods and reels. When you engage in ultralight fishing, everything from your lure to your line to your rod is lighter than average. Liberated from the extra weight, you may find yourself reeling in lots of smaller fish —  and you can still catch big ones, too.

Read on to learn more about ultralight rods and the benefits they provide. When you are ready to purchase, check out our top choices.

Content Image
Ultralight fishing rods, because they are shorter and lighter than traditional longer rods, are easier to manage when fishing in a location with dense brush.

Key considerations

Benefits of using an ultralight rod

Ultralight rods are not toys, but they sure deliver a lot of fun on the water.

  • An ultralight rod allows the angler to make quiet, delicate fly or lure presentations, feeling the fight from a small to medium-size trout, bass, or crappie.
  • Ultralight rods are lighter in overall weight, and repetitive casting is therefore easier on the body. They’re also easier to pack and carry.
  • The flexibility of an ultralight spinning rod makes casting smooth, easy, and precise.
  • The agile tip makes fighting an energetic trout all the more fun.

Types of ultralight rods

There are two types of ultralight rods: fly rods and spinning rods. Ultralight fishing rods are typically made from lightweight fiberglass or graphite. While it’s true that you could feasibly catch nearly any small fish with any size or type of fishing pole, if you want the best equipment possible for your game, it’s important to choose the right fishing rod.

Ultralight fly rods

Traditional fly rods are labeled 5wt, which means that a 5wt line is recommended for the rod. Ultralight rods are shorter and lighter. They are labeled as 3, 2, 1, aught (0), double-aught (00), and triple-aught (000) weights. When looking at an ultralight rod, keep in mind that that this numbering system does not represent the weight of the rod. Rather, it reflects the size or weight of fishing line the rod is designed to cast.

Experienced trout guides suggest that an ultralight fly rod is the best type of fly rod for angling in small streams. If you are considering an ultralight rod, drop down at least two weights lighter than the lightest fly rod you own. Unsure where to start? Begin with a 3wt.

Ultralight spinning rods

Ultralight spinning rods are rated by action, or the point where the rod flexes along the blank. Rods that are rated ultra-fast, or “fast action”, are the best choice for enhanced tip sensitivity and better accuracy when casting lures.

Ultralight spinning rods are typically less than six feet long, which is shorter than traditional gear. Ultra-fast and fast spinning rods do not bend at the base: all of the flexibility is in the tip. Flexibility in the butt end signifies a slower-action rod. Rods with moderate action tend to flex in the middle.

Content Image
Expert Tip
It takes more skill to land a big fish with an ultralight rod, as the rod and line are more likely to break if they aren’t carefully manipulated.
STAFF
BestReviews

Features

Rod power

Fishing poles or rods are classified by rod weight, or “power value.” The thickness of a rod, as well as the material with which it’s made, determine rod power.

Rod power is defined by the rod’s ability to lift from the tip of the blank. In other words, it is a measurement of the amount of force required to bend the rod. Saltwater fishermen use extra-heavy rods for surf or deep-sea fishing, while ultralight fishing rods are best for catching panfish in small streams.

Rod material

Blank: The body, or blank, of an ultralight fishing rod is typically made of graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of the two.

Handle: Many lightweight fishing rods have handles or grips made of cork. Cork is easy on the hands and doesn’t contribute much weight to the rod.

Guides: The guides are very small and usually made of a quality material like stainless steel, aluminum oxide, chrome. Because of their tiny size, they don’t add much weight to the rod. For the sake of durability, look for a rod made with quality guides that won’t corrode or rust.

Reel seat: The reel seat is where the reel is mounted. Stainless steel is a common material. Just like the guides, it won’t add much to the weight, but a reel seat made of a reliable material is important for the durability of the rod.

Rod length

Ultralight fishing often entails a shorter rod. You may find them as short as four feet long, but some ultralight rods are nine feet long. The average ultralight rod is somewhere between five and six feet long.

Content Image
Expert Tip
Pair your ultralight rod with ultralight lures and line for best results. The goal is to keep the weight down.
STAFF
BestReviews

Accessories

If you are going fishing, you want to catch fish and have a good time doing it. An ultralight fishing rod is but one of several pieces of equipment you will want to take on your trip to have the best outdoor fishing experience possible.

Fishing reel: The balance of the rod and reel should feel comfortable in your hand and easy to manage and cast. You’ll want to choose an ultralight reel specifically designed to pair with an ultralight rod. We like the smooth-rolling Okuma Helios Lightweight Spinning Reel for its lightweight construction, ease of use, and appealing low price.

Ultralight lures: For ultralight fishing, you need ultralight lures — otherwise, you defeat the purpose of cutting weight from your rod and reel. If you’re just starting out, we recommend filling your tacklebox with a set of ultralight lures like those found in this Ultra-Lite Kit from Rapala. This versatile set gives you something to use in just about every ultralight fishing scenario.

Fish fillet knife: A finely sharpened fillet knife is a must on any fishing expedition. One of our favorites is the Fishing Comfort Fillet Knife from Morakniv. The stainless steel blade is available in two sizes; choose based on your need. The right fillet knife can be a fisherman’s favorite tool.

LED lantern: LED lanterns, headlamps, and flashlights are available in a wide range of lumens to facilitate safety at night. An LED lantern can light up a camp or boating area, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar territory. Coleman is a top name in outdoor gear, and we really like the ultra-bright light provided by the Coleman Quad LED Lantern.

Content Image
Expert Tip
Ultralight rods allow the angler to cast with precision, especially when fishing in smaller waters, on stream banks, or in confining waterways.
STAFF
BestReviews

Ultralight rod prices

In the lower-price range, ultralight fishing rods cost from $19 to $39. Great for children and beginning anglers, these products typically include the rod only — no reel, line, or carrying bag,

Medium-priced ultralight rods sell for $49 to $99. In this price range, you will find well-crafted ultralight rods with cork handles for comfort and durable stainless steel or aluminum reel mounts and line guides.

Specialty graphite or titanium ultralight rods in the higher price range cost anywhere from $100 to $300.

Tips

  • Make sure your hooks are ultrasharp, especially with ultralight fishing. Due to the lightweight nature of rod, reel, and line, you need that sharp hook to set in order to land the fish.
  • You must be a master of your drag when reeling in a fish on an ultralight line. The line could simply snap if you pull too much. Adjust the drag so the fish wears itself out before you reel it in.
  • Keep extra line on hand in case yours breaks. Store it in your fishing tackle box so you never have to go back home unexpectedly after a line break.

Other products we considered

A lightweight, flexible Toray graphite rod for easy packing into the brush, the Enigma Fishing Phenom with graphite blank offers a sensitive, flexible tip for landing fighting fish, a comfortable easy-grip handle, and long-lasting titanium fittings. The KastKing Speed Demon is another great ultralight rod. It’s made of highly flexible S-glass and graphite and is a dream to use — the slightest nibble is conveyed easily, and it casts with precision and grace. The KastKing is a fantastic rod for catching any small panfish.

Content Image
Ultralight fishing rods work better than traditional fly rods for cutting through the wind on a blustery day.

FAQ

Q. Are ultralight fishing rods more sensitive than traditional fly fishing rods?
A.
If you are used to fishing with traditional fly fishing tackle, such as a nine-foot fiberglass or graphite rod, you will be impressed with the high sensitivity of your line and rod tip when casting with an ultralight rod designed for maneuverability in narrow streambeds. Try an ultralight rod, and you will readily understand why it is so easy to become addicted to this type of game fishing. You will feel the tiniest tug and the slightest nibble.

Q. What weight line should I use with my ultralight fly rod?
A.
Choose a lightweight, tapered, floating, forward weight line for gentle presentation and ease of casting. Experienced anglers suggest choosing a fishing line that is one size smaller or one size larger than the number of the rod you plan to use with the line.

Q. When camping, what is the best way to cook a trout caught on my new ultralight rod?
A.
Trout are best prepared lightly floured with a touch of seasoning, fried in butter in a cast iron skillet over the campfire.

Our Top Picks