Best Ultralight Fishing Rods (7 Reviews & Buyers Guide)
Getting a quality fishing rod is one of the most essential purchases you will have to make as an angler. Similar to any sport, it is necessary to have the best possible equipment, and the best ultralight fishing rod is no exception.
Quick view the best ultralight fishing rods:
- Our Top Pick: Okuma graphite Celilo ultralight fishing rod
- Next Best: St. Croix 2-Piece Lightweight fishing rod
- Best Budget Option: Ugly Stik Elite Ultralight spinning rod
If you use the wrong rod, you may not be able to cast your lures and bait as far or accurately as possible.
You could also have difficulty with bite detection, often confusing hand-ups, collisions, and snags, which can be frustrating.
On the other hand, using the right ultralight fishing rod allows you to cast and work your bait in the best way possible, which will increase your chances of landing a fish.
With lots of ultralight fishing rods available on the market, choosing the right fishing rod to satisfy your needs can be a bit tricky.
Well, here are some tips and what you need to know when you go out to purchase the best ultralight fishing rod for your next fishing adventure.
What is an ultralight fishing rod?
An ultralight rod is a lighter built, shorter in length and typically holds lighter lines and reels.
These rods are used to fish for smaller fish such as bass, trout, and panfish. However, some fishermen will expand their usage to cash bigger fish too.
Kayak fishermen often opt for an ultralight fishing rod as they are much easier to manage and store.
‘Ultralight fishing rod’ does not just relate to the actual weight of the rod. It refers to the rod’s power.
Fishing rod power generally refers to a rod’s stiffness or resistance to bending and is usually rated as ultra-light, light, light-medium, medium, medium-heavy, and so on.
Ultralight rods are typically great for casting lightweight lures and bait, they also manage lightweight lines better than heavier rods.
Top 7 Ultralight Fishing Rods – Product Reviews
1. Okuma Celilo Graphite Ultra Light Fishing Rod
Our top pick for the best ultralight fishing rod is any rod from the Okuma Celio Ultralight Range. The Celilo ultralights begin at just 4-1/2-feet in length and continue to 7-1/2-feet, they are all lightweight and remain very durable regardless of their weight and length.
The Celio range is perfect if you are going after small to medium-sized fish like trout, perch, and panfish. Another bonus is that the rods are a great price, you don't have to break the bank to get your hands on one of these Okuma rods.
Many customers report that this rod has one of the best actions and high sensitivity of any rod (even premium models) on the market and this makes it perfect for fishing trout and other popular fish.
Key Features:
- Sensitive graphite composite blanks
- Aluminum oxide guide inserts
- Stainless steel hooded reel seats
- Fore and rear cork grips
- Stainless steel hook keeper
- Thru-blank handle design
2. St. Croix 2-Piece Graphite Ultralight Spinning Rod
The next rod on our list easily rivals the first. It never took the top spot due to the price, however, it is as good, if not better than any ultralight fishing rod on our list.
This St. Croix fishing rod has been made with premium materials to offer the best performance possible for a serious angler. A fortified resin system cures the fishing rod blank with a fortified super resin that helps to prevent micro buckling, creating a blank that is 33% stronger than those built with traditional methods.
One of the reasons the rod comes with a higher price tag is the 5-year warranty, which we personally think is worth the price altogether.
Key Features:
- Dynamic blend of graphite construction
- A fortified resin system creates a stronger rod
- Stainless steel guides
- Sea guide XMS reel seat
- 5-year warranty
- Range of lengths and weights to choose from
3. Ugly Stik Elite Ultralight Spinning Rod
The Ugly Stik has been one of the most loved fishing rods by anglers around the world for many years. A superb combination of strength, sensitivity, and a durable construction all make for an excellent fishing rod. The Ugly Stik comes in a wide variety of rod lengths and weights from 4'6" Ultralight to 7' Medium-heavy, so you are sure to find one that is perfect for the fish you are targetting.
Many customers report that the rod is exceptionally strong whilst remaining very lightweight and that the rod tip is highly sensitive for detecting light bites.
Key Features:
- 35% more graphite for strength
- Strong blank construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass
- Clear Tip design delivers added responsiveness
- Comfortable cork handles
- 1-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides can be used with all line types
4. KastKing Crixus Lightweight Fishing Rod
We have featured numerous KastKing rods on our blog, and we are always exceptionally impressed with everything we find. The crixus comes in a wide variety of lengths, rod power, and action variations, with the 5'6" version being the best ultralight fishing rod. This fishing rod is exceptionally light-weight due to the graphite construction but has plenty of power to handle your personal best catch.
All Crixus fishing rods are constructed in 2-pcs for easy transport and storage. With KastKingsPTS (Power Transition System) technology, they’ll feel (and perform) just as good as 1-pcs rods.
Experienced anglers know that it's often the small features on a fishing rod that can make or break it. Kastking has gone to the extent of making even the small features like guide rings high quality. The guides are Stainless Steel with Zirconium Oxide Rings, which allow the line to effortlessly flow through them, giving you longer and more accurate casts.
Key Features:
- 20 different power, action, and length combinations to choose from
- Stainless Steel Guides with Zirconium Oxide Rings
- SuperPolymer Handle
- KastFlex IM6 Graphite Blanks
5. Sougayilang UltraLight Fishing Rod
This ultralight fishing rod is a great choice for any angle looking for such a rod, with both the 5'6" and 6' rod variants having ultralight power. The rod is 2-pc which makes it much easier to transport to your favorite fishing spot. Graphite blanks are durable and strong, so this rod can fight decent sized fish. Graphite blanks are also very sensitive, so you know when you have got a bite, even from the smallest of fish.
With both fore and rear cork handle, the rod is comfortable to hold and remains grippy even once wet.
Overall, it is a great fishing rod for anglers of all experience levels and is a very affordable price. Many customers report it is an excellent ultralight crappie and trout rod.
Key Features:
- Sensitive Graphite Composite Blanks
- Cork handle design for added comfort
- Ultra-lightweight composite rod
- Ultralight Action
- Stainless Steel guides with stainless steel inserts
6. Fenwick HMG Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rod
Another premium rod by Fenwick has been reviewed as one of the best ultralight fishing rods for anglers - no surprise, as Fenwick has been doing this for over 50 years.
The HMG changed fishing forever as the world's first graphite rod. 40 years later Fenwick has reinvented a classic with the lightest, most comfortable, most durable HMG ever. This ultralight rod will not disappoint!
Many customers report that the aconite inserts make casting 'a dream' and that the ultralight power version still has exceptional sensitivity so you can feel the smallest of bites.
The MHG spinning rod comes in a wide variety of lengths and powers, so you can choose one depending on the species you are going after and the water you are fishing on.
Key Features:
- Cork full grip handle
- Sea-Guide Soft Touch Alien Reel Seat
- Carbon Bound blanks are spiraled with carbon thread for additional strength and precise action
- Fuji Guides
- Stainless steel deep pressed frames with aconite inserts
- Ultralight Power
7. TEMPO Ultralight Fishing Rod
This Tempo rod is one of the best ultralight fishing rods on the market. It offers superior components and materials that far exceed other similar priced rods on the market.
The blanks are constructed from 30-ton carbon and come in a variety of lengths, actions, and power ratings to accommodate a variety of fishing (The 5'6" rod is the best ultralight power version).
The handles use both cork and EVA to optimize performance and comfort even when wet. SiC guides and stainless steel frames make the line glide off the rod and reel effortlessly, giving the angler further and more accurate casts.
You don't have to worry about a loose-fitting reel on this rod, the graphite reel seat is high-strength and smooth to help keep the reel firmly in place.
Key Features:
- Sensitive, lightweight blank construction
- Stainless steel guides with SiC insert
- Strong and durable reel seat
- Comfortable EVA and cork rod handle
- 3-year warranty
Best Ultralight Fishing Rod – Buyers Guide
Understanding the different parts of a fishing rod
There are different kinds of fishing rods, depending on the length and style of the rod.
Although these factors play a significant role in deciding the type of fishing rod you should purchase, it is essential to consider the different parts of a rod and their making.
Components of a fishing rod are generally universal and include the handle, reel seat, blanks and guides, line type, and ferrules.
They only have little changes in their design and manufacturing. Understanding the do’s and don’ts of these components will significantly help you to pick the best ultralight fishing rod.
• Rod Handle
The grip is essential when trying to fight any fish. A handle with a poor grip will cause rod slips and missing out on big catches, which can be very frustrating.
Hence, it is crucial to double-check whether the handle is comfortable, fits in your hand, and stays in place without much effort.
The standard available type of grips includes the full/piston grip and the split grip.
The split-grip is best for bass fishing while the full grip is best in maintaining the rod weight centralized during short distance casting.
More so, if you prefer a longer casting distance, you should opt for longer handles as they give a more surface area for gripping the rod.
• Reel Seat
A reel seat is found next to your rod’s handle. It serves as a safe enclosure for the reel to help you straighten up the whole fishing rod and lines.
A good seat enables you to smoothly slide the reel foot into the collars and tighten the entire set up.
Most of the reel seats have steel or anodized casing to offer the best fit and safety.
• Blanks, Tips, And Guides
As a fishing beginner, some of these terms can be too intimidating to understand.
However, don’t worry, since you are not alone. Blank refers to the main shaft section of the fishing rod. Alongside the blank are circular rings threaded with the line.
These rings are known as guides.
The guides are situated on the top portion and usually face the sky for fishing rods. The tip refers to the final, thinnest, and most flexible part of your rod.
• Ferrules
Fishing rod manufacturers have introduced collapsible designs for increased portability and ease of storage.
The fishing rods comprise female and male ferrules that collapse over one another for easy travel and storage.
It is vital to ensure the ferrules slide over one another smoothly and have equal sizes.
When connecting the two ferrules, always ensure that the line has a straight plane of travel, and the guides are pointing up.
More on Rod Guides
You will be shocked by how much these small rings can affect your angling ability.
Most of the rod guides are made out of metal with an inner ceramic coating. The coating helps to reduce friction on the line allowing it to move quickly and smoothly.
Another thing you should consider is the number of guides on your rod. For instance, a seven-inch rod can contain anywhere from six to nine guides.
Generally, when you buy a fishing rod, the more guides a rod has, the better.
More guides distribute stress on the rod and line more evenly, giving you a more accurate and precise cast.
However, a fishing rod with more guides will typically cost more.
Durability
Durability is one of the essential factors to consider when buying a fishing rod. You want a product that will serve you for the longest time possible before the need to go back for another.
The durability of the fishing rod depends on the rod’s material and your care and maintenance practices.
Rod Action
The rod action refers to the speed in which the rod goes back to its original position after bending.
Action is described as the point on the fishing rod where it bends. Depending on the rod, the action varies from very fast (stiff) to slow (whippy).
A fast action rod bends closer to the tip while a slow action rod bends closer to the butt.
When you go out to shop for a fishing rod, the action you choose will depend on the weight and size of the fish you want to catch.
Smaller fish require slower actions, while larger fish require faster actions. Fast action rods have a stiffer backbone and are built more explicitly for handling larger fish that fight harder.
Generally, you will be looking for an ultra-light spinning rod with fast to medium action.
Rod Power
The right combination of action and power and action is essential to your success whilst fishing.
Power, also referred to as weight or taper, refers to how long it takes to bend the fishing rod.
The power is often printed on the rod blank and is chosen depending on the size of the fish you want to cash.
The more power of your rod, the stiffer the backbone and the less likely it to bend hence more ideal for fishing larger fish.
Ultralight fishing rods are designed for smaller fish species like panfish and trout as they bend more and make it easier to fight the fish.
Moderate power rods are best for pairing more reaction-based baits like jerk baits, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits.
How to clean and maintain your fishing rod
Most anglers do not clean their tools after a whole fishing day, which causes your fishing rod to gradually age and reduce its effectiveness.
It’s essential to clean your fishing rod regularly and before storage to avoid this. You should use a mixture of warm water, liquid detergent, and a cup of vinegar for the fishing rod.
Use a small wire brush and sponge to scrub them down until every part is well cleaned. Then rinse them thoroughly with water to get rid of excess and use a dry cloth to wipe it dry.
Cleaning the reel is a little more complicated; hence you should spend more time doing a thorough cleaning.
Start brushing it to remove all the sand, dirt, and larger lumps. Remove the reel from the rod and use a small brush to get into the tight spots while brushing it thoroughly.
You can use silicone spray on the reel to keep it lubricated. Ensure you rinse it well and dry it before assembling it.
Best Ultralight Fishing Rods – FAQs
What materials are the best ultralight fishing rods made from?
Fishing rods are created from different materials, including fiberglass, graphite, or composite materials.
The type of material influences the effectiveness of the rod, and often caters to different experience levels.
Graphite Rods
Professional anglers usually prefer graphite rods because of their lightness and high quality.
The lightweight graphite is best for most angling circumstances and gives you more battling power. The lighter weight and stiff feel also makes it more sensitive and typically better at identifying light bites.
Fiberglass Rods
Designed mostly for beginners, these rods require slight support with average weight and strong rod power.
They have much more flexibility than a graphite or composite rod. If you are fishing for bigger fish such as
Graphite Fiberglass Composite
Most of the ultralight rods are built with graphite or a blend of graphite and fiberglass (composite). This makes them durable, strong, and sensitive. Composite rods have the ability to fight a wide range of fish.
What rod length is normal?
Length is one of the essential factors and first to be identified when choosing an ultralight fishing rod and mostly depends on the type of water you intend to fish on.
Fishing rods range on the tiny end from four feet to the gigantic end of fourteen feet, but most tend to vary between six to eight feet from tip to butt.
The length you select should be based on how and where you will be fishing. For instance, a seven-inch rod will be awkwardly long on a small mountain stream for rivers and small streams, something under 6.5” is perfect.
Whereas a long rod will be needed for surf fishing due to the need to cast your bait much further from the shore.
Generally, longer rods permit longer casts, and they move line fast, which allows for excellent sweeping hook sets.
A lengthier rod will give you an upper hand when fighting a fish because it will enable you to put more pulling power on the line. On the other hand, anglers often find that shorter rods allow them to make a more precise cast.
When you go out to pick out a lightweight spinning rod, if you consider the lures, you will use, and how and where you’ll be fishing, it will be easy to decide on the ideal rod-length part.
Longer fishing rods are best for covering a great distance in open, clear spaces. Salt anglers casting their rod from the surf or piers commonly use longer rods.
Shorter fishing rods are best for wooded areas and close combat fishing, they also cater better for kayak fishing.
Should I Choose Carbon, Fiberglass, Or Composite Rods?
As stated earlier, the type of rod material you choose depends on your needs. When selecting a rod material, durability, lightweight, and a sturdy backbone are significant factors you should never compromise upon.
You should purchase a fiberglass rod for aggressive catching and low maintenance, while for higher sensitivity and easier catching, graphite rods are the best.
However, graphite rods are more brittle. Graphite and fiberglass composite rods seem to be the most popular option as they are a good balance of performance and affordability, but you should choose depending on your needs.
Are Action And Power The Same Thing?
Although they seem to be closely related, these terms are very different from each other.
Power is the amount of force needed to bend the fishing rod. The categories range from ultra-heavy power rods for catching larger fish to ultra-light power rods for smaller catches.
On the other hand, the action is the bending point of the rod. Slow action rods are perfect for greater flexibility and small fish, while fast action rods are great for catching larger fish.
However, the right combination of power and action is required for an excellent performance.
Ultra light fishing rod – Conclusion
Knowing how to choose the best ultralight fishing rod doesn’t come easy. There are lots of factors to consider, especially for beginners.
The good news is that you can avoid a lot of guesswork by just figuring out what you need your rod for.
Overall, the best ultralight rod should have a fast action, lighter power, and a length of 5.5″ to 7″ depending on the target species and location.
Their more lightweight construction means they are more prone to breaking, but this can be avoided by targeting the right fish (lure size and bait choice) and taking good care of your rod.
We truly hope that this article has helped you understand the different parts of a fishing rod and helped you choose the best ultralight fishing rod for your next adventure.
Happy fishing!
Related Fishing Posts:
- How To Adjust A Baitcaster
- Magnetic Vs Centrifugal Brake Baitcaster
- Baitcaster Brake Vs Spool Tension
- Do Underwater Lights Work For Ice Fishing?
- Does Gulp Work For Ice Fishing?
- How To Dress For Ice Fishing
- Using Glow Sticks For Ice Fishing
- 10 Best Ice Fishing Pants
- 10 Best Ice Fishing Lures For Bass
- Level Wind Reel vs. Baitcaster
