When you fish with an ultralight fishing rod it amplifies your chances of success in fishing to a greater degree. It can also make your fishing journey fun and to an extent, challenging. But what is even more challenging and not fun is finding the best ultralight fishing rod. There are many brands who manufacture ultralight fishing rods with different prize points and specifications.
In general, the light fishing rods are preferred by the anglers who have a huge collection of rods already. The beginners are generally concerned with the traditional weight rods. As I say this, I do not mean to discourage a novice angler to enjoy the benefits of an ultralight fishing rod but I would rather encourage the novice anglers to join the clan of people who use ultralight fishing rod.
In this article we are going to point out the benefits of owning an ultralight fishing rod, how to choose the best ultralight fishing rod, and our top 10 picks for the best ultralight fishing rods.
Best Ultralight Fishing Rods Comparison:
Image | Product Name | Velocity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | KastKing Perigee II | KastKing | |
 | OKUMA Celilo Graphite | OKUMA | |
 | Berkley Lightning Rod | Berkley | |
 | Sougayilang Graphite | Sougayilang | |
 | Goture//Telescopic Tenkara | Goture | |
 | St.Croix Trout Freshwater | St.Croix | |
 | Fenwick Eagle Spinning | Fenwick | |
 | Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning | Ugly Stik | |
 | Cadence Spinning Rod | Cadence | |
 | Daiwa PSO704ULFS-TR Presso | Daiwa |
10 Best Ultralight Fishing Rods Review:
1. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods
The first ultralight fishing rod in our list is none other than the super popular KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods. It is made of carbon fiber meaning you can easily expect it to be accurate, sturdy and powerful. You can use them for different species of fishes like catfish, salmon, walleye, and trout. The maker of the rod takes great pride for its ergonomic designs.
So, you can comfortably use the rod for hours without getting irritated or tired. It has great reel seats as well as super EVA grips for your comfort. One of the things that make KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods special is its value for the price. A rod of this caliber can easily have a three-digit price tag.
But the price you would be paying for this rod is quite affordable compared to the specifications you would be receiving. Let’s check the unique features of the product first.
The features:
- Quality carbon fiber blank
- Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank
- Fuji O-Ring line guides
- Sturdy reel seats
- Super sensitive
- Can smoothly transition power throughout the rod blank
Pros
Cons
2. OKUMA Celilo Graphite Lightweight
If you are someone who likes to fish both indoors and outdoors then this OKUMA Celilo Graphite Lightweight is the product for you. It is a perfect fit to be used everywhere. The maker of the product takes great pride for its high-quality design and material construction. So, you are getting an affordable product with half the cost, if it were to be made in the USA.
The product is also very sensitive meaning you will never miss a target or prey. That’s what happens when you buy an ultralight fishing rod that is made out of graphite. Graphite rods are praised universally because of their sensitive nature. Moreover, the reel seats of the rod are made of stainless steel.
Which means you are getting the best of the quality without sacrificing much. The stainless steels are known to be corrosion resistant and very efficient. The rod waldo has rear cork grips. The grip is very comforting even if you are using it for hours.
The features:
- Made out of super quality material
- Suitable for outdoor and indoor use
- Very sensitive graphite blank construction
- Aluminum oxide guide inserts
- Stainless steel hooded reel seats
- Super grade fore and rear cork grips
Pros
Cons
3. Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod
If you are aware about the brand Berkley then you most probably know the quality of their products. The Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod is one of their finest creations which is specifically designed for trout fishing. The rod is very durable therefore you do not have to be worried about dealing with an aggressive trout or any fish for that matter.
The rod is also very sensitive. This sensitivity is important in order to ensure that you are not missing the sneaky trouts. The blank of the rod is super as it is designed for the dough baits. The blanks are used with light lines.
Trouts can be very aggressive sometimes and to deal with those you need a rod which has great strength and is very sensitive and Berkley Lightning Rod is certainly the product you need. The product also has a double locking reel seat. This double locking system works fine as it gives maximum security. In order to ensure line slippage the product has aluminum oxide inserts.
The features:
- Blank particularly designed for use with light lines
- Blank can be used with dough baits
- 24 ton multi-modulus carbon composite blank construction
- Double-locking reel seat
- Stainless steel guides
Pros
Cons
4. Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber
The Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber rod comes with great sensitivity and super power. The power of the rod makes it a super fit for different species of fishes. It’s sensitivity is remarkable to the degree that there is a little chance of you missing a fish. And, all these are possible because of the construction of the rod.
The rod is made out of the mixture of E-Glass Composite and High Density 24 Ton Carbon Fiber. This is a spinning fishing rod means it will give you great flexibility and great strength. The rod is super lightweight apart from having all these strengths and sensitivity. The rod also has near perfect balance which is important for targeting and efficiency during the fishing experience.
The reel seat of the rod is made of corrosion resistant aluminum. Therefore, you never have to be worried about the longevity of the product. The rod also has 3 points welded stainless steel guides. As this product can be easily fit into the trunk of a car, you can easily travel with it from place to place.
Having this sort of flexibility is important, if you are someone who loves to travel a lot.
The features:
- E-Glass and 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Composite
- Reel Seat Is Made of Corrosion Resistant CNC Machined Aluminum
- Great for the travelers
- Can be used in both saltwater and Sweetwater
Pros
Cons
5. Goture Carbon Fiber Ultralight Telescopic Fishing Rod
The Goture Carbon Fiber Ultralight Telescopic Fishing Rod comes with free tip sets. The product is made of super high-quality carbon fiber means upon purchase you will get the best performance. The product is very lightweight. You can easily catch all midrange and small fishes without any extra tension. At the same time, the product is very durable.
So, you also do not have to be worried about the longevity of the product. Moreover, while dealing with aggressive fishes you can be tension free. The Goture Carbon Fiber Ultralight Telescopic Fishing Rod also has super sensitivity. The sensitivity of the rod will ensure that you do not miss any potential prey and can have a fulfilling fishing experience.
The rod is perfect to use in the rivers, lakes and streams. One caution you should keep in mind to ensure the highest degree of longevity is the clean up process after use. If you clean it regularly after use, it is highly likely that you would be using the product for years to come.
The features:
- Comes with free tip set
- 30T carbon fiber design
- Fast rod action
Pros
Cons
6. St.Croix Trout Freshwater Spinning Rod
St. Corix has been in the business for more than 70 years and the St.Croix is one of their finest products in the market. This product has been specifically designed for the advanced anglers because it has great performance which is a great demand from the advanced anglers.
If you are looking for a super sensitive and super durable product then this is the perfect fit for you. The product is made out of graphite fibers. Graphite fibers are widely praised in the expert community for its durability and sensitivity. The product is at the same time very lightweight.
The weight of the product also makes it a portable device. If you are someone who loves to fish from one place to another this product has certainly the capability to be your next favorite. The producers of the St.Croix Trout Freshwater Spinning Rod take great pride in its durability and claim that it is about 33% more durable than the conventional spinning rods.
The features:
- Dynamic blend of SCII graphite and SCVI
- FRS or FOrtified Resin system
- Trout spinning rod features
Pros
Cons
7. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod
The Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod is one of the most dynamic products that are available in the market. The product is very comfortable to use. If you are the type of angler who has a lot of patience and can fish for longer hours then having a rod which is comfortable to use is a must.
This particular product has TAC grip which are well known for its ability to make the grip very comforting. Therefore, we can easily say that the product has very premium cork. It also has stainless steel guides. This function is important to ensure the longevity of the product without any hesitation.
The guides have aluminum oxide inserts also. The ergonomic design of the reel seat is also a great hit in the expert community. It makes the product easy to use without any pain. At the same time, the product comes with the magic of fenwick actions. So, what are we waiting for!
The features:
- Super premium cork
- It has TAC grips
- Stainless steel guides
- Ergonomic reel seat
- Classic Fenwick Actions
Pros
Cons
8. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod is without any doubt one of the most well recognized products in the market. One of things that added to its popularity is its durability. The product is made out of fiberglass and graphite. This means you get the both out of both worlds. A perfect mixture of the durability and the sensitivity.
In general, there are trade offs between the product which are made of pure fiberglass and pure graphite in terms of the action, sensitivity and the durability. But if you get a product which has a mixture of both, you get the best. The clear tip designs of the product also adds to the sensitivity and strength we are talking about.
Not only the body of the product is durable but also the grips are durable. At the same time, it is very comforting. The product comes with EVA grips. The product is also a two pieces construction, which makes it one of a kind.
The features:
- 2-piece construction
- Lightweight and durable EVA grips
- Medium spinning power of 7 inches
- Clear tip design
- 2 piece rod construction
Pros
Cons
9. Cadence Spinning Rod Ultralight Fishing Rod
The Cadence Spinning Rod Ultralight Fishing Rod is a top level expert recommended ultralight fishing rod. The first and foremost thing you get with the product is the brand trust. This can be your true friend if you know how to take care of it. The product is made of 30 ton carbon fiber blank. So, I hope you can realize the type of sturdy material this product will be.
At the same time, this product is very sensitive. This sensitivity is important to ensure greater success in fishing. This product is ideal for different species of fishes. One can easily catch trout, walleye, red fish, and bass easily with this Cadence Spinning Rod Ultralight Fishing Rod.
The product also has a very comforting reel seat. The cork of the product is super premium. At the same time, the grip is very comfortable. Last but not least, this product is portable. You can easily take it anywhere you want as it easily fits into the back of your car.
The features:
- Ultra-High Quality 30-TON Carbon Fiber Blank
- Fuji reel seat and a blank wrapped in carbon veil
- Carbon split grip
Pros
Cons
10. Daiwa Presso Ultralight
The Daiwa Presso Ultralight is the last product in our list but it is far more superior than our other picks in terms of the design. It is made out of the highest quality materials. So, you do not have to worry about the durability of the product. It is without any doubt one of the most durable products out there in the market.
It is a time-tested product well known for its sensitivity. The experts recommend the product for its overall quality. It is made of synthetic which is known to be unique and dynamic.
Moreover, if you are someone who fish in different places, then this is the perfect product for you. You can easily take it anywhere you want.
The features:
- Made of synthetic
- Recommended by the professionals
Pros
Cons
Let us first talk about the benefits of purchasing an ultralight fishing rod. Sometimes, it is important to understand the benefits of a product fully, before you make the purchase in order to be the most satisfied and get the most out of the purchase.
Advantages of Purchasing an Ultralight fishing Rod
First of all, when you use a conventional fishing rod, you can surely catch lighter fishes but a traditional fishing rod will increase your anxiety and fatigue to a certain degree because of its weight. However, the ultralight fishing rods will increase your motivation and energy. Until you catch a fish you will never feel the pressure of using an ultralight fishing rod. And, of course, it will never make you tired just by using the rod as it is very light.
Second, it is likely that sometimes you will be fishing in a place that is very small to sit on and fish. In a moment like that dealing with a heavy rod will be an extra burden. And, when you start feeling that burden it is also likely that you will feel agitated and eventually lose fishes. But if you have an ultralight fishing rod, you will most probably be free from the space constraints.
Third, if you have been paying attention to fishing lately, you must have noticed that the more light the rod is the better sensitivity it has. Even the smallest of the things do not get unnoticed. At the same time, you can much more easily deal with a road that is ultralight, hopefully.
Four, an ultralight fishing rod speeds up the response of catching a fish to a greater extent as you are usually free from extra burden of weight. Similarly, it will save a lot of time navigating the fishing rod.
Fifth, portability of the fishing rod is another important factor. If you fish in different places then portability of your fishing gear may be an issue. But not if you have an ultralight fishing rod!
So far, I believe you have an idea of the kinds of advantages you will get from purchasing an ultralight fishing rod. Now let us talk about top ultralight fishing rods that are ruling the market. All the products in our lists are personally tested and have been thoroughly examined so that you can make the purchase blindly.
Things to Consider Before Buying:
It is highly likely that you would be disappointed with fishing if you have a bad ultralight fishing rod because you have spent your hard-earned money on it. In order to differentiate between an excellent ultralight fishing rod and a bad one you need to know the parameters on the basis on whom we reach a conclusion.
In this section of the article, we are going to discuss just that: the features of the best ultralight fishing rods. (Check our guide on best ice fishing rods & best surf fishing rods here.)
The types of species you fish, usually:
It is no surprise that dealing with a large fish is difficult with an ultralight fishing rod. If you try to do so, don't be surprised when the fishing rod breaks. So, what is ideal then? The first and foremost thing is that you know what kinds of fish you usually catch or want to catch.
If you fish in an area where tons of big fish are available then you should have a sturdy heavy rod, which can deal with the bigger fishes better. On the other hand, if your preferred area of fishing has a lot of small fishes then an ultralight fishing rod is the best option. So, it all depends on the types of fish you want to catch.
Different materials used in the fishing rod
This might be the simplest matrix in our search for the best ultralight fishing rod. In general you will see rods in the market which are made of graphite or fiberglass. It is not unusual to find a rod with the mixture of both graphite and fiberglass. If you are looking for a super ultralight rod, then graphite is the best option for you as it is the lightest of the two. At the same time, the graphite rods are very sensitive.
However, the caveat is that it is very vulnerable to spans and breaks. But if you are choosing a rod which is made of fiberglass then you can expect it to be strong and stiff. The caveat with the fiberglass rods is that they have less sensitivity. The third option is the combination of the two. This one is usually the safest option. You can have power, sensitivity and the strength in a single package.
But it will not be as strong as the fiberglass ones and not as sensitive as the pure graphite ones. So, like everything else in life you need to sacrifice some and achieve some. If you ask me, which one is the most popular, I would say, the rods which are made from carbon fibers because they are strong and lightweight at the same time.
It is also important to find a rod which is corrosion resistant. Usually, the packaging of the rod will give you information about it. Last but not least, you should look for a rod which is made of stainless steel guides as those are very efficient and sturdy.
The different dynamics of rod action
You can know about the flexibility of the rod from the rod’s action. Knowing about the flexibility of the rod is important because it can give you an idea about the weight the rod is capable of dealing with. At the same time, it’s about fighting capability with a larger fish.
We can categorize the action of a rod into five types: slow, moderate, moderate fast, fast, and super fast. The slower the rod the more it will bend through the whole body and the more strong the rod, the less likely it will blend throughout. When you have a rod with very fast action, it gives you a great chance to deal with the bigger fishes.
Therefore, if you want to catch the lighter species then you can have a rod with slow action and if you want to catch a bigger fish, then you should get a rod with a super fast rod.
The different dynamics of rod power
The fundamental distinguishing factor between the action and power of a rod is that the power of the rod is relevant with the species of the fish and the action is relevant with the place of the fishing. It is true that the more power a rod has the better it is prepared to deal with the aggressive and heavy fishes.
The more powerful rods are capable of accommodating thicker and heavier lines in it. The thicker and heavier the lines are prepared the rod is to deal with the bigger fishes. Nevertheless, when you have an ultralight rod, you can expect to have line weight of 6lbs. In order to maintain the balance it is recommended that you use lighter rods.
The stability of the rod seats: It would be disaster if you see the reel falling because it is an important part of the rod. Perhaps, one of the most important parts. The falling reel can be the result of an improper position of a reel seat. In order to ensure the highest and persistent performance it is important to choose a reel seat that performs smoothly.
The Reel
When you own an ultralight rod, it is recommended that you get yourself a small and light reel. The reel size is not about the proportion but also about the performance. The professionals blindly recommend an ultralight reel for an ultralight fishing rod. At the same time, if you can afford a spinning reel, you should definitely go for it. It will not only give you more power to control the rod but also be very efficient to use.
The Handles
The handles are one of the most important parts of a fishing rod, and for that matter anything. It is recommended that you get a lightweight and easy to use handle for your rod. If you get a handle that is made out of cork that would be a wise decision. The corks can provide almost the same type of comfort as the EVA ones.
The Price
This is a tricky one! At the same time, one of the important things to consider. When you are considering buying an ultralight rod, it is evident that you would consider the price of it. It is not true that if you spend a large sum of money on a rod, you will get the best experience and best out of your money. You should make the call, according to your need and pocket.
The anglers who are just getting started should not definitely spend a large sum of a rod rather a mid ranged rod would be a good call. For the experts, I do not have any recommendation, just want to say read the description carefully and then make the call. Also check our recommendation of best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Are Most Ultralight Fishing Rods Spinning Rods?
A: The spinning rods are quite easy to use. At the same time, it is quite easy to cast lighter lures when you have a spinning reel. The ultralight fishing rods need light lures but it is not possible by most rods to give it greater control with light lures. But spinning rods are a great fit in this regard.
What is the best ultralight fishing rod?
It is really difficult to single out a product and call it the best ultralight fishing rod as each product is unique and comes with different specifications and price points. Nevertheless, you can check our comprehensive buying guide and top 10 list to find the best available product in the market.
What makes ultralight rods special?
Ultralight fishing rods can be bent easily from the tip to the end of the pole. It can be also used in both salt and freshwater. Although, there are many things which depend on the particular brand of the product.
Final Words
So, if you are thinking about purchasing an ultralight fishing rod, congratulations you made the right decision. You can blindly choose any of the products from our list as all of those products have been personally tested by our expert team and volunteers. At the same time, thorough research has been done online and particularly the manufacturer's website to know about the products in detail.
People do not buy fishing rods on a regular basis but they fish regularly. So, if you want to take some time before you make the purchase that is also okay. But I believe it would be near impossible to try all the products that are available in the market, as there are plenty of it. So, pick one from our list and Happy Fishing!
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