Are you searching for the best ultralight spinning rod to be paired with the best ultralight spinning reel?
The use of ultralight fishing tackle has exploded in recent years.
There are fish out there that just require a little more finesse and light tackle to chase after effectively and ultralight rods bring the characteristics and performance specs needed.
In this article, we will take a look at a number of different ultralight spinning rod models that we know will perform well for their application and will make chasing those smaller, but just as aggressive fish species even more rewarding.
Table of Contents
What Is An Ultralight Rod?
Ultralight rods are primarily designed to be used with light fishing line (usually between 2 to 6-pound test) and light lures.
Generally, anglers use ultralight rods to target small fish such as crappie, trout, perch, and bluegill. However, you can catch larger trout and bass on an ultralight setup.
Keep in mind, it is essential to use the correct line rating when fishing with light rods.
If you were to use a fishing line that is heavier than the rating, you risk damaging or even breaking the pole when you go to set the hook.
The Best Ultralight Spinning Rod 2020 (Trout, Crappie, Panfish) – My Top Picks
Shimano Stimula
Features:
- Power: Ultra Light
- Action: Fast
- 2 pieces
- Length: 5’6″
The Shimano Stimula Ultralight Spinning Rod are well made, two-piece blank designs that give you incredible performance on the water for an unbelievable price.
The blanks are made from mid-modulus graphite composite, and they give you excellent sensitivity that is needed for detecting subtle trout takes.
These are also excellent rods for small panfish such as bluegill and crappie.
This ultralight is a 5’6″ rod making it ideal for sneaking into those tight creeks where longer rods can be unwieldy.
The casting with this rod is decent, but we recommend sticking with very light lures if you want any accuracy.
These rods feature a standard reel seat with a single uplocking mechanism and aluminum hood to keep your spinning reel locked in tight. The handle grips are a split grip design and made from a very high-quality cork given the extreme affordability of these rods.
Aluminum oxide guides are used, and they are inserted into the rod securely so you shouldn’t have to deal with guides popping out in the middle of the water.
Okuma SST Ultra Light
Features:
- Power: Ultralight
- Lentgh: available in three different sizes: 5’6″, 6′ and 7′
- IM 8 Graphite
The next rod on our list is the Okuma SST Ultra Light Spinning Rods.
There are three ultra-light models available with each ranging in rod length. There is a 5’6″, 6′, and 7′ rod model available. We like these options in rod lengths, and it allows you to go with a rod length that will better suit your intended waters.
We love the stiffer tip on these rods that can detect the slightest of hits, but these rods still offer enough backbone that they can handle larger fish if you happen to hook into one.
These rods are great casters, especially the two longer rod models that will surprise you with their accuracy. We also like the way these rods handle, especially with the fore and rear grip that is made from quality cork.
The rod blanks and graphite insert on the reel seat have a glossy copper finish that we find appealing to the eye.
The graphite reel seat has a single uplocking mechanism and also features two aluminum reel hoods that keep your spinning reel locked in securely.
These reels use single foot stainless steel guides that are extremely durable, and the IM-8 graphite blank design all provide a durable but affordable rod.
St.Croix Triumph
Features:
- Power: Ultralight
- Action: Fast
- Length: 5’6″
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning at least one St. Croix rod for that reason let’s have a look at the St.Croix Triumph Ultralight Spinning Rod Series.
This rod is one of the most popular in the world, and their ultralight models are worth considering for your UL outfit.
There are two ultralight models available. There is a 5’ medium action and a 5’6” fast action rod model. The 5’ model is a single-piece blank design while the longer fast-action model comes in a two-piece blank design.
You will love the short, medium action rod on tight streams where shorter but accurate casts are needed, while the longer fast action rod does better in more open water and can get you some more distance on your cast.
These are ultralight power rods, but they have some backbone to them and will allow you to handle medium-sized fish with no problem without sacrificing sensitivity.
Both models can handle line weights between 2-6lb test and can handle most lures effectively up to 3/16oz. Both models have excellent handling and have premium reel seats and cork handle grips.
Falcon Original
Features:
- Power: Ultralight
- Length: 5’9″
Another great rod is the Falcon Original Spinning Rod.
These American made spinning rods are rising to the top of the fishing rod world and offer incredible performance for still a great price.
There are two models for ultralight spinning rods available from Falcon. This includes an extremely compact 6 feet, 9-inch length models. They are made from high modulus graphite that provides incredible sensitivity to the rods.
These are also fast action and allows you to get a little more distance on your casts. While they are ultralights, we think they have more of a light power rating, and you can even work some smaller to medium-sized bass with these rods with no issue.
Both models feature some of the best line guides and reel seats available from Fuji. We think you will also be pleased with the high-quality cork that is used in the handles and makes this rod easy to work within just about any weather condition.
These rods go for a little bit more than other rods on our list, but the performance and quality of a Falcon Original are tough to beat and we think is well worth the extra payment.
Fenwick Eagle
Features:
- Power: Ultralight
- Length: available in 5 different lengths: 5’6″, 6’6″, 7′, 7’6″,8′
- 2 piece
To conclude our list let’s take a look at the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod Series.
Fenwick offers several ultralight models in their Eagle spinning series of rods. There is a 5’6”, 6’6″, 7’, 7’6”, and 8’ ultralight models available. All are 2-piece blank designs which fit snug together, and all are moderate action.
All three of the available ultralight models are made from quality graphite and provide you with outstanding line sensitivity.
These rods have a characteristic flimsy feel in the top 1/3 of the rods, but the butt section tends to be a little stiffer and helps out with the casting performance of these ultralight rods.
We like the 8′ model on open water and feel its length and backbone really let you get some extra distance on casts and improves its accuracy with lighter lures. The shortest model available is lacking in casting distance, but it does well in tight conditions.
You’re either going to love or hate the cork composite handles on these rods. While they are a step up from poor quality cork, they don’t have the same feel of a traditional quality cork handle.
They will stand up to chipping and are extremely easy to clean, so there are perks to this type of material.
The reel seat on the ultralight models tends to be a little wobbly at times and doesn’t give as tight a hold on the reel as most anglers would like, but for ultralight fishing, it is not as much a concern as it would be with larger outfits.
Eagle Claw
Features:
- Power: Ultralight
- 2 piece
- Length: 6 feet
Next up, we have the Eagle Claw Featherlight.
This is a fiberglass ultralight spinning rod. That means this rod offers benefits that are different from a graphite one.
For example, fiberglass blanks tend to be less expensive. That is certainly the case with the Eagle Class Glass Rod. It is definitely one of the cheapest options on this list.
So, if money is a concern for you, you might want to check this one out.
Glass rods also tend to have a slower action tip. This makes them great option when fishing with lures with treble hooks. A slower tip means less risk of ripping the lure out of the fishes mouth.
Lastly, fiberglass rods, tend to be more durable. So if you want one that will last or at least one that can take a little beating, check out the Eagle Claw.
St. Croix Panfish Series
Features:
- Power Rating: Ultralight
- Action: Available in a number of different actions
- Length: Available in a number of different lengths
- Pac Bay Minima Guides
I know we mentioned St. Croix already in this list, but you need to check out the Panfish Series, especially if you are looking to fish for crappie, perch, bluegill or even trout.
Let’s talk about a few features that make this one stick out.
This blank is made with the combination of a quality SCII graphite and a high modulus SCVI graphite.
This combination of different graphite helps to ensure that it is sensitive, lightweight, and powerful. It is available in a number of different lengths and action ratings so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Keep in mind as we mentioned earlier, slower actions tend to do better with bigger baits and baits that have treble hooks.
One feature that really makes the Panfish Series stick out is the Pac Bay Minima guides. This helps to cut down on the overall weight by as much as 20 or even 30 percent than if it had ceramic guides.
Daiwa Presso
Features:
- Ultralight
- Action: Fast
- Length: 6 feet
- 2 piece
Let’s conclude this list by looking at the Daiwa Presso.
This blank is made from an IM7 graphite construction. This series is available in a number of different sizes, including a travel option that breaks down into 4 pieces making it easier to go just about anywhere.
However, with that being said, this particular option is available at a good overall length measuring 6 feet. In addition, has a fast action, making it a good option for small baits when fishing for crappie, trout or panfish.
Lastly, the minima rings help to keep it lightweight.
With a fishing pole that performs, looks, and feels as good as the Daiwa Presso, why would you need to look any further?
You may also enjoy reading: A Look At The Best Travel Spinning Rods – My Top Picks
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
Features:
- Ultralight
- Action: Fast
- Length: 6’6″
- Line Rating: 8-17 pounds
- 2 piece
I would be willing to bet that the majority of anglers reading this post have at some point fished with the next ultralight blank on our list, the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning.
There are a few reasons why this option has become so popular.
First, it is relatively inexpensive.
Sure it is nice to have a fishing rod with all the bells and whistles, but if you are just looking for an affordable option that you can break out every once and a while to catch a few fish, the Ugly Stik might be your best option.
Next, you can buy it just about anywhere.
Another reason, the Ugly Stik has become so popular is simply because you can pick it up at just about any department store that sells sporting goods.
Lastly, it is a good quality rod for the lower price point.
No matter how cheap a fishing rod is, if it doesn’t perform, it isn’t going to sell.
The fact that Ugly Stik has become so popular is just another proof that this rod is worth buying.
Let’s briefly talk about a few of its features.
It is available in a 6 foot 6 inches 2 piece rod. It is a graphite rod with stainless steel guides ensuring that you have a fishing pole that is lightweight and yet durable.
It is also available in a number of different sizes including a 7-foot option and a 5-foot option.
However, I personally prefer fishing with the 6’6″ option as I feel like a shorter rod is less cumbersome and it works when fishing for smaller fish because you don’t need the extra length to load up on the fish.
With that being said, the size of the rod really comes down to personal preference.
Final Thoughts…
Whether you are chasing trout in smaller and tighter rivers or trying to hook up on some panfish in open waters, an ultralight rod is going to make it all the easier.
It’s also going to make it a lot more fun when large bass feels like the fish of a lifetime.
We have listed and discussed five ultralight spinning rods that are going to hold up on the water and will provide the performance needed to be successful.
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