Looking for the Best Ultralight Fishing Rod? This article will guide you through some of our picks for the best ultralight rods on the market.
Sometimes, even the most seasoned anglers aren’t looking to nab the biggest fish they can find. In these instances, they might simply want to enjoy the excitement of fishing by looking for smaller fish, such as crappie, trout, bass, and perch. In this case, an ultralight fishing rod is needed.
Unfortunately, the market is overcrowded with mediocre ultralight rods that snap the moment you have a fish hooked on the line. To help you avoid these sub-par rods, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of the best ultralight fishing rods you can buy:
The Best Ultralight Fishing Rod
1. Okuma SST Rod
Our pick for the best ultralight fishing rod is the Okuma SST rod. The Okuma SST rod is perfect for the angler who likes to keep things ultralight. They are built for 2-6 pound line so it works best with small spinners or bait.
The ultralight action of the 5’5” rod gives it a very distinctive whipping action making it accurate for those fishing in small streams and rivers. If you are looking for more distance check out the 6’ or 7’ model of the Okuma SST Ultralight Trout Spinning rod.
2. DAIWA Spinmatic Ultralight Spinning Rod
I use the DAIWA spinmatic when I want a rod that can take punishment from the elements. If you’re fishing in inclement weather conditions, the Spinmatic might be ideal as it’s somewhat weatherproof.
Essentially, this means the handle (which is made of cork) can provide a secure grip when fishing in a drizzle. Keep in mind though, this doesn’t mean the rod is perfect for ALL weather conditions. If it’s pouring outside, then you probably shouldn’t be using an ultralight to begin with.
3. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod
Fenwick has many years of experience creating perfectly balanced rods. They are known for bringing graphite blanks to the industry. The Eagle Spinning model gives you that classic Fenwick feel at a great price. They have excellent quality and a sleek design.
4. St Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
Another of our picks for the best ultralight fishing rod is the St. Croix Triumph Spinnding Rod. The St Croix Triumph spinning rod features the company reputation of a finely tuned rod. They can be purchased with a one or two piece blank build from their own SCII graphite. The 6’6” two piece rod does make a fine travel rod but will still be larger than a traditional travel rod made in 3 or 4 pieces.
5. Okuma SST Rod
The Okuma SST rod is perfect for the angler who likes to keep things ultralight. They are built for 2-6 pound line so it works best with small spinners or bait.
The ultralight action of the 5’5” rod gives it a very distinctive whipping action making it accurate for those fishing in small streams and rivers. If you are looking for more distance check out the 6’ or 7’ model of the Okuma SST Ultralight Trout Spinning rod.
6. Shimano Stimula Rod
The aluminum oxide guides in the Shimano Stimula rod offer a very smooth cast. The mid-modulus graphite composite blanks are incredibly sensitive. This line of products was made especially for spin casting and is incredibly light. This fast action rod makes it a necessity for precision casting in small rivers and streams.
7. Fenwick Elite Tech River Runner Spinning Rod
Fenwick is a brand that is known for premium quality, and the Elite Tech River Runner is no exception. I will say, this rod is one of the most expensive you’ll probably come across, but you get what you pay for when it comes to any type of ultralight rod.
Available in various lengths (5’6” – 8’), the Elite Tech River Runner features high modulus graphite blank and lightweight titanium guides, along with quick and balanced action to help you reel in fish in a more controlled way. My personal favorite attribute of this rod, though, has to be the unique hidden handle design, which provides optimal comfort whenever you’re using it.
8. Ugly Stik Elite
This model is a new version replacing the extremely popular GX2. The Ugly Tech construction offers 35% more graphite in this new model. The blank design of the Ugly Stik Elite makes it feel lighter and more sensitive while maintaining the durability we know and love from Ugly Stik. They can take a beating just fine. The clear tip design features fiberglass making it virtually indestructible.
The Ugly Tuff design features one piece guides eliminating the need for inserts. This also means inserts do not fall out and scratch your fishing line. The one piece guides have a very smooth surface. This is a very popular spinning rod that comes in a variety of sizes depending on your needs. It has stainless steel cushioned reel hoods and a comfortable cork handle.
9. Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod
The last in our list for the best ultralight fishing rod is the Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod. Topping the list is the Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod; a premium quality ultralight made of high quality materials such as graphite and premium-grade cork.
Built for strength and longevity, the CR5 provides a nice fishing experience by ensuring the rod is balanced while remaining ultra lightweight thanks to the graphite blank. When using this rod in wet conditions, my hands never slip, which can be attributed to the cork handle.
It also has a FUJI reel and stylish stainless steel guides (to augment sensitivity and reduce friction), which adds substantially to the overall ergonomics of the rod itself. If you fish in fresh or saltwater, I’d strongly consider the CR5 from Cadence.
What’s The Verdict?
As you can see, you have plenty of options when it comes to ultralight rods. When choosing the best ultralight fishing rod for you, it’s important to choose something that fits your fishing style.
You should also take into account how often you plan on using the rod, as some are built for longevity (these tend to be more expensive) and others do not (these are usually the cheap rods). If you simply want something to take with you on a one-time fishing trip or you’re trying to learn how to fish with an ultralight rod, then one of the more affordable rods on the list should work.
However, if you’re a seasoned angler who does a lot of fishing, then you’re going to get more value by spending the money on a premium-quality ultralight rod.
When shopping around for the best ultralight fishing rod, feel free to use this list to help narrow your search and be sure to stay up to date with our blog for more fishing product recommendations and buyer’s guides!