Best Ultralight Fishing Rod | Top Picks and Buying Guide

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you looking for the best ultralight fishing rod for a thrilling experience? If so, here you can find all the juicy details you need to know about angling with ultralight rods.

Anglers love fishing with ultralight rods because of the excitement, speed, and fun offered by it. Though it’s easy to catch smaller fishes with this rod, catching bigger ones is quite trickier and adventurous. And so, if you don’t get the right one, your fishing rod will crack with its very first catch.

Therefore, I analyzed and enlisted the 7 most excellent ultralight fishing rods available right now in the market. This list will help you to choose the best one for yourself.

Top Rated Ultralight Fishing Rod | The Comparison (Best Reviews)

Our Top Pick
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium Light - 1pc
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7′ – Medium Light – 1pc
  • Ugly stik clear tip design delivers extra strength right where you need it
  • Ugly tech construction with added graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity
  • Ugly tuff one piece stainless steel guides provide maximum durability
Editor Choice
St. Croix TSS54ULF Trout Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod with Fortified Resin System 5feet 4inches
St. Croix TSS54ULF Trout Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod with Fortified Resin System 5feet 4inches
  • Dynamic blend of scvi and scii graphite.
  • Fortified resin system (frs).
  • Trout spinning rod features: sea guide guides with stainless steel rings and frames; sea guide xms split style reel seat with custom insert for sensitivity and comfort; Premium-grade cork handle; Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
  • Specifications: length 54; power ul; action fast; pieces 1; line wt. 2-6 lbs; lure wt. 1/32-3/ Oz
  • 5-year warranty.
Budget Friendly
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods, CE-S-562UL-1
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods, CE-S-562UL-1
  • Crafted from the highest quality material
  • Sensitive graphite blank construction
  • Aluminum oxide guide inserts
  • Stainless steel hooded reel seats
  • Quality grade fore and rear cork grips
  • Aluminum oxide guide inserts
  • Stainless steel hooded reel seats
  • Quality grade fore and rear cork grips

Top 7 ultralight fishing rods in 2024

ultralight spinning rod

Detailed information about the 7 best ultralight fishing rods for you to pick:

1. OKUMA Celilo Ultralight Graphite Trout Rod 

The OKUMA Celio ultralight rod is made from top-quality blank Graphite and comes with aluminum oxide line guide inserts. Additionally, this lightweight fishing rod is exceedingly sensitive to any lures.

It has a hooded reel seat constructed from stainless steel and comes with premium quality fore and rear cork grip. This corked support allows you to put a better force on the grip. Moreover, the robust reel seat combined with the top-quality handle turns this fishing rod into the finest one.

You can find this rod with various configurations. It comes in 5’0” to 8’6” in length. If you are planning to catch some bigger fish, you can get a longer rod.

Though this fishing rod isn’t really ideal for long-range casting, it comes in really handy while close-range fishing. But this lightweight fishing rod is specially designed for fishing trout.

Despite being an exclusively designed ultralight fishing rod for trout, you can use it for freshwater fishing with delight. This rod can be efficiently used for any ultralight line and tackle uses.

The durable graphite construction of this reel makes it highly durable, and casting with this rod is very enjoyable. Additionally, it is one of the most affordable ultralight rods for fishing.

Features of the OKUMA Celio :

  • Length: 5.0”, 6.6″ & 8.6”
  • Line Weight: 2-6 lbs, 4-8 lbs Weight
  • Lure Weight: 1/32-1/4 oz – 3/8 oz
  • Power: Ultra Light
  • Warranty: 1-year
Pros
  • Extremely light-weight yet sturdy
  • Made from high-quality materials
  • Corrosion-resistant line guide inserts
  • Fast action and high sensitivity
Cons
  • Not suitable for long-range casting

2. St. Croix Trout Freshwater Spinning Rod

This excellent ultralight rod is constructed with a powerful blend of SCVI and SCII Graphite, making it highly sensitive and durable.

The fortified resin system used in the construction of this rod enhanced its performance. This spinning rod has the perfect balance of power and sensitivity.

This fishing rod is coated with a Flex coat slow-cure finish to make it more durable. The well-constructed XMS split-style reel seat combined with the fast action of this spinning rod allows you to catch verities of fish.

Moreover, the top-quality cork handles are very comfortable, so you can drag, pull, and fight with the fish effortlessly.

The fast action feature allows the tip of the rod to have a high degree of sensitivity. Therefore, when the fish is playing and jumping on your bait, you can quickly feel that. It is one of the best ultralight spinning rods for trout that you can choose to have.

Features St. Croix Trout :

  • Length: 4.10” & 6.4”
  • Line Rating: 2-6 lbs & 4-8 lb
  • Lure Weight: 1/32-3/16 oz & 1/16-1/4 oz
  • Action: Fast
  • Warranty: 5-years
Pros
  • Accessible to cast and reel
  • Suitable for long-range fishing
  • An excellent intermingle of power and sensitivity.
  • Highly durable composite graphite construction
Cons
  • Warranty repairs require additional fees

3. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning rod

The Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod is a resourceful fishing rod you can find out there. This ultralight rod can efficiently perform in both salt and freshwater.

Additionally, it can work with both live and plastic baits, making it eligible for different types of fishing.

The lightweight yet sturdy graphite and fiberglass construction of the spinning rod combined with the Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides make it immensely durable.

A lot of ultralight spinning rods lack the perfect balance of weight and power. But with this spinning rod, you do not have to be bothered about that trouble.

The fiberglass-graphite design makes the tip of the spinning rod highly sensitive, and you can use any fishing line on this rod.

Moreover, the handle of the rod is very comfortable. So, you can hold it for a long time without troubling your finger joints.

The Ugly Stik Elite is also the best ultralight saltwater spinning rod for any angler, no matter their experience level. Casting with this rod is a straightforward process.

The highly sensitive tip always alarms you when a fish is falling for the bait. Additionally, the hooded spinning reels have a blank seat, cushioned for more excellent stability.

Ugly Stik is one of the most reputed brands, and they tried their best to perfect this Elite spinning rod. It is versatile, made of top-notch components, yet very affordable. It is the best-value ultralight spinning rod available in the market.

Features of the Ugly Stik Elite :

  • Length: 4.6″ to 7.6″
  • Line Rating: 8-17 lb
  • Lure Rating: 1/32-1/4 oz to 1/4-3/4 oz
  • Blank Material: Ugly Tech Construction
  • Action: There are different action different models: Fast, Medium Fast, Extra Fast
Pros
  • Light-weight yet highly durable
  • High sensitivity on the tip
  • Suitable for both salt and freshwater
  • Best rod for the money
Cons
  • Little heavier on the handle

4. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod

If you are looking for a high-performance fishing rod at a low price range, the Fenwick Eagle Spinning fishing rod can be a great option to pick. This ultralight fishing rod has Chromium plated stainless steel guides, and the blank is made of Graphite.

This fishing rod has a sturdy end and a soft tip. The tip is so sensitive that it can detect the slightest movement of the bait and the fish. Additionally, the strong end allows you to put enough force to drag and fight with the fish.

The Fenwick Eagle Spinning rod comes with the B2 burled cork handle, which is much more durable than the conventional corks. The combination of the comfortable reel seats and cork handle makes you hold it with ease.

This spinning rod has a chromium-plated SS304 stainless steel guide. Therefore, it is suitable for a braided line or super line application. Additionally, the stainless steel inserts of this rod make it light-weight than aluminum oxide inserts.

Features of the Fenwick Eagle :

  • Length: 6.6″ & 8′
  • Line Rating: 1-6 lb
  • Lure Rating: 1/32-1/4 oz
  • Action: Moderate
  • Blank Material: Graphite
  • Warranty: 5-years
Pros
  • Light-weight yet highly durable
  • Corrosion-resistant guide and insert
  • Easy and fast casting
  • Robust construction allows a good fighting chance with the fish
Cons
  • Only suitable for medium to light-weight fish
  • Unimpressive packaging

5. Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod

The Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning rod is an ultralight rod that is powerful enough to catch some bigger fishes. The SS305 guide is lighter yet tougher than aluminum oxide, and the hybrid design construction ensures enhanced durability.

This fishing rod is available in various configurations. The comfortable cork handle allows you to have a tight grip without any trouble. This fast-action spinning rod is very sensitive to any movements of the fish and lures.

This one-piece casting rod is compatible with various bait casting reels. The dynamic blend of Graphite and fiberglass makes this rod highly sensitive.

However, the fiberglass blend gives it a little more weight than the ultralight spinning rods.

The Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning rod comes with high-end features at affordable prices. It is a well-balanced, flexible rod suitable for various sorts of fishing.

Additionally, the composite material’s heavy-duty construction made this fishing rod eligible for dragging, pulling, and fighting with bigger fish.

Features of the Berkley Cherrywood HD :

  • Length: 7′
  • Line Rating: 6-14lb
  • Lure Rating: 1/8-3/4
  • Power: Medium
  • Blank Material: Composite
  • Action: Fast
Pros
  • Highly durable hybrid construction
  • Comfortable cork handles for a firm grip
  • Suitable for catching bigger fishes
  • Ultralight SS304 guides
  • Wide reel compatibility
Cons
  • Might be a little stiff for some anglers

6. Daiwa PSO604ULFS-TR Presso Ultralight Pack Spinning Rod

This fishing rod is designed for light to medium-weight fishing. Though this is an excellent spinning rod for catching panfish and trout, it is adaptable to various fish settings. It is available from 6’6” in length to 8’ so, you can choose the length you prefer.

The solid IM-7 Graphite rod construction is combined with stainless steel guides making this rod highly durable. Moreover, the 4-piece breakdown design of this ultralight rod makes it compact and easy to transport.

The sleekly designed split rubber cork handle helps the rod to maintain its lightweight nature.

It is fitted with 7-8 guidelines and can put up light fishing lines only. However, this rod is hugely sensitive, which allows you to notice any kind of movement on the tip.

Features of the Daiwa Presso :

  • Length: 6′
  • Line Weight: 1 – 6lb
  • Lure Weight: 1/32-1/4
  • Power: Ultralight
  • Blank Material: Graphite
  • Action: Fast
Pros
  • 4-piece breakdown compact design for portability
  • Hard carrying case for easy transportation
  • Several length options
  • Light-weight body with a comfortable grip
Cons
  • The cork handle can crack under heavy pressure

7. St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods

This lightweight yet durable SCII graphite-constructed fishing rod comes with a Fuji DPS reel seat with top-quality silver hoods.

It is a fast-action fishing rod, which is available in lengths of 5’6″ to 7’6”. You can choose the lightest one for ultralight power and the longest one for medium to heavy-light power.

The St Croix Triumph Spinning Rod is designed for long-range casting and has aluminum oxide guides. Moreover, it has an extremely sensitive tip and cork handle that makes your fishing experience more enjoyable.

The twin Flex-coat finish combined with the SCII Graphite makes it more durable than most other ultralight rods.

The soft and sensitive tip alarms you even if there is the smallest fish on the bait. Additionally, this fishing road is suitable for both flat and rough waters.

This fishing rod is a fantastic blend of flexibility and power. The best-quality cork handle allows you to have a comfortable grip all day long.

If you choose the 6’6” rod, you will have excellent casting power and greater control over your catch.

Considering its excellent features, price, and performance, it is one of the best ultralight spinning rod options available for you.

Features of St Croix Triumph :

  • Length: 5’6″, 6′.6″ & 7’6”
  • Line Weight: 2-6 lbs, 6-12 lbs, 8-17 lbs
  • Lure Weight: 1/32-3/16 oz, 1/4-5/8 oz, 3/8-3/4 oz
  • Power: Ultralight, Medium, Medium Havey
  • Action: Fast
  • Blank Material: Graphite
  • Warranty: 5-year
Pros
  • Durable and light-weight construction
  • Well-balanced and flexible
  • Double Flex-coat finish for additional durability
  • Easy to assemble and compact
  • Accurate weight and length ratio
Cons
  • The seat locks aren’t strong enough.

So, these were my best ultralight fishing rod picks. You can choose the one that meets the terms with your preferences.

How to Pick an Ultralight Rod: Buyer’s Guide

Before you buy an ultralight rod for fishing, you need to consider some essential factors. Otherwise, you will be stuck with a terrible ultralight rod.

Let’s take a look at those crucial factors that will help you choose the best ultralight rod.

Material:

The first and foremost thing you need to consider before buying your ultralight rod is the materials. The material determines the durability and power of the rod.

There are three types of rods typically used in the manufacturing of ultralight rods. These materials are:

  • Fiberglass
  • Graphite
  • Carbon fiber

Fiberglass: 

Fiberglass rods are sturdy and robust. These rods are highly durable and great for catching big fishes and these rods are quite weighty than most other ultralight rods.

Graphite: 

Graphite is the most popular material for making ultralight rods. Graphite rods are super light yet durable, and powerful enough for various fish settings. But as an ultralight material, Graphite rods tend to fracture in the fullness of time.

Carbon fiber: 

Carbon fiber is the most excellent material being used in making ultralight rods. These rods are super light, highly durable, and sturdy. But you need to spend almost a fortune to get one of these carbon fiber rods.

Some manufacturers use a hybrid design of Graphite and fiberglass composite to get the best of both worlds.

Action:

Fishing rods generally come in three types of action, slow, medium, and fast action. The action of a rod is its ability to defend against bending.

A fast-action rod is the most flexible on its tip, and a slow-action rod bends its whole body while fishing. Slow action is the best for pulling bigger fishes, and fast action is for catching small to medium playful fishes.

When choosing an ultralight rod, it would be better for you to get a fast-action rod. You can also choose a medium-action rod so you can catch a wide range of fish.

Power:

The type of fish you can target to catch depends on the power of your rod. With ultralight rods, you can get small to medium fish in close-range fishing trips.

If you are planning to catch bigger fish, you should get slightly heavier rods. Otherwise, there is a chance for your rod to snap while catching the big fish.

Length of the rod:

The best length for the ultralight rod is 6’5” to 7 feet, and most of the ultralight rods are of this length. With this particular size, you can get perfect accuracy while fishing with an ultralight rod.

Longer rods allow you to go for long casting, but the accuracy will be minimal. A shorter rod allows you to fish with precision but in a small range. If you plan to go for long-range fishing with your ultralight rod, get a 7-foot rod with stiff construction.

The handle of the rod:

There are two basic materials used in rod handles; they are cork and EVA foam. Both of them are comfortable enough and allow greater grip.

Cork handles are sturdy but don’t perform well under heavy pressure. By contrast, EVA foam handles are soft yet more durable than cork handles.

However, most of the handles of the rod consist of corks.

Reel:

Ultralight spinning reels are designed explicitly for ultralight rods. A lightweight reel preserves the weight stability of the rod. Ultralight rods use spinning reels because it’s easier to catch fish with them. Additionally, spinning less provides less friction than its substitutes.

Guides and inserts:

Try to pick the rod with stainless steel guides and inserts as they are highly durable and lightweight.

Stability:

An excellent ultralight rod should have a perfectly fitted reel seat. A top-quality reel seat will allow you to fish smoothly and provide stability while fighting with the fish.

Line choice:

You should always choose a lightweight fishing line for your ultralight rod. Otherwise, the weight balance will be disturbed, which may lead to damage to the rod.

Rod sections:

Though most of the ultralight rods are compact, a rod with a 4-piece breakdown design is the most portable. There are also 2-piece rods that are compact and budget-friendly.

Price:

There are verities of price ranges available if you want to buy an ultralight rod. Some of them cost more than hundreds of dollars. But you do not have to expend a high amount because many reasonably priced ultralight rods are proficient enough.

You can check this article for more affordable options for ultralight rods.

Some frequently asked questions about ultralight rods:

1. What turns a fishing rod into an ultralight one?

Ans. First of all, an ultralight rod must be made of lightweight materials like Graphite or fiberglass. But there should be a steadiness of mass among all the elements.

2. Why make use of an ultralight rod for fishing?

Ans. As I revealed before, fishing with ultralight rods is fun, and usually, they are compact and easy to carry around. So, you can take your ultralight rods on many recreational trips without wasting much space.

When you fish with an ultralight rod, you are much on your own. You have to drag the fish, keep on fighting, and then conquer the fish! Well, that’s the real thrill of fishing, isn’t it?

Ultralight rods are bendable and exceedingly sensitive. These two qualities of these rods allow you to have a better fishing experience than heavy-weight rods.

What type of fishing rod you want to get is totally your choice. But if you haven’t attempted the ultralight ones before, you should absolutely give it a try.

3. How durable are the ultralight rods are? 

Ans. The durability of an ultralight rod depends on two things, the construction of the rod and how you are utilizing your rod.

If you are using an ultralight rod with a heavy fish setting, indeed, it can’t be tolerated by the rod. Or if you bring into play a short-range casting rod for a long-range casting, you will be misusing both your time and the fishing rod.

So, research the fishing rod you want to purchase and determine your plans with that rod. Then you can have a fishing rod that will serve you for a long time.

4. How do you repair the tip of the line guide breaks it?

Ans. Repairing a broken tip is much easier than you think. Many online shops sell affordable tip-repairing kits, including lines.

Just clean the tip if there is any old epoxy or glue left. You can use sandpaper to clean your rod’s tip. Then repair it just in a few minutes without any trouble.

5. What length of the grip is appropriate for an angler?

Ans. The grip length is one of the most vital things people give minimal thought to while buying a fishing rod. With the wrong length of your rod’s grip, you may feel huge troubles while fishing.

With short grips, it’s hard to work with weighty lures, and it takes extra effort to catch fish with them. Longer grips offer more power and scope to maintain the bait and fight with the fish.

If your fishing technique requires wrist-action or on a close-range fishing trip, choose rods with short grip. Otherwise, for heavy lures, long-range fishing, or catching big fish, get a rod with a long grip.

In conclusion:

Fishing with ultralight rods is an entertaining technique. Once you figure out the tricks and get the exact rod for your fishing type, you will always stick to lightweight rods.

It gives you the real thrill of angling.

But always bear in mind to determine two aspects before going on fishing trips with ultralight rods. They are the type of fishing you are going to do and the fish you are planning to catch. These two factors will help you the most while choosing your suitable rod.

The information we have added here will help you pick the best ultralight fishing rod without any doubt. So, now you can get a perfect rod for yourself and enjoy a thrilling fishing trip!