While they might look like children’s rods, ultralight spinning rods pack a punch. If you want to add one to your collection, you’ll definitely want to take a look at our reviews of the best ten ultralight rods. If you’re unsure if you need one, have a look at our Buyer’s Guide and FAQs to understand the advantages they offer and what to look for when choosing the right model for you. For each of the rods on our list, we detail the pros, cons, features and specifications to help you make the right choice. As with all fishing rods you’ll need to consider what best suits your target species, style and budget. With that in mind, read on to see which of the best ultralight spinning rods is the one for you.

Popular Choice

Celilo Ultra Light OKUMA

★★★★★OKUMA Celilo casting Ultra Light Trout Rods for long casting

Top PickMost Popular

Trout Series G.LOOMIS

★★★★★G. LOOMIS Trout Series 2 Pieces ultralight spinning rod

Best Value

Featherlight Spinning Rod EAGLE CLAW

★★★★★EAGLE CLAW Feather light Outfitted for saltwater and freshwater ultralight spinning rods

ALL THE ULTRALIGHT SPINNING RODS THAT WE TESTED

G. LOOMIS Trout Series Spinning Rod

OUR TOP PICK

G. LOOMIS Trout Series 2 Pieces ultralight spinning rod

General Impression

Described by users as a well-rounded, highly performant, and ultralight spinning rod, this 7’6’’, 2-piece spinning rod is also easy to transport, which is an extra plus for every angler.
Constructed out of a carbon fiber blend, this ultralight spinning rod delivers strength and endurance while staying light.
The handle is made of traditional and composite cork that makes way for a firm grip, and the Fuji alconite guides are tough enough to ensure the line stays put and prevents tangles. Plus, coming in hot with a manufacturer warranty, anglers can rest assured no damages ruin their trip.

Specifications

PIECES: 2 Pieces
LENGTH: 7’6”
LINE WEIGHT: 1- 4 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: N/A
ACTION: Moderate Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon blend

PROS

  • Light
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Sensitive
  • Warranty included

CONS

  • Might not be suitable for beginners

EAGLE CLAW Featherlight Spinning Rod

BEST VALUE

EAGLE CLAW Feather light Outfitted for saltwater and freshwater ultralight spinning rods

General Impression

Eagle Claw products offer the nostalgic feel of ultralight spinning rods from the old days, due to their bright color patterns, cork handles, fiberglass blanks, and stainless steel rod guides. But thankfully, those features all combine to form pretty appealing rods, such as the Eagle Claw Featherlight, which is no doubt the best ultra light fishing rod for the money.

There’s no denying it – the Featherlight’s technology is far inferior to many of the other modern rods. But regardless of its technology, the rod still works like a charm, allowing anglers to bring in fish after fish. The product has a quick and responsive action, balanced feel, and enough power to even reel in decent sized bass. New anglers, kids, and those with a hunger for small fish can turn to the Featherlight for a dependable piece that doesn’t break the bank.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 and 2 Pieces
LENGTH: 5′ to 6’6″
LINE WEIGHT: 2 – 6 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: 3.52 oz
ACTION: Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Fiberglass

PROS

  • Outfitted for saltwater and freshwater
  • Durable and flexible fiberglass blank
  • Split grip handle for increased control
  • Stainless steel line guides

CONS

  • Odd color scheme
  • Connection points can become stiff

OKUMA Celilo Ultra Light Trout Rods

General Impression

The Celilo ultralight spinning rod by Okuma is certainly a product that can snatch up panfish, trout, and baitfish with ease.

While many other ultralight spinning rods with a greater power rating tend to come standard with carbon fiber or fiberglass blanks, the Celilo sticks with a high-quality graphite blank that transmits motion directly into the hand of the angler. It is then further crafted with aluminum oxide guide inserts and a cork handle to form a complete piece.

However, many ultralight spinning rod reviews on the web trash lightweight products such as the Celilo, and claim that the tools snap, break, or fracture once pressure is applied. While this can happen, it is more likely the fault of the angler for attempting to catch too large a fish on a ultralight spinning rod. Thus, the Celilo is put to best use when it is used for catching small bass, trout, and panfish.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 and 2 Pieces
LENGTH: 4’6″ to 8’6″
LINE WEIGHT: 1 – 10 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: 3 to 4.8 oz
ACTION: Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

PROS

  • Durable aluminum oxide guide inserts
  • Conveniently placed hook keeper
  • High-quality graphite blank
  • Great for long casting

CONS

  • Slightly too flexible
  • Reel holder can come loose

ST. CROIX Premier Spinning Rod

General Impression

This medium to fast-action ultralight spinning rod is made of premium SCII carbon to deliver endurance and strength. Steadily becoming a fan-favorite thanks to its aluminum oxide inserts and its sturdy graphite blank construction.
The Premier model features a Fuji DPS reel seat with silver hoods, a Kigan hook keeper, and 2 layers of Flex-Coat. It works well for line weight from 6-12 lbs, and lure weight of 1/4-5/8 oz.
Due to it being super light, durable, and flexible, anglers of all skill levels can rest assured they’ll feel all of the tugs and nibbles. Plus, the 5-year warranty is a nice addition to the rod.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 Piece
LENGTH: 7′
LINE WEIGHT: 6 -12 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: 4.4 oz
ACTION: Medium Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon

PROS

  • Optimal length
  • Durable
  • Ultralight
  • Comfortable
  • Quality-made
  • A 5-year warranty

CONS

  • Not very compact

SHIMANO Stimula Spinning Rod

General Impression

For those that are on the prowl for a ultralight spinning rod that delivers quality and accuracy within a budget, then Shmano’s Stimula ultralight spinning rod is the right choice.
Essentially designed for freshwater fishing, the Stimula is a 6’ long, ultralight spinning rod that makes a perfect fit for beginners or recreational anglers.
Its graphite composition is what gives this spinning rod sturdiness and sensitivity at the same time, featuring line weight from 8-15 lbs.
Its 2-piece design provides easy storage. Thanks to the cork handle, the Stumula model offers a nice and firm grip, bringing slipping down to a minimum.
Also, the rod butt features EVA foam which serves as a durability booster.
Plus, the hook keeper enables nice line protection and keeps the ultralight spinning rod and the guides friction-free.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 Piece
LENGTH: 6′
LINE WEIGHT: 8 – 15 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: N/A
ACTION: Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Blend

PROS

  • Sturdy
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible
  • Durable
  • Very affordable

CONS

  • Not for saltwater fishing

SHIMANO Tiralejo Spinning Rod

General Impression

For those that prefer saltwater fishing, the Tiralejo ultralight spinning rod is the go-to choice, since it is made of long-lasting, industry-grade materials that will not lack accuracy and performance, regardless of weather and water conditions.
High-modulus blanks are used for the construction of the Tiralejo model, adorned with a 4-layer, 90-degree graphite coat. Thanks to this kind of construction, this model elevated the hoop power, enabling optimal pulling strength without disturbing the sensitivity. Works well with line weight from 40-65 lbs.
Featuring Fuji stainless steel frame guides is what makes the Tralejo a spot-on choice for surf fishing, among other techniques.
The 7+1 guides make sure the line stays in place, offering a knot-free fishing experience.

Specifications

PIECES: 2 Pieces
LENGTH: 9′ 6”
LINE WEIGHT: 40 – 65 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: N/A
ACTION: Medium Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Blend

PROS

  • Light
  • Quality-made
  • Flexible
  • Comfortable
  • Powerful
  • Excellent casting distance

CONS

  • Quite expensive

SHIMANO Solora

General Impression

The Solora is Shimano’s go-to when it comes to ultralight spinning rods.

What makes the Solora noticeably different compared to other models is its use of aero-glass as a blank material. The high-quality material is specially designed to weigh less than standard fiberglass, while still offering the same amount of strength and durability.

Furthermore, the ultralight spinning rod is equipped with aluminum oxide line guides, and a graphite reel seat. Although it doesn’t steal the show as the top product on this list, the Solora is still a great choice for any angler that wants to get their hands on a Shimano ultralight spinning rod.

Specifications

PIECES: 2 Pieces
LENGTH: 5’6″
LINE WEIGHT: 2 – 6 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: N/A
ACTION: Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Aeroglass

PROS

  • Aluminum oxide line guides
  • Graphite reel seat
  • Lightweight aero glass blank
  • Ideal for kids

CONS

  • Guides can bend somewhat easily
  • Action is slower than advertised

PISCIFUN Serpent

General Impression

The Piscifun Serpent is the best ultralight spinning rod that the up and coming brand currently offers from their diverse lineup.

Few ultralight spinning rod reviews cover the Serpent, as the product is typically found in a medium-power variant that is specifically targeted towards species such as bass, catfish, and walleye. However, when crafted with an ultralight power rating, the rod quickly becomes an ideal piece for any angler hunting smaller fish species.

The base of the ultralight spinning rod’s functionality is focused on it’s blank, which is composed of Japanese Toray carbon graphite – that is ridiculously strong and flexible. Each rod then receives a set of Fuji line guides, and a golf-style handle, which prevents slippage in wet environments. Yet, the most impressive aspect is the reel seat, which is curved on the backside to fit with the natural shape of an angler’s hand.

Although the hook keeper is in a bit of an odd place, the ultralight spinning rod is still an excellent choice that will surely end up on more ultralight spinning rod reviews in the future.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 Piece
LENGTH: 6’6″
LINE WEIGHT: 2 – 6 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: 4.5 oz
ACTION: Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

PROS

  • Fast and responsive carbon fiber blank
  • Golf-style grips provide water resistance
  • Lightweight construction
  • Curved reel seat for comfort

CONS

  • Hook keeper is on handle

ST. CROIX Avid Surf Saltwater Spinning Rod

General Impression

The Panfish ultralight spinning rod from St. Croix is a fine specimen that perfectly indicates why the brand always comes up in ultralight spinning rods review lists.

Dozens of rod manufacturers have moved over to using lighter materials in order to provide a better experience for anglers. So naturally, St. Croix did the same, by implementing a lineup of SCII and SCVI blanks that are featherweight in comparison to others.

However, the ultralight spinning rods also come with some other pretty decent features such as an XMS split grip reel seat, stainless steel rings, and a genuine cork handle. After all, there is no way the product could end up on so many ultralight spinning rod reviews if it wasn’t such a great all-round model.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 and 2 Pieces
LENGTH: 5′ to 9′
LINE WEIGHT: 2 – 8 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: 2 to 4 oz
ACTION: Moderate to extra-fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

PROS

  • XMS split style reel seat
  • Great for finesse fishing
  • Incredibly sensitive
  • Genuine cork handle

CONS

  • Extremely flexible

FENWICK Elite Tech Spinning Rod

General Impression

The Elite model packs a lot of sensitivity and backbone. Thanks to its soft tip, you can easily detect and sense tugs and nibbles, so you’ll be perfectly prepared to bring in your fish; the blazing orange tip is the cherry on top, enabling you to feel the tiniest bites.
Featuring lightweight stainless steel guides and super-light fly guides, the Elite Tech ultralight spinning rod model makes sure your line doesn’t budge and stays knot-free.
Handle-wise, being made from premium-grade cork material with a TAC trim, you’ll feel as confident in your grip as ever, minimizing the chances of the rod slipping off your hands.

Specifications

PIECES: 1 Piece
LENGTH: 27”
LINE WEIGHT: 1- 4 lbs
ROD WEIGHT: 3.5 oz
ACTION: Extra Fast
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Manufacturer warranty included
  • Sensitive
  • Sturdy

CONS

  • Not for beginners
  • Small line weight

BEST ULTRALIGHT SPINNING RODS
Buyer's Guide

Power

Anglers often consider power as one of the most critical factors when shopping for fishing rods, but strangely enough, that isn’t the case for the best ultralight fishing rods.

The best ultralight rods don’t need an overwhelming amount of power – because they simply aren’t designed to catch big fish. Hence why they are rated as ‘ultralight’. Most anglers bring along a light action spinning rod when they are searching for panfish, trout, or baitfish. Panfish and baitfish rarely weigh over a pound, and require very little power to wrestle in.

Thus, anglers need to note that a light spinning rod truly is designed just for smaller species. Those who mistakenly purchase one for larger species such as bass or catfish will have trouble landing the larger species, and likely snap their rod blank in the process of doing so.

Action

The action of a rod can play a key role when fishing for different species, as nearly all fish have a different bite pattern and way of taking bait.

Action essentially refers to the point where a rod bends when it has a noticeable amount of pressure applied. Fast action rods bend right near the tip of the blank, and slow action rods bend as far down as the handle. But some fish are easier to catch with a fast action, and others with a slow.

Ultralight rods are generally used to target fast biting fish, which like to take the bait for a quick run. As a result, anglers need to be fast to set the hook, and make sure the catch doesn’t get away before. Thus, the best ultra light rods have relatively quick action to set the hook on mischievous little fish before they nibble away all the bait.

Target Species

Before purchasing an ultralight rod, anglers need to evaluate what sort of species they plan on targeting. The small-scale rods have a pretty specific niche, and work best when they are applied to the sort of species they are built for.

An ultralight spinning rod is a great option for an angler that has their eye on smaller species, such as panfish. The wide-bodied little squirts tend to drift around shallow waters, lazily, and prey on small insects, minnows, or tadpoles. As a result, they can easily be fooled by small jigs, lures, and flies. And that’s where the best ultralight fishing rods come into play, as they are ideal at controlling small bait and detecting the bites from light species.

However, many trout fishermen desire the lightest fishing rod they can find, in order to finesse their bait around to catch the attention of fish. Heavy rods make it tough to maneuver bait, and even more tough to place it where desired. Hence why many trout anglers hunt for the best light spinning rod on the market, to guarantee that they will have the ability to finesse, detect, and ultimately land more fish.

Portability

Those who fish from streams and other remote areas should steer clear of one-piece rods, as they are difficult to transport, and a nuisance to carry around.

Many of the species that ultralight rods are designed for live in small creeks, ponds, and rivers tucked away in nature. So fishing in such spots is nowhere near as easy as heading to the local reservoir. But in order to get to those remote spots, anglers often have to do some hiking or trekking.

However, those who pursue the wild and remote areas will usually encounter uninterrupted tranquility, along with rarer fish species. Carrying a rod through brush is a legitimate pain – but this can be alleviated by dismantling the length of the rod into multiple pieces.

The best ultralight fishing rods for backcountry streams and creeks are those that break down into two or three pieces. Such rods can be tucked away in a backpack, and transported with far more ease than a one piece tool. Granted – not all ultralight anglers need a product that can break down, but those who must pass through wild terrain certainly do.

BEST ULTRALIGHT SPINNING RODS
FAQs

1. What is an ultralight spinning rod?

Ultralight spinning rods are small-scale fishing rods that offer an unrivaled level of control and finesse.

Novice anglers may mistake ultralight fishing poles for a novice’s tool, as the standard models tend to look and feel much like a children’s fishing pole. However, the technology that goes into such rods is often far more advanced than what meets the eye.

Nevertheless, ultra light fishing poles are incredibly efficient at catching species such as panfish, trout, and baitfish. They are quick, nimble, and can detect right away when small fish take interest in bait. Catching large species such as bass, catfish, and salmon can be difficult on a lightweight spinning rod, although it is still possible, as long as the handler doesn’t apply too much pressure and direct force.

2. Why use ultralight rods?

There are dozens of scenarios where ultralight fishing rods can be handy, due to their relative ease of use and convenience. However, they are most often used by anglers searching for panfish, or anglers that tire easily from heavier variants of the rod model.

Crappie, bluegill, and trout fanatics love to get their hands on ultra light spinning rods, as the models make detecting small species a breeze. The rods tend to ‘flicker’ when a fish is on the other side, alerting handlers that something has taken the bait. Once the fish is hooked, the rod tends to bend in a parabolic fashion, in order to absorb force rather than transmit it back to the mouth of the fish. Too much blunt force often rips the bait right out of the soft mouths of panfish, making it tough to catch the little guys.

Many anglers also like to start their kids off with an ultra light spinning rod, as they are easy to learn basic skill-sets on. Plus, such models are light enough that youngsters can whip them around with ease.

4. What is the best ultralight spinning rod?

The best ultralight spinning rod is the KastKing Resolute, due to its abundance of high-quality features that make it a true champion of the lightweight category.

Resolute rods are manufactured with IM7 carbon that is lightweight, flexible, and sensitive. Yet, the blank is only one aspect of impressive tech that the rod is outfitted with, as it also contains golf-style handles that wick moisture, microwave air guides for increased casting distance, and a well-designed reel seat to promote comfort.

Furthermore, when fishing for panfish, it is important to possess a rod which can be broken down into multiple pieces, in order to provide greater portability. So of course, it is handy that the Resolute comes in a two-piece set, that is both portable and lightweight for anglers that hike to remote locations to find exotic species. Those who enjoy the tool for ultra light fishing can also find it in heavier variants, which are unquestionably some of the best spinning rods for sport fishing and deep water angling.

5. What’s the best trout fishing rod?

The best ultralight trout rod is the X-11 by Lamiglas.

While many of the other rods on this list would be suitable for trout, the X-11 stands out due to its specific features that cater to trout fishing.

Trout fishing requires slightly longer rods, which can cast bait great distances, while still providing decent amounts of finesse. And that’s where the X-11 stands-out, as its models range from 6’ to 7’, and possess moderate-fast actions for quick maneuvering and efficient hook setting. The piece is then further fashioned with a curved reel seat, that simply molds into the palm of a handler to provide more comfort for long days on the water.

But of course, there is far more to the product than just being the best ultralight spinning rod for trout, as it is also a great tool for capturing panfish such as bluegill, crappie, and sunfish.

6. What are the best ultralight fishing reels made of?

The best ultralight fishing reels are typically made of forged metal, to provide better durability and performance.

Plastic reels, which are often attached to kids’ rods, just don’t hold up in the long run. They often create birds nests, malfunction, or worst of all – break into pieces.

But unfortunately, plastic adult reels aren’t much better. Many of the same problems occur with the adult variants, as they often bend, break, or just don’t work the way they are supposed to. As a result, an angler ends up with a piece of equipment that really isn’t good for much.

While there are still some decent plastic and rubber models floating around the market, the safest bet is to go for a forged metal reel that can withstand thousands of casts without splitting into pieces.

7. What are ultralight reels used for?

Ultralight reels certainly aren’t used for catching shark and marlin, but rather their smaller inland cousins, such as crappie, bluegill, perch, and trout.

Ultralight reels receive their name from their power rating, as they are truly only equipped to deal with species that weigh under 5 pounds. And such species don’t often fight that hard, which means that lightweight reels don’t need to have a high max drag setting. Many of the best reels simply only offer 5-10 pounds of drag, as there just isn’t much need above that.

Nevertheless, ultralight spinning reels look and function exactly like their larger counterparts. They contain a bale, a spool, and gear ratio which all work together to extend line or retrieve it. The only real difference is their size, as they more often fall into the range of 1000 power or below.

8. What is the best spinning reel for ultralight fishing?

The best spinning reel for ultralight fishing is the Shimano Sedona 1000 FI.

Most anglers simply know Shimano as a brand that produces high-quality fishing rods and reels. However, it is also in the business of gears, as it manufactures some of the top gear components for mountain bikes and outdoor equipment. So naturally, all that research transfers over quite well into reels, as the objects are nothing more than gears with a line spool.

The Sedona 1000 FI is a true testament to that research, as the reel smoothly winds line around a spool without an ounce of friction. Every modern variant is outfitted with ‘G Free Body Tech’ that moves the center of gravity closer to the rod, and provides better comfort and balance. To top things off, each model is equipped with a ‘Hagane’ gear, that utilizes Shimano’s special tech to create a long-lasting device that can withstand thousands of casts.

9. What is the best ultralight fishing rod and reel combo?

Since the KastKing Resolute is the best ultralight fishing rod, and the Shimano Sedona 1000 FI is the best reel – it only makes sense that the two would form the best rod and reel combo available on the market.

The Resolute is a rod which demands a high performing reel, as the microwave air guides quickly funnel line away from a reel and out towards the water. If there is any holdup with the line, then the whole process becomes a total mess, forcing anglers to untie copious amounts of knots wrapped around a rod. Which leads to why the Sedona 1000 FI is such a great choice – as it operates off of a flawless gear system that lets line out in a frictionless manner.

The ‘Hagane’ gears, which are the core of the Sedona, work in a frictionless manner to deliver line throughout the guides. Therefore, the reel does exactly what it is supposed to do, without ever raising any issues.

10. What is the lightest fishing rod?

The absolute lightest of all the models on this ultralight fishing rod review is the G.Loomis Trout and Panfish pole.

G.Loomis makes notoriously light rods to satisfy the cravings of anglers that wish to feel like they are wielding a feather. The Trout and Panfish rod follows that trend by weighing just a mere 1.6 ounces, which is far less than even the highest-rated ultralight fishing rod on this list.

However, the ultralight trout rod doesn’t sacrifice strength for weight, as the carbon fiber blank still has plenty of backbone and strength to pull out fish up to 3-5 pounds. If the rod offered the same microwave air guides that the KastKing Resolute offered, then it would likely take the number one place as the best ultralight spinning rod. Nevertheless, its alconite guides are still extremely high quality, and provide the essential durability for long days on the water.

11. What is the best panfish rod?

Nearly any of the rods on this ultra light fishing rod review would be suitable for panfish, but one in particular stands out, and that is the KastKing Resolute.

The KastKing resolute is a great choice for anglers for just about any type of lightweight fishing. It is fast, responsive, and built for quick hook sets. Every model comes equipped with a set of microwave air-line guides, which increase the casting distance by straightening out the curls in the line.

However, panfish angling often takes fishermen and fisherwomen into remote areas, which hide unique and exotic species of fish. As such, it is important to have a rod that can break down into multiple pieces, and fit into a fishing backpack or saddle bag. For that very reason, the Resolute makes a great option, as it can be dismantled into two separate pieces, that can easily be attached or packed into any travel bag.

best braid line review

REACH OUT

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!

David Stefanoski

David Stefanoski is an avid outdoorsman who loves to explore the deepest, most exciting crevices of nature and then write about them. From the maximum depth that a scuba suit can go, to the maximum heights that his legs will take him, David enjoys the outdoors in its warmest, sunniest days on the prairie, to the iciest, dampest little spots in Eastern Europe. After 15 years of trudging, his favorite outdoorsman activity is still chopping wood due to his large body size. He says it's like splitting toothpicks!

Leave a Reply