8 Best Ultralight Rod and Reel Combo
Carla Arbuckle
You can only appreciate a reel if you have a rod that matches its quality. Sometimes, it is challenging for anglers to find the perfect pair. There is nothing more convenient than checking out the best ultralight rod and reel combo in the market this 2020.
We have curated the best pairs for your benefit! All you have to do is check these out and see which combo is your next favorite. Certainly, these combos will soon end up in your hands. Are you ready for your next fishing adventure? Check these ones out!
8 Best Ultralight Rod and Reel Combo
1. Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case
2. Shimano IX Rear Drag Freshwater Spinning Reel
3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
4. Okuma ROX Spinning Combo
5. Berkley Lightning Reel and Rod Combo
6. Penn Pursuit II & III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
7. Dead Meat Combo - 28
8. Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Live Liner Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combos
Daiwa Mini System Minispin Ultralight Spinning Reel and Rod Combo in Hard Carry Case
This combo comes in its ready to bring, ultra-compact hard case. It fits perfectly in your luggage, backpack, or the small compartments in your car! Made especially for anglers that are always on-the-go, this compact tackle setup is easy to carry around wherever you go. The ultralight MS-S500T reel is smooth and has a ball bearing drive. With its multi-disc drag, quick and easy retrieve, and Gyrospin balancing, this combo is sure to make your fishing experience superb! On top of all that, the rod is ultralight for 2-6lbs test lines and up to 0.25-ounce lures. This product also comes with a warranty to take care of your concerns.
Pros
- Great for light travelers
- Affordable
- Compact
- Easy to bring
Cons
- Needs assembling
Our Take
If you are a light traveler who is always looking for the next adventure ahead, this combo is for you! This 5-piece combo is easy to bring everywhere since you can detach and re-attach the pieces anytime. The case is light as well, so putting everything in and bringing the whole setup altogether is not a burden on your shoulders. Some people even like to put this inside their backpacks, but in my case, I just like carrying it as it is. It all depends on you. Just make sure that when you are assembling the product, you stick together the pieces perfectly. Otherwise, you will not be able to maximize the capacity of the entire thing. The rod has a really good backbone, which is great, considering it could be disassembled! I did not have any issue with it snapping or breaking in the middle of the waters. It casts very smoothly, and it makes my day just generally easier. The convenience this product brings is worth more than the price you pay for. With one case, everything is ready to bring. It reminds you to bring everything! Shall you feel dissatisfied with the product upon arrival, feel free to contact Daiwa as they are ready to assist you.
Shimano IX Rear Drag Freshwater Spinning Reel
This Shimano reel features a QuickFire II for effortless, one-handed casts. In order to deliver a lightweight yet durable feature, it has a graphite frame, a graphite side plate, a graphite rotor, and a graphite spool. Even its reel seat is made of graphite. This reel also has a rear drag feature. The handle is made of EVA foam to ensure a comfortable, non-slip grip while you are fishing. This is perfect for anglers at any skill level because it is easy to use. This reel is highly rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon, and PowerPro lines.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good quality
- Does not corrode
Cons
- Not a combo
Our Take
For $35, this reel performs well. I have had no problem when it comes to retrieving. It is very smooth to use. Almost every part of it is made of graphite, which makes it lightweight and durable. I like graphite a lot because it also does not corrode despite exposure to saltwater. I like saltwater fishing more than any other kind, so corrosion resistance is important to me. The handle is durable and non-slip. This performs well for its price. However, this is not a combo because it does not come with a rod. Usually, people buy combos because it spares you the worry of having to set up the equipment by yourself. I used this reel as a combo with my Shimano rod as well. The rod was made of aero glass, which makes it lightweight and very sturdy. Yes, I had to be the one to gauge the compatibility of the two. If you are an angler who prefers to buy in a combo, this is may not be the choice. Nonetheless, the reel in itself is still superb when it comes to performance. I would recommend that you purchase this reel and pair it up with any Shimano rod. I am impressed with the performance of Shimano products.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
The best thing about this rod is the fact that it suits every angler of all skill levels! It is versatile and can be used in different water conditions. It is made of graphite and fiberglass materials that offer durability and sensitivity while also assuring a lightweight combo. The clear tip design improves the overall responsiveness and strength of this product. This one is easy to hold and grip because of the lightweight EVA foam used in making the handle. It provides additional comfort, especially when for lengthy fishing adventures. The reel is powered with three ball bearings and a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing that ensures a smooth experience for the user.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons
- The packaging had a few dents
Our Take
The rod delivers a good performance. It has a good backbone and is very sturdy all throughout. In fact, it can extend your cast of lightweight lures up to 15 ft. However, the reel requires some level of experience and skill for it to be easy to use. For beginners, it might quite be challenging because you have to reverse the bail when changing the lures. It also actually gets easier once you get the hang of it. The combo is lightweight and easy to get used to. Unlike other rods I have, this is made of light materials and a comfortable handle that is convenient to use even for some time. When it comes to sensitivity, this rod also does not disappoint. One can feel the slightest movements down there. If there is some room for improvement, it is with the packaging and delivery. When it arrived, the box had dents and almost some rips. I am glad that the product itself did not have any missing parts or damaged areas. Overall, the whole thing is very durable and works well. For its price, I must say that it exceeds my expectations.
Okuma ROX Spinning Combo
This Okuma ROX Spinning combo is made of graphite composite rod blanks that are lightweight but can keep up with the pressure. It has durable dura-flow stainless steel guides that do not corrode, and multi-disc oil felt drag washers that will aid you when the hard fights come! For easy grip, its handle is made of EVA foam foregrips and neo-cork rear split grips that offer more weight reduction. With its machined aluminum 2-toned anodized spool, it assures durability and corrosion resistance. This combo is ready for some rough use. It is perfect for those who want to keep low maintenance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Minimalist
- Has a strong backbone
Cons
- Small reel
Our Take
I had some expectations when I bought this one, knowing that it is manufactured by Okuma. For this one, I must say that I had a really great deal considering the price. It is surely lightweight and is pretty comfortable to use. The convenience comes when you do not feel the strain on your shoulders and arms because the rod you used was not heavy. Even the backbone of the rod is reliable, which is something you would usually not expect from a product as lightweight as this is. I bet this can even be used by beginners. The handle is very sturdy despite it being lightweight. I always have a good grip because they are not too big, unlike some handles out there. The reels are smooth and perform as well as other Okuma products. It actually surprised me because the reel in this combo is not very big. Nonetheless, it did a good job while lessening the weight. I would say this is such a minimalist combo, which I like very much. This is nice for gift giving as well, especially to beginners.
Berkley Lightning Reel and Rod Combo
This Berkley Lightning Reel and Rod combo offers a great deal at an affordable price! The spinning combo gives anglers optimum sensitivity and durability all at once. Its blank is made of 24-ton multi-modulus carbon, which makes it extra strong and long-lasting. The rod acts as a strong backbone when you are in the middle of a fish fight. With its 8-bearing system, the reel is certainly durable and ensures a smooth operation. To suit all your needs and cater to all your wants, this combo is available in a variety of rod actions, powers, lengths, and handle styles!
Pros
- Great finishing
- Wide variety of options
- Strong backbone
Cons
- Box was not in perfect condition upon arrival
Our Take
My only issue with this product is the packaging. When it arrived, the box was not in perfect shape. It is a minor concern, but I hope that is an aspect that can be worked on. Even with that, the product had no damages, and every part was complete. The rods are well crafted, and they look very classy. The texture of its finishing is smooth, and it looks very expensive despite its affordable price point.
I have used it several times now, and I do not have any issues with the way it works. The rod has a really good backbone that can withstand a tough spar with the fish. It offers more than just looks. On the other hand, the reel is also performing well. It was a smooth reeling experience, and all the moving parts were oiled well. I am an angler for a while now, and I find this combo really impressive. The sensitivity aspect is also good, which is important for me because I always want to take control of what to do next. You can also choose to have some modifications in the sizes and handle styles to suit your taste.
It is a great combo, and I definitely would recommend it.
Penn Pursuit II & III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
This PENN combo is designed for inshore, boat, and surf fishing! It is highly versatile and is suitable for all skill levels. This product is a combination of the Pursuit III spinning reel and a graphite composite rod that offers a durable fish-taming setup. Its reel is ultra-lightweight and does not corrode because of the graphite material. It houses a strong HT-100 drag system that can withstand the challenges saltwater anglers face. The bearings which are made of shielded stainless steel balls deliver smooth operation. Another convenient feature is the line capacity rings that make you aware of how much line you have left. This is ideal for you to gauge your next action. The lightweight combo is a great companion on your adventures, especially if you are a beginner.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Smooth reeling
- Good backbone
Cons
- May not be available for delivery in your area
Our Take
I am impressed with this setup. The rod serves as a great backbone, as it is very durable. It seems thin and fragile, but when you are already using it, you would know it is a reliable rod. It is also sensitive and ultra-lightweight. I like lightweight rods because I always get strains on my shoulders and arms if the rod is heavy. Its reel is as smooth as I expected it to be. I would always go for the smoothest reels because anything less makes my job harder. It is true what they say; you cannot beat a PENN. This combo delivered a quality performance that you always rely on whenever you purchase a PENN product. As a saltwater angler, it is important to me that my equipment is corrosion-resistant because salt water is very harsh. So far, this item has not shown any signs of corrosions. Maybe it is too early to say, but I have experienced ones that corrode after being exposed to saltwater just twice. Overall, I feel like I have had a great deal with this combo. It is something I would recommend to my pals. PENN never disappoints.
Dead Meat Combo - 28
This Dead Meat combo is an evolved version of the industry famous Jason Mitchell Meat Stick Rod. It features larger guides, so anglers do not have to worry about their line freezing to their guides. To match the character of the angler, this product features a skull and crossbones emblem on the handle! This can undoubtedly withstand rough use. It is made of solid fiberglass blanks, which make it durable while being ultra-lightweight. This has a split handle that features a P-cork handle with an EVA foam butt to make the angler comfortable. It has a 6 + 1 ball bearings and an infinite anti-reverse system to assure you of exemplary performance.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Comfortable to use
- Aesthetic
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
Our Take
This rod is relatively more expensive than the other ones in the market, but I decided to give it a shot. It has a lot of details into it, and I usually am not fond of such things, but I thought it would do no harm to try. I do not regret purchasing this combo. Having a skull and crossbones emblem made me laugh, but it sure adds to the spirit of youthfulness! It is true that it matches the character of the angler. I am determined to do more in my fishing now. On the technical side of things, the rod is very durable and has a good backbone. It is ultra-lightweight and is comfortable to use. In fact, it is one of the most lightweight rods I have ever purchased. This is a valuable feature to me because I want to channel my energy into my strategies, and not lose most of it by carrying a heavy rod. The handle is also easy to hold onto because of the EVA foam, which makes it non-slip and comfortable to grip. I have not put this rod to the test when it comes to corrosion, but after a few exposures to saltwater, it did not seem to have any corroded areas. For less than $60, this combo is a great deal. I would recommend this.
Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Live Liner Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combos
This PENN combo will exceed your expectations! It offers dependability and unparalleled power at a reasonable price. The rod is lightweight and thin while maintaining durability. The field-proven oiled-felt drag system it has is highly reliable. It has the strength and capabilities to fight with big fishes. The full metal body and side plate ensure accurate gear alignment despite heavy loads. With its techno-balanced rotor, the reel assures you of smooth retrieves. The stainless steel main shaft, thick aluminum bail wire, and braid ready spool were all engineered to deliver a high-quality performance in rough conditions. This combo is made for those who go to tough fights. If you are one of them, this is made for you!
Pros
- Made for rough conditions
- Smooth retrieve
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
Our Take
Spending around $130 planted expectations in my head. This is because I can purchase significantly cheaper ones in the market. However, the reason why I chose to jump in and buy this one is that I trust the PENN quality, and I am for rods that last me long. It takes me a while to get comfortable with my equipment, and I find it hard to let them go as soon as I get used to them. This combo is very easy to use. The rod delivered the PENN quality since it has a reliable backbone. I did not doubt it for the second, even when I am in the middle of a fight. It is also very sensitive. Every movement in the bait can be felt in the rod, which I like. The ultra-lightweight feature delights me because I like traveling light. It also helps lessen the work if you do not need to put in a lot of effort holding your rod. The retrieves are very smooth all throughout, which makes sense because this item boasts the techno-balanced rotor it houses. The stainless steel main shaft also does not show any signs of corrosion even after a long time. I think this is truly made for rough conditions. I would highly recommend this to anglers who like challenges.
