8 Best Ultralight Rods
Joshua Keaton
Fishing is more fun when you channel all your energy to catching fishes rather than carrying a heavy rod. We know the struggle. That is why we have collected the best ultralight rods in the market for you to choose from.
Enough backaches and shoulder strains. It is time for you to switch to the ultralight. As the world is modernizing, so is the fishing industry. Keep up with the latest inventions that will help you enjoy the sport even more.
What are you waiting for? Explore these rods now.
8 Best Ultralight Rods
1. OKUMA Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
2. Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
3. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
4. KastKing Resolute Fishing Rods
5. KastKing Calamus Ultra-Light Spinning Fishing Rods
6. SHIMANO Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
7. CarbonZeal PowerStik005
8. OKUMA SST Ultra Light Trout Spinning Rods
OKUMA Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
This Okuma Celilo series features fishing rods that are made especially for Trout fishing. It is made of graphite and is crafted from only the best quality material to ensure durability and excellence. Measuring 6’6”, this UltraLite 2-piece rod will not strain your upper body parts with its weight. With its graphite blank construction, this rod never fails to give you optimized sensitivity. Its guide inserts are made of aluminum oxide, which is corrosion resistant even when exposed to different weather and environmental conditions. The stainless steel hooded reel seats are designed to last through rough handling. Featuring quality fore and rear cork grips, this rod is easy to hold and control – just like a part of your hand.
Pros
- Cheap
- Ultra lightweight
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Delivery box not in good condition upon arrival
Our Take
The lightweight feature of this rod is no joke! I thought I have been using lightweight rods before, but this one exceeded all my standards. It is not hard to say that this rod feels half as heavy as my other trout rods that claim to be lightweight. It offers a good backbone, enough to withstand catching good-sized trouts. I also do not always fish for trouts, so spending so much money on one expensive rod was not in my options. It is a catch for this Okuma Trout rod to be only $27.80. Considering the quality of the stainless steel hooded reel seats, you are paying much less for the benefits you get. The reel is corrosion resistant and has shown no signs of damage after being exposed to harsh waters. Lastly, the handle is comfortable to use because it has the perfect width. When you have gotten used to this rod, it is quite hard to replace it with something else because of how it performs and how lightweight it is. I am definitely going to repurchase the same model if my current rod retires. I might consider buying an 8’6” because I love the smaller one I have right now. Worth it!
Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
If you haven’t tried it yet, ultra-light fishing can be one of the most enjoyable ways to fish. The Shakespeare Micro Series rods have a variety of actions and lengths to fit any species and are perfect for fishing with lighter lures and lines.
This equipment is designed for anglers coming from all ages and skill levels. It is crafted to reliable and durable in tough water fights that you inevitably go through as an angler. This rod is engineered to be easy to use and always deliver the best performance. This product is made of graphite composite that ensures light and ultralight actions. The handles are made of full cork, which makes gripping easier and more convenient while in the middle of taxing fishing activity. It has a conventional reel seat with cushioned hoods and stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts that do not corrode over time.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Affordable
- Very thin
Cons
- Box was damaged upon arrival
Our Take
When it arrived at my house, the packaging was slightly damaged. I was skeptical about the condition of the product inside, but it was not damaged after all. It would be great if, for my next order, the company will be providing better packaging to eliminate the risks of the product getting destroyed while fishing. For me, the best enjoyable way to fish is ultra-light fishing. It does not strain your torso and does not tire you the way a regular heavy rod does. That is why this rod is one that you should highly consider. It is a good quality rod that is very thin. It gets the job done all the time. However, it needs to be well taken care of because it sure won’t be as pressure-resistant as a thick heavy-duty rod. Nonetheless, it is durable for its kind as I have not had any experience of this rod breaking on me. The 7’6” one is light and can be used even by beginners. It is easy to manipulate and get used to, which is why even those who are not yet skilled can buy this one for starters. The price is fair, and it can be a good gift. I am impressed.
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
The Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik that features the traditional aspects of the original series while improving the strength and durability of Ugly Stik products. This series offers a better balance and lighter feel. It also has improved components and better aesthetics that suit a modern look. It is high in strength yet has a balanced graphite and fiberglass construction that makes it ultra-lightweight. It houses the durable Ugly Tuff, one-piece stainless steel guides that are corrosion resistant. The clear tip design assures anglers of sensitivity. Its grips are made of EVA foam, which is also lightweight. This product is covered by a 7-year warranty from Ugly Stik.
Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Very versatile
- Durable
- Has 7-year warranty coverage
Cons
- Relatively costs more
Our Take
This rod is impressive because it combines the features you need to catch small-sized fishes but also durable and strong enough to catch big ones. It is the perfect ultralight fishing rod that can cater to versatile options and different fishing styles. I thought the first generation of the Ugly stick was already good, but these are even better. From the aesthetics to the performance, it really is a good deal for its price point. The rod has a lot of backbone, despite being thin and ultra-lightweight. The improved balance results in a lighter feeling for the angler. I believe it is also not going to corrode over time because the Ugly Tuff is of good quality, which this rod has. When it comes to sensitivity, this rod does not disappoint. Overall, this rod has the sensitivity to catch a Crappie, but can also withstand a heavy-weighing Largemouth bass. This is great for beginners and people who like low maintenance rods. On top of all this, it is also covered by warranty for seven years, which makes you more relieved when you use it. I would recommend this product to my close friends, who are also anglers.
KastKing Resolute Fishing Rods
KastKing Resolute rods are made of IM7 KastFlex carbon rods that give anglers an ultra-light rod ranging from 4’6” to 7’6” lengths. KastKing’s Power Transition System enables you to have a wide variety of catches from freshwater species and also for inshore saltwater fishes. American Tackle guides were awarded for their innovative MicroWave Air Guide Systems, which improve casting distance and precision. This is exactly the quality KastKing wants you to have, so these guides are used in these rods. They are made with stainless steel frames that are highly compatible with all fluorocarbon, monofilament, and braided lines. The reel seats assure that the reel stays in place by using American Tackle Bravo 2-piece reel seats that are light and durable. They can withstand the pressures of powerful fishes. Their handles are made of SuperPolymer that is designed to be comfortable and non-slip. There are 27 models of Resolute fishing rods for you to choose from.
Pros
- World-class quality
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Our Take
KastKing has a reputation to keep up to when it comes to fishing equipment. As a versatile angler, this rod is very useful to me. The power transition system allows you to switch your fishing preference without worrying whether your rod can keep up or not because it definitely can. There is a reason why American Tackle won an award and had their product patented. It is because it delivers a performance that you cannot find in other brands. Having American Tackle guides and reel seats in this rod already pay off the price I have paid for. Beyond that, it does not disappoint when it comes to durability and functionality. For instance, the reel always stays in place and does not wobble. This is pretty helpful because unstable reels can be disrupting if the movement happens too often. The handles are great for the hands as well. They do not slip and are just the perfect size. Having 27 options to choose from is also helpful because you can personalize your rod to your own preference. On top of all this, these rods are lightweight and durable. Purchasing one can be considered a steal! KastKing has once again kept up with its reputation in the industry. You will be spending your bucks on the right thing.
KastKing Calamus Ultra-Light Spinning Fishing Rods
This rod got its name from the hollow tube or quill of a feather called Calamus. This is because it features an ultra-lightweight characteristic that resembles that of a feather. It is made of IM7 30 million modulus blank with a strain of 650K that was put together by a new micro polish blank technology. This material is one of the lightest that is available in the modern market. It assures power to weight ratio with improved sensitivity. Only V-Mark titanium is used for the creation of the guide frames and rings to eliminate any unnecessary weight in the rod. The SKSS 2-piece reel seats offer a solid base for the reel while remaining lightweight. There are nine options to choose from when buying the Calamus rods. The EVA handles are available in a variety of colors like premium black and grey metallic blank with metallic green components.
Pros
- High quality
- Very lightweight
- Pleasing aesthetics
Cons
- May not ship to your area
Our Take
This is a high-quality rod, especially if you factor in the price. All components are well thought of and are all designed to maximize lightweight capabilities. Each part is made with high-quality materials that all work really well together to deliver the best performance. The rod is sturdy and durable enough to be used for saltwater fishing despite it being thin and lightweight. Its weight does not strain your body even if the fishing takes long because you are enjoying it. The physique of the rod may seem like it cannot withstand strong fishes, but it can actually slay them all. The sensitivity of this rod can aid beginners when the proper time to hook is. It can be used by anyone regardless of skill level. The guides are made of titanium, which is usually expensive. The Calamus is affordable but delivers the same performance as the more expensive ones. The reel seats are excellently holding the reels, making them stay in the right place all the time. Even the handle is meticulously made and is non-slip. Choosing among nine options is the only hard task this rod will give you. Both in aesthetics and performance, it performs great.
SHIMANO Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
The Solara series is built for anglers of different skill levels. The main material used in these rods is fiberglass. It features an aero glass construction rod blank that assures durability. The reinforced aluminum oxide guides are built to last and be corrosion resistant. Its solid locking graphite reel seat holds the reel in place for stability. This seat is made of graphite for a lightweight feel. For a convenient grip, it has cork handles that are water-resistant and non-slip. This rod is highly recommended for beginners as it was engineered, especially to be easy to use. There is no better companion in the waters but this!
Pros
- Very affordable
- Beginner-friendly
- Easy to use
Cons
- Package took long to arrive
- Not ultra lightweight, just lightweight
Our Take
The package took a while to arrive, but it came with no issues. It is affordable and easy to use. This would be a great deal for anglers who are working on a budget. The rod has a good backbone that makes it stiff enough for powerful fishes. However, I would classify it as lightweight, not ultra-lightweight. Although it still does not strain my arms and shoulders, there are lighter weighing rods out there. This is truly great for beginners because of the simplicity it has. Owners have to be careful when storing this rod because it can damage the guides during transportation. One minor issue I had was the misalignment of guides when I recklessly placed it at the back of the car. Just like any other rod, it could get broken if not well taken care of. When it comes to sensitivity, it delivers a good performance as you can really feel the tip when movement is present. For its price, the rod offers a satisfying deal. This could work well as a gift to someone who is exploring the art of fishing. I am satisfied with my $20.
CarbonZeal PowerStik005
The CarbonZeal PowerStik005 series is high quality, lightweight and durable. The Spinning Boat Fishing Pole is suitable for saltwater, freshwater, and also sea boat fishing. It is made of top quality carbon fiber composite. This solid carbon fiber is enhanced for maximized strength while retaining sensitivity. It has a 3-piece travel design for portability and easy storage. This works best for people who want to travel light to the fishing spot. Its real seat is made of aluminum with improved anti-seawater corrosion that takes away your worries when fishing in saltwater. The grips are made of EVA foam for comfort and durability. The Spinning Boat Fishing Pole has a classic design for boat fishing.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Easy to use
Cons
- Plastic inserts may break first
Our Take
I like this rod because it is versatile and can be used basically everywhere. If you are an angler who likes saltwater, freshwater, and sea boat fishing, this rod will serve you well. The 3-piece design it has is convenient for people who like to save up on space. Disassembling the rod also makes it easier to store properly, especially when you have to travel to your fishing spot. It is important to be careful of the way it is stored because even the most expensive ones can be damaged if not handled carefully. Generally, I have realized that this rod is really built for adventurous people. From the versatility of its capabilities to the portability aspect, one can infer that it would be ideal for people who do not like to stay in one place. It also features an anti-seawater corrosion finish, which is necessary because rust can easily eat out and damage the entire part. This rod has a good backbone that can fight with stronger powered fishes of any kind. I also like the grip because the EVA foam is comfortable to hold even for a long time. Overall, I like this rod. The plastic material used for the inserts may be improved for higher durability but it works well as it is now.
OKUMA SST Ultra Light Trout Spinning Rods
This OKUMA SST Ultra Light Trout Spinning Rod is made with only the highest quality materials. It has been through a rigorous process of testing for reliability and quality before it was made available in the market. Okuma is particular with the quality of its products because it has a reputation to keep. This rod is used by professionals worldwide because its performance is exemplary. It boasts an IM-8 graphite rod blank construction that is both sensitive and durable. The stainless steel material used for the guide frames offers strength and precision. Its inserts are made of zirconium to minimize friction that comes from braided lines. All models feature premium foregrips and rear grips for easy handling. It is also covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Used by professionals worldwide
- Durable
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Our Take
The price you pay for this rod will certainly be paid off by the services it brings exclusively. The shipping was really fast, and it arrived in perfect condition. Just like other Okuma products, this rod is made of high-quality materials that manifest in its performance. It has a reliable backbone that is reassuring when you are in the middle of a tough fight. It adds to the confidence of an angler when one knows that his or her equipment is dependable. This rod offers reliability and dependability because it is sturdy and durable. The tips are sensitive enough to feel even the movement caused by smaller fishes. There is no doubt why experts and professionals opt to buy this rod. From the appearance to the performance, it matches anglers whose skills are in the top tier in this sport. The handle is comfortable and does not slip despite it being wet sometimes. It also does not rip off over time. Even if you relatively have to pay a little more, this rod delivers benefits that cannot be found in cheaper rods. Every component of this product is well thought of and engineered to make the angler’s performance extraordinary. This rod is worth more than its price.
