Best Ultra Light Fishing Rod

Ultra Light Fishing Rod - Reviews and Buying guide

You can’t beat the rush of adrenaline when hooking a fish on ultra light tackle. You know that you’ve got a hell of a fight coming!

It is common for many anglers to assume that a good ultra light fishing rod will cost an arm and a leg. While this is true to some extent, you can also find excellent options that are inexpensive, if you know where to look.

But what is the best ultra light fishing rod?

For those on a budget (most of us), our favorite is the Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod. This is a versatile and affordable ultralight rod that will likely exceed your expectations.

But there are heaps of options on the market, including high spec models. So in this guide, we’ve shared some of our top picks in each category.

Whether you are a newbie angler or an experienced fisherman who wants to add a backup rod to your collection there is something for you.

Let’s get this started.

Best High Spec: Winston Pure Fly Rod

Winston Pure Fly Rod Review

Product Overview

Expertly handcrafted by one of the industry-leading rod manufacturers, Winston Pure Fly Rod is a slim profile ultra light fishing rod with a proprietary design that prioritizes presentation and tippet protection.

The rod is a medium-fast rod is constructed with Advanced Boron III light line rods and features the characteristically smooth True Winston progressive action for increased energy.

This is an excellent pick for trout fishing, especially if you prefer fishing in a slow-moving surface current with lots of spring creek below.

  • Weight: 2 wt to 5wt
  • Material: Boron III
  • Action: Medium

Pros

  • Excellent for long-distance casts
  • Flawless accuracy
  • Super lightweight swing
  • Great for dry fly fishing and light nymph
  • Slim profile with excellent grip

Cons

  • Not great for use in wind
  • Not ideal for use within 30 feet

Product Review

You’ll likely have a hard time finding a rod that beats the Winston Pure Fly Rod with it comes to delicate dry fly presentations, particularly with trout fishing. In addition to providing quick recovery, the medium-fast rod is capable of generating faster line speeds.

All of these are made possible because of the Boron III technology used in engineering the Winston Pure Fly Rod. This allows for smooth and fast line delivery, which is crucial for long-distance angling.

The rod is fitted with chrome nanolite stripping guides and lightweight chrome-plated wire snake guides for added resilience. Also, chrome plating ensures that the rod remains usable regardless of the weather condition.

While aesthetics aren’t the main focus of this rod, you can be proud to hold this rod in your hands and even show it off to family and friends. The nickel silver reel seat with a maple insert gives it a luxurious look.

And when it is time to put your rod away, the premium graphite rod tube with the brand’s embroidered logo rod sock makes for a safe, secure, and elegant storage solution.

Runner Up High Spec: Scott Sector Fly Rod

Scott Sector Fly Rod Review

Product Overview

The Scott Sector Fly Rod is specially designed with anglers with deep pockets in mind. This high-end rod comes with advanced and innovative technology to make it worth every single cent.

The rod is engineered with innovative technologies and first-rate components to increase recovery speed and reduce vibrations.

It features new taper designs and is built to offer incredible stability and strength. In fact, Sector is among the most durable fly rods available.

You can confidently buy this rod knowing that it comes with a Scott lifetime warranty.

  • Weight: 8wt
  • Material: Carbon fiber
  • Action: Fast

Pros

  • Titanium snake guides prevent corrosion
  • Impressive stability and durability
  • Thick, soft rubber fighting butt
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum reel seat
  • Aluminum rod tube

Cons

  • Too fast for dry flies
  • Losses accuracy over 80 feet

Product Review

If you want to invest in a state-of-the-art fly fishing rod, consider the Sector Fly Rod from renowned rod maker, Scott.

Scott engineered this rod with its proprietary ReAct technology combined with the Carbon Web technology, a groundbreaking advancement in carbon fiber technology.

But that’s not all. The rod also comes with cutting-edge fly rod components that improve stability and significantly increase the overall durability.

Sector replaces the brand’s highly popular Meridian fly rod series. But any angler who knows the difference won’t miss the previous model. In fact, Sector is, by far, the best ultra light fishing rod in Scott’s offering, and pro anglers, as well as those who can afford it, would want to add this new and improved model to their collection.

The rod feels incredibly light in the hand. But make no mistake; it is remarkably accurate particularly for short to middle-distance casts, thanks to the new carbon fiber technology that goes into its construction. Fishing with this rod will give you a fast and effortless line pickup during casting.

This super ultra light fishing rod is equipped with durable titanium snake guides. The guides have a PVD coating to help reduce reflectivity at the same time increasing their strength. You can use this rod confidently in saltwater conditions without fear or worry, thanks to the black anodized aluminum reel seat.

As expected, the high-end fishing rod comes with a durable aluminum rod tube that conspicuously features the Scott logo for protection during transportation.

Best Budget Friendly: Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod

Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod Review

Product Overview

The Echo Carbon XL Fly Rod is a budget friendly rod, making it a fantastic pick for anglers looking for an affordable ultralight fishing rod.

But that’s not the only reason to choose this rod. If you want a versatile ultralight rod, this model will likely exceed your expectations.

The medium-fast action rod may not cost an arm and a leg, but it compares favorably with many fly rods in the higher price range.

Echo built this rod to give anglers an affordable rod that surprisingly combines great performance with aesthetics. The rod looks great and tough, too!

  • Weight: 2wt to 6wt
  • Material: Carbon
  • Action: Medium fast

Pros

  • Highly affordable
  • Great all-around ultralight rod
  • Travel-friendly design
  • Remarkable castability in the wind
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Some quality control issues
  • Not the best pick for delivering short game

Product Review

If you are in the market for a budget ultralight fishing rod, look no further than the Carbon XL Fly Rod from Echo.

While the Carbon XL series may not come close to the other options on this list in terms of high price tag, they are the best ultra light fishing rod we can find that’s suitable for all skill levels. Plus, they are your best bet if you want a rod that can adapt to a wide range of light-duty fishing applications, including nymphing, dry fly fishing, and light streamers.

Available for fishing with lines rated from 2wt to 6wt, Echo Carbon XL fly rods are a fantastic pick for anglers who want to target trout or similar-sized fish species. Anglers will find the rods remarkably responsive. That’s because they are designed to be about 20 percent lighter than the previous Base and Solo lineups from the manufacturer.

The fly rods are easier to casts, yet they are faster and feel crisper while maintaining the same action as the previous models. Echo designed the shaft to be gloss hazelnut with a fitting carbon fiber reel seat.

Whether you are looking to get your first rod or something to fill an open seat on the team, you may as well choose this option. It also works great as an everyday rod.

Alternative Budget Friendly: Echo Boost Saltwater Fly Rod

Echo Boost Saltwater Fly Rod Review

Product Overview

This is another low-price offering from Echo. Designed for fishing in saltwater conditions, the Echo Boost Saltwater Fly Rod is a great pick for novice anglers.

After continuous tweaking and improvements over previous models, Echo engineered this model with a high modulus graphite construction. The result is a fast and crisp action fly rod that’s easy to use, making it a beginner’s dream.

Anglers who prefer attaining maxim line speed using aggressive casting strokes will also find this offering from Echo quite suitable.

It is a simple and affordable fly rod, yet it will serve you well into the future.

  • Weight: 9wt
  • Material: Graphite
  • Action: Fast and crisp action

Pros

  • Affordable fly rod
  • Titanium guides prevent corrosion
  • 4-piece travel-friendly design
  • Attractive matte black finish
  • Rod case and sock included

Cons

  • Half wells grip is not comfortable for some anglers
  • Weight comparable to pricier fly rods

Product Review

If you are a beginner who prefers Echo fly rods but wants something specifically suitable for saltwater applications, Echo Boost Saltwater Fly Rod might be exactly what you need.

Engineered as a fast-action rod, this model delivers superior performance for a significantly low price. It has a high-modulus graphite blank that allows it to make remarkably accurate casts every single time. This is the rod to go for if you want to target trout in hard-to-reach areas.

Whether you prefer dry fly fishing or nymphing, the Echo Boost will come through. And when it is time to fight with even the most stubborn game, the rod’s sensitivity is always reliable.

Echo Boost comes equipped with black snake guides and black wraps. The titanium guides ensure smooth line delivery. These perfectly match the translucent matte black finish, giving you a rod that’s not only a high performer but also looks great.

The carbon fiber reel seat is designed with a wood insert to allow for the ultimate ultra light fishing rod combo. In addition to being one of the low-cost light action rods on the market, this model is designed to be extremely durable.

Disassembling and storage are even more convenient, thanks to the included Cordura covered rod case that comes complete with a cloth rod sock.

Alternative: Sage Trout LL Fly Rod

Sage Trout LL Fly Rod Review

Product Overview

Sage readily comes to mind when you think of traditional fly fishing rods. The brand specifically designed the Trout LL Fly Rod with the trout angler in mind, especially those who prefer working with dry flies.

This ultra-light rod is an excellent pick for small flies, light tippets, closer casts, and wade fishing.

Its high-density graphite construction combines with Fuji ceramic stripper guides and half-wells cork handle to make the rod an angler’s best friend.

Consider this option if you want a high-end ultra light fishing rod for trout.

  • Weight: 3wt
  • Material: High-Density Graphite
  • Action: Medium action

Pros

  • KonnecticHD blank
  • Easy to carry and transport
  • Classic feel and look
  • Line guides allow for accurate, fast casting
  • Two grip styles

Cons

  • Limited to dry weight flies
  • Slightly pricey

Product Review

Our last entry is definitely not the least by a long shot. First off, it is a medium-action ultra light rod constructed with high-quality components, so you can expect to pay a premium to own the Sage Trout Fly Rod.

Featuring a high-density graphite blank, the ultra light fishing rod wears a beautiful retro look and feel of a traditional rod. With this option, Sage carefully crafted a rod that combines a classic rod with 21st-century engineering and technology, giving anglers the best of both worlds.

The blank is elegantly covered with mahogany coating with gold trim wraps. Breaking down the multi-piece rod for storage is a breeze, and it comes with a rod bag and durable rod tube coated with brown powder aluminum with Sage medallion.

But the Trout Fly Rod is not just about aesthetics. The rod is as tough as they come. The graphite construction is extremely durable, thanks to the manufacturer’s patented KonnecticHD Technology that combines top-notch performance with incredible strength.

With this rod, you can expect remarkable casting accuracy, even if you go fishing with small and extremely lightweight flies. It is perfectly balanced and comes with a comfortable snub nose cork handle, making it an excellent choice if you plan to spend the entire day throwing tight loops.

For smooth and even line delivery, Sage equipped the Trout Fly Rod with smooth Fuji ceramic stripper guides, plus hard-chromed snake guides.

Ultra Light Fishing Rod FAQ

Is an ultra light rod good?

how good are ultra light rods?

Yes, ultra light action rods are good fishing rods for several reasons. For starters, they are travel-friendly. That means you are less likely to get tired if you decide to spend the entire day fishing.

But most importantly, an ultra light rod provides useful tactile information so you can have better insight into what’s happening with your lure.

Anglers can get plenty of excitement from the rush of adrenaline they can get from pulling an ultra light rod. It doesn’t matter whether you are fighting a small trout or a large walleye, using an ultra light rod is a pretty tough task and puts all the fun into fishing.

How long should an ultra light rod be?

There is hardly a one-size-fits-all when it comes to the most appropriate length for an ultra light rod. What works well for one fisherman may not be suitable for another angler. It all comes down to the type of fishing you plan to do.

For example, a 4 ft ultra light fishing rod might be just what you need for fishing in small creeks but it won’t be ideal for making longer casts or fishing in other conditions.

However, the most widely-used ultra light rod lengths are in the range of 5 feet to 6 feet. These rod lengths are great for anglers looking to cast light lures very accurately over short distances.

You can also use short ultra light rods (between 4ft 5in to 6ft) for fishing in ponds or small creeks where it is necessary to cast under overhanging tree branches.

Consider going with a longer ultra light rod of somewhere between 7 feet and 8 feet if your ultralight setup involves using a slip bobber rig. This will make it easy to pitch your slip bobber rig in the most appropriate area.

Also, longer rods are your best bet when it comes to picking up slack line, especially when it is time to set the hook.

Can you catch big fish on an ultralight rod?

big fish on ultra light rod

Yes, you can land a large fish on ultra light gear. The notion that you can’t catch big fish on an ultra light rod stems from the misconception in the term “ultralight”.

To make it clear, ultralight refers to the weight of the tackle. It has got nothing to do with the type of fish you can or can’t catch with the fishing gear.

Indeed, most anglers use an ultra light rod when they target relatively small fish in shallow water. These include trout, bluegill, yellow perch, crappie, and panfish.

But this doesn’t mean you can’t catch large fish with an ultralight fishing tackle. You can potentially target a wide variety of species with an ultra light rod, and many anglers have landed rather large catches with the setup.

You can target walleye, bass, and other large species, especially when the bite is slow.

If you go fishing with an ultra light rod and hook into a considerably big fish, here are a few tips to remember:

  • Get as far away as you can from any structure. If you are in a boat or kayak, you can quickly anchor down so you don’t get dragged into any structure. Getting away from structure will ensure that you are not broken off.
  • Set your drag to about 20% to 30% of the weakest line strength.
  • Avoid tightening the drag when fighting the large fish.

How far can an ultralight rod cast?

Generally, long-distance casts aren’t the strong suit for ultralight rods. The reason for this is in the design of the rods.

First, they tend toward the shorter end of the spectrum, ranging from 4 feet to 8 feet. Secondly, the reels designed for ultra light rods are not meant to hold much line, so they can cast over very long distances.

Think of it this way; ultra light rods are mostly geared toward finesse and precision casting rather than long-distance casting.

Longer rods of about 7 feet to 8 feet usually have stiffer backbones that support distance casting. These types of fishing rods will help you reach maximum distances.

Conclusion

You can find a fishing rod with ultra light action that’s suitable for your needs, no matter your experience level.

We’ve seen some of the best ultra light fishing rods that money can buy. As expected, the best options will cost a small fortune, considering their durable construction and high performance.

You don’t want to buy the first ultra light fishing rod you see online or in a local fishing store because it has a low price tag. The last thing you want is to go shopping after only a couple of outings because your rod gets broken or the rings aren’t reliable.

If you want a good-quality ultra light rod but the cost isn’t friendly, we encourage you to consider the budget picks on this list. Although they are considerably cheaper, they can serve you for a long time and help land many fish.

The budget options are also great if you are just getting into the world of fly fishing with ultra light action rods. You will be able to get your feet wet and get a handle on this fishing technique without having to spend a ton of cash.

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