Serious trout fishing requires expertise. Trout are extremely sensitive to movement, and noises, and have very keen eyesight.
If you want to catch one of these cunning fish, you need the right gear. Choosing between a light vs ultralight rod for trout can be a hard decision.
So which rod should you go with? A light or ultralight fishing rod?
Keep reading and let’s find out if a light vs ultralight rod for trout is best.
Rod Weight and Action for Trout
All fishing rods are described in two ways: their weight and their action.
The weight of a fishing rod describes the power it has to withstand heavy pressure.
Heavy-weight rods will not bend easily and need a lot of weight on the end of the line to bend. While lightweight rods need the least amount of weight to bend. Likewise, light vs ultralight rods will not bend as easily.
The action of a fishing rod describes the way it bends. All fishing rods are also described in terms of the action they allow.
· Fast action rods will only bend at the tip or top ¼ of the rod’s length. These fishing rods are more sensitive and usually used while casting. The action of a light vs ultralight rod is fairly similar. Both have a fast action.
· Medium action rods can bend about ½ of their length and some rods can even be described as medium-fast. Medium action rods are to use with multiple-hook setups, and they also work equally well for large and small fish.
· Slow action rods are the most flexible of all rods, bending along their whole length while being less responsive than the other action rods. Slow action rods are typically used with live bait as well and slow or slow-medium will be used as trolling or boat rods.
What is a Light Fishing Rod?
A light fishing rod describes the low among of weight the rod can bear, and a light fishing rod will have a lot of bend in it.
Most light fishing rods are also fast which means that they will only bend at or near the tip of the rod, making them very responsive. Light fishing rods can also more easily be used to cast since they weigh less and usually only bend near the tip.
These are also used with very light or weightless lures and bait to match the weight and action of the rod. Light fishing rods are excellent for catching fish like trout, crappie, or bluegill. Because they are easy to maneuver, work great with fly baits, and are highly responsive fishing rods.
What is an Ultralight Fishing Rod?
Just as the name implies, an ultralight fishing rod is an even lighter weight than a light fishing rod. While the light fishing rod is typically a little longer and thicker around, the ultralight rod is thinner and shorter.
Also typically a fast action rod, the ultralight fishing rod has even more bend in the rod and faster action than the light making it possible for the trout to put up a good fight.
Ultralight rods, as you might expect, can be a little more expensive than light rods because of their unique size and weight. But it is a great option for sportsmen looking to try out a fishing rod that gives a little more movement back to the fish.
What are Light Fishing Rods used for?
While both light and ultralight rods can help you pull in a worthy trout, there are times when using a light vs ultralight rod makes more sense.
Light fishing rods are relatively lightweight so they are easy to cast. But even though their name implies less power, with proper weight fishing line they can be used to bring in a fish up to about 16” on a light rod. A light rod allows for the fish to fight but it is still sturdy enough to withstand the fight of a big brown, rainbow, or lake trout.
Light fishing rods also work well with larger lures, allowing you to cast further with them due to their stronger backbone.
Light rods are versatile because they can work just as well with a large, feisty trout as they can with small crappie. They provide just enough flex to allow the trout to fight without bending too much to keep you from landing a smaller fish.
What are Ultralight Fishing Rods used for?
Ultralight fishing rods are smaller and thinner than light action rods but they still provide great action for catching game fish.
Their lightweight action makes them perfect for casting small lures. A clear favorite for trout who normally love to hit on fishing flys that mimic the tiny invertebrates that commonly float on the top of the water.
Ultralight fishing rods make casting out a marabou jig or another feather-made fly simple and accurate since the ultralight’s weight is mimicked by the featherweight lure.
Ultralight rods are also great for fishermen who want to experience the fight of the catch. Since the rod is less weighty, the power is less so the fish can fight harder and ultimately makes the catch more rewarding when you finally scoop it up.
Ultralight fishing rods usually have a tip that is more sensitive to allow for earlier responsiveness to a hit. This extra flex section of the rod makes ultralights easier to hook the fish. Making this rod a favorite for increasing the overall catch at the end of the day.
Ultralight rods are best with medium or smaller-sized fish due to their sometimes-flimsy feel. Ultralight fishing rods are by their nature very light in the hand and have little backbone. So pulling in a large-sized fish can be challenging if not impossible with a longer ultralight fishing rod.
When to Use a Light vs Ultralight Rod For Trout?
Both rods have their own strengths and weaknesses that make them perfect for certain types of fishing.
For some more experienced fishers, using an ultralight rod vs a light rod can be more challenging and ultimately more fun. Simply because the feisty trout can jump and pull more against a rod with bigger flex and less weight.
But for someone newer to trout fishing or someone that just wants to make sure they max out their catch limit, choosing a light vs ultralight rod for trout might be the best option.
Let’s look at when using a light vs ultralight rod for trout is the best option.
When should you use a Light Rod for Trout?
- Bigger Trout – If you are in a location where the fish are consistently bigger, choosing a light vs ultralight rod for trout is the best bet. A light rod is stronger vs an ultralight rod. And will allow you to bring in the bigger trout. Their slightly heavier action and longer length make light rods perfect for bigger trout. Ultralight rods cannot handle heavy trout, especially when they fight like crazy to get shake it off.
- Heavy Lures – If you are working with heavier lures or just need to be able to cast further (like heavier lures allow). Then a light vs ultralight rod for trout is the best for catching trout in this situation. Light rods are stiffer, making heavy lures and longer casts much easier to do than when using an ultralight rod.
- Need Accuracy – If your trout fishing casts need to be more accurate due to water hazards, low trees, rocks, or other obstacles, using a light vs ultralight rod for trout works best. The longer rod will allow for better accuracy in casting making for a higher probability of landing more trout on your line.
When should you use an Ultralight Rod for Trout?
- Smaller Trout – When you know you will mainly be casting to smaller trout like the brook or other varieties of that size. The flexibility of an ultralight rod will make for a fun fight.
- Light Lures – If super lightweight lures are all that you have in your tackle box, then using an ultralight vs light rod is the best bet. Super light lures are easier to throw with the whisper-weight of an ultralight.
- Using Grubs – Casting with a grub worm is great with an ultralight fishing rod. Because you can feel when the trout hits the line on these rods better than with a light rod.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a light vs ultralight rod for trout can be challenging. But in a nutshell:
- Light fishing rods are best for larger trout, casting heavy lures, and when you need higher casting accuracy.
- Ultralight fishing rods are best for small trout, lighter lures, and casting grubs.
Personally, I favor ultralight rods for trout as they have less power and that makes landing a feisty trout a bigger challenge and more fun!
