Rating of the best ultralight spinning rods in 2024

Ultralight spinning rods attract all fishing enthusiasts for their versatility and ability to catch fish weighing up to 5 kg even with the most weightless bait. Their popularity is currently at their peak and manufacturers offer many models. But we will tell you which one is better to buy in our TOP-rating of the best ultralight spinning rods.

Features of ultralight spinning rods, their advantages and disadvantages

Anglers prefer UL (ultralight) spinning rods for their ability to bring big catch. Micro baits, which can weigh even less than 1 g, attract both small peaceful fish and large predators. Therefore, when, for example, a pike weighing 6 kg bites on such a device, then certain skills are required to get it, and there is no limit to the delight experienced from fighting a predator.

However, these models require proper handling to avoid breakdowns and other unpleasant consequences. And since the cost of UL spinning rods is quite high, the adequate use of the device presupposes the presence of experience that can only be acquired during the learning process.

When choosing a suitable ultralight spinning rod, you must be guided by some selection rules. There are several criteria:

• rod device;
• line test;
• coil.

Rod selection

When choosing a UL spinning rod, they are relying not so much on the price factor as on the quality and characteristics of the device itself. High-quality models should have a comfortable grip that is comfortable to use and does not strain your hand. The rings have a uniform lacquer coating without smudges and cracks along their entire length.

As a rule, telescopic options are most suitable for beginners, but professional models consist of two parts, which should fit snugly together without any gaps.

First of all, when buying an ultralight device, you need to pay attention to the following parameters of the rod:

• system;
• blank power;
• material;
• length.

Build

Tuning is considered the most important characteristic when choosing a spinning rod. It shows how much load the rod can handle and how it will be distributed. The build is slow, medium and fast.

A slow action means the rod will bend all the way, which allows you to cast far, but the blank tip does not respond very well to bites. On such models there is a designation S (Slow - slow).

Fast action means that only the top of the blank will be movable, and even with a minimal bite, the tip deviation will immediately be noticeable. The disadvantage of such a rod is the impossibility of long casting of lures. These devices have an F (Fast) designation.

Averages imply a combination of the two previous parameters in an averaged state.They are relatively sensitive and can send lures at medium range. Such rods are primarily suitable for beginners to understand the technique of ultralight spinning, and then choose more suitable models for each fish and conditions on the pond. These rods are marked with M (Moderate).

Bait test or blank power

The power of the blank characterizes the rod by the weight of the lures used. There are 3 test grades:

• extra ultralight - baits up to 2.5 g are used;
• super ultralight - made for attachments up to 3.5 g;
• ultralight - for baits weighing up to 5 g, in some cases up to 7 g.

On more expensive branded spinning rods, the exact weight for which the rod is designed is indicated, and on budget versions of Chinese manufacturers a more vague range can be written, for example, from 0 to 15 g. As practice shows, most often such models withstand a nozzle from 3 to 9 g ...

Manufacturing material

Currently, manufacturers of ultralight spinning rods use the following materials for the manufacture of blanks:

• fiberglass;
• carbon fiber (carbon);
• composite materials.

Fiberglass rods are the cheapest, but also less durable. Perfect for beginner anglers. CFRP blanks are most popular among amateurs and professionals as they are very lightweight and will last a long time if handled correctly. The only drawback of such spinning rods is their high cost, but you can always find a suitable inexpensive option. Composite materials are used for the production of UL spinning rods of average price and quality. Despite this, each company tries to release the best models in this price range.

Rod length

Most often there are fishing rods from 1.6 m to 2.4 m. The length of the rod is selected depending on the reservoirs on which they are going to fish. If you plan to fish from the shore, overgrown with reeds and bushes, then take spinning rods up to 1.8 m long. In clean and open water, for example, from boats, longer models are preferred. Such rods make it easier to dribble fish around obstacles and with its help you can cast the bait much further.

Line Test

The line test is characterized by two parameters - the upper and lower breaking load limit. Thus, if you take a line with a smaller breaking parameter than indicated, then it will often break off. And if with a large, then there is a risk of breakage of the rod itself. Therefore, in order to get the most out of the fishing process, it is recommended not to neglect these parameters. After all, no one needs to constantly reel in a broken line or break an expensive device when trying to fish out a large predator.

The line for the ultralight model can be used both monofilament and braided. The braided line stretches much worse, so it is better to use it when fishing with microjig and twitching, and monofilament is used when fishing for predators that peck in a jerky way, as well as when microswitches and micro-spinners serve as bait.

Ultralight coils

Reels marked with 1000 and 2000 are suitable for UL spinning rods. Sometimes 3000 models are also used, but large spool sizes, as a rule, do not give good results. The most commonly installed 1000 models with a line with a diameter of 0.12 - 0.18 mm.

Basically, reels weighing up to 200 g are placed, and only for a rod length of more than 2 meters, it is possible to complete a set of heavier reels. There should be 12 bearings in the device, which makes it possible to use the maximum load. The friction brake device must be easily adjustable.

It is not worth saving on an ultralight reel. Plastic models quickly fail, so it is better to purchase a good and high-quality model for successful fishing.

Terms of use and tips for spinning ultralight

Utralight gear can be used in almost any body of water and under a variety of conditions. The result obtained will certainly delight any fisherman if he knows how to use a rod. Basic rules for ultralight fishing:

1. To throw the bait to the maximum distance, you need to use more flexible models with the greatest elasticity. Short and tight spinning rods will not allow you to cast the bait far.
2. The more you train, the better and better the cast you get.
3. Do not start attracting fish immediately after the bait enters the water. We have to wait a bit when it reaches the bottom.
4. Each lure has its own type of fishing. Jig means catching in jerks, and you can catch on a spoon only by slowly winding the line onto the reel.
5. It is better to strike quickly, confidently and sweepingly, immediately after the bite is felt.
6. When the fish is already on the hook, you need to get it out with smooth and accurate movements.
7. The bait should be cast a little further from the place where the fish are parked, and then smoothly approach it.
8. The horizon should be changed regularly to get good results.
9. Using micro lures when fishing with ultralight will help you achieve great success.
10. It is better to choose tackle of proven companies, which put only high-quality spare parts on their rods.

TOP - 5 best ultralight spinning rods

Considering the huge variety of companies producing the most various models of UL spinning rods, it is almost impossible to single out the most successful tackle. Among the manufacturers, professionals especially appreciate the rods of Japanese and American companies, namely:

• Shimano;
• Daiwa;
• Maximus;
• Black Hole and many others.

Of course, the best manufacturers also imply a rather expensive tackle cost. However, even among them you can find the most suitable rod at an affordable price, with which the pleasure of fishing will be unimaginable. In our ranking, we will tell you about the 5 most popular models used for fishing.

Graphiteleader Calzante EX GOCAXS-732UL-T

True connoisseurs of UL spinning have long preferred this model. The plug-in rod is 221 cm long and weighs 90 g, made of a unique material, which makes it a fast action. Bait test 0.6 - 8 g. Line test 0.9 - 2.7 kg. The price of a spinning rod ranges from 13,000 rubles.

A practical overview of the spinning rod:

• high accuracy and long casting distance;
• flexible, resilient blank;
• comfortable handle.

• high price;
• not suitable for large fish.

Maximus Egoist S-662UL

The universal rod is 198 cm long and 90 g in weight, perfect for lures from 1 to 7 g. It consists of two parts made of carbon. Cork handle, action - fast. The cost of the model is about 7700 rubles.

Spinning video review:

• suitable for most lures;
• sensitive;
• little weight.

• not for all types of fishing;
• line test is not specified;
• quite high price.

FAVORITE White Bird WB-682UL-S

Composite spinning rod of two parts according to the plug type. Length 204 cm, weight 80 g. Convenient and lightweight ultralight, which can be perfect for beginner anglers. The rod is made of carbon fiber and belongs to the fast ones. Line with a load of 1.8 to 2.7 kg can be used, lures are 0.5 - 5 g. The handle is made of the latest EVA material, which is pleasant to the touch and comfortable to use. The cost of the model is 2800 rubles.

Spinning review - in the video:

• special arrangement of rings on the blank, which allows casting over very long distances;
• beautiful design;
• low price;
• high-quality performance.

• low sensitivity of the form.

Shimano Catana CX 210UL

An excellent rod for beginners with a length of 221 cm and a weight of 104 g. Father-in-law for lures of 1 - 11 g. Made of composite materials, thanks to which it has a low cost of 2,400 rubles.The build is more related to the average than to the declared fast.

Spinning in action:

• good sensitivity;
• allows long distance casting;
• great for spinners.

• not versatile enough;
• not all attachments fit.

Major Craft CROSTAGE CRK-S732AJI

The low price of the model of about 5,000 rubles with the best build quality brought this model to the highest place in the rating. Large spread of dough on lures from 0.6 to 10 g, length 221 cm, weight 80 g. Very pleasant and comfortable handle made of EVA, super fast action of the rod allows casting the bait over the longest distances, which is great for experienced anglers.

• high sensitivity of the form;
• low price;
• light weight.

• rather fragile if mishandled.

Spinning review - in the video:

Ultralight spinning rods are perfect not only for small bodies of water, but also for large bodies of water. To fish with these rods, you need to have certain skills and dexterity, which can only be obtained by experience. When buying such models, you should be guided by your knowledge and skills in this field of fishing, as well as the advice of professionals who will help you choose the right rod. The advice from sports store advisors is quite controversial and should be taken with caution.