There’s something brilliant about ultra light fishing. You don’t need a monster pike to feel the excitement, hook into a feisty bluegill on a ultra light rod and suddenly you’re in a full-on showdown. That’s the magic of ultra light gear: small fish, big fun.
Ultra light rods strip things back. You feel more, fight harder, and often laugh more too. Whether you're flicking a lure for crappie or creeping along a stream for trout, an ultra light setup turns a slow afternoon into a proper adventure.
What to Look for in the Best Ultra light Fishing Rod
If you’re the sort of angler who lives for that little “tap tap” on the line, an ultra light fishing is for you. These rods are built for light lures and subtle bites, the kind of thing you might miss with heavier gear. When the water’s calm and the fish are playing hard to get ultra light fishing will give you the edge.
That said, the best ultra light fishing rod should still have a bit of backbone. Because let’s be honest—sooner or later, something bigger than planned is going to crash your party. And you’ll want a rod that doesn’t fold like a paper straw when it happens.
Different Types of Ultra light Rod for Fishing
Ultra light rods come in a 2 main styles: spinning rods and baitcasters and the right one for you depends on how and where you like to fish.
Spinning rods are by far the most popular, they’re easy to use, cast light lures well, and are ideal for species like trout or crappie. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, a good ultra light spinning rod is hard to beat.
Then there are baitcasting rods, which aren't that common in the ultra light world as they’re not quite as beginner friendly as a spinning rod, especially when you’re dealing with fine line and featherweight lures.
But if you’re confident with your casting and want more control and accuracy, they’re worth considering.
If you’re someone who likes to travel light, telescopic rods and multi piece travel rods are both solid choices. Telescopic rods collapse down small enough to slip into a rucksack, while travel rods come apart into shorter sections that are easy to pack.
Both are great options if you’re hiking to secluded spots, on your bike or just heading out for a few hours after work.
Another thing to think about is what the rod’s made of. Fiberglass has a slower, more relaxed feel. It bends deep and feels soft when you’re playing a fish. Some folks like that old-school action. Carbon fiber or graphite, on the other hand, feels quicker and sharper. You’ll pick up on little taps and light bites much easier with those. It really comes down to how you like your rod to feel when it’s working.
Buying an Ultra light Rod
Choosing a fishing rod ultra light is all about balance. You want something sensitive enough to pick up on gentle bites but strong enough not to fold when a bigger fish gets involved. It also helps if it’s easy to carry and doesn’t take up half your car.
Rigged and Ready offers a great selection of rods that do exactly that. The Fish Rig 165 Combo, matched with the RR1000 reel, is an ideal setup for quick trips or spontaneous sessions. It’s compact and reliable, and despite its size, it’s more than capable of handling hard fighting fish.
Why Choose Rigged and Ready Travel Fishing Ultra Light Rods
Rigged and Ready’s ultra light travel rods are designed for anglers who need strong, compact, and versatile gear. Models like the Fish Rig 180 and Smuggler Baitcaster are built using our unique SRF Zylon-Carbon-HiGlass rod blanks, combining lightweight performance with serious durability. These rods pack down small, cast beautifully, and handle more than you'd expect from ultra light setups.
And with the 'no-quibble' guarantee, you’re fully covered, if something breaks we'll get you back fishing fast, no matter the reason. Whether the Dog stood on it or it was slammed in the tailgate. Rigged and Ready Travel Rods give you a dependable performance fishing rod and total peace of mind wherever your adventures take you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What are ultra light fishing rods good for?
They're perfect for catching small fish like trout, crappie or bluegills. Ultra light rods are so light and sensitive you'll be able to feel everything that’s happening on the end of your line, (Even a gentle nibble feels like a proper hit).
Q) What type of fish can you catch on an ultra light rod?
Honestly, a lot more than people think. Sure, they’re built with panfish in mind, but with the right technique and a bit of patience, you can land some surprisingly big fish too. Just don’t try hauling them in like you’re winching up an anchor.
Q) What’s the best ultra light rod?
The Fish Rig 165 from Rigged and Ready. It’s a four-piece rod with three different tips that’s compact enough for travel but still has the backbone to handle real fish.
Q) What size ultra light rod should I get?
Most people are covered with something between 5'6" and 7'.
Q) What size reel should I use on an ultra light rod?
A 1000 size spinning reel is perfect. It keeps the setup balanced and works nicely with light line. Anything bigger starts to feel a bit clunky, and you lose that light finesse.
Q) Why do people love ultra light fishing so much?
Because it makes fishing fun again. Even a hand-sized perch feels like a proper scrap on an ultra light setup. It keeps you focused, slows things down a bit, and turns small fish into big moments. Plus, it’s just a laugh.
