Barb Catch Fishing

best ultra light fishing rod and reel combos

Ultra light fishing has many advantages in certain fishing scenarios. 

And it is also incredibly fun to catch fish on light gear because they fight so much harder and feel so much bigger. 

Whether you are looking for ultra light fishing rod and reel combos in order to maximize success or just have some more fun on the water, we have the ones for you.

Best Ultra Light Rod and Reel Combos

These 4 combo setups are made by the most reliable and high quality brands in the fishing industry. They are all a bit different, but will suit your needs perfectly.

1. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Combo - Ultra Light

ugly stik elite spinning ultra light fishing rod and reel combo

Price: $99.95

Features:

  • 4 ball bearings plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing for smooth gear feel
  • Machined aluminum spool with oversized bail wire for durability
  • Machined aluminum handle for strength
  • Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
  • Ugly Tuff one piece stainless steel guides provide excellent durability and eliminate insert pop-outs
  • Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
  • 7-year rod warranty

Ugly won’t quit. The Ugly Stik Elite series features 35% more graphite than Ugly Stik GX2 for a lighter weight rod, while maintaining the legendary toughness you’ve come to expect from Ugly Stik. 

Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tech construction, Ugly Tuff guides and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. 

Ugly Stik has been a trusted and reliable company in the fishing rod industry for decades, and the Elite Spinning Ultra Light Combo is no exception. 

2. Shimano Symetre Ultra Light Spinning Combo

shimano symetre spinning rod and reel combo

Price: $99.99

Features:

  • Battle-tested and nicely balanced
  • Classic reel version for fresh- or saltwater
  • Graphite G-Free Body
  • Propulsion Line Management Spool
  • 3+1 bearing system
  • Quality graphite rod blank
  • Stainless steel frame guides with titanium-oxide inserts
  • Split-grip handle
  • EVA foam grips

The name equates to performance, and the Shimano Symetre Spinning Combo doesn’t disappoint. 

Whether you fish fresh- or saltwater, with braid or mono, you can count on this battle-tested setup to get the job done. 

The reel is a solid classic version, built around Shimano’s graphite G-Free Body for enhanced balance, with a Propulsion Line Management Spool for increased casting performance and a no-nonsense 3+1 bearing system. 

The rod features a quality graphite blank, tough stainless steel frame guides with titanium-oxide inserts, and a split-grip handle with EVA foam grips. 

Nicely balanced, with plenty of power in reserve, the Shimano Symetre Spinning Combo will give you the upper hand, every time you hit the water

3. Ugly Stik GX2

Price: $44.96

Reel features:

  • Toughest spinning reel on the market
  • Soft touch handle knobs
  • Double anodized aluminum spool with oversized bail wire

 

Rod features:

  • Ugly Tech blank construction
  • Ugly Tuff guides
  • Clear fiberglass tip

The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo delivers in all aspects of performance – a great value on one of the toughest spinning rod and reel setups on the market. 

The spinning reel is the first Shakespeare reel designed specifically for Ugly Stik. 

The reel is made from glass-filled nylon and features a double-anodized aluminum spool with oversized bail wire for added durability. 

In addition, each reel sports a 3- or 4-bearing system with instant anti-reverse for a smooth, satisfying feel, plus soft touch handle knobs for added comfort. 

The GX2 rod retains all the strength and reliability that Ugly Stik is legendary for, with added features that make it better than ever. 

Ugly Tech construction combines fiberglass and graphite in exactly the right proportion to render a blank that is sensitive, lighter, and virtually unbreakable. 

The Ugly Tuff guides are crazy slick and practically bulletproof, so that line feeds through and runs back more freely. 

And, as always, the rod is finished off with Ugly Stik’s signature clear fiberglass tip.

4. Lew's Laser Lite Ultra Light Spinning Combo

Price: $54.99

Reel Features:

  • Rugged, lightweight, graphite body and skeletal rotor design
  • Four quality ball bearing system. 3 ball bearings and a Zero Reverse clutch bearing
  • Strong and balanced aluminum bail wire
  • Anodized aluminum spool
  • Oiled felt multiple disc drag system for smooth performance
  • Thin, compact, gear box
  • Zero-Reverse anti-reverse
  • Speed Lube for exceptional smoothness and uninterrupted performance in all weather conditions
  • Adjustable for right or left hand retrieve

 

Rod Features:

  • IM6 graphite blanks
  • Quality stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts
  • Split-grip EVA foam handle for weight reduction
  • Lightweight graphite skeletal reel seat with cushioned stainless steel hood

The Lew’s Laser Lite Spinning Combo benefits from the lightweight skeletal graphite rotor design of the 4 bearing (3 ball bearings and a Zero Reverse one way clutch bearing) Speed Spin reel, which cuts out weight in all the right places, without hampering its structural integrity. 

The reel’s frame is dependable graphite construction that looks great in its silver finish. 

The anodized aluminum spool with blue accents adds to the classy look. The Laser Lite combo rod is one-piece and comes in numerous ideal ultralight lengths. 

The super sensitive IM6 light action graphite blank brings castability and a fish-whipping performance to the outfit.

Why Use Ultralight Fishing Gear?

Using ultralight fishing gear has several advantages, making it a preferred choice for many anglers in specific situations. Here are some reasons why you might opt for ultralight fishing gear:

  • Sensitivity: Ultralight gear is designed to be incredibly sensitive, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble or movement underwater. This heightened sensitivity is especially beneficial when fishing in clear or calm waters where fish may be more cautious.

  • Increased Challenge: Fishing with ultralight gear adds an extra level of challenge to your angling experience. The lighter tackle requires more finesse and skill, providing a more engaging and rewarding fishing session.

  • Targeting Small Species: Ultralight gear is ideal for targeting smaller fish species. If you’re after panfish, trout, or other small freshwater species, using ultralight equipment ensures that you don’t overpower or scare away your target with heavy gear.

  • Portability: Ultralight gear is typically lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for anglers who prefer to hike to remote fishing spots or cover large areas during a day of fishing. This portability enhances the overall fishing experience.

  • Fun Factor: Fishing with ultralight gear can be incredibly fun. The smaller, more agile equipment allows for exciting battles with fish, even those of modest size. The fight feels more intense, adding to the enjoyment of the sport.

  • Reduced Fatigue: The lightweight nature of ultralight gear reduces the physical strain on the angler. This can be particularly beneficial during extended fishing sessions, ensuring you stay comfortable and focused throughout the day.

  • Subtle Presentations: Ultralight tackle enables you to present your bait or lure in a more subtle and natural manner. This can be crucial when dealing with finicky or pressured fish that may be wary of larger, more intrusive gear.

Best Fish to Target with Ultralight Gear

  • Crappie
  • Sunfish
  • Bluegill
  • Trout
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Creek Chub
  • Walleye
  • Pickerel

Reeling this In

Ultralight fishing can be a super fun and effective way to catch smaller fish like crappie, sunfish, trout, and other small species. 

The four ultralight rod and reel combos listed above are great options and are all made by highly trusted, reliable brands and are also great fishing rod and reel combos for beginners.

Choosing which one you get will ultimately come down to your personal preference and price range. 

But rest assured, you will have tons of success with whichever combo you decide to get.