If you enjoy fishing with ultralight light gear you are well aware of the fact that your rod is one of the most pieces of gear that there is. I mean sure, your reel is also important but your rod is your “lifeline” between you and the fish. It is the way that you “feel” what the heck is going on with the bait or lure that you are using, so having a quality fishing rod is of the utmost importance.
In this article I will draw upon my twenty plus years of experience fishing with ultralight gear to try to determine the best ultralight fishing rod. Will I be able to accomplish this task? Probably not because personal preferences obviously come into play when choosing any fishing rod, but what I can promise you is that the fishing rods that will be listed below are all great fishing rod choices that I have used or am using and the “best” choice for you is probably among them.
Fish Eagle II – The 5’6″ version of this ultralight fishing pole have been Cabala’s best-selling series since 1990 and has all-new features that make them even more sensitive and reliable. The spinning models now have down-locking fore grips that eliminate the exposed reel seat threads when the reel is secured and even greater sensitivity. The Fish Eagle is an excellent ultralight fishing rod choice that will cost you in the neighborhood of $70.
Classic IM6 – These fishing poles are made by Cabela’s and make up their ultralight fishing rod series. They are available in five lengths from 4’6″ to 6’6″. These are top-quality ultralight rods at a great price. Crafted with IM6 blanks for increased sensitivity and light weight, blank-through-handle construction. They also have cork handles and the guides have stainless inserts for greater sensitivity. They are the most economical choice being listed with an average price tag of $25, but don’t let the price fool you, they are great for ultralight fishing.
G Loomis GL3 – The GL3 is among the best performance value rods on the market. These high modulus rods are very lightweight, incredibly responsive, and more sensitive than many rods twice their price. While these ultralight rods can be a substantial investment if you are looking for the ultralight rod of a lifetime, look no further than G Loomis. They guarantee their products with a limited warranty against defects in workmanship and material for the lifetime of the original owner. They range in price from $150-$200 depending on length.
The bottom line is that the “best” ultralight fishing rod is going to be based on personal preferences and the type of water and fish that you target the most, but in my experience the winner is more than likely among these three choices.