Which ultralight spinning rod to choose: rating of the best, TOP 10 models of UL spinning rods

An excellent option for both an experienced fisherman and a beginner in the world of fishing is an ultralight spinning rod. We tried to compile a rating of the best and present it in this material. Such a spinning rod helps to accurately cast very tiny baits, which means that fish can be caught with them almost anywhere, and the fisherman simply will not be left without a catch. And you can catch quite large prey! Let's see which models are popular now, and also find out what a beginner should look for when choosing a spinning rod.

Ultralight spinning rod - ranking of the best

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To make it easier to understand the models that are suitable for you, as well as to navigate your choice, we have divided our rating into two categories depending on the cost of the rods. The first section presents budget spinning rods costing up to 5,000 rubles, the second - more expensive products. Their prices start from 5,000 rubles.

The best budget ultralight spinning rod

No. 5 – Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin
This model is produced in Poland. It has high strength characteristics, is durable, reliable and easy to use. This is an excellent option for catching various predators that are greedy for small bait. Overall, the Mikado Matrix is ​​a whole line of rods, and nothing bad has ever been said about any of them. Ideal option for a beginner.

Length - 2.14-3.05 m, weight varies from 160 to 210 g. The product is elegant, beautiful and durable, made of carbon fiber type MX-9. Has good modern ring fittings. The handle is made of cork. Kevlar braid provides a high level of strength. At the same time, the product maintains minimal weight, allows you to make fast and long casts and is very convenient to use.

pros

• easy
• high strength
• ease of use
• Suitable for different predators
• suitable for beginners
• ideal for fast casts

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for spinning rods Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

No. 4 - Shimano Force Master

Shimano Force Master
This is a spinning rod from China, but this does not make it bad - just cheap enough, and therefore accessible to everyone. This is a very durable option, the cost of which starts at about 3 thousand rubles. To be precise, Shimano Force Master is a whole series of rods, and the price may be higher on some certain models.

It is noted that this option is made of durable materials - for example, fine-crystalline carbon fiber, and has reliable and high-quality fittings. But his sensitivity is low. But the option is suitable for using a variety of baits, such as wobblers, spinners, and so on. Features a long service life.

In short, this spinning rod is the ideal combination of price and quality for an amateur fisherman and a thrifty owner. Perfect for the beginning fisherman.

pros

• high strength
• nice price
• ideal for a beginner
• reliable
• durable
• you can use different baits

Minuses

• low sensitivity

Prices for Shimano Force Master spinning rods

Shimano Force Master Ul ultralight

No. 3 - Shimano Catana CX 210UL

Shimano Catana CX 210UL
Another “Chinese” that is praised by many. The model is fast with a bias towards medium action and is ideal for a beginner.

The spinning rod has a test weight of 1-11 grams and a length of just over 2 meters. The product is made of durable composite materials (XT 40 & Geofibre) and equipped with a cork handle. Holding it in your hand is comfortable in any conditions and in any weather. The weight of the product is only 104 g. The model is very sensitive, making it easy to make long casts.

The cost of this option starts from 2.5 thousand rubles. Therefore, it should be chosen by those who are not ready to spend a lot of money, but want to try fishing with an ultralight rod. Included is a convenient case for storage and carrying.

pros

• easy
• inexpensive
• high strength
• ergonomics
• high sensitivity

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for spinning rods Shimano Catana CX 210UL

Shimano Catana CX 210UL

No. 2 – Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S
An excellent composite version of a fishing rod with a length of just over 2 meters and a weight of only 80 g. Lightweight, convenient, ideal for a beginner, not only because of this, but also because it has a low cost.

The spinning rod has a rod made of carbon fiber material - carbon fiber/carbon fiber. The handle is made of one of the newest and most popular materials - Eva. It is pleasant to hold in your hands in any conditions. The Korea SiC guides are arranged in a special way, so the rod makes it possible to cast without difficulty even over long distances.

The appearance of the spinning rod is quite stylish. The only disadvantage is low sensitivity.

pros

• durable product
• inexpensive option
• unique ring arrangement
• Eva handle
• comfortable use

Minuses

• low sensitivity

Prices for spinning rods Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

No. 1 - Daiwa Spinmatic

Daiwa Spinmatic
Rods from this Japanese brand - Daiwa - have long been in the TOP of the best products. The brand itself has also repeatedly been included in the ratings of the best gear manufacturers. And it is not surprising that the Spinmatic model, the cost of which varies within a couple of thousand rubles, is popular.

The spinning rod is made of sicylated graphite, which allows it to be considered one of the most durable. But at the same time it is plastic, since it has cavities in the upper part. This allows you to use the rod for high-precision casting of small and light baits. The handle is made of cork, comfortable and ergonomic for the hand.

This is an excellent option for catching small predators, as well as for catching trout and perch. Much depends on what kind of bait the angler chooses. This is a neat spinning rod, lightweight and perfectly balanced, which also has excellent performance indicators. The product has an excellent, reliable spool holder. It is also equipped with good fittings - the rings have silicon inserts.

pros

• inexpensive option
• Japanese manufacturer
• high strength
• allows you to make accurate throws
• excellent balance

Minuses

• not detected

Prices for Daiwa Spinmatic spinning rods

Daiwa Spinmatic UL ultralight

Reviews of Daiwa Spinmatic spinning rods

Ultralight spinning rod structure

When choosing a rod structure, you need to think about why you are fishing. If fish is important to you, it is better to choose fast action rods. This rod can be used to cast accurately, the fast action perfectly dampens the jerks of the fish, and allows you to make a high-quality hook.

Unfortunately, fast action rods do not throw the bait as far as medium or slow action, and this is the only disadvantage of such rods.

If you come fishing for the thrill, you should choose slow action rods. With such a rod, even a small perch will give you a lot of emotions when fishing. The slow action throws the bait quite far and allows for a more natural retrieve. The disadvantages of the slow system are obvious.

Due to the fact that the rod bends almost completely, it is impossible to make an accurate cast with this rod. When fishing for fish, the rod does not absorb jerks well, and there is a risk of the fish falling off. A large percentage of failures are due to poor-quality hooking, since first the rod bends, and then the hooking occurs.

It requires some skill. I remember how I borrowed such a rod from a friend to try, and at the very first hook, the spoon flew out of the water and almost killed my fishing neighbor, so you need to get used to it.

If you are a beginner angler and don’t yet know what to expect from ultralight fishing, choose medium action. It collects all the advantages of previous systems, but unfortunately also some disadvantages, in general something in between.

For beginners, this will be an ideal option, and you will leave fewer spinners on the bushes and get your dose of adrenaline from fishing. As you master a medium action rod, you will gradually understand what exactly you are missing, and you will come to one or another action on your own.

The best ultralight spinning rod costing from 5,000 rubles

No. 5 - Encore Nemesis 682 UL

Encore Nemesis 682 UL
The entire Encore series is very popular among fans of ultralight rods. But it was the Nemesis 682 UL that won the hearts of most anglers.

The model has a stylish design, has a good casting range, is suitable for careful fishing, is very sensitive and will allow you to respond in time to any bite. Accurate, fast and easy to use. Fuji SiC rings, the material from which the spinning rod is made is T 40 and T 30.

The only drawback is the high cost. Prices for the product start from 13-14 thousand rubles.

pros

• excellent workmanship
• stylish design
• allows you to make long casts
• high sensitivity
• fast

Minuses

• Expensive

Prices for spinning rods Encore Nemesis 682 UL

Encore Nemesis 682 UL

No. 4 – Maximus Egoist S-662UL

Maximus Egoist S-662UL
One of the best options for fans of ultralight rods. It has a fast action, high sensitivity, allows a beginner to develop an inner fishing sense and has high casting accuracy.

Length - almost 2 m, weight - only 90 g. The rod is made of NME graphite material, equipped with FUJI Alconite fittings. Moreover, the rings are located in accordance with the latest rules and recommendations, ensuring comfort and high speed of use of the product. The cork handle does not weigh down the product and is comfortable to hold. The strength is such that it will allow you to catch even fairly large fish. The rod is ideally compatible with most lures.

pros

• high strength
• new ring arrangement system
• easy option
• high sensitivity
• you can catch large predators
• compatible with most baits

Minuses

• not cheap

Prices for spinning rods Maximus Egoist S-662UL

Maximus Egoist S-662UL

No. 3 – Graphiteleader Calzante EX GOCAXS-732UL-T

Graphiteleader Calzante EX GOCAXS-732UL-T
This is one of the most popular models among fans of fishing with ultralight spinning rods. High-precision, flexible, long-casting option.

The length of the rod is 2.21 m, weight is 90 g. The bait test is 0.6-8 g. A plug-type product with excellent ergonomics and excellent sensitivity - it is easy to control and notice even completely unnoticeable bites. Allows you to make long casts, has a fast action, ideal for microjigging and catching small trout. In general, the spinning rod is so convenient that it can be used in almost any conditions.

The only downside is the high cost. Also, spinning rods are not suitable for large predators. The brand is unfamiliar, but still already popular among fishermen.

pros

• high sensitivity
• easy to control bites
• high ergonomics
• suitable for long casts
• high accuracy

Minuses

• not cheap

Prices for spinning rods Graphiteleader Calzante EX GOCAXS-732UL-T

Graphiteleader Calzante EX GOCAXS-732UL-T

No. 2 – Black Hole Hi Light S – 742 L Extra

Black Hole Hi Light S – 742 L Extra
This is a Korean spinning rod with a modern touch-type reel seat. It has an excellent design that allows you to easily cast bait over long distances. Ideal for trout fishing.

The ultralight Black Hole series includes only a few models, characterized by extremely low weight (70-95 grams). The products have a cork handle, which does not weigh them down, but provides high comfort of use in various conditions. The rods themselves are made of SVF graphite fiber, which has high strength. The ring fittings are Fuji Sic with a durable titanium case. Spinning rods work great with a wide variety of baits.

pros

• very easy option
• high strength
• long casting range
• compatibility with various baits
• modern model

Minuses

• not cheap

Prices for spinning rods Black Hole Hi Light S – 742 L Extra

Black Hole Hi Light S – 742 L Extra

No. 1 – Major Craft Crostage CRK-S732AJI

Major Craft Crostage CRK-S732AJI
Model from a Japanese manufacturer, its price starts from 5 thousand rubles. It has excellent workmanship, high strength when used correctly, and even professionals do not shy away from using spinning rods.

Craft Crostage spinning rod is considered ideal in terms of price and quality ratio. At a relatively low cost, the manufacturer managed to provide it with almost ideal performance characteristics. The Major Craft model range is extensive, but if we talk about the CRK-S732AJI, it has a length of 2.2 m, a weight of 80 g, a large spread of dough of 0.6-10 g. The handle is made of Eva material.

Spinning will allow you to cast the bait as far as possible, has high sensitivity, is lightweight and is inexpensive. But there is also a minus - if it is not handled correctly, it is easy to break.

pros

• ideal value for money
• optimal performance
• Suitable for experienced fisherman
• reasonable cost
• long casting range
• easy

Minuses

• fragile if not handled correctly

Prices for spinning rods Major Craft Crostage CRK-S732AJI

Major Craft Crostage CRK-S732AJI

Reviews of the spinning rod Major Craft Crostage CRK-S732AJI

Ultralight spinning: choice, advice for beginners

Ultralight, or as they are also called, ultralight spinning rods, have recently increasingly won the hearts of fishermen, not only professionals, but also amateurs. Ultralight spinning is gaining great popularity due to its ability to use very small baits: mini-spinners and micro-jigs, which are simply impossible to throw with coarser and tougher spinning rods. Micro baits are more readily attacked by fish, so even on the most unfavorable day for fishing, the probability of catching fish with ultralight is higher. Of course, you won’t be able to catch a super trophy with such rods, but fish up to 5-6 kilograms are quite capable.

Previously, we told how to choose a spinning rod for a novice fisherman. In this article we will tell you what an ultralight spinning rod is, how to choose it correctly and the subtleties of fishing.

Why do you need an ultra-light spinning rod?

Ultra-light rods are designed for catching predatory fish using very light baits. Many people probably think that if a rod is ultra-light, then it is necessarily fragile, but this is absolutely not the case. Modern materials from which spinning rods are made are so durable that they can catch fish weighing several kilograms.

Due to the ability to cast light gear with ultralight, it is very convenient to fish in overgrown reservoirs, and also due to the delicate properties of lightweight baits, they more often provoke fish to bite, and the likelihood of catching fish increases significantly compared to other gear.

Choosing an ultralight rod

Ultralight rods are designed for fishing for small predators such as perch or ide, as well as for other fish up to 5 kg; it simply cannot withstand more.

The small size and weight of such spinning rods can mislead fishermen about their fragility. In fact, ultralight spinning rods have a large margin of safety, despite the fact that they are practically not felt in the hand.

Structurally, all spinning rods consist of the same elements: a handle, a reel spinner, rings, and the rod itself, or rather the material from which it is made, as well as the number of connecting parts (bends). The knees should fit tightly and have no play; sometimes they are screwed into each other, which of course improves the rigidity of the connection.

Despite the different shapes of the handle of ultralight spinning rods, there is only one requirement for the shape - a comfortable position in the hand. As a rule, the handle consists of one part, less often of two. The material for the handle is most often cork, but foam rubber is also often found in cheaper models of spinning rods. On the handle of the ultralight there is a reel seat, the dimensions of which are standard for all types of spinning rods, due to which you can install any reel.

When choosing ultralight spinning rods, you should not ignore the rings with which they are equipped, how they are secured, and the material from which they are made. Regardless of the size and shape of the rings, they must be very light and durable, the varnish covering them must be applied evenly without burrs or smudges. The last ring, the tulip, plays a special role among all the spinning rings; it is also the weakest point in the design of the ultralight. Be extremely careful when removing the rod from the case so as not to break off the tip, because its thickness does not exceed 1.5 mm in diameter. When purchasing a “stick” for an ultralight in a store, many fishermen try to bend the tip of the spinning rod, which should absolutely not be done to avoid breaking the pole. When fishing, the situation with the load on the tip of the rod is somewhat different; it is distributed along the entire length of the ultralight due to the fishing line passing through the rings.

Visually, the quality can be determined by the presence of a seam at the tip of the six, ideally it should be absent, you can check this by slightly bending the tip and rotating it around its axis, if the rotation occurs without vibrations caused by the seam - this is what you need.

Characteristics of ultralight rods

The main parameters by which an ultralight spinning rod is selected for beginners and experienced fishermen are:

• Rod length;
• The material from which the fishing rod is made;
• Test(power);
• Build (flexibility).

Features of ultralight spinning rods, their advantages and disadvantages

What is so interesting about ultralight spinning rods, why have they now become very popular both among beginners in the world of fishing and among experienced fishermen? Ultralight spinning rod is UL marked; it is considered an ideal option for catching small predators and works great with micro-baits, which means you can fish with it in almost any conditions - in lakes, seas, rivers. Moreover, the fisherman is unlikely to return home without a catch. It is small baits that allow you to catch almost any fish - both a large predator and a peaceful inhabitant of the depths of the water. This is the reason for the popularity of this type of rod.

But ultralight spinning rods also have specific uses. For example, due to their lightness and some fragility, they require delicate handling. Otherwise, the product is easy to break. That is why it is recommended to gain some experience before buying an ultralight spinning rod.

Spinning ultralight

The main advantages of UL rods:

• high strength;
• the opportunity to catch a lot of fish;
• large selection of baits - UL spinning rods are compatible with many;
• the ability to catch a large predator if you have the right skill;
• high sensitivity, which will help you notice a weak bite and catch cautious fish;
• high casting accuracy;
• You can use light and small baits;
• There are practically no restrictions on the conditions of use.

Important! Compared to a number of other fishing rods, ultralight spinning rods are durable, but they are thin and still require careful handling.

Disadvantages of UL products:

• you need certain skills to catch a large predator;
• high cost;
• If used incorrectly, they break easily.

By the way, there are now quite a few budget ultralight spinning rods on the market. So the high cost is a rather subjective disadvantage.

Tips for a beginner: choosing an ultralight spinning rod

It makes no sense to give recommendations on choosing a spinning rod to experienced fishermen, but this section will be useful for beginners. Let's figure out what you need to consider when choosing an ultralight spinning rod.

First of all, you need to navigate the choice of a fishing rod as the main part of any spinning rod. It consists of such parts as a handle, a form, and rings. You will find recommendations for selection in the table below.

Spinning rod structure

Table. The choice of spinning rod depending on its components.

If we talk about the material, then to create ultralight type fishing rods they use:

• composites;
• fiberglass;
• carbon fiber or carbon.

The most popular option is carbon. It is light and strong, very durable if handled carefully, but expensive. Fiberglass blanks are among the cheapest, but they do not last long. Composite is a material that is average in price and quality.

Sizes matter too. So, the lighter the spinning rod, the better. It will be easier to hold, your hands will get less tired, and it will be much easier to make long casts with a light spinning rod.

Spinning rod marking

As for the length, for an ultralight the dimensions vary between 1.6-2.4 m. The optimal option is up to 2 m. Too short will not allow you to easily circle obstacles. In open water, longer rods can be used.

Advice! Choose the length depending on where you are fishing and the type of fish. The more thicket there is near the shore, the shorter you choose a spinning rod. The option should allow you to react quickly and make quick throws.

Action is one of the most important characteristics of any fishing rod. It will show how much load this or that option can withstand. There are three types of systems.

• Slow - the fishing rod bends completely, makes it possible to cast the bait far, but has poor sensitivity. Marked with the letter S.
• Medium - something between the first and third types. For casting over medium distances. The best option for a beginner in fishing in general. It will help you understand the principle of fishing with ultralight spinning rods. Marking - M.
• Fast is a rigid spinning rod, in which only the very tip bends well. But even with a weak bite, the fisherman will notice the fish’s interest. Marking - F.

Coil and test

Without a reel for fishing line, you won’t be able to catch fish with a spinning rod. For ultralight options, it is recommended to choose options marked with sizes 1000-2000, maximum 3000. Moreover, the reels themselves should also be light - these are made from lightweight alloys. The lighter the reel and the smaller in size, the more sensitive and comfortable the rod will be. Options with plastic elements, despite their cheapness, are not worth taking - they quickly fail.

Advice! Choose reels with a friction brake - it can be very finely adjusted. The procedure is carried out before the start of the hunt. If you neglect it, you may miss the bait.

Reel structure
As for the fishing line, you need to buy the option with the smallest diameter, but of high quality. This is braid and monofilament. The second is ideal for limited spaces. For long casts in wide open spaces, the first one is suitable.

The test is another important characteristic that allows you to understand the possibility of using baits of different weights. As a rule, the description and characteristics of spinning rods indicate the upper and lower limits. For UL rods, choose light baits (3-8 grams). These can be wobblers, spinners, spinners, poppers, flies, jigs. It’s hard to say which fish will catch the most – this will have to be determined experimentally. The main rule here is that the type and size of the bait matches the rod test.

Correlation between rod classes and bait weights

Ultralight spinning reel

Reels for UL spinning rods are marked according to standard sizes with four numbers:

• 1000
• 1500
• 2000

The fishing line for such reels is used with a thickness of 0.12 to 0.18 mm.

For an ultra-light spinning rod, the reel should be as light as possible.
Therefore, the 1000 size models will fit most rods. Coils made of lightweight materials such as magnesium alloys are well suited for ultralight, but they are more expensive. An important characteristic for a reel is a friction clutch with good fine tuning, as well as low weight, for which you can select a reel that is not entirely metal. But you shouldn’t choose a completely plastic one either - the durability of such products is questionable.

Fishing technique

To catch fish with an ultralight rod, generally the same technique is used as when using a conventional spinning rod. But it is best to use this type of product in the area of ​​​​river banks with a good current - in the middle of the river, a light bait will most likely be carried far to the side by water flows.

Also, fishing with ultralight spinning rods involves the use of a certain fishing technique - microjig. In this case, a wiring technique with small jerks is used. Thus, the tiny bait jerks along the bottom of the reservoir and the fish mistakes it for a crawling worm, eagerly reacting to it.

Ultralight spinning fishing

On a note! This technique is ideal for a beginner. It will help you learn everything about the features of catching larger predators.

Rules for using ultralight spinning rod:

• Use elastic and flexible models for long casts, short and rigid ones for short casts.
• Do not attract fish immediately after casting, wait until the bait settles to the bottom.
• Practice as much as possible - this will help you hone your accuracy and optimal throwing distance.
• Choose a fishing technique depending on the bait used.
• Do not throw the bait into the predator's parking area, it is better to throw it a little further and then smoothly bring it towards the potential prey.
• To avoid breaking the spinning rod, remove the hooked fish carefully and smoothly.
• Try to use ultralight spinning rods on small lakes and rivers.
• Change your fishing spot often.

Rod test

Most anglers are inclined to believe that the test weight of an ultralight rod should not exceed 6 grams. But if you are looking for versatility and need long casting, you can take a rod from 1 to 9 grams.

The smaller the upper limit of the test, the more sensitive the rod will be, but such a rod must be handled with extreme caution. If you don't notice the line overlap at the rod tip, you can easily break the tip.

For beginner anglers, it is better to take a rod with a weight of up to 9 grams. I still fish with this spinning rod, and its sensitivity is simply excellent. In addition, there were overlaps, but the fishing rod is still alive.

Using such a rod, you can put a heavier bait in order to cast further. There are times when you see some kind of island of vegetation or snag in a reservoir, but the light bait just doesn’t want to fly there.

User voting

Which spinning rod would you choose or recommend?

Daiwa Spinmatic

4.76 % ( 2 )

Favorite White Bird WB-682UL-S

11.90 % ( 5 )

Shimano Catana CX 210UL

7.14 % ( 3 )

Shimano Force Master

0.00 % ( 0 )

Mikado Matrix 888 Ultralight Spin

7.14 % ( 3 )

Major Craft Crostage CRK-S732AJI

33.33 % ( 14 )

Black Hole Hi Light S – 742 L Extra

7.14 % ( 3 )

Graphiteleader Calzante EX GOCAXS-732UL-T

11.90 % ( 5 )

Maximus Egoist S-662UL

9.52 % ( 4 )