Hey folks,

I've been getting into ultralight fishing and was curious what rods you guys would suggest?

By ultralight, I mean rods rated for 2-8 pound test with the ability to cast 1/32 ounce to 1/4 oz lures.

Both spinning and casting models.  By the way, if you suggest a casting rod, what reel would you pair it with.  Any favorite spincasters?

Thanks.  

Price Range?

for panfish or trout? for panfish i just stick to cheap bass pro microlight rods under $50 and they do the job just fine for trout fishing i like the loomis trout series rods.imo

i have a rogue ultralight spinning rod that i like very much.

Mine is an Okuma Celilo 7' two piece spinning rod. It is rated for 2-6 # test so it's slightly off, but you really can't call using 8# ultralight any more in my book and humble opinion. Its lure range (guessing) is 1/32 - 1/4 I think. I know the line rating is correct, however.

You should be able to find it for about $20. I have caught 3# bass with ease on it.

Fenwick.

I like my Berkley lightning rod a whole lot.

St Croix Avid 5'0" UL power fast action.

I have a Falcon Original (model FS-1L-16) paired with a Shimano Sedona 750 FB.  By far the best light action combo I have ever owned.

5' Berkley Cherrywood and some hybrid bluegill = whole lot of fun

Price Range?

Up to $250.

for panfish or trout?

For panfish, trout and the occasional bass, too!

Mine is an Okuma Celilo 7' two piece spinning rod. It is rated for 2-6 # test so it's slightly off...

It's perfect, I simply wanted to list a basic range.  I agree that 2-6 lb test is more ideally ultralight.

So, how would you compare the Celio's sensitivity to some of your higher dollar rods?  I've recently purchased my first "good" rod (a 7' 3" MH Carrot Stix) and was blown away by how much I could feel.  I guess I'm looking for that sort of performance from an ultralight.

I like my Berkley lightning rod a whole lot.

That's what I'm using now!  I like it well enough.  Just curious to see what others use.

St Croix Avid 5'0" UL power fast action.

The Avids get a lot of good remarks.  Do they offer a longer ultralight?  Say a 7 footer?

i have a rogue ultralight spinning rod that i like very much.

I just noticed that Rogue offers 7 foot ultralights.  And they're reasonably priced, too.  Would you put Rogue in the same quality category as say Fenwicks, St. Croixs, etc?

i have a berkly cherry stick 18.95 walmart works great i also have a 7' berkly cherry stick also great same price

St Croix Avid 5'0" UL power fast action.

2X

Mine is an Okuma Celilo 7' two piece spinning rod. It is rated for 2-6 # test so it's slightly off...

It's perfect, I simply wanted to list a basic range. I agree that 2-6 lb test is more ideally ultralight.

So, how would you compare the Celio's sensitivity to some of your higher dollar rods? I've recently purchased my first "good" rod (a 7' 3" MH Carrot Stix) and was blown away by how much I could feel. I guess I'm looking for that sort of performance from an ultralight.

I mostly throw small poppers and inline spinners and spoons, which are lures in which sensitvity isn't necessarily paramount. The actual perception of sensitivity is too subjective IMHO and I say this because an uglystick is sensitive in my hands.

It isn't IMX but it doesn't need to be. Suffice it to say it is sufficiently sensitive in my hands. I can feel the take of a blue gill pouncing on a flutter 1/16 oz spoon. And for $20, there are surely no complaints. Since you're looking highend, you might consider the other companies and add Loomis to the mix. I just don't see myself going the expensive route for UL, at least for now.  ;D

I mostly throw small poppers and inline spinners and spoons, which are lures in which sensitvity isn't necessarily paramount. The actual perception of sensitivity is too subjective IMHO and I say this because an uglystick is sensitive in my hands.

It isn't IMX but it doesn't need to be. Suffice it to say it is sufficiently sensitive in my hands. I can feel the take of a blue gill pouncing on a flutter 1/16 oz spoon. And for $20, there are surely no complaints. Since you're looking highend, you might consider the other companies and add Loomis to the mix. I just don't see myself going the expensive route for UL, at least for now. ;D

I wish I could boast the same level of expertise, but the truth is most rods feel like hammers in my hands.  I don't have nearly enough on the water experience to have developed that sense of feel.  Unfortunately, I read about fishing a whole lot more than I actually fish.   :-[

i have a fenwick eagle gt, st croix premiere and a quantum xtralite for lite fishing. all have done a good job in my opinion.