Ultralight spinning reels are defined in this article as reels that weigh less than 8 ounces. The Shimano IX is listed and does weigh 8.4 ounces. However, it is a small reel that is commonly used to catch trout, crappie, perch, sunfish, and bluegill. The Penn Battle II 1000 weighs 8.1 ounces which is slightly over 8 ounces but this is a great saltwater spinning reel.
Some of these ultralight reel models do come in larger heaver sizes. To see the full list check out the freshwater spinning reels article. These reels work well on fishing rods from 4-7 feet in length. The power rating describes the pole flex and medium-light is a good stiffness for catching fish under 3 pounds. A fast-action that describes how easy the tip bends is helpful to feel small bites on the line.
Using light tackle makes for a more fun fishing experience. Light tackle includes a light fishing line that also helps to catch more fish. The sport of fishing is often for the challenge. Catching a trout or crappie can be just as rewarding as catching a big fish in the ocean. Ultralight reels are good for adults and kids. Spincast reels are the best for young children.
Here Are the Best Ultralight Spinning Reels
1. Shimano Stella FJ Ultralight Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Drag 7 pounds | Retrieves 25 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 95/10 |
| Model 2500 |
Weighs 7.2 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/10 | L-C Braid 100/30 |
| Model 3000 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 37 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 140/10 | L-C Braid 180/30 |
The Shimano Stella is the highest quality ultralight spinning reel on the market. If cost is not a factor then this is a great option. It has three reels sizes that are under 8 ounces. The spool is intended to be used with a monofilament fishing line.
Stand out features include the silent drive with a high tolerance drive train, sealed cross carbon waterproof drag, 12 shielded ARB bearings, and a two-speed oscillation system. This small lightweight reel has a metal body, one-piece bail, magnum light rotor, and a forged metal Hagane gear.
The reel is rated for saltwater so it can work as a multipurpose reel. Although it is lightweight the 2500 and 3500 can still catch most freshwater fishing including large bass, hybrid striped bass, steelhead, and freshwater salmon.
2. Shimano Stratic Ci4+ Front Drag Spinning Reel
| Model 41000HG |
Weighs 5.6 oz |
| Drag 7 pounds | Retrieves 31 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 95/10 |
| Model 42500HG |
Weighs 6.7 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 140/8 | L-C Braid 145/15 |
| Model 43000HG |
Weighs 6.7 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 140/10 | L-C Braid 145/20 |
The Shimano Strtic Ci4+ is another high-end lightweight reel. It has three modules that are all significantly less than 8 ounces. A unique feature of the reel is the aero wrap spool with an angled spool lip to help with long-distance casting. The G free body moves the center of gravity closer to the rod which makes the rod and reel slightly easier to handle.
Construction of the CI4+ makes the reel 2.5 times stiffer than the previous model. The reel is made with a new Magnumlite rotor, cold-forged aluminum spool, aluminum handle, cold-forged Hagane gears, and a one-piece stainless steel bail.
3. Shimano Stradic FL Ultralight Spinning Reel
| Model 1000HG | Weighs 6.9 oz |
| Drag 6.6 pounds | Retrieves 30 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 65/20 |
| Model 2500HG | Weighs 7.9 oz |
| Drag 19.8 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/10 | L-C Braid 100/30 |
| Model 3000XG | Weighs 7.9 oz |
| Drag 19.8 pounds | Retrieves 37 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 140/10 | L-C Braid 105/40 |
The Shimano Stradic FL is an ultralight reel with two sizes that weigh less than 8 ounces. This is actually a new model compared to the stratic CI4+ which previous version was the Stratic FK. Both the Stratic FL and CI4+ are great reels with many high-end features but the CI4+ is slightly lighter.
Features of the Stradic FL are cross carbon drag, 6 shielded corrosion resistant ball-bearings, g free body, silent drive gearing, and long stroke spool. The small light reel has a Hagane rigid metal body and cold-forged gears. This reel is intended to be used in freshwater.
4. Penn Conflict II Long Cast Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 6.3 oz |
| Drag 9 pounds | Retrieves 22 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 105/6 | L-C Braid 110/10 |
| Model 2000 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 10 pounds | Retrieves 31 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 125/8 | L-C Braid 165/15 |
The Penn Conflict II is an ultralight saltwater reel that is designed to be extra lightweight. This is a new Penn model and is becoming one of the most popular lightweight reels in both the small 1000 size and large 7000 and 8000 sizes. It has a body and rotor made from a Rigid Resin RR30 which is both light and durable. The gearing is made with a CNC machine and the 7 shielded ball bearings are made with stainless steel. It has a Superline Spool that comes ready for a braided fishing line. The handle is made of thin but wide aluminum and has an EVA knob. If you really enjoy fishing with light tackle this reel is a great choice.
5. Penn Battle III Saltwater Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 8.1 oz |
| Drag 9 pounds | Retrieves 22 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 105/6 | L-C Braid 110/10 |
The Penn Battle III 1000 is an ultralight saltwater fishing reel. It is constructed with a full metal body, metal rotor, and aluminum bail wire. HT-100 carbon fiber drag within the reel is smooth and long-lasting. The drag is tested for 100 miles of line to be run against the drag without wearing out. It has 5 sealed stainless steel bearing and an anti-reverse bearing. There is a lever to turn the anti-reverse on or off.
This reel comes in sizes up to the 8000 series and is a very popular reel to use when fishing offshore. The 1000 series is a durable reel that can be used for freshwater fishing or inshore and reef fishing in saltwater. When using a braided line this is a great real to use because it has a braid ready spool. Lince capacity rings on the spool indicate how much line is left.
Even if you are fishing in freshwater this is a great reel option. It is built tough for a saltwater environment and will last even longer when only used in freshwater. The video below shows the full lineup of Battle II fishing reels. This gives a good insight into the size and features of the reel.
6. Penn Fierce Saltwater Fishing Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.8 oz |
| Drag 9 pounds | Retrieves 22 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 105/6 | L-C Braid 110/10 |
The Penn Fierce III is a saltwater ultralight fishing reel. It is made with a full metal body, metal side plates, thick aluminum wire bail, and 4+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. Key features include HT-100 drag, techno-balanced rotor, and a Superline aluminum spool.
This is a reel that is built to last. It can be used in freshwater to catch bass, panfish, and trout. In the ocean, it can be used inshore and on the reef to catch snapper, bluefish, jacks, bonefish, juvenile tarpon, etc.
7. Shimano Sedona FL Freshwater Fishing Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.6 oz |
| Drag 7 pounds | Retrieves 26 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 65/20 |
The Shimano Sedona FL is an ultralight reel that comes in 7 sizes but only the 1000 series weighs less than 8 ounces. It has a 5.0:1 gear ratio and retrieved 26 inches of line per turn of the handle. This is a reasonably priced reel and still features cross carbon drag, g-free body, propulsion spool lip, and Hagane cold forged gears.
8. Shimano Syncopate 1000 Crappie Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.6 oz |
| Drag 7 pounds | Retrieves 25 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 85/15 |
The Shimano Syncopate 1000 is an ultralight reel with a Quick Fire II trigger to open the bail. This trigger allows the line to be held with the index finger while also opening the bail which allows for one-handed casting. Other features include a Dyna-balance rotor, propulsion line management, and 4 ball bearings. This reel is great for kids because it makes casting easier.
The video below shows an unboxing of the Syncopate reel. This a 2500FG series reel but should give a good feel for what the reel looks like. How the Quickfire drag is opened and closed is demonstrated. Fishing with the reel is done from a kayak in the video.
9. Shimano IX 1000 Trout Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 8.4 oz |
| Drag7 pounds | Retrieves 19 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 140/4 | L-C Braid 85/15 |
This Shimano IX is the heaviest ultralight reel on this list at 8.4 ounces. However, this is a rod my family commonly used to fish for trout in streams and bass in local ponds. The low cost makes it a popular freshwater spinning reel.
It has a rear drag system rather than a front drag. This drag is easily adjusted with a turn of the knob. The anti-reverse setting can be turned on or off with the flip of the lever on the back of the reel. Lightweight graphite is used for the body, rotor, spool, and reel foot. If you are on a budget this a good low-cost spinning reel that actually holds up pretty well with heavy use.
10. Okuma Avenger ABF Ultralight Baitfeeder Spinning Reel
| Model 500 |
Weighs 6.7 oz |
| Drag 6 pounds | Retrieves 21.9 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 85/4 | L-C Braid 85/10 |
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.1 oz |
| Drag 6 pounds | Retrieves 24 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 100/6 | L-C Braid 100/20 |
The Okuma Avenger ABF is an ultralight Baitfeeder reel. This is the lightest live liner reel on the market. Features of the reel include the cyclonic flow rotor, on/off baitfeeder system, felt drag washers, and 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings.
Okuma Avenger reels are commonly used when surf fishing in saltwater. Baitfeeder reels are good anytime you are fishing with live bait or scented bait. It gives the fish time to start swimming with the bait it is mouth before setting the hook. In freshwater bait feeder reels work well to catch crappie, catfish, and hybrid striped bass.
11. Okuma Helios SX Ultralight Spinning Reels
| Model 20 |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Drag 6 pounds | Retrieves 24.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 110/20 |
| Model 30 |
Weighs 7.0 oz |
| Drag 13 pounds | Retrieves 27.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 240/6 | L-C Braid 240/40 |
The Okuma Helios is a quality ultralight spinning reel. The size 30 has 13 pounds of drag and holds a high line capacity. This makes it a light reel with the performance of a larger heavy reel. Features include 8+1 stainless steel ball bearings, computer balanced rotor, and a line control spool.
This reel is made with a C-40X carbon body, carbon side plates, AlumiLite alloy main gear, brass pinion gear, anodized aluminum spool, and a thick aluminum bail wire. The torsion control armor makes this reel extremely rigid which helps keep gear alignment under heavy loads.
This reel is rated for saltwater, check out the best saltwater spinning reels for more options. If you are looking for an ultralight reel just look for ones that weigh less than 8 ounces.
12. Okuma Ceymar Ultralight Spinning Reels
| Model 10 |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Drag 5 pounds | Retrieves 21 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 210/2 | L-C Braid 210/10 |
| Model 20 |
Weighs 6.8 oz |
| Drag 6 pounds | Retrieves 24 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 110/20 |
This Okuma Ceymar is an ultralight reel with two sizes under 8 ounces. Technologies built into the reel include the Cyclonic flow computer balanced rotor, advanced line control system, and smooth elliptical gearing.
The reel is constructed with a graphite body, forged zinc handle, aluminum bail wire, EVA knob, machine cut brass pinion gear, and a machined aluminum spool that is ready for braided line. This is a quality reel that works well to catch average size fish in freshwater
13. Okuma RTX Light Weight Reel
| Model 25s |
Weighs 6.6 oz |
| Drag 8 pounds | Retrieves 29.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 200/6 | L-C Braid 200/20 |
| Model 30s |
Weighs 6.6 oz |
| Drag 13 pounds | Retrieves 30 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 225/6 | L-C Braid 225/20 |
The Okuma RTX-25 and RTX-30 are both ultralight reels that are rated for freshwater and saltwater. Having a C-40X carbon frame, side plates, and rotor makes this a light and rigid reel. Features include a multi-disk felt drag system, a precision-balanced rotor, and a hydro-block watertight drag system.
The video below shows a comparison of the RTX-30 and the Ceymar-30 both of which are reviewed above. For freshwater fishing, baitcasting reels are also commonly used. Check out the baitcasting reels page for more information.
14. Pflueger Supreme XT Ultralight Reel
| Model 25X |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Drag 8 pounds | Retrieves 22.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/4 | L-C Braid 110/8 |
| Model 30X |
Weighs 6.8 oz |
| Drag 10 pounds | Retrieves 31.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 130/8 | L-C Braid 160/10 |
The Pflueger Supreme XT is a premium quality ultralight reel. Key features include 10 stainless steel ball bearings and sealed carbon drag which means that it can be used in saltwater and freshwater. The reel is lightweight and has a magnesium body, magnesium rotor, and a carbon handle. It has an aluminum spool that comes braid ready. This is a good spinning reel for someone that does inshore saltwater fishing as well as freshwater.
15. Pflueger President Ultralight Fishing Reel
| Model 20X |
Weighs 6.1 oz |
| Drag 6 pounds | Retrieves 20.2 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 100/4 | L-C Braid 100/8 |
| Model 25X |
Weighs 7.5 oz |
| Drag 8 pounds | Retrieves 22.4 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 100/4 | L-C Braid 100/8 |
The Pflueger President is a quality reel at a reasonable price. This is a great reel for recreational fishermen. It is smooth and is built to last even with heavy use. It is made with a graphite body, graphite rotor, and a braid ready spool. The slow oscillating gearing makes the reel feel very smooth.
This lightweight reel has a sealed drag system and 7-10 corrosion-resistant ball bearings which means that it should last even in a saltwater environment. The 20x size is perfect for catching crappie, bass, and trout. Match this up with an ultralight rod and you will be ready to go fishing.
16. Abu Garcia Black Max Ultralight Spinning Reel
| Model 5 |
Weighs 6.4 oz |
| Drag 6.4 pounds | Retrieves 20.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 100/6 | L-C Braid 160/4 |
| Model 10 |
Weighs 7.0 oz |
| Drag 6.5 pounds | Retrieves 21 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 150/6 |
The Abu Garcia Black Max is an average quality ultralight fishing reel. It is built with a graphite body, graphite rotor, and a red machined aluminum spool. Key features include the everlast bail system, 3 ball bearings, an anti-reverse bearing, and a slow oscillation rocket line management system.
Abu Garci is known for its baitcasting and conventional fishing reels. The Black Max reel is a good reel for the price. It will work well for freshwater fishing in lakes, ponds, and streams.
17. Cadence CS8 Ultralight Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 6.3 oz |
| Drag 29 pounds | Retrieves 25 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 115/10 |
| Model 2000 |
Weighs 7.3 oz |
| Drag 36 pounds | Retrieves 32 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 160/6 | L-C Braid 165/10 |
| Model 3000 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 36 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 150/10 | L-C Braid 165/20 |
This Cadence CS8 is an ultralight reel with powerful drag and high line capacity. Just looking at the weight and drag values this may seem like the best ultralight reel on the market. It is a decent reel but it is also a made in china reel that is only sold through Amazon. It is quality for this type of product but is likely over marketed with its high drag value to seem better than all the other small reels.
What makes this reel different is the magnesium metal frame, carbon composite rotor, braid ready aluminum spool, and carbon fiber drag. Aluminum parts include the handle arm, one-piece bail, pinion gear, and main gear. This reel has 9 shielded and corrosion-resistant ball bearings but is intended to be used in freshwater. No other reel on the list has more than 36 pounds of drag. However, the max drag rating does not need to be higher than the line strength. The drag should be set at less than 50 percent of the line strength when fishing.
18. KastKing Sharky III Ultralight Spinning Reels
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 33 pounds | Retrieves 27.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 170/8 | L-C Braid 200/10 |
This KastKing Sharky III 1000 is a average quality ultralight spinning reel. The first thing that stands out about this reel is the three-disc carbon fiber drag that has a max drag force of 33-pounds. It has an aluminum spool with a rubber gasket to prevent a braided line from slipping. Realize that this is a made in china reel that is likely over-marketed to seem better than other reels.
The 10 ball bearings are double shielded and made of stainless steel. It also has an instant anti-reverse bearing. There is not a lever to turn the anti-revers off but most anglers do not use that feature anyway. It has a thick main shaft that is made from stainless steel, a zinc drive gear, and a brass pinion gear. The handle is made of aluminum and has an EVA knob. This is a very popular reel and comes in four larger sizes as well.
19. KastKing Centron Ultralight Spinning Reel
| Model 500 |
Weighs 6.9 oz |
| Drag 11 pounds | Retrieves 19.7 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 155/6 | L-C Braid 125/20 |
The KastKing Centron 500 is a low-cost ultralight spinning reel. It is made with a graphite body, aluminum spool, and alloy metal gears. As with most spinning reels, the handle is interchangeable to work as a left-handed reel or right-handed reel. It has 9 ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing. There is a lever to turn the anti-reverse on and off. It should stay on as this allows a better hookset.
This is a decent reel to use in freshwater. To see the full list of all freshwater reels check out the freshwater spinning reels article. The reason this reel is popular is because of its low price point. Their are defiantly better reels on the market but for anglers that only go a few times a year this should get the job done.
20. Lews Mr. Crappie Ultralight Reel
| Model 50 |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Drag is a low value | Retrieves 22 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 60/6 | L-C Braid 60/20 |
The Lews Fishing Mr. Crappie reel is an ultralight reel that is a good reel for beginners. It comes pre-spooled with high visibility 6-pound fishing line. This reel should work well to catch crappie, bass, trout, and panfish. The reel is made with a graphite body, graphite rotor, and 2 ball bearings. A drag rating is not provided but it is sufficient for the 6-pound line.
This is a low-quality reel but it is usually surprising in a good way how long reels like this last. You do not need an expensive reel to have fun while fishing. However, quality gear usually lasts longer and is often worth the investment.
Frequently asked Questions
What is an Ultralight spinning reel?
An ultralight spinning reel is any reel that weighs less than 8 ounces. Typically these are 500 or 1000 series reels. These reels are most often used to catch crappie and trout. They also work well to catch bass, bluegill, sunfish, perch, and grayling. It is common to use a 4-10 pound monofilament fishing line with these small reels. The light tackle makes fishing easier and more enjoyable. Even small fish can be a challenge to catch and that makes it a rewarding experience when there is a successful day of fishing.
Who makes the best ultralight spinning reel?
There are many good reel manufactures including Shimano, Penn, Cadence, Okuma, Pflueger, KastKing, and Lews. Most ultralight reels are made for freshwater fishing but there are quality reels that are made for saltwater. All the Penn reels are designed for saltwater use. The best ultralight reel is likely the Shimano Stella but the expensive price tag makes it less widely used. Cadence and Kastking both make lightweight reels with over 30 pounds of drag. This is more than is needed because these small reels are typically fished with lines less than 10 pounds.
What is the lightest spinning reel?
The lightest spinning reel is Shimano Stratic Ci4+ 41000HG. It weighs only 5.6 ounces and has 7 pounds of drag. Even most ice fishing reels weigh over 6 ounces and are not nearly as practical as the reels listed above. Light tackle makes cathing smaller fish much more enjoyable. If you catch a 1 pound fish on a large conventional fishing reel the fish does not even put a fight. However, using an ultralight spinning reel and sensitive rod catching the fish can be challenging and exciting.
What is the best spinning reel for trout?
The best spinning reel for trout depends on where you are fishing. When catching stocked trout in the lower 48 almost any spinning reel will work. The key is to use light line because trout do shy away from heavy fishing lines. They have good eyesight and often see many lures and baits presented to them every day. When fishing for jumbo rainbow trout in Alaska it is important to have a quality spinning reel with a good drag. When fishing in fast-moving streams trout can pull a significant amount of line of the reel before being caught. If there are salmon or steelhead in the steam it is also important to have a quality lightweight fishing reel. Every fishing reel on this list will be able to catch an average size trout. For young kids, a small spincast fishing reel is a great option.
What is the best spinning reel for crappie?
When fishing for crappie it is common to use a fishing line with a 4-6 pound test. For this reason, a small lightweight spinning reel is best. The drag for the reel only needs to be higher than 4 pounds. Crappie are similar to bass in that they are not super line shy buy having a light clear line does helps catch more fish. If fishing with scented bait or live bait using a reel with a baitfeeder can be helpful. This allows the crappie to swim with the bait which can help catch more fish when they are not feeding aggressively. It is very uncommon to fish for crappie with a braided fishing line so a braid-ready spool is not required. If a braided line is used a fluorocarbon leader should be added to the line.
What ultralight spinning reel can be used in saltwater?
There are several ultralight reels that can work in saltwater including the Cadence CS8, Shimano Stella, Shimano Stratic CI4+, Penn Battle II, Penn Fierce III, Penn Conflict II, Okuma Helios, Okuma RTX, Pflueger Supreme XT, and KastKing Sharky III. In order to be saltwater rated the reel needs to have a waterproof drag and shielded or sealed bearings.
The exterior of the reel also needs to be made with corrosion-resistant material. In order for a reel to last in saltwater, the internal components need to be sealed off from the saltwater. This is because salt will work its way into the reel and not be able to be washed off even with a good rinse. All Penn reels are made for saltwater and many people overlook them as ultralight reels. However, there are several versions that have sizes under or right around 8 ounces.
Can bass be caught with an ultralight spinning reel?
Yes, bass can be caught with an ultralight spinning reel. In some cases using a light rod with a light line can be an advantage. The only real problem is that if the fish get caught in heavy brush and lilypads it can be difficult to pull the fish in. For small to average size bass under 2 pounds fishing with light tackle can be a fun and enjoyable experience. If fishing for big bass in a tournament though I usually use a 20-pound test line so I can keep the line tight and bring the fish in as quickly as possible. When using a small reel light bass fishing lures can be used. Examples of light lures that work well for bass are small spinners, small soft plastics, or small jigs.
What is a good rod for an ultra-light spinning reel?
When picking an ultralight fishing rod there are several things to decide. First is the length of the rod. A longer fishing rod cast further than a short rod. Typically people use a rod between 4-7 feet in length. When using an ultralight reel I like a rod around 6 feet in length. If you like one-pice rods it can be nice to have a shorter fishing rod. There are two ratings on a fishing rod the power and the action.
The power of a fishing rod is a measure of the stiffness of the entire rod. When catching small fish the rod can be flexible or stiff. A power rating of medium, medium-light, or light would be good options. The action describes the flexibility of the tip of the rod. When catching small fish it is better to have a faster action to allow small nibbles on the line to be felt. A good action would be moderate, fast, or extra fast.
When catching smaller fish having a good fishing rod is just as important as when catching large fish. Anglers need to be able to cast far and feel the bite to set the hook. A good ultralight rod is the Ugly Stik Elite 6 foot, two-piece rod with medium action. This is a durable rod that is long enough for far casting and sensitive enough to feel small bites on the line.
Do they make left-handed ultralight reels?
Almost all spinning reels are interchangeable and work as left or right-handed reels. This is not true for a baitcasting reel or conventional reel that needs to be purchased based on being right or left-handed. If you are right-handed most anglers turn the handle of spinning reels with their left hand and conventional reels with their right hand. Left-handed anglers turn the handle of spinning reels with their right hand and conventional and baitcasting reel with their left. It might seem like since you can use both hands depending on the type of reel that it is not a big deal. However, it is a big deal and is quite awkward trying to use a reel that is set up for the opposite hand type.
What is the best fishing ling for ultralight reels?
The best fishing line for ultralight reels is monofilament or fluorocarbon line. When using a light fishing line under a 6-pound test the entire spool can be filled with fluorocarbon. This line is the least visible to the fish and can help catch more fish in clear water and when they are not feeding aggressively. The fluorocarbon line is stiffer than regular monofilament and does not cast well when it is over 10 pounds. This is why is it usually only used for the leader material. Also, it is more expensive than a monofilament line. People use braided line because it is thinner and lighter. This allows lures to be cast further and allow more fishing line to be held on the spool. When using a 4-pound line it is already so thin and light that braided line is not typically used.
Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!