Light / UL action rod recommendations under $40

[Mistermojo]

I busted my UL rod this weekend and am looking to replace it. It was a Rapala sportsman 6' which I liked alot but don't make anymore. I don't want to spend a ton since most of the time I'm fishing it with a float for panfish so sensitivity is not super important.

What can you guys recommend for under $40 that have treated you well?

[TruthWalleyes]

I like the Crappie Rod (made by BNM). I have the 8' ultralight version. Fun to catch panfish with, and if you spool it with 6' line, you can cast a LOOOONG ways too.

[fish_eat_sleep]

Get a Whip'r rod by K&E. I used one on the ice last season. held up well even with 4 pound bass. I liked it so much i bought a open water rod and its just as good. especially for that price range. (under $40).

[amateurfishing]

love my ultra light ugly stick with 4lb test for panfish, trout, etc. a 12 inch bass feels like a whale on it

[gunner55]

+1 for the Crappie Rod(8ft also) from the big "C" store at about $40.I also use a Shakespeare Micro-lite(7ft) that I think is still available for around $20.

[RebelSS]

Try looking at some of the GM Guide series rods....nice rods for the money. Have quite a few UL's over the years that have been fine.

[SkunkedAgain]

My Gander Mountain ultra light works awesome. In fact, my wife and I "fight" over it when panfishing. I like it a lot and would get a second, but with her fishing the UL then I get to pull out one of my grandfather's bamboo poles.

[Mistermojo]

I picked up a 6' Whip'R last night at the "Double F" store. It seems really "whippy" though, so I'm a bit concerned about durability. I might keep looking for something a little more substantial and return this one. I like the idea of the B'n'M rod but 8 ' is a bit much to handle when I fish with my nieces on the pontoon.

Anyone have a light action tip section for a Rapala sportsman IM-6?

[Brad B]

Mistermojo,

clean out your mail box. I was going to PM you about a rod I have that you might be interested in. It's a 5' light action panfish rod that I built. It is built on a Batson SPG601 Eglass blank and has a silver hooded reel seat and silver guides and I used eva foam grips on it. I used it 3 times this summer and it's not that I don't like it, I just want to build another one like it but this time I plan to do a solid cedar handle. I won't say what I want for it publicly but it would be less then $40.00. PM me if you're interested.

[Stick in Mud]

Honestly, I've never noticed much of a difference in these rods, especially at this reasonable of a price point. I'd visit a store, try a couple out, and get the one that feels the best. I'd also keep in mind the return policy offered by the store. Just my .02.

[Mike_Bennewitz]

I have the Rapala Xtreme Ultra Lite spinning rod 7' 6" model, its cheap at $25 at Fleet Farm, and very versatile. I have used it with weighted Nymph flies for Brook and Brown Trout on the Kinnickinnic River in River Falls, WI, and I even use it for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass that run 2-6 pounds near my parents' house where I grew up. The largest fish I have caught with it is a 12 pound Northern Pike. It comes in 6' to 7'6" models. Hope this helps ya!

[Jim Uran]

Berkley Lightning Rod

[bigstick56]

Look into Scheel's brand rods. thay have many different series that will fit your budget, and their return / warranty is the best out there....