Fishing is one of the best ways to relax and unwind, especially when you have some experience and use the best possible rods and related tools. If you’ve been fishing often or hung out with other anglers a lot, you may have heard that using an ultralight fishing rod is a great idea.

Being recommended a specific kind of fishing rod is great, especially when the recommendations come from those with experience. But what exactly should you look for to know you’ve got the best ultralight fishing rod? Let’s find out!

1. Action

While it is true that ultralight rods are pretty limited when it comes to power, you can still catch a five to seven-pound fish if you have enough experience. The action is a rod’s ability to bend when you cast, and most ultralight fishing rods have a fast or moderate action. This means they have sensitive tips that can bend quickly. Action is typically chosen based on personal preferences, most anglers like fast or extra-fast action rods because they’re the most sensitive. Fast-action rods are much better for catching larger fish too, so keep that in mind when shopping for your rod.

2. Rod Length

Typically, ultralight rods are up to seven feet long—this helps them maintain good casting accuracy. Normally, the longer a rod, the greater the casting distance, so a very long rod isn’t recommended for accurate casting. For this reason, you should look for an ultralight fishing rod between five and six feet so you can cast lightweight lures over short distances with reasonable accuracy. For anglers who enjoy fishing in ponds or small creeks, such a short ultralight fishing rod is perfect. If you have to buy a long rod, go for one with a stiff backbone.

3. Line Guides

The lines for ultralight fishing rods shouldn’t be very thick, but they have to be thick-braided. Typically, there are between eight and ten line guides for these rods and some of the higher-quality models have lightweight guides. If you’re going to be fishing in saltwater, you should make sure you look for corrosion resistance so yours will last as long as possible. It’s always best to have more guides because you’ll get more uniform power and bending so you can cast further with more ease.

4. Power

The strength of the main line and heavy lures are the two main factors that determine a rod’s power. When we talk about the power of a fishing rod, we’re referring to its strength or lifting. The power ratings vary between heavy, medium heavy, medium, medium light, light, and ultralight. Ultralight rods are able to bend easily, so if you’re trying to catch smaller fish, you’ll notice them quickly. But don’t confuse light with weakness, these rods can still be surprisingly sturdy. You just have to make sure you buy a high-quality rod so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged while you fish.

5. Material

There are many materials used when it comes to making fishing rods, such as graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Graphite is a really good choice as this material is strong and stiff while still being lightweight. Fiberglass is the most affordable option that is heavier and gives you solid strength. Carbon fiber is the most expensive among the options, and it’s the lightest and strongest too. Carbon fiber would be a good choice for an avid angler, and fiberglass is better for someone still learning and hesitant to spend too much money.

Now that you know what to look for in an ultralight fishing rod, nothing’s stopping you from buying the perfect one. The next time you go on a fishing trip, you can show off your new, awesome ultralight fishing rod.