If you love the excitement of ultralight trout fishing and want a setup that’s perfectly balanced, super sensitive, and fun to fish all day, this is for you. Whether you’re casting from the bank at your favorite stocked lake or drifting a mountain stream in the USA or Canada, the right ultralight combo makes all the difference.

The Perfect Reel: Shimano Vanford 500 This little 500-size spinning reel is built exactly for 2-4 lb test line. It holds roughly 200 yards of 2 lb mono or 100 yards of 4 lb — plenty for any trout you’ll hook. With 6+1 ball bearings (including that extra one in the roller arm), it delivers buttery-smooth retrieves with zero friction. The compact size keeps everything light and balanced on a whippy ultralight rod, so you can flick tiny lures all day without fatigue.

The Matching Rod: Phenix Elixir Ultralight Trout Rod Pair it with a 5’6” Phenix Elixir rated 1-4 lb test and 1/32 to 1/16 oz lures. This rod is incredibly light and has that super-whippy, soft tip action that lets you cast light baits a surprising distance while protecting light line and small hooks. The thin blank is ultra-sensitive so you feel every nibble, but remember — it’s delicate. Stay within the 1-4 lb line and 1/32-1/16 oz lure ratings to avoid damage.

Line Choices That Make a Difference

• Monofilament: Easy to use, forgiving stretch — great for beginners.
• Fluorocarbon: Nearly invisible underwater, excellent for clear water and spooky trout.
• Braided line (with leader): Thinner and more sensitive than mono of the same strength. An 8 lb braid has the diameter of 1 lb mono, so you get better casting and bite detection. Always add a 2-4 lb fluorocarbon leader (like Seaguar InvizX) so fish don’t see the line.

Pro Tip to Protect Your Gear Avoid “high-sticking” — that big upward bend when fighting fish. Keep the rod tip low and let the reel’s drag do the work. Stay within the rod’s ratings and you’ll enjoy this setup for years.

When you’re ready to build your own ultralight trout rig, swing by Tackle Express in Santa Clarita or order online before 2 pm PST — we’ll ship the exact Vanford 500, Phoenix Elixir, or Seaguar fluoro the same day at fair everyday prices with the friendly service you expect from your local tackle shop.