My ultralight panfish fishing has evolved over the the last couple of years .
I used to fish all kinds and lengths of rods and have too many that just sit .
Mainly because I have become a jig twitcher .
My favorite combo (right now) is a 6’6” St Croix Avid ultralight rod paired with a Shimano Soare XR 500spg , spooled with 6# Daiwa J Braid x8 , with a 6-8’ P-Line Flouroclear leader .
With this combo I can cast tiny jigs that weigh around 1/64 ounce , up to just under 1/32oz , fifty to sixty-five feet . I use either a Trout Magnet body or a handtied jig of chenille body with rabbit fur tail , usually in black or dark olive .
I catch all species of panfish from bluegills, crappies, bass , to catfish .

A 6’ to 7’ rod will allow you to cast small lures and will handle bigger fish when you hang one . A 500 or 1000 reel will keep the overall weight of your combo light .
I started using the Daiwa J braid , recently because it’s smaller diameter than the 2# Floroclear I use to use . It’s 1.5# test diameter .
The braid took some getting use to , but I’m liking it more every trip .
I hope this helps .
You’ll get a variety of recommendations, because some like short rods , while others prefer longer ones .