The sensitive tip alerts quickly, whether you are fishing onshore or in a boat. The two piece model is a "Casting Rod" i belive, but you will have a better feel with the one piece. In the Daiwa, you get a reel with build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $200 or more. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years. month 2. month 3 . How to Use a Shakespeare Ugly Stik Fishing Reel Step 1: Filling the Reel with Line Check the line guide and thread the line through it and around the spool. For reference, St.Croix Triumph received 5 endorsements this month, from OutdoorGearLab (13 Feb 2023), TheManual (22 Jun 2021) bestfishkeeping.com (24 Dec 2022) and 2 others. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. For more information, please see our Many rods are on the market, but the Ugly Stik Elite is one of the best for small fish. Introduced in 1976, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik is something that most of us anglers are familiar with. There isnt much left to say after such an in-depth and comprehensive Ugly Stik GX2 review. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world. We also considered several high-end models to determine if paying a lot more would get you a much better product. We recommend short lengths like 6-feet when fishing near docs, trees or small places since longer rods would be difficult to control in such situations. DurableGrip The new grip is made of an EVA material which feels very comfortable in your hands even after hours of casting and retrieving. It should be a single-piece model, if you can accommodate it. That isnt necessarily a bad thing if thats what you know you want, but its worth noting if youre a first-timer trying to start small. Absolutely. Thus it doesnt have a bulky appearance like the earlier Ugly Stik models. Curious to see this month's entire Fishing Rods ranking? The dual EVA grips work excellently in wet conditions and are fairly easy to clean. The added stiffness makes the Elite ideal for manipulating lures and giving them action (a fishing term for making lures dance or hobble like wounded prey). We can't guarantee correctness and completeness of all the data presented here, and therefore will not accept liability for any issues arising from usage of this data. This is critical. Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! The Ugly Stik Elite is a rod specifically designed for smaller fish. Ugly Stik rods are made by Shakespeare, a subsidiary of Pure Fishing, Inc. Other companies under the same umbrella include Spiderwire, Abu Garcia, Penn, Berkley, St. Croix, and Pfleuger-a company best known for trout fishing fly rods. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $8.03 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($47.98). Turn the handle of the reel slowly and fill the spool with the line. Like most fishers, Im not able to carry, store, or afford a different rod and reel for every species of fish or method of fishing. The GX2 has the superb reputation of the original Ugly Stik line, but it is made out of substantially more graphite. The data presented is for information purposes only. Be it braided, carbon or monofilament lines, the guides are perfectly fine for all. We do, however, recommend taking a look at St.Croix Triumph or other critically acclaimed Fishing Rods of this month. SKU: 1308985 Category: Shakespeare-boat-rods. I found this video of a guy putting the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 to what I would have to call the ultimate challenge. $50 from Amazon. While other rods have come and gone, my Ugly Stiks which were bought in the 80's and 90's are all still around. Thats far better than the one-year warranty coverage from Shimano, Penn, and Shakespeare. As with any gear that you use in saltwater make sure to rinse it with fresh water after you are done fishing so you do not get corrosion. We can't guarantee correctness and completeness of all the data presented here, and therefore will not accept liability for any issues arising from usage of this data. Here we have reviewed both the spinning and the casting model, thus further easing out the process of making a choice for you. Star Rods Stellar Lite Spinning Rod | Bass Pro. An additional 35% more graphite in the rod is the main factor making the newer Ugly Stik Elite series our pick for lure fishing; the extra stiffness should help you manipulate your lure more realistically. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Hi my name.is judith and I just bought a shkespear uhly stik GX2 medium 6"6 . I personally love my GX2. Rather than spend time and money to make an attractive rod, Shakespeare concentrated his effort on making great rods that wouldnt break, no matter how much abuse they took.The first ugly sticks were big and clunky, with an uncomfortable metal grip and loosely wrapped cores. The line lay is impeccably even, and despite being largely plastic, the Spheros is sturdy where it counts. The anti-reverse clutch (which keeps the reel from spinning backward) consists of individual metal springs, as opposed to the cheap plastic clips usually featured in $120 reels. But to make sure you get what you need, look for the maximum drag rating on the spec sheet. G Loomis E6X Fishing Rod | Amazon I have just highlighted a few of the more common models that I would recommend for most of your saltwater fishing needs. Heavy Power Models: Available in length of 66. There truly is a better garden hose for you. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction Durable ugly tuff one piece stainless steel guides Pre-spooled with 6 pound line Durable and lightweight eva grips 2-piece construction 7-year warranty 7' medium power spinning rod 6-15 pounds test; eva handle 1/8-5/8 ounce; lure weight Check Price About And by the way, the picture used above is not just for the sake of it. The handles make use of a trig reel seat for a lot more casting movement and lure retrievability. G. Loomis continues its tradition of providing both best performance and best value to the bass fishing market with its newly-designed E6X spinning rod. We independently review everything we recommend. I found the Battalion to be somewhat lightweight for its action and recommended line weight, which you could easily solve by ordering the next weight up (for example, if you want a medium action rod, order the Battalion in medium heavy). Available in lengths ranging from 56 to 7. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our recommendations. The size and line rating depend on the species youre targeting and the type of water youre fishing (ultra-light, UL, for panfish and small trout; medium, M, for fish weighing 3 to 10 pounds; medium-heavy, MH, for fish in the 10- to 25-pound range; and heavy, H, beyond that). It's here. It's in the top 3 bestselling fishing rods and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Ugly Stik GX2 or Berkley Lightning Casting Rod . The amount of drag required varies by fishing method and the species targetedbut if youre not sure, we recommend asking the locals, or going to a bait-and-tackle shop. This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much. It can be called a rod with all-around qualities. The Ugly Stik Howald process featuring Triple Built construction around an internal fiberglass core. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. After 30 hours researching and testing reel mowers, we think theScotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is the best pick for manual lawncare. For most anglers, the GX2 is the better bet. Ugly Stik Bigwater is $63.18 more expensive than the average fishing rod ($49.99). On 12 Apr 2023 (6 days ago) we went through 78 Fishing Rod expert endorsements . Apart from the Saguaros less durable guides, the primarily graphite rod is more brittle, and less likely to survive a spill or a misplaced foot. That said, if you plan to do a lot of bait fishing from boats, buy a conventional open-faced reel with a more dependable dual drag system. PaneraiMan Paired with compatible reels, they offer a decent cast with live bait or lures. Would this rod and reel be good for both freshwater and saltwater? High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. Power settings also vary according to rod length. I just picked up a new Ugly Stik 7ft casting today. You could either opt-in for more sensitivity with a 1-pc blank or a decent enough sensitivity but the ease of carrying the rod around with a 2-pc blank. The Ugly Stik fishing rod stands up to misuse and abuse. You can find reel grease in almost any outdoor-sporting store, but if youre not confident in taking your reel apart to apply grease, having it done in-store would be worthwhile. One piece stainless steel guides are welcomed. Shakespeare has provided us with EVA material grip in the Ugly Stik GX2. The older version was tough, but it came along with traditional pop-out ceramic inserts that were easy to break. Ugly Stik Elite rods feature premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design. One quick shopping note: Make sure youre buying the spinning rod, not the casting version of the same rod from the same manufacturer. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so its a great buy for lure fishers. sensitivity of graphite and durability of fiberglass. A fast action St. Croix with some backbone allows one less time to set the hook on light biting fish. Shimanos Saguaro series is every bit as versatile as the Ugly Stik GX2, but the guides are nowhere near as durable as Ugly Stiks Ugly Tuff guides. Its strong enough to handle salmon and other saltwater fish, but sensitive enough for trout. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod: Ugly Tech Construction Ugly Tuff 1-piece stainless steel guides Ugly Stik clear tip design Durable and lightweight EVA grips Enhanced cosmetics for a more modern look 7-year warranty. Check Price The drag or thrust disc has a rubber seal mounted to it, and according to expert spinning-reel reviewer Alan Hawk, its constructed of the same polymer that makes up the thrust discs of the Penn Slammer III (which usually costs about $300). Let us tell you, nothing could be further away from the truth. 243K views 3 years ago I take a 12 foot PENN SQUADRON II Surf Fishing Rod and a 12 foot SHAKESPEARE UGLY STIK to the FOOTBALL FIELD to see which one can cast the farthest. The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod retains all the strength and reliability that the brand is known for, with added features that improve performance and durability even more! What makes the Ugly Stik GX2 so much more durable and versatile than other rods is that it uses both graphite and fiberglass to provide sensitivity and strength without sacrificing too much of either. Lets take a look at some the changes you will notice in the new Ugly Stik GX2. Rightly so, their faith is not misplaced in this Shakespearean wonder (just like the great playwright) and it continues to garner attention in the fishing community with its lovely performances. The rod is pretty lightweight, owing to the lightweight materials used in the design. Meanwhile, Ugly Stik Bigwater did not receive any endorsements this month. John Bretza, Okumas director of product development, put it into perspective: Even when we fish North Carolina bluefin [tuna] (which can weigh hundreds of pounds), we use 18 to 22 pounds of drag for the strike and, most of the time, as our full-drag setting as well. I was thinking of getting Ugly Stick GX2 6'6 or 7' M rod to replace my Berkleys as a smaller rod I can also use for Bass and of the Pier and then to also get Surf/jetty/inshore rod that is 8-10" M or MH to through 4-6oz sinkers at the beach fitted with 5000/6000 reel size. His tackle splits its time between a classic (and unfortunately discontinued) L.L.Bean tackle bag (which straps easily to the front of his kayak) and a similarly vintage side-sling number from Piscifun. It features a primarily graphite shaft for stiffness, along with a soft, clear, and flexible fiberglass tip. Check out with Sezzle and split your entire order into 6 monthly interest-free payments. Description. Spending less means losing out on long-term durability; spending more means youre paying for features designed for specific kinds of fishing, or lighter-weight materials that are nice to have but unnecessary for a general-purpose fishing setup. The load is distributed throughout the length of the rod but it still remains sensitive. Fiberglass and graphite are used to create a composite material for both rods. Baitcasters are predominantly designed to throw heavy lures at considerable distances and therefore we have limited power-settings. This combo compares favorably to outfits costing twice as much. He is determined to break this thing. Unless I can get away with ugly stick gx2 combo with Shakespeare reel. The medium-action rod is flimsier as compared to the light-action one on the top. The more graphite in a rod, the lighter and stiffer it is, but such rods are also more brittle, so you wouldnt want to hand one to a 3-year-old. Im a United States Coast Guardcertified master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk. The Ugly Stick by Shakespeare was first introduced in 1976 and has been used by almost all of us at one time or another. She writes about a range of fish species for Tackle Village and reviews lures and gear. *At the time of publishing, the price was $50. (The Battle II has been replaced by the Battle III, which we have not yet tested.). We are currently testing it and will update. 5 Models Available Other Shakespeare Rods Available After just a few weeks of use, it showed some early signs of corrosion. Star, Penn, and Tsunami, just to name a few, make way better surf rods, all for under $100. One of the most important features is durability. As our former runner-up pick, the Penn Battle II reel offers build quality and durability comparable to those of models costing $150 or more. Below are their opinions. You could easily spend $2,000 on a fishing rod if youd like something ultralightweight or designed for a specific species youre targeting, but our pick will get the job done almost as well (if not just as well) most of the time. Theyre easy to confuse, and our chosen reel wont fit the casting version. Longer rods will enhance your casting distance but the longer the rod gets, the less accurate its casting becomes. My friend Captain Colin Kelly spent the better part of the fall bluefin tuna run off Cape Cod relying on these modestly priced reels, which compete with the $500 to $700 reels that have generally been the only options for catching fish over 200 pounds on spinning gear. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. It is a good rod for all your fishing needs. Privacy Policy. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the prior generation. For someone who wants to spend a bit more money, I would certainly consider one of my favorite rods the Star Stellar Lite series, which has an awesome lifetime warranty and can be had starting at around $99. I spent several days fishing freshwater rivers for trout and smaller salmon, and a couple of days fishing private ponds and lakes for largemouth bass. Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. A design with more pieces means more jointing and fastening, which usually requires glue. Salt Away Review: What is Salt-Away Saltwater Remover? Ugly Stik rods are available at all major retailers for a fraction of the cost of other graphite rods. In almost all cases, the line broke before the rod did. Shimanos Spheros SW is among the smoothest spinning reels Ive ever held, out of the box. I found combos from both makers on Amazon, Walmart, Dick's, Bass Pro and other box stores and was wondering what I should do as they seem to be good deals to me. Also, most anglers wont even notice the differenceI find that I dont care one way or the other, and Ive been fishing my whole life. While this design can be advantageous for casting plugs, it offers less play or give, which can hinder other applications like setting the hook while bottom fishing with bait and a heavy sinker, where some flex is advantageous. Also, hooking baits when transporting has been made easy by the presence of eyes on the rod. In addition to having a durable shaft, the GX2 comes fitted with one-piece stainless steel line guides, which can literally be smashed with a rock and still maintain serviceability. At the sub-$200 level, our selection for both a rod and a reel represents the most affordable but still reliable pairing we could recommend. 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