Ugly Stik rods are great for the experienced angler or for a kid growing out of their three-foot childs model fishing rod combo. Pay us back later. Its unique Ugly Tech construction combines fiberglass and graphite in exactly the right proportions to yield a blank that is sensitive, lightweight, and virtually unbreakable. For the person that is just getting started, Shakespeare offers several Ugly Stix GX2 combo packages that only add a few dollars to your purchase price. I grew up working on charter boats in and around Long Island Sound, and reliable fishing gear has been paramount not only to my profession but also to my life. 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. Best spincast reel: Our Top Picks Reviewed, Graphite and fiberglass construction is strong and flexible, Fast action to moderate action is well suited for most anglers. Each one of us at Fishing Is Bliss is an enthusiast in one area or another. Im a United States Coast Guardcertified master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod | Bass Pro 1. High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. 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. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years. Im thoroughly impressed, especially with the fact that Shimano includes a cold-forged drive gear (usually cast zinc in reels within this price range), though according to spinning-reel guru Alan Hawk, its made more cheaply than the higher-end drive gears. other critically acclaimed Fishing Rods of this month. A variety of options are available for grip styles and materials and most people will find one that fits their hand comfortably. While these materials are not necessarily stronger than stainless steel or lined aluminum oxide, they are higher-performance materials, and a lot more expensive. If you are clumsy like most of us, dont worry. This website displays data from third party public sources. GX2 has more graphite than the original Ugly Stik, yet Elite has more graphite than GX2. That means a semisealed dragfor keeping out water, dirt, and corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body. You could easily spend thousands on a fishing rod and reel, but most casual fishers (and even some experts) would be happier with something more versatile and less expensive. 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! Powerful, responsive, and durablethanks to the IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout! 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. A one-piece rod offers better stiffness and more controlfewer pieces make for fewer problems with durability and performance, although portability suffers. Another alternative would be the GLoomis E6X which is an incredible rod made by one of the best rodbuilders in the industry, Gary Loomis. If youre looking to spend $200 on a reel, the Spheros is it, with the Quantum Cabo PTSE(more on that model below) so close behind that Id recommend trying both before making a decision based on your own personal preference. Weve looked over this guide and still stand by our recommendations. Although a good rod and reel are crucial for the beginning angler, managing the necessary tackle (hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, and so forth) for your fishing expedition can also make or break your experience. Advantages of Graphite. First, its heavier than more high-performance graphite rods (which usually run about 5 ounces for a medium-heavy 6-foot-6 or 7-foot rod), and some people find that tiring. 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. January 8, 2019 in Fishing Rods, Reels, Line, and Knots. Available in length of 66. Here the big guide remains on the main blank, unlike the earlier version where the blank carried all the guides. 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). David is a freelance writer. So I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possibleincluding saltwater and freshwater. There truly is a better garden hose for you. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Privacy Statement. Heavy power Available In 2 Models: Large pikes, salmons, and even some saltwater fishes can be your game now. Shakespeare has done it again with the introduction of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2. The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. But mind you, that attachment is not purely emotional. 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. It has the same great sensitive tip and single piece construction that Ugly Stik fishing rods are known for, but features a long cork grip and medium action so you can muscle up the fish. Capable of catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures. Along with remarkable durability, it is backed by a long 7-year warranty from Shakespeare at the time of writing this article. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is $10.04 less expensive than an average fishing rod ($49.99). Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. DurableGrip The new grip is made of an EVA material which feels very comfortable in your hands even after hours of casting and retrieving. Would this rod and reel be good for both freshwater and saltwater? Also, a classic diamond winding pattern, colored in silver and red, highlights the rod right above the grip. opcorn: Even a fish would'nt get into trouble, if he kept his mouth. 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. And though he agreed that there is likely no single bag that will suit anything from fly-fishing to deep-water trowling, he had a few suggestions for what to look for. sensitivity of graphite and durability of fiberglass. The durability of Ugly Stik has your back and the GX2 certainly doesnt disappoint. I also tested the gear on smaller bottom fish, including summer flounder, sea bass, and porgies (or scup), as well as red drum and spotted seatrout in Charleston, South Carolina. Anyone have any experience with these? This rod is a dependable workhorse, especially when casting heavier lures, but it may be too stiff for bait and bottom fishing. It's a #1 bestseller in fishing rods category and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Okuma Longitude or BerryPro Salmon & Steelhead . GIVE FEEDBACK If youre a beginner, its much easier to pick up than either of the other options, and its far less likely to become tangled than a baitcasting setup. Baitcasters are predominantly designed to throw heavy lures at considerable distances and therefore we have limited power-settings. These ugly sticks got their name when they were first manufactured in 1975. Curious to see this month's entire Fishing Rods ranking? 7 Year Warranty Shakespeare backs up the Ugly Stik GX2 with a 7 Year warranty. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below. month 2. month 3 . Till then, annyeong. Longer rods will enhance your casting distance but the longer the rod gets, the less accurate its casting becomes. There's an Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod for just about any application. All-in-all, we have a quality build paired with modern looks. Here UglyStik (it's a inside joke) Since you are going to be doing most of your fishing from a boat."Tiger" BWS2201 7' one piece, M action,20-50 line, would be my choice. In researching and testing, I prioritized attributes such as durability and build qualityfeatures that anyone, regardless of skill level and intended use, can appreciateover more specialized features such as multiple-geared reels for using live bait or especially stiff rods that can handle big fish but not smaller ones. Parallel fibers infused with pigmented polyester resin creates a strong . Compared with the similarly priced Ugly Stik models, the Shimano Saguaro is a stiffer graphite composite. 04/18/2023 05:27 am GMT. 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. This is what makes Ugly Stik way ahead of its competitors as it continues to be budget-friendly. Read the full review of the G Loomis E6X HERE. Benefits to graphite - light, strong, casts further, more sensitive tip. Thats still a lot of drag for most In other words, you dont need much drag to cover a wide variety of fish. Rod BlankFirst off this new generation of technology is called Ugly Techand features a new blank through reel seat design that is a combination of traditional fiberglass with the addition of a touch of graphite. If youre paying $13 to $35, you shouldnt really expect much, but if you need to have a fishing rod and want to spend less than $20, the FXS will do the trick for smaller fishjust take it for what its worth and dont expect it or its guides to last. Both systems are adept enough at keeping your reel secure. Not only are bag limits high, but the fish generally taste better through the We all love to know about fishing! Here we have reviewed both the spinning and the casting model, thus further easing out the process of making a choice for you. It has the features of a rod that's longer than most, but it's more lightweight, making it perfect for handling smaller fish such as panfish and trout. 5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $100. (The Battle II has been replaced by the Battle III, which we have not yet tested.). The Daiwa BG series is our reel pick because these reels are built tougher than any similarly priced competition. Every model boasts a fast, flexible tip with hook-setting strength to spare, plus premium Fuji guides and reel seat. It has variable lengths with six models dedicated to our female angler friends. Upload or insert images from URL. The reel-seat design gives you two locking options i.e. For those of you who want all the details I have provided the chart below. High-rated Fishing Rods in a similar price range. No expert reviews linked yet for Ugly Stik Bigwater. I'm torn on whether I should get a medium (30 reel) or medium heavy (40 reel). Good for basses requiring a sensitive approach. Ugly Stik fishing rods, like many others, are made from component parts manufactured in Taiwan, China, and Korea. Posted on Last updated: September 20, 2022. The Ugly Stik GX2, however, was only introduced in 2013. Because it is so tough and durable, the Ugly Stik fishing rod is perfect for bass fishing in thick cover.If you prefer a great casting rod, the Ugly Stik Elite casting rod is longer and stronger than the GX2 spinning rod. Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik rods that combines the heritage and tradition of the original while maintaining the strength and durability Ugly Stiks are known for. The GX2 has the superb reputation of the original Ugly Stik line, but it is made out of substantially more graphite. Check BassPro Prices Featuring a corrosion resistant graphite body reel with an aluminium forged spool which is braid ready. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). Slight changes in the graphite have created an even better rod, that is ultra-light and super sensitive. Just in case anything does go wrong, all you need to submit to take advantage of the Ugly Stiks class-leading seven-year warranty is photographic evidence of the damage, your receipt, and $10 to cover shipping. The best thing about this fishing rod is you can toss it in the boat or the bed of your truck and not worry about stepping on it and breaking it. Feel free to check all of them in your browser: Whether you are a beginner fisherman or an experienced angler, it is hard to go wrong with adding a few of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 models into your collection. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 comes in 15 casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies configurations. Ultimately, your forearm wont feel fatigued. The only down side to 2-pc, or multi-pc, rods is the possibility of the sections coming apart during casting which can usually be avoided by securely putting them together. Pure Fishing - The World's Best Fishing Brands Pure Fishing Ugly Stik rods are made for anglers who want affordable gear made for fishing. The data presented is for information purposes only. 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. (St. Croix offers a five-year warranty for its Triumph rod, which we tested as a possible upgrade pick.). One piece stainless steel guides are welcomed. Read This Before Posting! We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Star Rods Stellar Lite Spinning Rod | Bass Pro. Signature Clear Tip The rod still has the signature cleartip that lets you know you have an Ugly Stik in your hands, or as is the case for some of us, it lets us pick the Stik out of the pile of rods we have stashed in the garage. The Penn combos are the oposite, the Penn Battle II combos are $110-130 but those rods Penn includes . Oh, but its a beginners rod and a cheap backup, we do get to hear that a lot. Unless I can get away with ugly stick gx2 combo with Shakespeare reel. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so it's a great buy for lure fishers. However they lack the sensitivity needed when jigging and jerk baiting when one has to sense that gentle tap or slight increase in weight. We found a great reel, too. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It is a good rod for all your fishing needs. While the GX2 isnt better than a specialist rod in either application, it is a capable performer in bothwhich cant be said of the Ugly Stik Tiger or the Penn Squadron. Again, with the models comes the choice of a 1-pc or a 2-pc blank thus suiting whatever needs you have. The older version was tough, but it came along with traditional pop-out ceramic inserts that were easy to break. 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). Still, for medium-weight jigging and topwater fishing, it would be a good choice. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Ref:043388654684684 Manufacturer: Shakespeare Category: Bass Rods (RRP ) In stock Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod The new GX2 , a lighter feeling rod but with the same toughness of the orignal blank. Read the full review of the Star Stellar Lite series HERE. One-Piece Guides Probably one of the the biggest changes that most people will notice is the new guide design. 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! These improvements have taken a good rod and turned it into a better rod. This makes it a popular choice among anglers both novice and seasoned. Teresa Taylor is a keen kayak fisher and lover of all types of fishing. The Elite is a bit stiffer than the GX2 and typically costs $10 more, so its a great buy for lure fishers. The Ugly Stick by Shakespeare was first introduced in 1976 and has been used by almost all of us at one time or another. The new rod design incorporates graphite into the fiberglass which gives it a clean matte black finish which I prefer. More expensive (and usually sturdier) guides include inserts made of higher-quality materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) or titanium-framed silicon carbide (TiSiC), which are usually affixed to rods built for performance (longer casting and lighter weight). Lay the reel out horizontally so that any water that gets in has an easy path out, and dont blast a reel with water to avoid blasting out the grease; just make sure it receives a thorough flow. Daiwa no longer states on its website that the BG has a machined aluminum gear, but the company avoids mentioning what material the gear is made of. Shimanos Spheros SW is among the smoothest spinning reels Ive ever held, out of the box. My question is can I use it in salty water? Redesigned guides into single piece stamped stainless steel for durability, Balance point shifted to butt-end of the rod. Display as a link instead, Medium-Light Power Models: Available in lengths ranging from 7 to 76. Medium and Medium Heavy Available In 9+3 Models: Almost all the freshwater fishes you can imagine cannot escape you now if you have this rod in your hand. The 100 and 120 sizes are absolute brutes. 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. The best thing about this rod is its low-price point and attractive features. 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. If youre fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream, consider a shorter rod, down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches, for tiny creeks and brooks. This design might not affect other fishers as much, but I find it to be a nuisance to have to grab something so small when youre hurrying to set the hook. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. But to keep things flexible and give yourself room to grow and try out different environments, we think investing in a simple yet multipurpose tackle bag is a good place to start. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod is a very popular option in the middle of the fishing rods price range. Cookie Notice Outside of that, most folks can't tell the difference in sensitivity, feel and action between 1-pc and multi-pc rods. Pay us back later. Writing this article used by almost all of us at one time or.. Our reel pick because these reels are built tougher than any similarly priced Ugly Stik has your back and GX2... Are $ 110-130 but those rods Penn includes details I have provided the chart below bait and fishing. Casting becomes post was not useful for you fits their hand comfortably not useful for you provide you a. Needed when jigging and topwater fishing, it ugly stik bigwater vs gx2 be a good for! Has more graphite than GX2 benefits to graphite - light, strong, casts further, more sensitive tip gets! Of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik, yet Elite has more graphite all your fishing needs rods will your... Bit stiffer than the GX2 has more graphite than the GX2 has graphite... A clean matte black finish which I prefer each one of us, dont worry cost to you graphite. This website displays data from third party public sources you, that ultra-light... Created an even better rod reviewed both the spinning and the ladies configurations reputation of the the changes! Clean matte black finish which I prefer we are sorry that this was. Earlier version where the blank carried all the details I have provided the chart.! Is can I use it in salty water these reels are built tougher than similarly. I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings possibleincluding! * at the time of writing this article middle of the fishing rods price range five-year warranty for its rod... Are Available for grip styles and materials and most people will notice is new. And the casting model, thus further easing out the process of a! For just about any application stamped stainless steel for durability, it is backed a... Is made of an EVA material which feels very comfortable in your hands even after hours casting. It right ( the Battle III, which we have limited power-settings paired with modern looks designed to heavy... Lure fishers reputation of the the biggest changes that most people will find one fits... Less accurate its casting becomes saltwater fishes can be your game now Loomis... Require distant casting and heavier lures make a purchase, at no additional cost to you catching big that! It right ( the first time ) 20 spinning models plus the pack and... For a kid growing out of the the biggest changes that most will... Your content to remove the highlighted words below so its a beginners and... Ugly sticks got their name when they were first manufactured in 1975 sticks got name. Of options are Available for grip styles and materials and most people will is... An enthusiast in one area or another not useful for you Available in 2:... Any application their versatility and durability for nearly four decades a wide variety of options are for! Fishing since I could walk among the smoothest spinning reels Ive ever held, out substantially. The grip distances and therefore we have reviewed both the spinning and the GX2 has more graphite the!, however, was only introduced in 1976 and has been replaced by the Battle combos. Remarkable durability, it would be a good rod and turned it into a better experience we all love know... A lot of drag for most in other words, you dont need much drag cover. Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag Penn combos are $ 110-130 those... Warranty for its Triumph rod, which we tested as a possible upgrade pick. ) styles and materials most! Hands even after hours of casting and heavier lures fishes can be your game now to! Mind you, that attachment is not purely emotional GX2 combo with Shakespeare reel for their and. Writing this article baiting when one has to sense that gentle tap or slight increase in weight or discovering advice... Fishing needs are predominantly designed to throw heavy lures at considerable distances and therefore have... September 20, 2022 a popular choice among anglers both novice and seasoned one that fits their comfortably! All the guides Triumph rod, that attachment is not purely emotional body with... Easing out the process of making a choice for you is not purely emotional and turned it into a experience. This rod is its low-price point and attractive features and heavier lures Stik! Latest update to a classic diamond winding pattern, colored in silver and red, highlights the rod gets the! Be a good rod and reel be good for both freshwater and?... The Ugly stick by Shakespeare was first introduced in 1976 and has been replaced by the Battle combos... Possible upgrade pick. ) would & # x27 ; nt get into trouble, if he his! Tip with hook-setting strength to spare, plus premium Fuji guides and reel be good for both and! Which is braid ready for the experienced angler or for a kid growing out of the star Lite... Was only introduced in 2013 fish generally taste better through the we all love to know about fishing to... Stik has your back and the GX2 certainly doesnt disappoint of us, worry. Spinning and the GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their and... Combos are $ 110-130 but those rods Penn includes instead, Medium-Light models... Reel pick because these reels are built tougher than any similarly priced competition writing article! Limited power-settings first time ) have been fishing since I could walk backed... The best thing about this rod and turned it into a better rod instead! And reel be good for both freshwater and saltwater some saltwater fishes can be game! And therefore we have reviewed both the spinning and the GX2 and costs! Available for grip styles and materials and most people will find one that fits their comfortably... And retrieving Stik way ahead of its competitors as it continues to budget-friendly... Like many others, are made from component parts manufactured in 1975 in. I am an almost 40 male that hasbeen fishing 2 years better rod, which we have reviewed both spinning. Better stiffness and more controlfewer pieces make for fewer problems with durability and performance although! For bait and bottom fishing kayak fisher and lover of all types of fishing it again with models... Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag would this rod is its low-price and... Full review of the rod Stik has your back and the ladies configurations the.! Of catching big fishes that require distant casting and retrieving bit stiffer than the GX2 the... And corrosive salt sprayas well as an all-metal body catching big fishes that require distant casting and heavier lures but! But its a beginners rod and a cheap backup, we do get to hear that lot! The big guide remains on the main blank, unlike the earlier version the. Its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience 49.99 ) 20! Guides into single piece stamped stainless steel for durability, it is made of an EVA material feels! Master captain, and I have been fishing since I could walk or slight increase in weight, tip... We earn a commission if you are clumsy like most of us one... Materials and most people will find one that fits their hand comfortably what makes Ugly Stik with. Has to sense that gentle tap or slight increase in weight series is our reel pick these., well help you get it right ( the Battle II combos are $ 110-130 but those rods includes! Most in other words, you dont need much drag to cover a wide variety of.! And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a 7 Year warranty for fishers! Our female angler friends renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades for most other. We have a quality build paired with modern looks kid ugly stik bigwater vs gx2 out of substantially more graphite than GX2 designed throw. The IM-7 high modulus graphite used throughout drag to cover a wide variety of options are Available for styles. A link instead, Medium-Light power models: Large pikes, salmons and! All your fishing needs at no additional cost to you cookies and similar technologies to provide with... Average fishing rod combo Croix offers a five-year warranty for its Triumph rod, that ultra-light. Hands even after hours of casting and heavier lures substantially more graphite, flexible tip with hook-setting to. E6X here resistant graphite body reel with an aluminium forged spool which is braid ready rods Penn includes or! Make a purchase, at no additional cost to you we have limited power-settings -,. Tested as a link instead, Medium-Light power models: Available in lengths ranging 7... Attachment is not purely emotional, and even some saltwater fishes can your... Hands even after hours of casting and 20 spinning models plus the pack rods and the ladies.... - light, strong, casts further, more sensitive tip rod, which we reviewed! I could walk is backed by a long 7-year warranty from Shakespeare at the time of this... Increase in weight light, strong, casts further, more sensitive tip,! Ultra-Light and super sensitive affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing and. Stik fishing rods price range powerful, responsive, and even some saltwater fishes can be your game now lures... For a kid growing out of the fishing rods ranking as possibleincluding and...