A good fishing rod is essential when you are fishing. If you own a good quality fishing rod, it will be much easier to have an ideal fishing setup to catch the most fish. Having a good quality fishing rod means you can target specific fish and have the upper hand in whichever environment you are fishing in. There are many different fishing rods available, so knowing all the different brands is essential.
Among the many different kinds of fishing rods available on the market, the Ugly Stik fishing rod is one of the most affordable. Despite being much more accessible to the public, these rods have a reputation for being one of the most durable rods on the market. You can easily use them in freshwater and saltwater without any issues.
What Are Ugly Stik Rods?
Ugly Stik rods are extremely popular fishing rods that have been around since 1967. The Ugly Stik was founded by William Shakespeare Jr., who found a way to manufacture a fishing rod that was much lighter than a regular fishing rod. These rods also had an ultrasensitive flexible tip, allowing the user to detect even the smallest motions. The manufacturers also priced them cheaply to make these Stik Rods available to the average working man.
The reason why these rods are so popular is that they are ultra-light and have graphite-wrapped fiberglass blank. This patented construction allows the fishing rob to become practically unbreakable. Therefore, these rods are strong yet sensitive enough to catch fish as soon as they bump the hook.
Modern Ugly Stik Rods maintain the durability and lightweight nature of the original Ugly Stiks. Still, technology has allowed them to improve their weight and balance. The company has also made slight changes to its graphite, making the rod even better. Other improvements over the years have made the rods ultra-light and sensitive.
The Ugly Stik Rods are designed to withstand use and abuse because of their durable nature. The stainless steel line guides won’t rust, not even if you leave them out in moist conditions. They are also strong enough to go up against the finest braided lines. These rods also have an exposed blank reel seat that allows you to change reels with wase while also holding the reel in place.
If you are in the market for a fishing rod, there are a variety of Ugly Stik models to choose from. There are different grip styles and materials to ensure that the rod you get fits your hand comfortably. Shakespeare also offers this rod in various lengths, actions, and weight classes, meaning you can find a rod that is perfect for you.
History of Ugly Stik
Ugly Stik is a registered trademark of Shakespeare, Inc. The Ugly Stik was introduced in 1897 as the first spinning rod to feature a graphite and fiberglass combination. Since then, millions of anglers have trusted the Ugly Stik name for their fishing adventures.
William J. Shakespeare, Jr. founded the company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Today, they are a division of Pure Fishing and have manufacturing plants around the world that produce everything from lines to reels to nets. Although they’ve become one of the largest companies in their industry, they continue to focus on quality to ensure they provide anglers with the best tools possible.
In the summer of 2013, Shakespeare launched the new Ugly Stik GX2™ series featuring 35% more graphite than the original Ugly Stiks, creating a lighter blank for improved balance and sensitivity. The new series also features a re-designed reel seat that provides greater comfort, ergonomics, and durability.
The Cost and Performance of Ugly Stik Rods
Among the features you should look for in a fishing pole, the cost and performance are two of the most important factors to consider. Ugly Stik rods are known to offer both high-quality rods, and that too at an affordable price, checking off both boxes.
As they have been around for so long, they have garnered a reputation for being sensitive, durable, and strong. They also offer a greater value for your money as they give you high quality at a cheap price. Their rods are also made using top-notch construction, meaning that they provide plenty of strength while remaining lightweight. This allows you to use them for extended periods without getting tired.
These rods are also pretty sensitive because you can feel even the slightest nibbles from a fish, allowing you to hook faster than ever before. The use of graphite blanks is what allows these rods to be this responsive. With Ugly Stik rods, you can easily detect changes in current or pressure that occur below the surface.
Even though the price of these fishing rods is low, they are still highly durable, and they can easily last you around 10 years or more. They also come with a 10-year warranty, so you can get them fixed or even replaced if anything happens during this period.
Benefits of Ugly Stik Fishing Rods
When fishing, having a good fishing rod is essential. One of the best brands on the market is Ugly Stik, whose rods are incredibly durable and affordable. Here are a few reasons why you should look no further than these fishing rods.
Durability
Ugly Stiks are known for their durability. The traditional Ugly Stik has a graphite and fiberglass composite blank, which makes it very strong and flexible. The clear tip of the rod provides extra strength where you need it most and can even detect those lightest bites. The stainless steel guides make this rod extremely tough and help resist corrosion from saltwater fishing trips.
Also, many anglers say they’ve used the same rod for years without it breaking or showing signs of wear.
Sensitivity
While being one of the toughest rods around, Ugly Stiks also provide great sensitivity in the tip section. This allows you to feel even the slightest bite from fish as small as crappie to big catfish. In addition to being sensitive in the tip, the entire rod transmits vibrations well, allowing you to feel when your bait moves or when bigger fish are chasing it away.
Flexibility
The Ugly Stik is not just stronger than any other rod on the market, but it is also more flexible. The combination of strength and flexibility makes it perfect for catching fish such as bonefish, snook, and redfish. All of these fish put up a tremendous fight, and the Ugly Stik allows you to land them without breaking your back or your rod!
Affordable
These rods are pretty reasonably priced, especially considering their excellent build quality. They are also easy to find and available in most sporting goods stores as well as online. When you’re just starting out and trying to figure out if fishing is something you enjoy doing, starting with an inexpensive rod first makes sense. Once you decide that you like fishing and want to invest more money into the sport, only then upgrade your gear.
How To Choose a Fishing Rod
When purchasing a fishing rod, there are many factors to consider to ensure that your rod fits perfectly in your hand and makes fishing easier. Here are a few factors that you may want to consider.
The Right Fishing Rod Length
One of the first factors you should consider when purchasing a fishing rod is its length. Most fishing rods measure between 4 and 14 feet, so you should choose one that suits you.
Rod length significantly impacts how far away you can cast. Usually, longer rods allow you to make longer casts. Still, the greater the length, the more difficult it is to maneuver. On the other hand, if you purchase a shorter rod, you have much more control but are limited in how far you can throw the line.
The rod length you need also depends on where you are casting from. If you are on a boat or deep sea fishing, you may not need to cast that far, and a shorter 5 to 7 feet rod will be perfect. Not only will they be easier to control, but they are also a lot more powerful, allowing you to capture larger fish.
On the other hand, a larger fishing rod can be a lifesaver if you are on land. Aim to purchase 8 feet or longer fishing rod on this case. Although they may be difficult to swing, they will allow you to make a long cast and have your hook land far away.
If you are a beginner or just picking up fishing as a hobby, you should ideally go for a 7 feet fishing pole as it is considered an all-around good choice. Once you get the hang of it, you can change the size to see which one suits you best.
Rod Material
Fishing rods are made using various materials and sometimes mixing two materials together. The material of your fishing rod is an essential consideration as it determines how it performs. Using the right kind of fishing rod can have a considerable impact on your success. Here are some of the different types you can purchase.
| Type of Material | Description |
| Fiberglass Rods | Fiberglass rods are some of the most used fishing rods worldwide due to their strong and enduring nature. They are also super easy to make, making them more affordable than other kinds. These rods’ durability and low price make them a perfect choice for beginners. The only downside to using these fishing rods is that they provide limited feedback, and you can’t detect lighter bites. They are also heavy. |
| Graphite Rods | Graphite rods became popular in the 70s due to their lightweight nature. They are very sensitive to bites, making them extremely enjoyable and easy to fish with. The downside to these rods is that they are stiffer, making them much more brittle. They are much more expensive too. |
| Composite Rods | Composite rods are the best rod if you are looking for excellent performance. They are made using graphite and fiberglass, making them highly flexible. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of different waters. The only downside is that they are the most expensive kind. |
Action
One of the critical factors that determine performance is the action of a fishing rod. This depends on various factors, including the shape of the rod and the material it is made of. The action of a rod is how much and where your fishing rod bends. The action of a rod also controls the speed at which the rod can go from loaded to its original position.
The action of a fishing rod is divided into three types. They are fast, medium, and slow. Fast action rods are also called heavy action rods, which bend at the uppermost part, which is right below the tip. Such rods are susceptible to even the lightest of nibbles. When a fish nibbles at the bait, it sends powerful vibrations to your hands, which alerts you to start reeling. They can also snap back quickly.
Medium action rods are designed to bend at the top half of the pole. These poles allow you to cast far out. They move slower than fast action rods but work well with multiple hook setups. Slow or light action rods are bendable all the way through and can be extremely fun to use. It is recommended that you use the smallest lure that will allow you to have a good cast.
A small lure is better with these fishing rods because they need time to lodge the hook into the fish’s mouth. In such situations, you can use treble hooks as they have small tips and require less pressure to penetrate the fish. The downside to slow action rods is that they are challenging to set the hook with. Once the hook is in, you also need to maintain the right amount of tension on the fish.
Rod Power
The rod power is the ability of a fishing rod to withstand pressure. Heavier rods are generally suitable for larger fish, while lighter is preferred when fishing for smaller-sized fish. When using a heavy rod, it is also essential for your fishing to have a heavier line as it can withstand the rod’s weight. If you use a lighter line for a heavier rod, the line will snap; if you use a heavier line for a more lightweight rod, your rod will snap.
To avoid such issues, choosing a line that matches your rod is best. Rod power usually varies from Ultra Light, Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy, and Ultra Heavy.
Weight Class
A fishing rod’s weight class is measured using the maximum line weight recommended by the manufacturer. It is the weight that the rod can comfortably handle and is usually measured in kilograms or pounds and is shown on the rod.
If your rod’s weight class is up to 5kg, you can only use a line rated 5kg to target fish. Some fishing rods also have a lure weight mentioned on the rod. This indicates the maximum casting weight of the rod.
These measurements help ensure you do not snap your line and fishing rod. Using these, you can also determine the correct kind of fishing rod for a particular fishing trip. If you plan on catching larger fish, taking a rod with a larger weight class will be much more beneficial.
Other Parts of a Fishing Rod
Fishing rods include many other parts than the rod and the line. Rod guides and rod handles are also important factors you should consider.
Rod guides are small rings made using metal and have a ceramic coating on the inside. This help reduces the friction on the line so that it moves smoothly. The number of guides a fishing rod has is also essential. The more guides, the better.
The material that the rod handle is made of also plays an important role. It should be comfortable and offer cushion and warmth. Most handles are made using cork or EVA foam, and most anglers prefer cork much more.
FAQs
Which rod length is the best?
Rods come in various lengths, ranging from 4 to 14 feet. Generally, you should purchase a rod that is between 6 and 8 feet.
Who makes Ugly Stik GX2?
Ugly Stik GX2 is a popular model from the brand and was released in the summer of 2014 by Shakespeare. It is an excellent rod that is perfect for those looking for a rod that is worth their money.
What is a good inexpensive fishing rod?
If you are in the market for a good fishing rod, consider buying an Ugly Stik GX2 custom spinning combo. A spinning rod is the easiest to use, especially among beginners. It is also inexpensive and a perfect choice overall. They allow you to make long casts with light lures, and the reel is also open-faced with a cover that you can flip up and down.
Conclusion
An Ugly Stik fishing rod is meant for more than just fun — it is a solid little tool. Sure, you may be able to fish with a stick off the ground or find an old piece of metal that’s free and easy to use, but if you have the chance to house an Ugly Stik in your collection, it may just prove irresistible. Considering the price point and benefits of these durable, high-quality fishing rods, you might want to add an Ugly Stik to your tackle box today.
In short, the Ugly Stik does all you could ask for in a fishing rod. The comfort and convenience features are just icing on the already delicious cake. To sum it up, the Ugly Stik is worth every penny.