What do you guys here think of an Ugly Stik Elite 6'6" medium/extra-fast casting rod for fishing jerkbaits?

[JFlynn97]

I have a TW coupon and was looking at this as a cheap option, what do y'all think?

[Finessegenics]

My first casting setup was actually an ugly stik elite with a shimano caenan. That was a long time ago though. For the price, it’s a pretty good rod and they live up to their reputation ; durable as can be. The Elite did feel more comfortable to fish with compared to the gx2. So I imagine the slashing motion with your wrist shouldn’t feel THAT cumbersome with the elite.
 

I don’t remember ever using mine for jerkbait but I used it mostly with moving baits and I enjoyed it. I think with the soft tip ugly sticks are known for, it would be perfect for a jerkbait rod. Soft enough tip to slash the bait with the lightest of flicks from the wrist and enough backbone to play a fish out. I don’t like a noodly rod  for jerkbaits. In fact, I actually use a 7 M/F spinning rod.
 

Jerkbait tapers are hard to get right but I think an ugly stik is the perfect budget jerkbait rod. I’m surprised more people don’t talk about these when it comes to budget offerings. 

[Bankc]

I might check out the Berkley Lightning for that.  They offer a 7' and a 6'6" medium power, moderate fast action that should work pretty well for jerkbaits.  You won't get the indestructibility, but you will get a much lighter and more sensitive rod.  

[J Francho]

It's not for me, but it should work just fine.  I like a similar length (6-6.5) rod for jerkbaits.  It would probably work for topwaters, like spooks and poppers as well as throwing spinnerbaits to close targets.

[Michigander]

Yes, an Ugly Stik functionally works great for jerkbaits and treble hooked moving baits. Used one for several years. That being said, they tend to be heavier rods and would hurt my back after a few hours of working the jerkbaits so I was forced to abandon them. 

[kayaking_kev]

I like Ugly Stik's, especially for a Whopper Plopper, but the jerkbait is one technique that wears on me and I'm not sure I would want to try it with a heavier rod.

[Michigander]

2 minutes ago, kayaking_kev said:

I like Ugly Stik's, especially for a Whopper Plopper, but the jerkbait is one technique that wears on me and I'm not sure I would want to try it with a heavier rod.

It's a bit much. The first year of tournaments, I was jerkbaiting with one and I was basically doing yoga as we changed spots to loosen up my back.

[diehardbassfishing]

Even if not an expensive rod to purchase, if you're used to good rods, you'll likely find it lacking and it'll go unused. They're not good rods.

 

I pulled out my U Stick a while back after sitting around, saying "what the heck". It's fine for this...

 

Nope. Casting shanked the lure so far to the left, I was shocked. I switch around various rods all the time. But this was way off the charts. The rod tip is very very soft. Reason - to make it break proof. They are designed to take a beating, not taken fishing by anglers that know what a real rod is.

 

 

Karl

[MN Fisher]

11 minutes ago, diehardbassfishing said:

Even if not an expensive rod to purchase, if you're used to good rods, you'll likely find it lacking and it'll go unused. They're not good rods.

I had the same idea one time. Took my Ugly Stick medium, put my Trion-30 on it and checked it.

 

Three casts later I pulled the Trion off the US and put it back on my Aird-X. medium..near the same price and the Aird-X is head-and-shoulders better than the US.

[FishTank]

I never been a fan of Ugly Sticks but I don't see why it wouldn't work for this technique.  They tend to have a moderate to fast taper with soft tip.  

[soflabasser]

I have lost count of the amount of lunkers I have caught on my Ugly Stiks. They are great rods for the money and much more durable than many rods worth much more. The 6'6'' medium action Ugly Stik you mentioned should be a good rod for jerkbait fishing.

[Dwight Hottle]

If your comfortable with the weight & balance of the rod in hand then it might be a good choice on the budget end. I would use it with braid & a leader for best effect. As others have mentioned it would probably work well for topwater & other treble hook baits.