TJGators Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 Hello guys. I have been saltwater fishing for years now and have been bass fishing only a dozen times or less so im a newbie. I recently picked up a new rod & reel combination and am looking for opinions. I picked up the Shakespeare Ugly Stik: 6 foot rod, the reel says "35" on it.. im guessing that is the series or the size of the reel? I put the Cajun Line on it, 10lb test. Will this pole be enough for me? I was also looking at the Shimano rod & reel combos but went with this one instead. I'll mostly be fishing lakes, canals and rivers in South Florida. Is it a good selection for the begginer like myself? Quote
skillet Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 WELCOME to the forums!!! Have never owned Shakespeare equip. myself so not much help there. I usually try for Shimano reels and BPS's Bionic Blades for rods. Maybe someone else will answer that has owned that brand. It seems like quite a few folks will buy a brand and then ask for opinions. I think it would better to ask opinions first. Opinions are like navels...everybody has one, (notice how I didn't say another body part ;D) trying to clean my act up. A lot of it comes down to what you like thru trial and error... As Ever, skillet Quote
koko36265 Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 Personally I would say yes until you know you are going to stick with it which you probably will since you have fishing experience...... What kind of reel did you get to go on it? I really do not like cajun line but some people do.... I am a fan of sten if I am going to go with braid and suffix elite if I am going with mono or fluorocarbon.... Quote
TJGators Posted August 30, 2007 Author Posted August 30, 2007 Personally I would say yes until you know you are going to stick with it which you probably will since you have fishing experience...... What kind of reel did you get to go on it? I really do not like cajun line but some people do.... I am a fan of sten if I am going to go with braid and suffix elite if I am going with mono or fluorocarbon.... The reel is a Shakespeare "35". Balanced rotor. Ball bearing. Gear ratio 5.2:1 and im using 10lb test for now. I would say the reel is midsized. I hope it is a good pole. Im testing it out for the first time this weekend on Lake George and the St. Johns River!! Going on a road trip with some buddies. I hope this pole gets the job done. Thanks for the respones guys, its much appreciated. Quote
koko36265 Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 I think it will serve it's purpose until you become confident in some baits, then the pole/reel monkey will show up...... ;D Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted August 30, 2007 Super User Posted August 30, 2007 Welcome aboard! If you're looking for advice and honest opinions, ask BEFORE you buy. Quote
Davis Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 Welcome aboard!If you're looking for advice and honest opinions, ask BEFORE you buy. Translation: Ugly Sticks are not a good brand when it comes to Bass fishing. 8-) Quote
surfer Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 Yes and no. The line is fine. I don't know enough about the real to comment. The rod is unbreakable, but not sensitive. The lack of sensitivity will make it more difficult to tell if you are snagged on a weed or a fish. Sensitivity is in direct opposite correlation with durability. I think the Shimano combo would be more sensitive and let you know more about what was in the water. Sorry to tell you this after the fact. Quote
Taliesin Posted August 30, 2007 Posted August 30, 2007 I have this same combo, and it does have it's uses. I usually use it for large treble-hooked topwaters (I think the rod is a MH). It would also be a decent tool for large crankbaits in open water situations or sparse cover. You can use it in heavy cover, but the lack of sensitivity may inhibit you. It would also work for spinnerbaits worked close to the surface (another situation where you can see the fish take the lure). If it is a Medium combo, downsize the lures. They are right, it's not very sensitive. You don't need that with topwaters though. It's not a fast action tip, but a fairly slow action, so you may not want to use it for slow lure presentations (and you would want good sensitivity here too). I have used it for this, and have caught plenty of fish, but it's not the best tool for that job. For the price (I paid $27.99 for the combo, and Bass Pro sells it for about $34) it's a good start. It I have used (and still use 9) Ugly Stiks for years. They are a good tool for some jobs, but there are better tools out there. However, the better tools cost a lot more. I still think the Ugly Stiks are the best rods for the money they cost. When a 15' surf rod costs me $100, I shudder to think what a "good" one would cost me. And I can still feel a 3" bait twitching on the other end. Quote
surfer Posted August 31, 2007 Posted August 31, 2007 I think Taliesin is right. I use soft plastics at slow speeds so often I frequently forget there are other ways to fish. Sensitivity is pretty important to me. Quote
AnglerNFuego Posted August 31, 2007 Posted August 31, 2007 I think it will serve it's purpose until you become confident in some baits, then the pole/reel monkey will show up...... ;D I agree 100%!!! I know if I was new to bass'n I wouldn't go out buying a $300.00 setup. It will do just fine until you gain confidence as koko stated then it will be time to upgrade. Quote
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