MichiganFisherman Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 Anyone use em? They're basically all I've ever used and seem to be a decent rod but, I know here at BR that most people would disagree. I've never used any top of the line rods but, I was just wondering what's wrong with an ugly stick? I'm looking for an upgrade but I'm not ready to spend a couple hundred for a st. croix just yet. Suggestions? Quote
Daniel My Brother Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 I've got a buddy who uses an Ugly Stick for inline spinners, crankbaits, and live bait with circle hooks. He catches a LOT of fish with this rod. It is not a good rod for soft plastics, the tip is soft and will not transmit those real subtle tugs. The slow fiberglass tip also makes it difficult to set the hook. The Ugly Stick is durable and popular, and the newer ones even offer a little more backbone...but if you're looking for a rod to worm fish, there are better choices in the same price range. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted September 3, 2008 Super User Posted September 3, 2008 I've got a buddy who uses an Ugly Stick for inline spinners, crankbaits, and live bait with circle hooks. He catches a LOT of fish with this rod. It is not a good rod for soft plastics, the tip is soft and will not transmit those real subtle tugs. The slow fiberglass tip also makes it difficult to set the hook. The Ugly Stick is durable and popular, and the newer ones even offer a little more backbone...but if you're looking for a rod to worm fish, there are better choices in the same price range. +1 Excellent response, that just about covers it all. 8-) Quote
Bassnajr Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 Do you catch fish on an Ugly Stick? Are you happy with them? If so, you have your answer. I recently went over to all Daiwa rods and reels. I like them for the price, durability, and ease of use. There may be a difference between a Daiwa Procyon and a G. Loomis Mossyback..... I'll let you know if I ever have the extra $200.00 to spend on a fishing rod. I have a wife and three children. Don't wanna preach, but I have to "fish within my means". I find Daiwa to be within that reasonable limit. IMO P.S. There is a reason Ugly has been around so long!! Good luck!! ajr Quote
tyrius. Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 The Ugly Stick is durable and popular, and the newer ones even offer a little more backbone...but if you're looking for a rod to worm fish, there are better choices in the same price range. Very good advice. I grew up fishing ugly stick rods (still use one of them) and at times struggled with setting the hook and "feeling" the soft plastic lures. I've changed to an Extreme rod from BPS and while it isn't top of the line, it is MUCH better than the Ugly Stick for this style of fishing. Quote
shorefisher Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 If you have a Dick's near you I would recommend one of their "Field & Stream" graphite rods for $39. I had a 6'6" MH Fast and it was pretty good for worming. Quote
ddigit Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 true story. I was out over the weekend at a private pond. I'm fishing with custom rigs that a friend wanted me to field test. Using the best of it all and the owners son walks up to me with an ugly stick and spinning reels. He said to me nice gear, but i'll bet I get a fish in les than 15 min. I said sure your on, he reaches into a baggie and pulls out a slice of hot dog, places it on the hook, tosses it out I start counting.. 3min into it he's reeling in a 17" bass. The only thing I can harvest from all this is it isn't the (name or the price) of the gear, it's the confidence in the gear and the knowledge of the body of water. Having fun is what it's all about.... Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted September 3, 2008 Super User Posted September 3, 2008 true story. I was out over the weekend at a private pond. I'm fishing with custom rigs that a friend wanted me to field test. Using the best of it all and the owners son walks up to me with an ugly stick and spinning reels. He said to me nice gear, but i'll bet I get a fish in les than 15 min. I said sure your on, he reaches into a baggie and pulls out a slice of hot dog, places it on the hook, tosses it out I start counting.. 3min into it he's reeling in a 17" bass. The only thing I can harvest from all this is it isn't the (name or the price) of the gear, it's the confidence in the gear and the knowledge of the body of water. Having fun is what it's all about.... Nice story but the rod had nothing to do with it. Quote
MichiganFisherman Posted September 3, 2008 Author Posted September 3, 2008 Thanks for all of the replies guys. I have gotten more into soft plastic this year and I guess since I have no other rod to compare to, the ugly stick seems to work fine but, what would be a good inexpensive worm rod? I usually throw plastics, spinnerbaits, topwater, and sometimes cranks. Is there a rod out there that would work well for all 4? I do catch fish with the ugly stick. I'm pretty happy with it's durability I can tell you that. And yeah I guess you're right, there's a reason ugly has been around forever and is popular. That's a cool story ddgit. A hotdog? ;D Quote
ddigit Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 true story. I was out over the weekend at a private pond. I'm fishing with custom rigs that a friend wanted me to field test. Using the best of it all and the owners son walks up to me with an ugly stick and spinning reels. He said to me nice gear, but i'll bet I get a fish in les than 15 min. I said sure your on, he reaches into a baggie and pulls out a slice of hot dog, places it on the hook, tosses it out I start counting.. 3min into it he's reeling in a 17" bass. The only thing I can harvest from all this is it isn't the (name or the price) of the gear, it's the confidence in the gear and the knowledge of the body of water. Having fun is what it's all about.... Nice story but the rod had nothing to do with it. Bass-Brat,Pray tell then, just what is the moral of MY story? Thanks MichiganFisherman, My point to you was don't worry about what brand is on the reel or the rod. It has to be the confidence you have gained from a combo/setup and the knowledge you have about the body or bodies of water you fish. It all can be done on an old can and string if it has to. Having fun it what it is all about... Quote
Bassnajr Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 Bass Brat.... Is it time for the "more flies with honey than vinegar" talk again??? Be nice!!!! Quote
tyrius. Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 Thanks for all of the replies guys. I have gotten more into soft plastic this year and I guess since I have no other rod to compare to, the ugly stick seems to work fine but, what would be a good inexpensive worm rod? I thought the same as you until I bought a fast action rod for soft plastics. The Ugly Stick may be servicable, but you'll do much better with a different rod. You want to look for a rod that is much more stiff. I don't really know what your budget is, but if you have a Bass Pro near you then you can get one of their rods. Make sure you buy one that is on sale though. The bionic blades are currently on sale and should be decent. Dicks sporting goods will also have their "house" brand of rod. You can ask one of the salesmen there and they should be able to stear you to the right place. I usually throw plastics, spinnerbaits, topwater, and sometimes cranks. Is there a rod out there that would work well for all 4? Keep the Ugly Stick for cranks and topwater (anything with treble hooks). Use the new rod for plastics and spinnerbaits (single hook baits). Quote
SenkoShawn Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 I've got a buddy who uses an Ugly Stick for inline spinners, crankbaits, and live bait with circle hooks. He catches a LOT of fish with this rod. It is not a good rod for soft plastics, the tip is soft and will not transmit those real subtle tugs. The slow fiberglass tip also makes it difficult to set the hook. The Ugly Stick is durable and popular, and the newer ones even offer a little more backbone...but if you're looking for a rod to worm fish, there are better choices in the same price range. i agree 100percent i have also used ugly sticks for spinnerbait. Quote
Stasher1 Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 I've got a 6'6" Ugly Stik Lite that I keep just for throwing crankbaits. It feels like a wet noodle after using higher-end rods, but it's fine for treble hook lures. The Lite is a good bit stiffer than the "standard" Ugly Stik. They run about $10 more than the "standard", but it's worth it. Quote
Trick Worm Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 I have the lite pro which seems to be the same as the ugly stick intercostal. I have had no problem feeling bites on this rod when fishing with soft plastics. Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted September 3, 2008 Super User Posted September 3, 2008 true story. I was out over the weekend at a private pond. I'm fishing with custom rigs that a friend wanted me to field test. Using the best of it all and the owners son walks up to me with an ugly stick and spinning reels. He said to me nice gear, but i'll bet I get a fish in les than 15 min. I said sure your on, he reaches into a baggie and pulls out a slice of hot dog, places it on the hook, tosses it out I start counting.. 3min into it he's reeling in a 17" bass. The only thing I can harvest from all this is it isn't the (name or the price) of the gear, it's the confidence in the gear and the knowledge of the body of water. Having fun is what it's all about.... Nice story but the rod had nothing to do with it. Bass-Brat,Pray tell then, just what is the moral of MY story? Thanks MichiganFisherman, My point to you was don't worry about what brand is on the reel or the rod. It has to be the confidence you have gained from a combo/setup and the knowledge you have about the body or bodies of water you fish. It all can be done on an old can and string if it has to. Having fun it what it is all about... Sorry , read your post and totally missed your point. Please forgive. Quote
Super User Grey Wolf Posted September 3, 2008 Super User Posted September 3, 2008 Bass Brat....Is it time for the "more flies with honey than vinegar" talk again??? Be nice!!!! I apoligized to the man for not getting his point. Should I answer to you also ? Quote
catchnm Posted September 3, 2008 Posted September 3, 2008 Back to the topic at hand. Best low budget rod I've found for soft plastics is the Daiwa Team-V series from Wal-Mart. At around $50 each I have three. Two medium action and one medium/heavy. The medium/heavy is perfect for T-Rigs and weighted plastics. The medium actions work great for weightless Senkos and the like. Quote
Bassnajr Posted September 4, 2008 Posted September 4, 2008 Double "B" No need to answer to me....I'm just a guy.....who fishes..... Peace! AJR Quote
Ballpark Frank Posted September 4, 2008 Posted September 4, 2008 Although most of my rods are G.Loomis and E21, I have one Ugly Stick Lite Pro Combo(7' Medium spinning, gift from my Mom) that I love. It does have a slow tip, but I haven't had any serious issues with sensitivity. I has alot more backbone and is a little stiffer than the standard Ugly. I use this combo when I am "just going fishing", when all fish are on the agenda; channel cats, bluegill, bass, even carp. Quote
Trick Worm Posted September 4, 2008 Posted September 4, 2008 I just got another one because it was on sale for 19.99 at wally world. Im not sure how a fast tip feels but I do know a good rod and for 20$ the pro lite is where its at Quote
kikstand454 Posted September 4, 2008 Posted September 4, 2008 hi everyone... im new. ive been exclusive to uglies for years now and i love them. the lites are much better than the standards. however.... recently ive been desperately wanting a good graphite rod for worm work/c-rig. i think that that level of sensitivity is all the ugly stick lacks. well.... that and the embarrasing amount of weight. i still plan to use them exclusive for cranking and topwater/ spinnerbaits. and my spinning rod for drop shotting. im just gonna move my 6.6 mediums over to inshore where they can really shine and put an accurist or two on them. originally buying the uglies cause i did alot of canoe/john boat fishing and didnt want my rods to break....i still think its hard too beat them for the price, esp for use as backup/amature rods. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted September 4, 2008 Super User Posted September 4, 2008 Welcome aboard! 8-) Quote
Joe Boss Posted September 4, 2008 Posted September 4, 2008 I have several Ugly Sticks plus the Lite and Lite pro models. Its the first rod I ever fished with. I don't use them much anymore though. Its like you wrote in your response once I had another rod to compare to, the ugly stick I realized I liked that one better. I had lots of fun fishing with my Ugly Sticks but I am having a better time with my St Croix's. If you want to start out in the St Croix line of rods try getting a Triumph ($70) you will never look back at your Ugly Stick days. Quote
Daniel My Brother Posted September 4, 2008 Posted September 4, 2008 I just got another one because it was on sale for 19.99 at wally world. Im not sure how a fast tip feels but I do know a good rod and for 20$ the pro lite is where its at If you like the gear you use and you're happy with the results, that's all that really matters. Keep on catchin' Dan Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.