ugly stick question

[shenandoahriverman]

About 2 weeks ago I asked a question about rod and reels in the 100-150 range.  Well yesterday was my B-day and I had not gotten a rod/reel yet.  So in walks my pops with a rod and reel (from walmart) an ugly stick (5'10 med action) with a shakespeare 35 reel on it.  Now the problem is I was looking at some different fishing poles and I'm not the type of person that likes to take gifts back.  So is the ugly stick really that bad?  I mean I'm not a professional fisherman.  So is it going to be that bad if I decide to keep the pole instead of taking it back and getting something I want?  What is it that makes the ugly sticks so bad?

[SausageFingers23]

I have two ugly sticks.  One is medium action 6'-0" and the other is ML at 5'-6". I love them both.  No complaints and you cant beat the price.  They've held up to some pretty heavy fishing.  In my opinion, it really comes down to personal preference.  If you like the way it feels, etc. then you're all set.

[Jake.]

The biggest problem with Ugly Sticks is their sensitivity. I would keep the Ugly Stick and use it for Catfish and Bluegill, when sensitivity isn't really needed. Then you wouldn't have to return your gift and you could still get a nice rod for bass fishing.

[Grey Wolf]

If you don't fish much , that's good enough.

[flechero]

They are also good for crankbaits and most baits with treble hooks

[roadwarrior]

They are also good for crankbaits and most baits with treble hooks

I was thinking tomato stakes.

[Use ONLY Stren]

There also great if you do alot of rug beating. ;D ;D ;D ;D

[Raul]

Good for trolling too.

[The Rooster]

I only have one Ugly Stik, but it's been a good one, it's my oldest rod, I've had it over 10 years.  No one can say they aren't durable cause mine's seen and caught a LOT of fish.  

Anyway, they aren't so great for things where sensitivity comes into play such as jig fishing or T-rigging a plastic worm.  But for crankbaits and even spinnerbaits they are pretty good.  Especially with crankbaits and any other lure that has trebles, the softer action of the rod will help keep you from tearing the hooks out of the fish's mouth when he hits.  

They're also good for catfishing, carp fishing (yes I do this), or even bass fishing using live bait.  When you look at all the uses you can get out of it, there's really only a very few places where you wouldn't want to use it in bass fishing.......sensitivity areas.  

The only serious drawback to an Ugly Stik for bass fishing that I don't like is the weight of the rod.  They're heavy.  The one I have is an Ugly Stik Lite Pro, so it's a bit lighter but it's still heavier than a graphite rod like my Shimanos are.  Compared to them, there is no comparison.  

If it's an Ugly Stik Classic (the ones with the orange spiral wraps on the bottom) then it's going to be even heavier overall.  That can fatigue the hand after a while of throwing a spinnerbait.  So obviously not the best choice for that.......but this isn't the best situation is it??  There's pop's feelings to consider, and that to me is worth more than any fishing rod out there.  If it were me, I'd keep it and find a way to use it, and then I'd make sure he saw me using it everytime we went fishing together.

[senile1]

The Rooster stated:

There's pop's feelings to consider, and that to me is worth more than any fishing rod out there.  If it were me, I'd keep it and find a way to use it, and then I'd make sure he saw me using it everytime we went fishing together.

Very well put, Rooster.  

[The Rooster]

Why thanka....thanka very much.

;D

[NewAngler]

I'll take a line from another member on here

"Rooster for the win!!"

[Daniel My Brother]

There are a LOT of Ugly Sticks out there. If you have the pro-lite model, you have the best version for bass fishing.

[Joe Boss]

There are a LOT of Ugly Sticks out there. If you have the pro-lite model, you have the best version for bass fishing.

I agree and it pairs up nice with my Shimano Syncopate. I use Ugly Stiks mostly for salt water fishing now. Love the Tiger Lite.

If it was a combo deal from Walmart I would guess its the standard Ugly Stik. Still good, but not up there with the Pro-lite.

[Shimmer]

I love my ugly, it got me started into bass fishing. I buy a new pole every year, so until next year my Ugly will still server as my crankbait rod.