Kevin Van Dam Forums

Hahahha, you’d be surprised how many guys dislike the “sissy” aka lite version of the ugly stik and do nothing but bad mouth these new ugly stick rods.  when it comes to equipment based hobbies and sports there are, well, enthusiasts of just about everything.

TorqueConverter - 16 January 2012 03:55 AM

CincySid - 15 January 2012 08:19 PM

i have a couple of ugly stik lite spinning rods and used them a lot last year, the only thing i don’t like is the tip is a little to limp, i would like it just a tad stiffer. no puns please i know what you are thinking. I just epoxied all my 2 piece rods together this weekend, because all the rods i have broken lately is 2 piece rods at the joint plus they were starting to loosen up and turn on me so the guides don’t line up. so now they can’t turn.

I have heard form die-hard ugly stick guys that they do not like the lite versions rods guides as they are easily damaged by braided line.  I don’t know how much I buy into the braided line and guide cutting hype as I have fished braid (fireline) for years and often on low-price rods.  Can you confirm or deny this?  I’d trust your opinion over the “purists” when it comes to this.  Yes, like anything, there are ugly stik purists out there.

I fished mostly braid on my ugly stik lite spinning rods and i haven’t noticed any excessive wear or had any problems. i like the lites for the simple reason they are lighter and just a little stiffer with more graphite content. since i fish more reaction type, fast moving baits, rod sensitivity isn’t as important as it would be fishing other techniques. i think most rods you have bought in the last 5-10 years have guide inserts that can handle braid. if you have a problem with it stop fishing braid. if they do wear the guides out, luckily ugly stiks don’t cost that much.

i’ve got 6 ugly stiks now with 2 more coming and one of the reasons is when i start breaking my other more expensive rods, and they will break eventually, i won’t have the money to replace them. i know the ugly stik will still be there and i can keep fishing till i die. 2nd reason is that for the way i fish the most, and like to fish, a super sensitive rod isn’t absolutely necessary. the braid makes up for a lack of rod sensitivity and hook setting power and if i need stealth i can tie on a leader. in the summer i frog fish 90% of the time because i love to frog fish. i use more spinning tackle in the spring and fall and at night, just easier.

That being said, Ugly Stiks are not the answer for every fishing situation, i don’t use them,with techniques where i need a faster reacting more sensitive rod for feel and quick hooksets. I wouldn’t use them fishing a worm or jig , carolina rigging, etc…..

I got one for trout fishing, it’s like fishing with a noodle. I Like it though

TorqueConverter - 16 January 2012 03:55 AM

CincySid - 15 January 2012 08:19 PM

i have a couple of ugly stik lite spinning rods and used them a lot last year, the only thing i don’t like is the tip is a little to limp, i would like it just a tad stiffer. no puns please i know what you are thinking. I just epoxied all my 2 piece rods together this weekend, because all the rods i have broken lately is 2 piece rods at the joint plus they were starting to loosen up and turn on me so the guides don’t line up. so now they can’t turn.

I have heard form die-hard ugly stick guys that they do not like the lite versions rods guides as they are easily damaged by braided line.  I don’t know how much I buy into the braided line and guide cutting hype as I have fished braid (fireline) for years and often on low-price rods.  Can you confirm or deny this?  I’d trust your opinion over the “purists” when it comes to this.  Yes, like anything, there are ugly stik purists out there.

That was an old problem that has now been fixed…If you use the current braid and rods you won’t have a problem

I still have some UGLY Sticks,only use them for shiner fishing.

i have one ultralight ugly stik. i just use it for bream and crappie