FS Digest

I’m heading to the Bahamas in May to target bonefish on the fly for a week. I was told to bring a barracuda rod that’s not a fly rod. I have no idea what I’m looking for. I have very little experience with casting rods so I would prefer a spinning rod. I am hoping that one of you master anglers has some experience here and can recommend something for me. I would prefer not to break the bank for a rod I won’t use much. That is, unless you could use that rod for something like bass or another inland species. Bonus points for reel suggestion as well.

Thanks in advance!

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by Ars99654

FS Digest

An ugly stick catfish rod can do it all, I use mine for surf fishing.

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by bigchungusmode99

FS Digest

Honestly a catfish rod will suffice usually as much as i hate ugly stick they do make durable rods.

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by MainelyOutdoors

FS Digest

Depends what you are throwing at them.

Usually a tuna plugging rod will work, especially if it's plugs or irons.

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by EmbracedByLeaves

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Sorry, I have never made a Barracuda rod, but a heavy Ugly Stick should do the job, if you are not to embarrassed to use it. There must be a better rod out there. I would wait until you got down there and talk to the locals or the guide. That way you would not have to transport it and the ugly stick you could throw away when you are done with it.

Rockyrf

Heartless :) just throw it away. If it is heavy enough just cut the eyes off it add a three pronged spear head an make a flounder gig. I can always find a use for just about everything.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

With that attitude you will have a shed that looks like mine.

seborf

It's a shame you don't like ugly sticks...I have 5 of them and think that they are the greatest....Some over 40 years old and have landed thousands of fish.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Without getting to deep into the subject. Shakespeare was and still may be the largest selling rod company in the world. I'm a retired rod crafter and no longer current with the industry. I believe the blank is made out of "S" glass which was developed by Fenwick in 1977 and they called it Fenglass. Fenwick had exclusive rights to it for the year of 1977. After 1977, it was on the open market and Shakespeare picked it up and thus, the Ugly Stik. So, you may have had an Ugly Stik for 40 years. What is wrong with the Ugly Stik? "S" glass is a refined version of fiberglass and because of its density almost indestructible. The problem is, it lacks the sensitivity of fiberglass or graphite. Shakespeare keeps the price down by putting inferior guides and reel seats on there rods and they are what is the first to go on a Ugly Stik. A Barracuda rod does not have to be sensitive, the strike is immediate and there is no question about it. If I was going barracuda fishing, an Ugly Stik would be my choice but I would not pay the cost of shipping it back to the states. Chances are if you use braid on it the guides would be grooved. I would put a good high speed reel on it with a super drag system. Perhaps a Penn Battle II, 6000 series.