FS Digest

I have been fishing with my USGX2 for a couple of months now, I catch crappie, bass, catfish and Bluegill where I’m at. All in I spent around $50. So what’s a good setup that’s an upgrade to this? Say if the GX2 is a 4 on a scale of 1-10, what’s a 5? I usually shop at Academy or Bass Pro. I’d be willing to buy online but I am really anxious about the pole being broken in the mail. I really don’t have any problems with it so far, and it works great, I’m just looking to buy something better for ~$100 or so?

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by Skooma_Lo

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

MHO, anything would be better than an ugly stick, but by saying that, I will be stoned. That's o.k., I'm tough.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

MHO: I would not worry about ordering on-line if you can find what you are looking for. If it is broken in shipment, the shipper will make good on it. I have never had any experience where a defective item was not made good. Justr Sayin....RJS

Rock Hound Loc: Southeast Minnesota

Check out a St. Croix Triumph or St. Croix Premier - those are their entry level rods (Triumph a bit cheaper than the Premier), but would be an upgrade you are speaking of (The Triumph is made in Mexico and the Premier is made in Wisconsin with a little bit better components, but they are the same SCII blank).

For what you fish, I would recommend a M-L or M rod.

Bass Pro Shop/Cabelas would also have rods in that price point that you can consider. Fenwick makes good rods at a decent price too.

For what is it worth, I think the newer Ugly Stik Carbon spinning rod is very good at about $79.

I am a St. Croix guy at heart, so that will always be my honest recommendation to anyone looking at a solid and functional rod, but there are many rods out there that are good, especially in that $100.00 ballpark.

I don't think a guy can have enough fishing rods. My best advice is to buy one, and then start looking at your next one, and so on, and so on!

PS - Robert is right about ordering online - they are all great about accepting a return if there is ANYTHING wrong with it when you get it, but I am a little like you, I would like to at least handle one in a store before pulling the trigger on a rod, even if I order it online!

Tight Lines!

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Hahahahaha........same here

gunner62 Loc: NW Missouri

St. Croix triumph or Bass X . You will never regret a St. Croix plus 5 yr. warranty.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

I'm wondering how a St Croix would be a step up from an Ugly Stick, surely there's something in between as I would consider a St Croix about 10 steps up from an Ugly Stick

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

I was thinking more like a mile and 1/2, maybe more.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Lew’s has a nice selection of rods as well, look for their Mach Speed rods in M or ML with a fast tip. St Croix is a huge step up from the US. Go to Bass Pro and handle a few different rods and find something that you like and in a price you are comfortable with. Lots of sales on now. Good luck!

Jeffchow88 Loc: San Francisco

Rods, as well as reels are always a personal preference. That being said, you can go with name brands, Fenwick, St Croix and a number of others. You can get some of these from Bass Pro/Cabelas and there you can compare side by side.
Good luck and tight lines.

bobber22 Loc: Ocala, Florida

St Croix mojo is a great carbon fiber ( really feel the bite ) rod

Elefantdude Loc: Oxnard, CA

Try Ray's Fishing Tackle On the internet. A lot of guys are raving about them here in the Bay Area California. Great price point for their rods. I've fished with a few guys using them from kayaks and they are nice, light with a good backbone. I plan to get a few and try them out myself. I have Ugly Stick GX2s and G.Loomis rods. All work for different types of fishing.

Bhershberger Loc: Raleigh, North Carolina

Bass Pro Shop has a series of rods called the “Crankin’ Sticks” around $90 dollars, sometimes on sale for less. I have two and they are amazing for the money. Although not my primary rods they are certainly my best rods for the money. Much better than comparably priced Lews Rods. I love them and they get used a lot. Don’t be fooled by their name. although they do make a model for crank baits in this line they also having finesse rods, power rods, worm rods, swim bait and frog rods in this line of every strength and length. They are one of my “Best” buy for the money lines. Also St. Croix Triumph rods, around $100. Great cork handles and true quality. And of course the Shimano Claris rods of the same caliber and price. These three are your. Best bets.

Salesrep Loc: Maryland

I agree with flyguy, anything would be an upgrade from Ugly Stix.
I would also look at the St.Croix , the Mojo or the Premier.
Can’t beat either one for the price.
Salesrep

Aaron124 Loc: Arlington Ohio

I will have to agree with OJ and recommend a Lew's product. I am a die hard Lew's guy at heart but also have st croix and shimano rods as well. We can all give you our personal preference but when the dust settles it's all about what's comfortable to you. Weather it's St Croix or ugly stick or some brand none of us have heard of, it's all a matter of what fits best for you. Good luck and tight line's