Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite

[dickandjill]

Hi
I use a 10ft rod for my shore spinning but have just aquired a Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite 7ft spinning rod c/w18-50g.I will be using it to spin from a boat for mackerel etc.Can anyone recommend a reel to match with this rod?
Also how would this rod cope if I were to catch a reasonable bass or pollack on it(Its supposed to be unbreakable!)
Thanks

[Portland Pirate]

The rod will easily take a decent sized Bass should you be lucky enough to hook one.
As for a reel, there is so many on the market now. It all depends on your budget. If you want a cheep reel then look at some of the Ultimate Henglesport range. They are reasonably new to this country but they have a great reputation on the continent.
I am not a lover of Okuma reels. Shimano are the best you can buy in my opinion and they have launched their budget range.

[Greenheart]

I think the current Total sea fishing magazine is doing a comparison test on fixed spool reels. I took a quick peep in my local news agents the other day. Think they were comparing about 20 models.

[dickandjill]

Hi
Thanks for your replies.
What size of fixed spool would be best.I use a 3550 size Daiwa Samurai on my 10ft spinning ros but it looks a bit large for the Ugly Stik.
Would I be better of with a 2550 size reel or will the 3550 be ok?

[Portland Pirate]

I personaly like a slightly bigger reel, so I would stick with the 3550. One thing to think about is that if you are going to be using it for several hours at a time, it is better to have a more balanced outfit.

[Omahayank]

Originally Posted by Portland Pirate

I am not a lover of Okuma reels. Shimano are the best you can buy in my opinion.

Listen to the man!!! He knows his stuff. I recently bought an Okuma for a 16' Crappie rod. It cranks like its filled w/sand and toothpaste!! I'd need to be bribed (read:given to me) to look at the costy ones.
I've NEVER had a problem w/my Shimanos!!

[BaggieRich]

Can anybody give their thought on the ugly stik lite. I'm after a spinning rod soon, and this rod seems to be a good one. (The 7' 18-50grm).

Also, how would this rod hold up if I was to take it after Pike? I've heard the blank is near unbreakable, but I wouldn't want to try my luck.

Are there any other good spinning rods people can recomend in the roughly the same casting weight???

Cheers,

Rich.

[lucky]

Originally Posted by BaggieRich

Are there any other good spinning rods people can recomend in the roughly the same casting weight???

Check out the 7' Grauvell RC Bass Spin. I think it's pretty much the same casting weight as what you're after but ask just to make sure. I've heard quite a few good reports about this rod and the only thing that has stopped me getting one (so far) is that I have a 9' 15gm-35gm Greys Missionary Spin which is a beautiful rod (albeit pricey) that does essentially the same job for me. You can pick up the Grauvell at Veals or Devon Angling Centre in Kingsbridge for about £40 - they have them discounted at the DAC at the moment. Also I believe there was a review of the rod a while back in Sea Angler where it easily came out on top of the Ugly Stik. Might be worth taking a drive down to the DAC and having a look at one for yourself. Hope this is of some help.

[Omahayank]

That would be an AAA+++ choice(Imo) . I was a little leary after they went to all Chinese made, but haven't heard anything negative yet.
As far as piking I think that would be a great chioce, especially if you are a light line fisher.
I like a stiff spine, and 10# is the heaviest line I have on any of my kit.

Good Luck and tight lines, Let us know what you pick.