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T
o be a successful angler, you need the right equipment, regardless of you being a professional or a beginner. You will need a well-constructed rod, capable of offering you the perfect combination of power, strength, length, and action, complementing your fishing style. The right fishing rod is what will help you accurately cast heavy lures and enabling you to feel like a professional angler if you’re not already one. So, to help you find the best baitcasting rod for your fishing style, we offer you our best recommendations.
Power levels : Medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy
Actions: Fast
Guides: 8 Ugly Tuff stainless steel
Line rating: 6-17 lbs.
Warranty: 7 years
Strong and reliable, but lightweight and sensitive, it is constructed from a combination of fiberglass and graphite. The Ugly Tech blanks create a well-balanced, strong and resistant pole while the Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides have a one-piece design, with no pop-out inserts, thus adding durability as well as minimizing line issues. Its handles are made from EVA, so you can use it for a long period of time without feeling tired or any other type of discomfort.
It has an Ugly Stick Clear Tip for added strength and sensitivity. You can use it with any type of fishing line as it will provide you with flexibility and a quick response for lighter, smaller fish, and with a strong and durable backbone for medium to heavy fish. It measures 7 feet and 6 inches in length, but it also has other versions: 6 feet, 5 feet and 6 inches, 6 feet and 6 inches, and 7 feet. Depending on its length, its weight ranges from medium-light to heavy and it comes with a 7-year warranty.
PROS
7-year warranty
Great sensitivity
Durable material
Versatile, with several lengths and weights
CONS
Some complained about it rusting even after proper maintenance
There were some complaints about its construction.
Verdict
Overall it offers you a wide variety of fishing combinations and options, and it can, easily, complement any fishing style. Its graphite and fiberglass mix offers you durability, strength, and sensitivity but it can cast a bit heavier than expected, so you have to choose its weight carefully.
It measures 7 feet in length, and is constructed with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix, and has an exquisite finish, making it look professional. It has KastFlex technology blanks, thus providing you with increased power, strength, durability and accuracy when fishing.
It features 9+ Fuji O-Ring line guides – for both tips, tuned, ergonomic graphite high-strength reel seats, and high-density EVA grips for a more comfortable grip during your fishing sessions. Additionally, it has a Saf-T-Keeper hook holder, to provide you with more support, and comes with two tips to provide you with more versatility. Thus, both tips can be used in freshwater and saltwater, and they come with medium and medium-heavy power, making it the perfect rod for catching bass, trout and other types of fish.
While both tips have fast action, the medium one can hold a line weighing between 10 and 17 pounds, and a lure weighing from ¼ to 5/8 ounces, and the medium-heavy one can sustain a line of 10-20 pounds and a lure of 3/8-3/4 ounces. Moreover, if you require different models for different types of fishing styles, it has spinning types, ranging from 4.6 feet to 7.6 feet in length, casting types, ranging from 6 feet to 7.6 feet in length and twin-tip rods, for both casting and spinning. Depending on the chosen type, it is able to hold a line weight ranging from 4 to 20 pounds, and it can support lures weighing from 1/8 up to 5/8 ounces.
PROS
Comes with 2 tips
Is available in several choices
Strong, powerful and flexible
CONS
There were some complaints about it being too fragile
Some complained about its quality
Verdict
It provides you with a strong and durable fishing rod, which can be used both in saltwater and in freshwater. Flexible, but powerful and resistant, it offers you a fast action, and a lot of versatility when it comes to what type of fishing rod you prefer to use.
It is made from durable and sturdy 24-ton high modulus graphite, providing you with versatility for on-the-water applications. It measures 7 feet in length and is for medium heavy fishing, but it does have other models and sizes as well. Thus, it has 6’6” medium and medium heavy, 6’9” medium heavy, 7’ medium and 7’6” heavy, so you can easily choose the ones you need according to your fishing style.
The guides are made from stainless steel, thus they are durable and rust-resistant, while the titanium inserts can easily withstand heavy line pressure. Additionally, it comes with high-density EVA handle which offer you comfort and durability, while thanks to the Texas-rigged hook, not only will you have a firmer grip, but you can use a wide range of bait applications, as well. It comes with a lifetime warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
Stainless steel guides
Titanium inserts
Is available in several choices
CONS
There were some complaints about durability
Some complained about the tip’s resistance
Verdict
It provides you with a strong and sturdy way of catching fish while on the water. Additionally, thanks to its stainless steel guides and titanium inserts, it can hold heavy loads, while thanks to its comfortable EVA grip and Texas-hook, there will be no fish that will escape you.
Power levels : Medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra-heavy
Actions: Fast
Guides: 9+ Fuji O-ring
Line rating: 10-17 lbs.
Warranty: Lifetime
It is made from Toray 24-ton carbon, with matrix kastflex technology blanks, which provides you with sensitivity and power. It measures 7 feet and 3 inches in length, and it has a medium power, with fast action. It is available in other lengths as well, ranging from 6.6 feet, up to 7.6 feet, the power level varying from medium to medium-heavy, heavy, and extra-heavy. Thanks to the EVA handles you won’t feel tired even if you spend the entire day fishing.
Additionally, it is equipped with Fuji O-ring guides which allow you to not only use different types of lines but also help get rid of any hassle that might appear from setting up the line. It has a reel seat which is made from high-strength nylon, providing you with a solid and sturdy base for spinning reels as well as casting ones. It allows a line with of 8-80 pounds, and a lure weight of 0.26 pounds, and it can resist fish up to 3 pounds. It comes with a lifetime warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
Allows a variety of styles
Sturdy and durable
High-strength reel seat
CONS
Some complained about its durability
There were some complaints about its casting range
Verdict
Lightweight and easy to use, it allows you to catch fish weighing up to 3 pounds. It comes with Fuji O Rings, which allow you to set up the line hassle-free, and it can support several types of lines. Additionally, it provides you with a high-strength reel seat, and it comes with comfortable EVA handles, so your hands won’t feel tired even after a whole day of fishing.
It measures 7 feet in length and comes not only with a unique and professional design, but it also offers you two different tips, a medium and a medium-heavy, the weight ranges going from 0.1 to 1.1 ounces. The rod is made from 24-ton structurally enhanced solid carbon fiber, thus it is sturdy and durable but lightweight, flexible and sensitive. It has an Extreme Exposure reel seat, whit corrosion resistant aluminum hoods and a soft touch finish.
The handles are made from high density EVA thus it offers you a durable and comfortable grip, regardless how long you use it. The 6+1 corrosion resistant “K-R” and “FINESSE” guides are perfectly spaced for a virtually friction-free line flow and maximum casting performance and sensitivity. It also has unique camo pattern all over it, with a stainless steel hook keeper, while its 2-piece design allows for easier storage and transport.
PROS
Strong and sturdy
2-piece design
Good for bass, trout and saltwater fishing
CONS
There were some complaints about it breaking too quickly
Some complained about its pieces not matching
Verdict
Strong, durable and sturdy but lightweight and flexible, it offers you moderate action, and freedom regarding what type of fish you want to catch. Thanks to its 2-piece design it is easy to carry and store, allowing you to select the weight you need, however it is not as durable as other carbon designs.
It is made from premium IM8 graphite, with one-piece blanks, therefore providing you with a lightweight, less than 4 ounces, sensitive and strong fishing rod. It features a TP-1 Cast C handle, which comes with a patented split-grip Dri-Tack technology, allowing you to easily control the rod. Additionally, it has skeletal graphite reel seats, and it features a professional style hook keeper, to provide you with an enhanced experience.
The 9 guides are made with the American Tackle Microwave system, which not only eliminates wind knots, but it also improves the casting distance as well as the accuracy. It measures 7 feet and 3 inches, and it is medium-heavy, with a moderate taper. It supports a line weight of 10 up to 25 pounds, and it can be used with lures that weight ½ up to 1 3/8 pounds. It is available in other sizes, 5’9”, 6’8”, 6’10”, 6’11”, and, depending on their length, the weight ranges from medium-light to medium-heavy. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
Lightweight and easy to use
Comfortable grip
Enhanced sensitivity and accuracy
CONS
There were some complaints about it being fragile
Some complained about the guides being too small
Verdict
It will provide you with an enhanced fishing experience thanks to the fact that it is lightweight, as well as it offers you increased accuracy and sensitivity so you’ll be able to tackle all kinds of fish. Sturdy and resistant, it comes with comfortable grips, so your hands won’t tire with time, and it is available in several models so you can pick the one that fits your needs best.
Guides: 7, stainless steel with titanium oxide inserts
Line rating: 10-20 lbs.
Warranty: 1 year
The rod measures 7 feet in length, and it is made from 24-ton graphite, which provides you with a lightweight supple feel, and high responsiveness. It has a medium-heavy power level, and it is available in 6’6”, as well. It comes with a compact EVA handle which will allow you a comfortable grip throughout the entire day.
It has a fast action, with a mono capacity of 145YD/12LB and a braid capacity of 140YD/30LB. Moreover, it comes with an easy-to-usee reel, which provides you with a bent handle for ergonomic use, and it has a one-piece graphite frame. The reel’s MagTrax braking system uses the magnetic force to create consistent pressure to allow you extensive range and increased accuracy. Thus, you’ll be able to easily catch even the most stubborn fish, and it can support a max weight of 15 pounds,therefore, making it ideal if you wish to catch small to medium-sized fish.
Additionally, to amplify its sensitivity, thus allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble, it has an extreme exposure reel seat, and 7 stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts. It is recommended to be used in freshwater, and it can easily withstand trout and bass fishing. It should be used with a line that has 10 up to 20 pounds, and 3/8 or ¾ lures.
PROS
Rod and reel combo
Can be used by amateurs and veterans alike
Sturdy and durable
Fast action
CONS
There were some complaints about the rod’s durability
Some complained about integrity of the package
Verdict
It provides fast-paced action, with a sturdy and durable yet lightweight body, which allows you to easily catch small to medium-sized fish. It comes with a reel, which provides you with the ability to catch even the most stubborn fish, and it provides you with an extensive range. Additionally, the EVA handles will allow you a comfortable grip during the fishing session.
It is 6 feet and 6 inches in length and it has medium-heavy pressure when flexing it. It has a sturdy and durable aero glass construction, with reinforced aluminum oxide guides, a solid locking graphite reel seat and EVA handle grips. Its design can be separated into 2 pieces, thus offering you a quick and faster transport. There are other sizes and weights available, as well: 6 feet and 7 feet with medium to medium-heavy builds.
Its rear grip length varies from 7.5 inches to 9 inches according to what type of rod you have, while the line weight can go from 6 to 20 pounds. It has excellent sensitivity and flexibility, with a fast action tip which throws lures far away. Thanks to its medium power, it can be used for a variety of medium to heavy fish, from lakes, streams, rivers, and even light saltwater.
PROS
Versatile, for all skill levels
Sturdy and durable
2-piece design for easier transport
CONS
Some complained about it being too heavy
There were some complaints about it breaking easily
Verdict
Versatile, offering flexibility and excellent sensitivity, it can be used in several places – lakes, streams, river or light saltwater – allowing you to fish to your heart’s content. Medium weight, it is great for fast action, while its 2-piece design allows you to store it easily.
It measures 7 feet in length, and its 4-piece design allows you easier transportation and storage. Each piece is 1.9 feet long, while it is made from solid carbon fiber for enhanced sensitivity. Medium-heavy, tough and solid, it has stainless steel with ceramic inserts 8+1 guides, offering you a smooth line, while minimizing friction when you cast long.
It has an enhanced real seat, with corrosion resistant stainless steel hoods and an ultra-premium-grade cork grip with non-slip design, providing you with a comfortable and durable grip, regardless of how long you use it. It has 2 other sizes: 6 feet and 6 inches and 7 feet and 6 inches, their weight varying from medium to heavy. Its action is fast and supports a line weight of 12-20 pounds and a lure weight of 3/8-1 oz. The pack contains the fishing rod and a protective bag for easy storage and transportation.
PROS
4-piece design for easier maneuverability and comfort
Lightweight, but strong and durable built
Enhanced sensitivity
CONS
There were some complaints about it breaking up quickly
Some complained about it being able to handle only small fish
Verdict
Versatile, allowing you to transport and store it quickly and hassle-free thanks to the 4-piece design and the protection bag it comes with, it is sturdy and durable. It can complement your fishing style, as it comes with different sizes and weights.
It measures 7 feet in length and it is made from a strong and structurally enhanced mix of solid carbon and fiber. It has high-density EVA grips for durability, comfort, and control, allowing you to use it for a long period of time without feeling tired. It has 3 different tips, of different powers – medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy – giving you the freedom of switching them up whenever you want. According to what tip you choose, they can hold lures and lines of different weights: 4-21g lure with 4-10 pounds line (medium-light), 7-21g lure with 4-12 pounds line (medium), and 8-35 g lure with 8-16 pounds line (medium-heavy). It comes with a bag and a cloth cover to store them easily.
PROS
Has 3 different tips
Versatile and quick to adjust to your fishing style
Easy to transport and store
CONS
Not good for bigger, heavier fish
There were some complaints about it breaking up too quickly
Verdict
Its 3 different tips offer you flexibility, control, and freedom when it comes to picking what type of fish you want to catch. Thanks to its ergonomic grip, you won’t feel tired, regardless of how long you use it.
Casting VS Spinning Rods
You have to know what type of fishing rod you are looking for and what type is compatible with your fishing style before you decide to invest in one. While they bear similarities to the extent that some might confuse them altogether, casting rods and spinning rods are very different, not only because of their design but also in the way you use them.
Design
Firstly, an easy way to differentiate them is by taking a look at the way the guides are placed. If the guides are on top of the rod, having approximately the same diameter, from top to bottom, then you are looking at a casting design. The spinning design has the guides placed under the rod, with the first guide – the one closer to the handle – visibly larger than the rest.
By having such specific designs, each is better than the other for certain types of fish. For example, a casting rod will help you pull up medium to heavy fish, as their weight is sustained not only by the line but by the rod as well, whereas a spinning rod can support only light to medium-light fish, the line being the one that supports the fish’s weight.
Secondly, to be able to distinguish them better, you have to take a look at the handle, where the reel attaches. Since castings are used to catch heavy fish, they will have a trigger-like seat, for a better and firmer grip, the trigger which a spinning rod will lack. It also has a limited, 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
Baitcasting Rod VS Spinning Rod
Casting Rod
Spinning Rod
Offers accuracy for distance
Best for beginners
Requires time to master
Easy to operate
Used with heavier baits: jigs, crankbaits and spinner baits
Used with lighter baits: soft plastic and live baits
Can launch far
Can launch far
Has backlash if you don’t tension the line correctly
No backlash
Better to be used only when fishing locations are demanding – lily pads or dock pilings, for example
Can be used in all areas
Conclusion
While both versions can be used by professionals and beginners alike, it is advised for beginners to start with a spinning one because it is less prone to tangling the line and easier to master.
Verdict
When going fishing, you need gear that can enhance your fishing experience, providing you with a hassle-free, relaxing activity. No matter if you’re a professional or a beginner in the field, UglyStik GX2 will help you achieve a well-balanced and rewarding fishing experience. It has several lengths available, to complement your preferences and needs, and it provides you with a fast action for different types of fish. It is made from a combination of fiberglass and graphite, therefore it is sturdy and durable, and it comes with EVA-made handles for comfortable use during long hours.
Our Choice
