Ugly Stik Elite Casting Fishing Rod

This is an excellent rod for BFS (Bait Finesse System or ultralight baitcaster). I paired it with the KastKing Zephyr BFS baitcaster reel and the combo is great for ultralight baitcast fishing. I'm casting 1/8 and 1/16 lures pretty far with this combo, and most importantly I'm catching fish -- actually a lot of fish. Personally, I feel that a baitcaster is the better engineered reel over a spinning reel, allowing for stronger and better fighting the fish, as well as quicker recasting so your bait is spending more time in the water, which simply catches more fish. Honestly, I feel the rod is a little overpriced. I was able to purchase the 7'0" Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Ultralight spinning rod for quite a bit less than this identical spec'ed casting version, so that's why I ony gave it 4/5 stars in the Value for Money category. It still gets and overall 5/5 stars from me though. The first day I fished with it I accidentally snagged the tail of an 8-lb grass carp, and the rod, reel, and 8lb flouro line fought the fish well and never felt like it was in danger of snapping. Although it's a 2-piece rod, it connects and stays together well. The cork handle and grip is very nice, and the rod seat seems sturdy. Very pleased with this rod.

As described, excellent quality

I put a Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS 2023 reel on the rod with Varivas PE 4, 4 strand line and 1/32oz lure on the rod. I was able to cast the lure consistently 40’. If I would have loosened up the spool a touch, I could have achieved 50’. I love that it is 2pc for safe travel. The trigger grip was comfortable for me. It has a hook holder which I like. The eye have inserts. The low price of the rod would explain the eyes. The rod seems to have a parabolic bend through middle of the rod with a fast tip. But I haven’t caught a large fish on it yet. Long enough handle for side casting was comfortable. Considering the low price, the quality, good. The appearance of the rod with it’s fancy label is no different than any other pole.My over all impression at the moment, well worth the money. This rod has earned a place in my arsenal of BFS rods.

I purchased this rod for inshore fishing in Northern Florida. A 7', med-heavy, rod is a go to for many fishermen in this area - probably most places really.Shipping: It arrived quickly and safely. I always worry when ordering fishing rods as I've had one arrive in extra pieces.Action: Definitely fast. This is my preference in general, though I do like medium action for long distance beach casting. I feel like I can feel bites better this way.Power: I think it feels right for the rating (10-20) lb test, but you can throw heavier lures than it lists (1/4-3/4). Our biggest issue here is wind and frequently I like to go with 1 - 2 oz spoons for jetty or light surf fishing. Great - for what it's meant to do. I caught a 1 lb bass and could barely feel it, but a 10 lb redfish was a lot fun - not a strain on the rod, but still fun.Sensitivity: You can feel bites pretty well - even little pinfish.Guides: This is one of the reason I picked this rod. I HATE it when the ceramic rings pop out of a guide. Changing out rod guides is not a hobby for me, fishing is. I never want to worry about this. These are tough, stainless steel, and perfectly smooth. I don't think I'll ever have a problem unless I hook one in a door.Reel seat: Graphite. Simple with no issues.Handle: I like cork. I know that foam is the more durable material long term, but I just like the look and feel of the cork better. This feels very smooth in my hand and seems well constructed.Overall: Like this rod a lot. I wanted a rod I could depend on for a long time and this is it. Price and looks are good too. I paired mine with an Abu Garcia Pro Max and it is an awesome combo. Largemouth Bass, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, etc. can all be caught on this setup.One bad thing - mine arrived with the all guides slightly off center from the reel seat. The guides themselves are lined up properly compared to each other, but they are slightly right of the reel seat. Not enough to affect the casting or fishing but it is there. Not significant enough to send it back.

All I should have to say is "It's an Ugly Stick"! Great rod .... exactly what I expect from Ugly Stick!

Rod is better than a number of higher priced ones

What’s not to like about Ugly Stiks. Either you like them or you don’t if you’ve purchased them before. Having said that, I thought this 2 piece 7ft ultra-lite would be a perfect match with a Zebco Omega 30 reel for Crappie fishing. It is. What I really came away with this time from purchasing thru Amazon was that it was listed as a used/open box item and discounted in price as such. Ended up with a great rod that looks brand new at a very reasonable price. So far I’ve had very good luck purchasing selected used/open items, and will continue to do so where an opportunity presents itself.

Awful didn’t arrive complete.