OHUB Review: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

I’ve to confess – it’s been some time since I bought an ultralight rod and reel combo. I can keep in mind my first one as a child. I saved as much as purchase a Daiwa 212 RL combo. It was my go-to setup for freshwater fishing. Heck, it was my solely setup for freshwater fishing. So, I used to be excited to “take the straightforward route” after I purchased the Ugly Stik Gx2 Spinning Combo. I used to be searching for a easy setup that I might carry round at the back of my truck for these just-in-case moments whereas touring. At first look, it appeared just like the Gx2 Combo can be the right match for my wants.

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
– Rod Size: 5’6″ two-piece building
– Energy: Supplied in Ultralight to Medium
– Line Score: 6-12 lb
– Lure Score: 1/8 – 5/8 oz
– Guides: 5 Ugly Tuff guides with PVD coating (one-piece building)
– Reel Dimension: 30 with graphite physique and machined aluminum spool
– Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
– Line Restoration: 28 inches per flip

Testing the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo
My testing floor was a neighborhood lake that’s been my go-to spot for years. I loaded the reel with 8-lb. Mr. Crappie line and began working the shoreline. Initially, I tied on a Rat-L-Entice, however the ultralight rod rapidly confirmed me this wasn’t the best pairing. After switching to a Roadrunner, the whole lot fell into place. The actual take a look at got here at a creek mouth feeding into the lake – you understand the sort, the place the water creates that good ambush level. That’s the place a 14-inch bass determined to inhale my Roadrunner.

Efficiency
The rod combines graphite and fiberglass in a approach that jogs my memory of these old-school rods that would take a beating however nonetheless had sufficient sensitivity to really feel a bream nibbling. The Clear Tip design was good as I used to be in a position to really feel the lure’s spinner vibrating when as I reeled it in.

So far as the drag system goes. It shocked me. Throughout that five-minute struggle with the bass, it carried out like a way more costly reel. The retrieve is clean sufficient for working small lures, although don’t count on it to compete with high-end reels.

One factor value noting – the ultralight motion makes even smaller fish really feel like giants, however I’d suggest stepping as much as the medium energy model should you plan to throw something heavier than 1/4 ounce.

Professionals
-Constructed powerful sufficient to outlive years in a truck mattress
-Clean drag system that handles fish higher than anticipated
-Clear Tip design provides spectacular sensitivity
-Excellent for instructing youngsters or as a backup rod
-Excellent worth beneath $50

Cons
-Two-piece design can loosen after repeated casting
-Ultralight mannequin struggles with heavier lures
-Not ultimate for bigger sport fish

Last Ideas
After years of utilizing Ugly Stiks, together with my first rod as a child, this combo lives as much as the model’s popularity for toughness. Whereas it won’t be the rod you attain for throughout a match, it’s good as a backup in your truck or at hand to a child studying to fish. At beneath $50, you’re getting a combo that may deal with the whole lot from small bass to catfish and for what I’m utilizing it for, this could final me a number of years.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Impartial Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith e-mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com