OHUB Evaluation: 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 bear 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 simple route” once 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 seemed just like the Gx2 Combo can be the proper match for my wants.

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
– Rod Size: 5’6″ two-piece development
– Energy: Provided in Ultralight to Medium
– Line Ranking: 6-12 lb
– Lure Ranking: 1/8 – 5/8 oz
– Guides: 5 Ugly Tuff guides with PVD coating (one-piece development)
– Reel Measurement: 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 an area 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 correct pairing. After switching to a Roadrunner, every little thing fell into place. The true take a look at got here at a creek mouth feeding into the lake – you already know the sort, the place the water creates that excellent ambush level. That’s the place a 14-inch bass determined to inhale my Roadrunner.

Efficiency
The rod combines graphite and fiberglass in a method 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 capable of really feel the lure’s spinner vibrating when as I reeled it in.

So far as the drag system goes. It stunned me. Throughout that five-minute battle 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 price noting – the ultralight motion makes even smaller fish really feel like giants, however I’d advocate stepping as much as the medium energy model in case 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 gives spectacular sensitivity
-Good for instructing children or as a backup rod
-Excellent worth underneath $50

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

Ultimate Ideas
After years of utilizing Ugly Stiks, together with my first rod as a child, this combo lives as much as the model’s status for toughness. Whereas it may not be the rod you attain for throughout a match, it’s excellent as a backup in your truck or at hand to a child studying to fish. At underneath $50, you’re getting a combo that may deal with every little thing from small bass to catfish and for what I’m utilizing it for, this could final me just a few years.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning outside journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside 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 electronic mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com