Readers’ Favorite Fishing Gear: The Ugly Stick Tops the List

On the Field & Stream Reader Test Panel application, we asked, “What’s your favorite piece of gear and why?” Here are a few responses from the fishermen:

Al S. of Brighton, Mich.: “I love my 6’6” St. Croix spincasting rod. It’s great for distance casting.”

Marc S. of Macedon, N.Y.: “My G Loomis GL2 6’6” baitcasting rod. Unbelievable feel and action.”

Jeff H. of Grand Lake, Colo.: “My Hodgman Wadelite chest waders. They’re extremely light weight and tough enough to take a beating in willow thickets.”

Richard A. of Brandon, Fla.: “A Garmin 2620 GPS. This is the most accurate GPS I have ever owned.”

Now here’s the surprise. I have looked at more than 1,000 applications and the one piece of fishing gear mentioned most frequently is…drum roll, please…the Shakespeare Ugly Stick. Who knew that a $40 rod would be loved by so many?

How much you would spend for a good fishing rod?

On a darker note, tomorrow I will bring you a list of the most ostracized fishing gear.

Comments

[Aaron]

For a spinning rod - I'm open to spending between $40 and $120. Currently my spinning rod of choice is a Cabella's guide series.

AND, Yes - I too own an Ugly Stick. My father bought it for me when I was 7 and I still have it today. It's indestructable and I've caught everything from panfish to channel cat with it. I will give it to my son in a few years so he can start with a bang - and you know what - he'll probably pass it on to his son.

Fly Fishing is another story - I've spent $145 on an Orivis 5wt clearwater classic and $500 on a Sage 4 WT. Depends on the fishing conditions I'm hitting - upstate NY brookies/brownies or bows - or PAC NW for Salmon.

[MattWV]

I love both of the Shimano Symetres I own, they're the smoothest reels I've ever owned and aren't horribly expensive. I also just bought one of new St. Croix Triumphs, so far I'm quite impressed with it as well for a $50 rod.

[balarneystone]

I also like Cabela’s rods. They are reasonably priced, have great warranty service, and hold up under rough handling. I own 5 of them now as well as their reels.
I am looking at purchasing a fly rod now. An FT 5wt or so for the finicky trout.

[Concerned_Soldier]

I'm not a great fisherman, but it is nice to get outdoors and drown a few worms and minnows with my two boys. I bought Ugly Sticks because they said they were unbreakable, and so far they have been, in the bed of the pick-up or crushed into the mini-van they take a beating and keeping on fishing! A great buy for anyone! It's like the 870 of Fishing Poles!

Buy one, you won't be disappointed!!

V/R

C_S

[Brandon B]

I must agree, the Ugly Stik is a great rod; I have three of them in different lengths.

[Ralph the Rifleman]

I own a few ugly stick fishing rods, all over 25 years old by now, and one is paired with a "Sigma" spinning reel from the same maker; it has worked like a charm for over 20 years ....My part-time work is at a local sporting goods store,so I get first choice of any rod that is sale priced. I would say a $50 bill can get you a very good rod these days. Recently,our St.Croix models were marked 50% off making most of them around the $50 price range, and that was still too expensive for some of my customers? I also agree the Cabela's guide rods are good for the money, as well as, the Lightening Rod from Berkley.

[vtwinpilot]

I used to love Ugly Stick, but since Shakespear like many others sold out to Communist China I will spend the extra coin on St. Croix or G Loomis. For every American Icon that jumps ship its another nail in our coffin. I cannot enjoy reeling in a fish with a Commie stick.

[Jason Riley]

My Sage Launch has been an outstanding rod, especially for a price tag under $200. For me, it's ideal when going for trout. Bottom line with fly rods especially is to cast them first. What one person recommends may not feel right in your hands. Cabelas rods for the money are also good. I have a 7wt that I use to go for Steelhead on the Great Lakes and the whole outfit, reel, line and backing included, was under $200. Cabelas Master Guide Boots--my pair has lasted me 3 years of hard fishing conditions. The felt is finally starting to wear down. Orvis Mid Arbor Fly Reel...best bang for the buck!!!

[Rx Prices]

http://BuyTramadolOnline.ws/