Thread: Ugly Stik GX2 7 UL

I predominantly use Ugly Stik rods for most of my crappie fishing... they are mainly all 5' UL versions and I do have 2 of the 5' UL GX2 versions spooled with 6lb hi vis line and size 75 and 100 reels. I like them because I have never broken one and have landed 2/3# crappies, PB whisker of 15 lbs, a 61/2 lb hybrid and a 53/4 lb largemouth bass on these rods and landed all of the fish without using a net. This is how good I think the Ugly Stik rods are no matter the length of the rod. All of my ugly stiks have never felt floppy to me as I can feel any subtle strikes that crappies or bluegills will have. I also have used and have 4 5' to 7' Cherrywood rods that I also have never broken one fishing the above species. Hope this helps..

I got one of them , but I think it’s a 6 footer , actually lost the top half of it somehow recently….
It was so so for dock angling….never did much casting with it

Originally Posted by nathanstrecker

Does anyone here use a 7 foot ultralight gx2 for crappie? I read where one person does, and I couldn't find it on here again. I played with one at Dunham's and it was VERY floppy lol. Didn't know who else uses one and does or doesn't have an issue casting or catching panfish with one. It was a casting rod.

Yes, I have one of these. I got it a few years ago and like it. I do wish it was 6.5 ft instead of 7 because, as you mentioned, it does feel a bit floppy. Or, as Richard Gene says about some UL rods, "like a wet noodle". Since buying this Ugly Stik, I have upgraded several times to other setups, but I still like the GX2. I always take it with me when I go fishing on someone else's boat because I know it is tough. The reel that comes with the GX2 combo is just OK, but it does the job. Honestly, for the price, I don't think you can beat Ugly Stik. Keep us posted on your decision.

I don't own an Ugly Stik UL, but I have 4 medium actions I use for pulling crankbaits and drifting with blade baits. I got the idea from Jeff White's crankbait tutorial write up (https://www.crappie.com/crappie/main...e-republished/ ) a few years ago (Thanks!) I'm not sure what the deal is, but the transition from clear tip to main rod shaft creates a bit of a flat spot at the junction, which does make it kinda floppy. The tip seems heavier (more dense?) than the rod body. Since I don't cast them and only use them for trolling, I don't care. They've held up well for a long time and have handled stripers, cats, LMB, gar, even a grass carp I foul hooked that was longer than my leg. It was a 20 minute fight which pulled my kayak around like it was nothing.



Jim