It’s the rod you’ll always see in a bait shop; a bright orange Ugly Stik. For as long as I can remember anglers has either loved or hated them. One person swears by their strength while other swears they’re an entry level rod.
But it’s more than just a plastic rod. Ugly Sticks consciously decide to build something durable rather than focusing on performance. But does it hold up at the end of a big catfish?
That’s the true test. Most folks think cheap = crappy. And they are wrong.
Reviewing The Tough Ugly Stik Catfish Rod
The Myth of Cheap Quality
Ugly Stik were built for abuse. Drop it on the ground and don’t worry about it. You can throw it in truck bed after a couple days on the water and still have no worries.
It will take abuse, and that change how you feel about fishing. That’s why it’s strong What makes this stuff strong? Most moddern rods uses carbon or graphite, but it’s actualy the fiberglass that make the Ugly Stik so strong.
Fiberglass Versus Carbon Fiber
They’re sensitive. They’re light. But they’re brittle.
Fiberglass is what you find on the Ugly Stik. It’s heavy. And it gives.
Durability and Shock Absorption
The rod absorbs shock that breaks other rods. On big fish when they run, the rod doesn’t snap and break. It just bends deep.
You give up some sensitivity but gain life. That’s where durability comes into play. When you has good stuff, it tends to get broken with little thing.
Step on a rod wrong and it snaps. Slam a door shut on one and that’s it. Good rods is hundreds of dollars and require tender loving care.
The Ugly Stik isn’t as much because of price, but because of its ability to endure. Less worry mean more fishing. It’s also durable.
Catfish Fishing Performance
But that is just half of it. It has to catch fish as well. When you are fishing for catfish, you throw big baits and use thick line.
This rod hold up with no problem. The guide support heavy line. And the handle stay comfortablely all day.
It won’t pick up on subtle bites like a pro rod will. If they barely touch it, you aren’t going to know about it. Well, you shouldn’t of wanted a sensitive rod for catfish.
Leverage and Fight Endurance
You want power. When the fish bites, there is power. Where are the catfish hiding?
In rock and mud. How do you get them out? With leverage.
That’s where the Ugly Stik help. Like a lever, it multiplies your strength. Keep your rod tip high and let line do the work.
When the fish tire out, the fiberglass absorbs and then gives off energy. The fight last a long time. Endurance is how the rod win for you.
Function Over Aesthetics
But the bright orange color have a bad rap. It’s different than draws attention on the bank, in pictures and makes some guys uncomfortable using it. Wrong.
Looks aren’t as important than function. As long as it catches fish and holds up, who cares what it looks like? And honestaly, the bright color aid in locating it in the water and grass.
It make it harder to lose. Practical wins over pretty. What model?
Choosing the Right Model
There are several models of the Ugly Stik. Best is old 2 piece model. It’s strong as nails.
Next best is the telescopic model which are smaller and not quite as beefy. Heavy or medium-heavy power are good for large catfish. You need enough rod to handle big fish.
Go with lighter rods if you expect light fish. Stick with rod power based off size of the fish. A heavy blank give you the control you need in tight spots near the bank.
That’s what makes the Ugly Stik an Ugly Stik. It’s not pretty. The handle stay comfortable even after hours of waiting.
It’s not high-tech. It’s tough. It catches fish and works.
It can absorbs stuff that breaks the good rods. And you don’t have to defend why you use one. Just trust the rod.
If a big’un bites, you’ll be thankful for having the rod in your hand. Orange is ready.
