03-02-2010, 04:49 PM
There's some good advice here, but what I wish to underscore is that not only do different rods serve different purposes - different fishermen can have VERY different preferences in rods - not unlike how some prefer heavy metal music, while opera floats other's boats.
I've had to buy more poles than I wish to gain my own preferences. Unfortunately, I get frustrated along my way in asking questions from what I call "fishing snobs" that believe there is their way, and then there's wrong. [
] I can't afford $100 for a pole and that IS the bargain price! I have two boys and a wife to outfit as well as myself, and, I've often outfished such men with a lowly Ugly Stik.
Ugly Stiks absolutely have their place, and are hard to beat for the price. You just need to know that you will sacrifice some feel for their bendability. For me, the medium ones are perfect for trolling, and the lighter for casting but can still bring in a big cat because they are so hard to break! [
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I've tried other rods that are in the sub $30 category that weren't Ugly Stiks - and I've regretted every purchase... For just a few bucks more I can get one that I like. It's more economical in the long run.
My favorite "all around" pole is still my 6'6" light ugly stik, it has a cork handle and was about $40.
Now that I'm starting to speak from experience, I'm starting to prefer lighter tackle, and this year is the first that I've tried graphite rods. []
I'm tryin' "dif'ernt strokes."
[signature]
I've had to buy more poles than I wish to gain my own preferences. Unfortunately, I get frustrated along my way in asking questions from what I call "fishing snobs" that believe there is their way, and then there's wrong. [
] I can't afford $100 for a pole and that IS the bargain price! I have two boys and a wife to outfit as well as myself, and, I've often outfished such men with a lowly Ugly Stik.Ugly Stiks absolutely have their place, and are hard to beat for the price. You just need to know that you will sacrifice some feel for their bendability. For me, the medium ones are perfect for trolling, and the lighter for casting but can still bring in a big cat because they are so hard to break! [
]I've tried other rods that are in the sub $30 category that weren't Ugly Stiks - and I've regretted every purchase... For just a few bucks more I can get one that I like. It's more economical in the long run.
My favorite "all around" pole is still my 6'6" light ugly stik, it has a cork handle and was about $40.
Now that I'm starting to speak from experience, I'm starting to prefer lighter tackle, and this year is the first that I've tried graphite rods. [
]I'm tryin' "dif'ernt strokes."
[signature]