Wesley Littlefield 07.22.26
As a kid you couldn’t pry my ugly stick fishing pole out of my hands, even though I had a foot broken off from the tip. So when I got a chance to relive my childhood and go fishing I was extremely excited Ugly Stick 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo. Will the Ugly Stick live up to the high expectations I had of my childhood fishing adventures, or will it disappoint me? I fished with it in Oklahoma before heading to Michigan for a week of fishing. Keep reading my Ugly Stick 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo review to find out how my most recent fishing experience went.
Specifications and Features
- Rod Length: 6’6″
- Rod Power: Medium
- Number of Pieces: 2
- Reel size: 35
- Reel handle position: right/left
- Ugly Stick® Clear Tip® Design
- Ugly Tech™ construction combining graphite and fiberglass to create a strong, yet sensitive rod
- PVD-coated Ugly Tough™ one-piece stainless-steel guide with smooth tough coating that reduces line fray
- Shrink tube handle for added durability and grip
- Ergonomic reel seat with open blank allows for better hand feel and increased sensitivity
- 10 year rod warranty
- 3 ball bearings plus one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
- machined aluminum spool
- Large handle knob for better grip
- MSRP: $50
Build quality and components
Ugly Stick has built its reputation on making virtually indestructible rods and reels, without breaking the bank. Although I have broken them before, it was due to repeated abuse. So far this combo is performing well. It has survived car rides loaded with cargo around it and many fishing trips. It’s as well built as any $50 combo I’ve used so far. However, that doesn’t mean it will replace any of my premium setups, as the reel already feels a bit clunky and clunky. It makes a slight grinding noise while reeling.
Rating: 7/10
action and sensitivity
This is about as sensitive a rod as you can expect from a $50 combo, but not quite as sensitive. I can feel the rocks and logs below, but I still get a little stuck because I don’t feel the rock quickly enough. I also don’t feel an extremely light bite, so I don’t use it very often for fishing.
Rating: 7/10
Casting Distance and Accuracy
The first time I launched a cast with the Ugly Stick 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo, I was amazed at how far I could cast with accuracy. I have no problem bombing long casts with this setup with most lures. I also appreciate that I can cast farther when using lighter lures. It’s great for fishing the clear lakes of Michigan I go to every summer because I can stop far enough out to not spook the fish, but still make an accurate cast that gets a bite.
Rating: 9/10
Power and hook settings
When I first took the rod out of the rod tube and box, I was worried that it would be really weak and lack enough strength to set a good hook. Thankfully, I was wrong. It has plenty of power to set and secure the hook when fighting larger fish. Even when fishing in grass and weeds, I don’t have to worry about having enough power to free the fish from the grip of the grass.
Rating: 8/10
Versatility and Tech Suitability
I have explored a variety of techniques and lures with this setup. It’s not ideal for every technique or lure, but it can fish with most of them. Even though it is a spinning setup, it is not good for excellent techniques because it is not sensitive enough. It’s great for crankbaits, swimbaits and most running lures. I wouldn’t be afraid to try this catfishing either. This rod is good for panfish, catfish, bass, and many other species, so it definitely checks the versatility check box.
Rating: 8/10
Price and comparison
At $50, this combo is unbeatable. Maybe it’s the nostalgia that comes with it for me, as some of my favorite catches have come on the Ugly Stick. I have yet to use a $50 combo that outperforms this one in terms of durability and quality. While this is not a premium rod and reel by any means. This is good enough for most fishermen, especially if you chase a variety of fish.
Rating: 9/10
Overall Rating: Ugly Stick 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo Review
After traveling across the country and fishing with the Ugly Stick 50th Anniversary Spinning Combo, I can confidently say it brought back many positive memories. While it’s not the highest quality combo available on the market (nor does it claim to be), it does everything an average weekend warrior needs. I look forward to passing this on to my kids so they can create fun fishing memories with my old Ugly Stick combo.
Rating: 8/10
Wesley Littlefield
| Christian husband Father Outdoorsman | Freelance Outdoor Writer & Content Creator | @KayakKid on YouTube |
