Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Got this combo for a family vacation to the lake - my kids wanted to learn how to fish and I hadn't picked up a rod in 25 years since I was a kid myself. Ugly Stik was a name I remembered from my childhood, and, while I know they aren't a super premium brand, I trusted them more than the other generic stuff I found online for under $50 so I took a chance and bought it. No regrets. It is exactly what I expected - a very functional, serviceable combo at a budget price. I've had it almost 2 seasons now and have landed dozens and dozens of largemouth on it. As I got back into fishing, I have slowly been upgrading my gear, and I definitely appreciate many of the features that more expensive rods and reels offer. With that said, I don't think you can really spend a better $50 to get started with a combo. This combo had no problem landing me many 1-3 pound fish, and it even landed my new PB bass - a massive 6 and a half pounder!!! For that alone, this combo will always be special to me and I feel satisfied I have already gotten great value from my purchase. Happy with the durability so far, but this isn't a piece I expect to hand down to my children. If it were to break tomorrow, I'm happy with it, anything more is icing on the cake. The real isn't bad in terms of drag, smoothness, casting, etc. The weight of this combo is great and I like the balance. I'm a bank fisherman and need 2-piece rods. This one is as solid as any others I have and the real is better than some generics I have felt on similar combos. I've used lines ranging from 6lb-10lb, mono and braid, and lures tilted to the light side, 1/16-1/2. Not the combo I'd want for throwing half-ounce crankbaits all day, but if you're using lighter lures and you're on a tight budget, idk how you can do much better. Good Luck & Happy Fishing!!!

It's an awesome rod n reel combo, it's the 2nd one I've bought! By far my favorite microlite! Great action and sensitivity!

I have been steady using this rod for 2 years now, all I can say is it’s the best all around rod. I’ve caught perch, catfish,even turtles (unintentionally) (personal fav) bass all kinds. I matched it with the braided line 30lb 150yards, works a charm. Never have any back lash. Anything that gets tangled is easily undone, I’ve used this in ponds, in lakes. You name it I’ve used it. I’ve bought other rods as (play) rods if you will and I always find myself going right back to my gx2 the cast is without a doubt the best in the market. The rod splits into two if I need to take it somewhere. It’s light weight but not the durability this thing can pull some monsters. Biggest I pulled in was an 8lb didn’t need a net anything after you’ll need a net. The rod is all around one of the best things I am literally buying another as we speak hence why I came back to write a review. Beyond amazing between the cast I get about 50 yards (pushing it with a weighted hook and that’s it) so the cast is smooth nice and goes, the flexibility as you get bit, I mean you can feel every chop. And yes you can pull up the cats, picture above is some of many catches with this rod! Save yourself the time and money and buy this rod you’ll thank me later!!

The rod is fine - an Ugly Stik: durable and exceptionally useful for bait fishing where a bit more strength is needed. The reel was terrible. I had intended to make use of the reel till it gave out but I'm aware of it's reliability as it's making a strange crackling noise. Looking around and comparing it to my many other reels, I had noticed that the noise was from the right side of the handle. It seems to be missing a bearing or whatever is used by Ugly Stik reels (not labeled shakespeare). The video demonstrates the reel producing crackling noises when reeling at medium intervals - this isn't the drag that is clicking. The bearing may seems to be missing a seal, damaged or something. Four stars since the rod was good. Minus one star as the reel has got some complications.. I intend to keep the combo though and hopefully find some alternative parts (for this rod and perhaps my other Ugly Stik or Shakespeare reels.

I’m just getting into fishing and this was a great rod for me. It comes in 2 parts which makes it easy to carry around and the rod is comfortable to hold and is a nice weight

DO NOT BUY THIS CHEAP JUNK! I will start by saying, my whole life I've always used Ugly Stik rods and have faithfully stuck by them, this combo, however, is not only double the price than what I found the identical combo for elsewhere, but the reel broke before I could even cast it once, which ruined an entire day of fishing for us. I called the customer support line, was on hold nearly 30 minutes for a lady to answer with me on speaker phone, clearly she was busy doing other things and not paying attention to me or my concerns, I tell her about what happened and she acted as if she didn't listen to me and just said "I understand but what do you expect us to do about it?" WOW! In all of my life I've never treated somebody that way when they had an issue. Save your money, buy something that won't break on you so easily. Buy from a company who cares about ensuring their customers are satisfied. The eyelet came in bent up and out if fear if snapping it I didn't even try to adjust it, the reel came apart while I was rigging the lure on, I finishing tying the lure on, pick the reel up, go to cast when I notice the line guide is gone and the top Bell is separated! The screw fell out! Plus, look at how the reel sits on the rod with gaps, it looks like it wasn't even made to pair with this rod. How did that get approved when they made this combo? Unbelievable. Now I'm expected to go find a box big enough to stick this junk back in, drive to the UPS store and drop it off to get my refund in 2 weeks. What about my $20 worth of fishing line? I guess it's a lesson learned not to buy cheap when it comes to fishing gear. I'll be going with a Penn reel next.

This is a great 👍 fishinh pole best for the price ugly stick is always dependable

I've been putting my Ugly Stik GX2 (Medium, 6'6", 2-piece, with the size 35 reel) through its paces for the last few months, and let me tell you — this rod punches way above its price point. Right off the bat, I’ll say this: I'm using the older version, and even though it's not marketed specifically for saltwater, this thing holds up like a beast. I've taken it out to the coast, fishing off rocks and shoreline, and it's handled salt spray, gritty sand, and long sessions without a single issue. Just rinse it down, and it's good to go. Performance-wise? Smooth and reliable. The action is responsive but forgiving — perfect for everything from small jacks to porgy and even the surprise stingray I wasn’t expecting. The reel feels solid, drag holds steady under pressure, and the two-piece design makes it super convenient for transport without compromising strength. Also — this rod is deceptively strong. It bends but doesn’t break. I’ve had it bow real low under a decent fight and it kept its composure the entire time. Ugly Stik’s signature Clear Tip adds confidence, especially when you're not sure what you're pulling up from the deep. 🔹 Pros: Rugged build — feels like it’ll last forever Great sensitivity and backbone balance Handles light saltwater duty well with care Comfortable grip for long sessions Perfect travel size for bank and pier fishers 🔸 Cons: Reel isn’t sealed (as expected) — rinse religiously if you're hitting salt Slightly heavier than graphite rods (but honestly, I like the weight — feels sturdy) This is the kind of rod that grows on you. Whether you're a casual weekend angler or someone getting serious about fishing without breaking the bank, the GX2 just makes sense. It’s a budget-friendly workhorse that earns its keep — and then some. If you’re on the fence, just get it. I’ve caught memories on this rod, not just fish.