Every so often you come across fishing gear that outshines the rest of the arsenal. For me, it was the Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod, which I paired with the Pflueger President.Â
I first used the 6″6′ medium heavy model for freshwater fishing. A few features stuck out that puts the Elite a cut above the Ugly Stik Gx2. The sensitivity and weight being two of them. But this is a rod choice that can last for decades if taken care of, and their versatile selection is impressive.
Light Weight Design & Toughness
I notice that I rarely get tired of fishing the Elite. There’s no fatigue or wrist burnout as I make cast after cast. This is due to the 35% more graphite built into the rod that makes it lighter and more sensitive. The medium heavy model I own is unbelievably sensitive and picks up tiny bites from pan fish. I use the 8′ medium heavy model (comparable to the Salmon Steelhead model) for surf and steel head fishing. The 6’6″ model is fantastic for throwing spinning baits, jerk baits, and micro jigs for small mouth and largemouth bass.
If you’re an aesthetic person, the Elite has smooth cork grips whereas the gx2 used foam. Not a big deal. But they do look a little more professional, old-school, experienced, you know what I mean.
The added sensitivity allows me to detect and determine what is a bite and what is a rock or clump of kelp, or a small jacksmelt or perch. Ugly Stik boasts about their toughness for good reason – you can’t break these rods. This comes in handy when I’m saltwater fishing and I mistakenly hook into a wad of kelp being pulled by the immense force of the surf. These rods can take a serious beating. Also, it holds up well in saltwater. I’ve been fishing both models in and out of bay and ocean water. So far, no real concerns – no rust or weakening guides.
Buy From FishUSAVersatility & Price Point
The Elite line is versatile, offering everything from ultra-light action to medium heavy and handful of rod lengths. You can easily pickup one rod and jig for crappie, pick up another, and fish for salmon. The sensitivity allows you to pick up small bites but amazingly holds the legendary strength Ugly Stik is known for. At a moderate price point of $80.00, you’re getting a lot out of it. It’s tough and lasts years which is perfect for beginner anglers and seasoned. As you work your way into the Ugly Stik Salmon Steelhead range, the price rises to $100.00. But for a rod that can take a literal beating and withstand saltwater exposure and last for years, that’s not a bad deal. As far as reel pairing goes, I’ve used several. The Pflueger President pairs well for fishing small lures all the way up to large bullet spinners in moving water.
Buy From FishUSAFinal Thoughts
The Ugly Stik Elite is a level up from the Gx2. You definitely get an enhancement in sensitivity due to the graphite increase. This makes the rod feel lighter and helps when picking up small bites. Aesthetically, the rod looks cooler in my opinion with the cork grips. They feel better in hand after a whole day of fishing and give the rod a more professional look. If you’re looking to upgrade your gx2 or looking for something totally new, check out the Ugly Stik Elite, it’ll be with you for years with no disappointment.
