The new generation of Ugly Stik rods have the sensitivity required when jigging for perch or walleye
To help select the right rod for your needs, work through the following steps in your decision-making process:
1. Identify the species you’ll be targeting most often. This helps in determining the action and weight of the rod you’ll select. Small fish and lures are best fished with light or ultralight rods; conversely, large fish require heavier lines and lures, making a medium-heavy or heavy rod a better choice.
2. Select a rod length that’s appropriate for the fishing you’ll do. Longer rods facilitate longer casts and provide increased leverage, while shorter rods tend to give you the power needed for handling heavier fish.
3. What style of reel will you be using, spinning or bait-casting? Spinning reels are more popular, are easier to handle and don’t result in a "bird’s nest" if you foul your cast. Bait-casters, alternatively, are trickier to use as they require that you control the horizontally-wound line with your thumb; mess up a cast and you can be untangling line for a long time. They do provide more casting control than spinning rods, generally have better drag systems, and are well-suited to heavy lines and lures.
4. Lastly, think about your budget. How much do you want to spend? You can spend upwards of $500 if you’re so inclined, but it’s simply not necessary for most anglers. There are lots of quality rods on the market for less than $75; be honest about your needs and your budget, and let the staff at The Fishin' Hole help you select the most appropriate rod.
