Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik that combines the heritage and tradition of the original while maintaining the strength and durability Ugly Stiks are known for. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the prior generation. Fishing has gotten too pretty. Unscratched sparkle barges with nuclear-powered engines. Rods that act like skittish thoroughbreds instead of unshod workhorses. Fish pictures taken for likes' instead of refrigerator doors. It's time to fish the way it's meant to be done, with tough, durable tackle built to provide ten whopper fish pics for every one of some dandy holding a fancy rod and a fingerling. It's time to fish ugly.
Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik that combines the heritage and tradition of the original while maintaining the strength and durability Ugly Stiks are known for. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the prior generation. Fishing has gotten too pretty. Unscratched sparkle barges with nuclear-powered engines. Rods that act like skittish thoroughbreds instead of unshod workhorses. Fish pictures taken for likes' instead of refrigerator doors. It's time to fish the way it's meant to be done, with tough, durable tackle built to provide ten whopper fish pics for every one of some dandy holding a fancy rod and a fingerling. It's time to fish ugly.
Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik that combines the heritage and tradition of the original while maintaining the strength and durability Ugly Stiks are known for. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the prior generation. Fishing has gotten too pretty. Unscratched sparkle barges with nuclear-powered engines. Rods that act like skittish thoroughbreds instead of unshod workhorses. Fish pictures taken for likes' instead of refrigerator doors. It's time to fish the way it's meant to be done, with tough, durable tackle built to provide ten whopper fish pics for every one of some dandy holding a fancy rod and a fingerling. It's time to fish ugly.
Ugly Stik GX2 is the next generation of Ugly Stik that combines the heritage and tradition of the original while maintaining the strength and durability Ugly Stiks are known for. Ugly Stik GX2 rods offer better balance for lighter feel, improved components, and eye-catching cosmetics for a more modern look versus the prior generation. Fishing has gotten too pretty. Unscratched sparkle barges with nuclear-powered engines. Rods that act like skittish thoroughbreds instead of unshod workhorses. Fish pictures taken for likes' instead of refrigerator doors. It's time to fish the way it's meant to be done, with tough, durable tackle built to provide ten whopper fish pics for every one of some dandy holding a fancy rod and a fingerling. It's time to fish ugly.
Last updated at 05/13/2026 20:55:40
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod 5' - Ultra Light - 2pc
Delivery between 15–26 May $27.54
originally posted on dickssportinggoods.com
These rods have a known defect - the handle glue fails, causing the handle to separate from the rod (google around, you'll find plenty of examples). No problem you think: it has a 7-year warranty. Think again! There is simply no way to get that replacement rod! I've been trying for 8+ weeks to get mine. There is no dispute - they acknowledge that it's covered by the warranty. However, many weeks ago they simply stopped answering my emails (I've tried numerous times to reach them by phone but they have never answered)!There simply is NO customer service and no way to make good on the warranty.
originally posted on basspro.com
Overall the rod is fantastic. Its my second one. The first one impressed me to the point that I bought a second. The rod is extremely strong, and sensitive. Casts beautifully, and is well balanced. My only "complaint" is that the large guide, on the bottom section of the rod, is not centered. It seems to work well enough, but it doesn't align with the reel, so the balance is off slightly. This didn't bother me to the point of returning it, but I felt that I had to menyion it. I would have rated the rod at 5 stars if it had been straight. The first rod was purchased in the store, and I will probaly be inclined to do an in store purchase for any future purchases of this type. Love Bass Pro / Cabelas products, and service.
originally posted on cabelas.com
I bought my 6’6” medium pack rod prior to a trip to Alaska as an easy to travel with backup. The relatively narrow but deep king salmon river we fished for chinook was difficult to fish effectively with my fly rod. I opted to give the “backup” a whirl, with much doubt it could prove itself against the 30-40” fish. Throughout the week, I landed over 20 kings salmon and about the same amount of sockeye and Dolly Varden. Impressed was an understatement with the durability of this rod. It’s not the most sensitive, and the 4 piece construction naturally needed tightened throughout a day of fishing. I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for an unbeatable spinning setup, that breaks down to about 17”.
| Number of pieces | 1 |
| Fishing technique | Spinning |
| Action | Fast |
| Style | Ultra Light - 2pc |
| Team | ugly stik |
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod 5' - Ultra Light - 2pc
Delivery between 15–26 May $27.54
These rods have a known defect - the handle glue fails, causing the handle to separate from the rod (google around, you'll find plenty of examples). No problem you think: it has a 7-year warranty. Think again! There is simply no way to get that replacement rod! I've been trying for 8+ weeks to get mine. There is no dispute - they acknowledge that it's covered by the warranty. However, many weeks ago they simply stopped answering my emails (I've tried numerous times to reach them by phone but they have never answered)!There simply is NO customer service and no way to make good on the warranty.
Overall the rod is fantastic. Its my second one. The first one impressed me to the point that I bought a second. The rod is extremely strong, and sensitive. Casts beautifully, and is well balanced. My only "complaint" is that the large guide, on the bottom section of the rod, is not centered. It seems to work well enough, but it doesn't align with the reel, so the balance is off slightly. This didn't bother me to the point of returning it, but I felt that I had to menyion it. I would have rated the rod at 5 stars if it had been straight. The first rod was purchased in the store, and I will probaly be inclined to do an in store purchase for any future purchases of this type. Love Bass Pro / Cabelas products, and service.
I bought my 6’6” medium pack rod prior to a trip to Alaska as an easy to travel with backup. The relatively narrow but deep king salmon river we fished for chinook was difficult to fish effectively with my fly rod. I opted to give the “backup” a whirl, with much doubt it could prove itself against the 30-40” fish. Throughout the week, I landed over 20 kings salmon and about the same amount of sockeye and Dolly Varden. Impressed was an understatement with the durability of this rod. It’s not the most sensitive, and the 4 piece construction naturally needed tightened throughout a day of fishing. I would definitely recommend for anyone looking for an unbeatable spinning setup, that breaks down to about 17”.
I've had a couple of these rods. They're nice. Durable and lightweight. They might not be the best but for my modest needs they're good enough.I do have a couple small complaints. The two pieces of the 5' UL model are not the same length. The thicker bottom part is quite a bit shorter than the narrow more fragile top. It's not a big deal when it's put together but when it's apart and I've got the two held together with velcro straps in the trunk of the car or the basement I wish they were the same so the more stout end would be right alongside the narrow tip. There's probably a reason why they don't do it that way but I haven't figured it out.
I have had an ugly stik GX2 combo for about six years that I used as a cheap backup rod and later a second crankbait rod. I would warn anyone buying this as their only/first spinning rod not to do so for the simple reason that a rod that isn't all-graphite is going to be much harder to use for techniques that require feeling a bite.The positives: The bit of the description about durability is correct; this is a near-unbreakable rod blank and Ugly Stik's 1-piece stainless guide-and-insert guides are less fragile than regular 2-piece guides where the guide and insert ring are different parts.The negatives: This isn't really a fast action rod. It's a fast action rod by fiberglass standards, but not compared to a regular graphite rod. This makes it a good ... MoreI have had an ugly stik GX2 combo for about six years that I used as a cheap backup rod and later a second crankbait rod. I would warn anyone buying this as their only/first spinning rod not to do so for the simple reason that a rod that isn't all-graphite is going to be much harder to use for techniques that require feeling a bite.The positives: The bit of the description about durability is correct; this is a near-unbreakable rod blank and Ugly Stik's 1-piece stainless guide-and-insert guides are less fragile than regular 2-piece guides where the guide and insert ring are different parts.The negatives: This isn't really a fast action rod. It's a fast action rod by fiberglass standards, but not compared to a regular graphite rod. This makes it a good catfish/carp or crankbait rod but not very good for anything else. It's also a lot less sensitive than even cheap all-graphite rods. I tried fishing weighted texas rigs with this rod and it's very frustrating and you will miss bites because you can't feel the "thump" very well. If you're the kind of person who absolutely cannot help breaking all your graphite rods because they're a bit more fragile then maybe this is a good rod, otherwise, buy something else. Either spend a bit extra on the ugly stik carbon (which is all-graphite) or buy something like a BPS Micro-Lite (which despite the name can be bought as a medium-power rod) or Daiwa Laguna rod.
I’ve owned the 4’6” UL GX2 for something like.. 9 years now. I had owned a Shakespeare UL spinning combo before this and snapped the rod while trying to free my lure from a branch. I knew that these rods were supposed to be tough so that’s what I gravitated towards when it came to getting a new ultralight setup.Pros: The action of this rod is great. My Shakespeare UL was so whippy that hooksets were awful when it came to the smaller bass I would catch at times. This has enough backbone to still get a decent hook set for the occasional bass but excels at throwing 1/32oz jig & 1” Mister Twisters for panfish. The durability has been amazing, I’ve caught everything from creek chubs and shiners to a large walleye and everything in between. I used the reel that it came ... MoreI’ve owned the 4’6” UL GX2 for something like.. 9 years now. I had owned a Shakespeare UL spinning combo before this and snapped the rod while trying to free my lure from a branch. I knew that these rods were supposed to be tough so that’s what I gravitated towards when it came to getting a new ultralight setup.Pros: The action of this rod is great. My Shakespeare UL was so whippy that hooksets were awful when it came to the smaller bass I would catch at times. This has enough backbone to still get a decent hook set for the occasional bass but excels at throwing 1/32oz jig & 1” Mister Twisters for panfish. The durability has been amazing, I’ve caught everything from creek chubs and shiners to a large walleye and everything in between. I used the reel that it came with in a combo for 7-8 years until I had to replace it with a Shimano Sienna 500 which has been a great reel.Pros: Good power for a UL rod, not too whippy. Affordable. The durability is unmatched, after this many years the EVA foam grip is still in good condition and it’s held up to the abuse of being tossed around and catching some large fish.Cons: I don’t have much to gripe about, I got exactly what I was looking for - a rod for panfish that isn’t brittle and is affordable. I do wish the action was a bit faster, it fishes more like a moderate to moderate-fast rod and hooksets on a bobber and worm (something I rarely use) are tough at times. If you’re doing bobber fishing it’d be worth it to step up to a light instead of ultra light IMO. It’s a bit heavier than similar rods I’ve handled but with it being a lighter power rod to begin with it isn’t something that bothers me.I do wish, however, that Shakespeare made a TWO PIECE 7-foot MH Ugly Stik GX2. If so, I would’ve already owned 1-2 for Catfish and Carp. 7’ one-piece rods are just too difficult to carry in my small car and with bottom fishing I don’t need the extra sensitivity. If this rod ever breaks I’ll buy another one, for my needs it’s perfect.
I have 12 Ugly Stik rods. Four of which are the pack rods. I still have my original Ugly Stik from 40 years ago (my bro in law uses it now), and it's still going strong. My grandfather bought me my first one in 1977, and I gave that to a friend many years ago. My experience with Ugly Stik rods are outstanding! I use them in lakes, rivers, ponds, ocean/beach/pier. My pride and joy is my Ugly Stik 11' Surf Rod. THAT one is a beast! Hope the quality never changes, and if it does, I have a second choice, that will become my first choice.
I recently bought my fourth Ugly Stik. All previous rods perform beautifully and are tough as nails. The latest is a two-piece, 5', moderate speed, ultralight. Right out of the box, the tip section displayed a ridiculously obvious, sideways bend in the middle. All of the flexibility of an ultralight should let it perform OK even with this flaw, but this is something that NEVER should have gotten past factory inspectors. Some folks accept this as just what must be accepted in today's world of incompetent workers, sub-par manufacturing, and profit driven selling of less than passable products for ludicrous prices. I don't! Shakespeare just lost a formerly loyal customer.
I have always heard of Ugly Stik I just have not ever bought one because I love my Berkley Big Game Power Series rods so much. They are a valuable deal just like the Ugly Stik.In 2022 I purchased a few Ugly Stiks and I LOVE THEM! I Purchased the Ugly Stik GX2 7 foot Medium Heavy 1 piece rod, I purchased the Ugly Stik GX2 Custom 7 foot Medium Heavy 1 piece rod, I purchased the Ugly Stik Big Water 8 foot Medium Heavy 2 piece rod (THICK STOUT ROD), and then I purchased MY DREAM ROD! The Ugly Stik Big Water (Black, Silver, and Red ones) 12 foot Heavy rod! Man these rods are well balanced and flexible, durable, sensitive and strong and powerful! THEY CAN PULL SOME WEIGHT!The Ugly Stik GX2 is a great multi-species fishing rod. I was using the 7 foot Ugly Stik GX2 1 ... MoreI have always heard of Ugly Stik I just have not ever bought one because I love my Berkley Big Game Power Series rods so much. They are a valuable deal just like the Ugly Stik.In 2022 I purchased a few Ugly Stiks and I LOVE THEM! I Purchased the Ugly Stik GX2 7 foot Medium Heavy 1 piece rod, I purchased the Ugly Stik GX2 Custom 7 foot Medium Heavy 1 piece rod, I purchased the Ugly Stik Big Water 8 foot Medium Heavy 2 piece rod (THICK STOUT ROD), and then I purchased MY DREAM ROD! The Ugly Stik Big Water (Black, Silver, and Red ones) 12 foot Heavy rod! Man these rods are well balanced and flexible, durable, sensitive and strong and powerful! THEY CAN PULL SOME WEIGHT!The Ugly Stik GX2 is a great multi-species fishing rod. I was using the 7 foot Ugly Stik GX2 1 piece Medium Heavy and I caught some white bass, yellow bass, some 12 inch - 15 inch Largemouth Bass, I caught this 30 inch Northern Pike on the Ugly Stik GX2. I was using lighter line; I have 300 yards of 20lb Sufix 832 Advanced Superline (really thin and really strong multiple weaves in that braid) and I was throwing a Rapala Jointed Shad in the “JS-07” size in the UV Green color when I caught the 30 inch Northern Pike.When my friends and I went out fishing at a big lake we all snagged our lures on one of the boats on floaties and I was trying to pull my Whopper Plopper loose and I SWEAR MY UGLY STIK GX2 WOULD HAVE PULLED THAT WHOLE BOAT TO SHORE IF IT WAS NOT TIED UP TO THAT FLOATIE! I WAS PULLING AND MOVING THE WHOLE BOAT TOWARDS ME WITH EACH PULL! THE 7 FT UGLY STIK GX2 WAS JUST ABSORBING ALL OF IT WITH EAS AND JUST FLEXING AND BENDING WITH IT! INCREDIBLY STRONG, FLEXIBLE AND DURABLE TOUGH ROD!I asked the park lady if I could use one of their row boats and I got all 3 of our lures back from that boat.But MAN THIS UGLY STIK GX2 (7 FT 1 PIECE) HAS SOME SERIOUS PULLING STRENGTH AND POWER FOR ITS REGULAR SIZE!Just YouTube Ugly Stik GX2 and watch all the things guys do to this rod. Crazy things! But after you watch all those YouTube videos of what your Ugly Stik GX2 can do… it will give you GREAT CONFIDENCE IN YOUR PURCHASE!I WAS LITERALLY PULLING A LARGE SAILBOAT AND THE UGLY STIK GX2 WAS JUST DEEBO ING THE SAILBOAT! LOL!
I have fished with ugly sticks most of my life. I had one that needed upgraded so for Christmas I was given a gift certificate and bought a ugly stick rod and reel combo. In May I was involved in a roll over and unfortunetly the rod was snapped. So I bought another one and took it out on its maiden break in fishing trip. Limited out first day most fish over 2 lbs. Next day out I had already caught 2 more when something VERY BIG took my pole out of its holder and yanked it into the reserviour. I spent hours trying to retrieve it. Guess I am buying another ugly stick combination
| Number of pieces | 1 |
| Fishing technique | Spinning |
| Action | Fast |
| Style | Ultra Light - 2pc |
| Team | ugly stik |
