ForumUser1

So - going to have to change my mind :-) Getting the feel for the rod and reel interaction - a very lightweight, expensive reel is going to be a waste on a relatively heavy rod like the Ugly Stik ... so, I'm going to buy a Daiwa 2500 BG as a starting point ... the weight will be about right for the 6'6" rods I bought. Wally World has them for about 100 bucks shipped ... it is easy to deal with them on returns - anyone like another source with same pricing and easy returns?

Good point on balance, Chris. I put an old light reel (think 6 oz or so) I had on the 6'6" Ugly Stik ... way out of balance ... need a heavier reel to balance, I think - not bad since this means the heavier reel is usually less expensive. I have a 5'6" (two piece) old Ugly Stik - was thinking about taking to Canada along with the 6'6" Ugly Stik (either the GX2 or the Intercoastal). Weird, but I can't find much on the Intercoastal model ... apparently, a Wally World only item? I kind like the larger cross section on the GX2 - easier to hold for larger fish (saltwater usage), weight isn't much different from the Intercoastal.

Hi All, A bit of a newbie buying nicer equipment - in the past it has been whatever came as a package off the shelf. I'm on Gulf Coast, but have an annual fishing trip to Canada for smallmouth, lake trout and northern pike ... would like a single rod I can use for general fishing - specs on the coast and smallmouth mainly in Canada. Read lots and just bought a Ugly Stik GX2 in medium, 6'6" two piece (travel required) and a Ugly Stik Intercoastal medium in 6'6". Huge difference in diameter of the two - and the weight of the GX2 is significantly more. Gonna buy a nice reel - looking at Stradic FK or Ci4 vs the Daiwa Ballistic LT. Yep - cheap rod and expensive reel cause I have seen lots of broken rods, but few broken reels :-) Thoughts? Thanks!