In another thread, I mentioned replacing my $15 Academy combo with something nicer.  I bought an Ugly Stik Elite rod and added the Academy reel.  I was expecting a big upgrade in feel, but I didn't notice that much difference tbh.  The tip has more flexibility, but I can't say that I feel a lot more sensitivity.

 

Then I added a Daiwa Exceler LT, which I didn't think would be a big difference.  But wow, it is so much smoother, and the drag is so smooth, it's a big difference.

 

Did I not get a nice enough rod to be blown away?  Or am I still using pretty entry level gear?

Diminishing returns comes in steps in fishing gear.  A reel upgrade is nice but a rod can be a game changer

 

No...an ugly stick will not blow anyone away.  You don't need to spend a lot, but if you can save up $80 or $100 for a rod...it would improve feel quite a bit.  You can keep the ugly stick for moving baits.

Ugly Sticks suck for sensitivity. 

You reached entry level with the new reel - not yet with the rod. 

You did get a good rod recommendation first time around. 

What he was asking for was any other rod than ugly stik

No $15 rod on the planet will ever be any good, and the best part about an Ugly Stik is it's ability to withstand a nuclear warhead, and that's about it. It has no sensitivity. For truly decent entry level bassin' get a Daiwa Aird-X. That's a great starting point.

"Nice" and "upgrade" are relative terms which require more context in order for others to provide helpful feedback.  In general, pareto improved gear implies mid-tier stuff.  After that, you're dealing with marginal improvements, which if you can afford it, are wonderful.  Catch more fish - maybe not.  Enjoy fishing more - absolutely.

Reading this thread and your last, you ask for rod recommendations but don’t seem to know what you want to do with the rod other than fish live worms.  There are some good recommendations but it’s kind of like asking for shoe recommendations without knowing what you will do in them.  Avid runners will assume you need a good running shoe and fashion gurus will assume you need a good dress shoe.  You went to Walmart and bought some sneakers.  A very practical choice.  The Ugly Stick will work fine with live worms.  It will get you started lure fishing.  Which lures will depends on which model Ugly Stick you bought.  If you become an avid angler you will probably not like any rod you purchased now.  My recommendation is find out what type of fishing you enjoy and then you will be able to choose your next rod wisely.

To answer your question, It depends. For moving baits, the rod (as long as It is right for the technique) isn’t as important. 
For bottom contact the rod is a much bigger upgrade than the reel. The reel is just something taking up the slack. 
 

With that said, there’s something about a sexy reel AND a nice rod. 

Ugly Stik Elites aren't quite as bad as this thread makes them out to be IMO. These aren't the regular fiberglass tipped Ugly Stiks but also aren't the most sensitive rods by a long shot. Plenty good for throwing live bait. 

4 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Ugly Stik Elites aren't quite as bad as this thread makes them out to be IMO. These aren't the regular fiberglass tipped Ugly Stiks but also aren't the most sensitive rods by a long shot. Plenty good for throwing live bait. 

Agreed. Ugly sticks have proven to be very durable rods that are very capable for certain things, but they will never be accused of being very sensitive.

 

If someone is looking for a cheap <$50 rod that has decent sensitivity for the price, I have had good experience with Berkley Lightning Rods and Daiwa AirdX.

Ok, so up my budget on the rod to $100-150 and I should find what I'm looking for...

 

The 7' med/fast still seems like a good choice?  I wish I could be more specific about what I need, but I just don't know.  I've been going out to a couple of ponds, and catching small (probably 1-3#) catfish and bass on a bobber and live worm.  I'm sure I'll start using other tackle and baits, but I don't know how that relates to the equipment I need.

... honestly, just use what you have and enjoy fishing

 

 

Basically you upgraded an axe with a shovel, neither one is good for bottom contact fishing. On the bottom is where the rod can teach you the difference between gravel, chunk rock,  weeds, etc. Everything else gets an auto-hookset.

 

You would be amazed at how many fish have hit and spit your jig and you had no idea you were even near a fish.

 

21 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

... honestly, just use what you have and enjoy fishing

 

 

 

That would require a personality transplant, which seems unlikely at my age

Dicks has the Lews carbon fire rods which are $70 but are quite sensitive and a good value for the price!!  Definitely recommend them over dobyns fury etc type rods.  A good rod is very important.

2 minutes ago, oldnewguy said:

 

That would require a personality transplant, which seems unlikely at my age

I'm at the same place!    Never stop looking even though I know it won't improve my number of catches.

1 minute ago, suzuki2903 said:

Dicks has the Lews carbon fire rods which are $70 but are quite sensitive and a good value for the price!!  Definitely recommend them over dobyns fury etc type rods.  A good rod is very important.

No experience with this rod, but you aren't the first to extol its virtues.

Get a bps Carbonlite baitcast combo for 200$ and a bag of senkos

8 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Get a bps Carbonlite baitcast combo for 200$ and a bag of senkos

Try using hooks also. 

15 minutes ago, Cbump said:

Try using hooks also. 

Lol

Okay, so, I bought the rod I recommended for you last time around. At roughly the same time, I *also* bought this one (darn bait monkey) https://toadfish.com/collections/spinning-rods/products/toadfish-inshore-2-piece-fishing-rods

(The 7'2 2 piece M XF)

 

Even though the 13 Fishing rod I posted last time is rated ML and this one is rated M, the Toadfish is the lighter rod & with my week or two with both, the Toadfish linked above is more sensitive.

 

I'm happy with both so far. 

A rod is more important as long as you have a functional reel.

 

A new/better rod doesn’t gaurantee more fish. Experience, not rods/reels, catches fish.

14 minutes ago, JS8588 said:

Okay, so, I bought the rod I recommended for you last time around. At roughly the same time, I *also* bought this one (d**n bait monkey) https://toadfish.com/collections/spinning-rods/products/toadfish-inshore-2-piece-fishing-rods

(The 7'2 2 piece M XF)

 

Even though the 13 Fishing rod I posted last time is rated ML and this one is rated M, the Toadfish is the lighter rod & with my week or two with both, the Toadfish linked above is more sensitive.

 

I'm happy with both so far. 

 

I would have bought one as well, but it was ML and 2 piece, and I didn't want a 2 piece rod.

 

I've seen them clearanced at other places, just not the M/F version.

2 minutes ago, oldnewguy said:

 

I would have bought one as well, but it was ML and 2 piece, and I didn't want a 2 piece rod.

 

I've seen them clearanced at other places, just not the M/F version.

Here ya go.

https://toadfish.com/collections/spinning-rods/products/inshore-spinning-fishing-rods?variant=13039512879215

 

The 1 piece version of what I bought.

I ended up buying a St Croix Triumph last night (7' M/F)

 

I tried it out this morning and it was definitely an improvement over the Ugly Stik.