Ok, the bait monkey bit me hard in the a** and said I needed to step my game up. I leave behind (but a trusty backup) my spinning reel and rod combo that was given to me to start off with. We've had good times, but now it was time for my to buy my own decent set up while staying within budget. I picked up a Okuma Stratus GT (I've read many many great things about these reels) and a Ugly Stik lite, also picked up some YUM worms, and frog as well...... Total cost $72!!

Rod: On sale for 39.99

Reel: On sale for 24.99 (orig. 50.00)

plus the price of the baits.....I can't wait for this weekend!!!

Sounds like you did good there.  You will enjoy fishing with your new rig, especially since YOU picked it out!  Have fun slinging those new worms this weekend.

Congratulations on the gear.  Catch some hogs this weekend!

 Good feeling, picking out your own equip! Catch a Lunker , write and tell us about it...

                                                 As Ever,

                                                  skillet

It's a great feeling to pick up new gear - good job  

Tell us how you like the Ugly Stik lite

It's a great feeling to pick up new gear - good job  

Tell us how you like the Ugly Stik lite

Oh I will....can't wait until Sunday morning.  I compared it to my Shimano rod today and its much thinner and lighter, curious to see how the sensitivity is  

I own three Ugly Stik Lites. I got the 3 Medium power rods for casting and trolling in ponds. haven;t done any trolling yet, but I did spend a whole day with my Ugly Lite. It is a decent rod. It has good sensitivity for cranks and the x-rap I was using. I have never had probelms with ugly stiks or the new lites. I know they aren;t the best rods, but I have caught fish on them, and so haven;t a heck of a lot of other people, so they can;t be that bad. Good luck, and keep reelin' them in.