Keith Lusher 03.24.25
I have to admit – it’s been a while since I purchased an ultralight rod and reel combo. I can remember my first one as a kid. I saved up to buy a Daiwa 212 RL combo. It was my go-to setup for freshwater fishing. Heck, it was my only setup for freshwater fishing. So, I was excited to “take the easy route” when I bought the Ugly Stik Gx2 Spinning Combo. I was looking for a simple setup that I could carry around in the back of my truck for those just-in-case moments while traveling. At first glance, it looked like the Gx2 Combo would be the perfect fit for my needs.
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
– Rod Length: 5’6″ two-piece construction
– Power: Offered in Ultralight to Medium
– Line Rating: 6-12 lb
– Lure Rating: 1/8 – 5/8 oz
– Guides: 5 Ugly Tuff guides with PVD coating (one-piece construction)
– Reel Size: 30 with graphite body and machined aluminum spool
– Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
– Line Recovery: 28 inches per turn
Testing the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo
My testing ground was a local lake that’s been my go-to spot for years. I loaded the reel with 8-lb. Mr. Crappie line and started working the shoreline. Initially, I tied on a Rat-L-Trap, but the ultralight rod quickly showed me this wasn’t the right pairing. After switching to a Roadrunner, everything fell into place. The real test came at a creek mouth feeding into the lake – you know the kind, where the water creates that perfect ambush point. That’s where a 14-inch bass decided to inhale my Roadrunner.
Performance
The rod combines graphite and fiberglass in a way that reminds me of those old-school rods that could take a beating but still had enough sensitivity to feel a bream nibbling. The Clear Tip design was nice as I was able to feel the lure’s spinner vibrating when as I reeled it in.
As far as the drag system goes. It surprised me. During that five-minute fight with the bass, it performed like a much more expensive reel. The retrieve is smooth enough for working small lures, though don’t expect it to compete with high-end reels.
One thing worth noting – the ultralight action makes even smaller fish feel like giants, but I’d recommend stepping up to the medium power version if you plan to throw anything heavier than 1/4 ounce.
Pros
-Built tough enough to survive years in a truck bed
-Smooth drag system that handles fish better than expected
-Clear Tip design offers impressive sensitivity
-Perfect for teaching kids or as a backup rod
-Outstanding value under $50
Cons
-Two-piece design can loosen after repeated casting
-Ultralight model struggles with heavier lures
-Not ideal for larger game fish
Final Thoughts
After years of using Ugly Stiks, including my first rod as a kid, this combo lives up to the brand’s reputation for toughness. While it might not be the rod you reach for during a tournament, it’s perfect as a backup in your truck or to hand to a kid learning to fish. At under $50, you’re getting a combo that can handle everything from small bass to catfish and for what I’m using it for, this should last me a few years.
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