Ugly Stick Rod

[harleyharry]

I am getting the boat ready for our Walleye opener. I have never trolled before. I want to set up for planner boards, bottom bouncers and crawler harness type trolling.

My question is on the rods to use. I currently have two Ugly Stick, 8.5 long, med heavy action. These rods are sold as spinner type rods. I want to use line counter reels. As the rod is not a trigger style rod, is there any reason that I cannot use these rods with bait casting style reels with line counters? Is the rod built with the idea that the bend in the rod will only be applied one way?

I could purchase more rods, but these have never been used before, and the better half would like to think that she gave me a useful gift, that I would use.

Thanks to all

Harry

[slipperybob]

If you can mount line counter reels on them, it'll work. It's not like you're trying to cast with them anyway.

[Newcastle]

I would look at the type of eyes on the rod before giving it a go. Some spinning rod eyes that use a single leg might distort/flex/bend towards the rod. Spinning eyes typically are meant to accept pressure on the line pulling away from the blank vs. a casting set up usually has smaller eyes and built to accept pressure pushing towards the blank.

No expert-but just a thought

[slipperybob]

That's is a good point and very important for graphite rods.

When you're trolling with the rod you'll want the line guides pointed down. Trolling type rods even in baitcasting set up performs better with the line guides down. Ugly sticks are tough and should be able to handle planer boards, bottom bouncers, and dipsy divers. I don't know and don't think that an ugly stick in a spinning rod gets tested for spline at all. That's usually for casting rod and it's very obvious tell with line guides on top of rod.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I would think that the rods would work also. The 8.5 length is about right, and as stated Ugly Sticks are tough! The graphite/glass combo should be great.

Your main problem is that they will be a little harder to hold with the line counter reels and no trigger on the handle.

Cliff

[matthothand]

It might look funny but I don't see any way that it would unpossible. It's not like you're going to break the rods.

[SDHNTR]

I would think it would work. If all else, mount up the reels and give it a try. You definately won't break an Ugly Stik, they are just tough rods. What's the worst that could happen? You might not like how it works or it might not work well and then you are back to the point of buying different rods. Then you will know for sure.