Sorry fellas.. Jumping the Train here. Ugly Sticks are a good rod, but for the price... I have seen some great combos at Sports Chalet going for $30-35. Abu Cardnial 102 with a 6'6" rod, a pfluger combo and Mitchell for the same range... Look around first, Bass Pro had a few good ones to last week when I stopped off in there for some gear.
Jeremy a.k.a. Cletus U.S. Navy-Go Navy, Beat Army!!! NAFC LM, NAHC LM, NRA LM

My sticking point on the Ugli combos is the reel. I'm not sold on the durability of the Shakespeare reels, although my linecounter seems fine. It's the spinning gear I don't like. Tom
Lifer in NE Illinois

any shimano on a rod will make it that much better haha, im a HUGE fan. i have owned mass amounts of fishing gear over the years(im 22 years young) but only have all my shimano gear - one pole my brother purposely broke after an argument.

Cant go wrong with Shimano, i want an old STIMULAS rod, the one my bro broke. that rod was easily my favorite rod i have ever owned ever.


Also, dont ever use a shakespear spinning reel. they absolutely suck so damn bad. plastic crappy construction, poor quality. i would not take one for free.

Shakespeare reels are hit or miss.  I've got some that broke after a few years of use, but some are still going strong and have lasted as long as any of my Shimano reels.  I'm comparing some $15-25 Shakespeare to over $100 Shimano reels.  Aside from my Zebco 33's, my Shakespeare Alpha XT was basically my first open face reel.  It's wobbly and clunky, but still works eventhough it's been all beaten up.  They have been the best value for cheap equipment that performs for me.

You really should not buy cheap tackle unless you need something right away for a weekend or for kids. It is just not worth it. You can buy decent tackle for about 125.00 in a combo that will work and not break and anything less is just not worth it. It just won't work. I have free shipping and free baits with all the tackle I have at my site. Take a look and ask a question there about it if you like.

TO THE PEOPLE WITH THE HUGE AVATAR, QUITE BEING RUDE AND CHANGE THEM NOW!

I would go with a bass proshop GRAPHITE SERIES. best cheap rod i own, and i use it more than my expensive rods because if i break this rod i dont really care. its super f'ing sensative too. and ruged.

I hate the broom stick err.. ugly stick

Dick's just got done with an awesome sale! A Daiwa spinning (medium-action rod and reel combo) was only $19.99. The sale's timing was great because my last one had just broken.
Good luck and good fishing... TIGHT LINES!