: Ugly Stik Carbon Low Profile Baitcast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

The Ugly Stik Carbon Low Profile Baitcast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is a versatile and durable fishing rod and reel setup perfect for bass, trout, and many other freshwater species. As a longtime fan of Ugly Stik’s legendary toughness and sensitivity, I was eager to test out this new lightweight carbon rod paired with a smooth baitcast reel. After extensive fishing trips targeting everything from small panfish to chunky largemouth bass, I’m impressed with the performance, quality, and value this combo delivers.

Overview

The Ugly Stik Carbon rod lives up to its reputation with an incredibly strong yet sensitive 24-ton graphite blank, while reducing weight by 30% compared to traditional Ugly Stiks. The exposed solid graphite tip resists breakage while transmitting subtle bites. The Low Profile baitcast reel features a smooth 5-bearing system and provides a gear ratio of 6.4:1 for good cranking power. 8 “Ugly Tuff” stainless guides offer extreme durability. This is a very well-balanced 7’ Medium Heavy power fast action combo ideal for a wide variety of freshwater techniques and conditions.

Key Features

• Lightweight and sensitive carbon fiber rod blank
• Low profile baitcasting reel for accurate casting
• Extremely durable and reliable
• Perfectly balanced 7’ medium heavy combo

Features and Performance

Despite its light weight, the Ugly Stik Carbon rod retains the legendary strength Ugly Stik is known for - it’s 50% stronger than comparable graphite rods. The rod blank effortlessly launches weightless plastics, small jigs, and large topwater lures with pinpoint accuracy and plenty of backbone to handle strong fish. The tactile solid graphite tip telegraphs everything from light taps to hard strikes through the graphite blank directly into your hands. The smooth Low Profile reel delivers excellent castability and provides silky smooth yet strong cranking power. The reel handles big fish well and adds very little weight to the setup.

Quality and Durability

Over months of use, the Ugly Stik Carbon rod and Low Profile reel have stood up to constant use in freshwater environments battling feisty fish. The rod shows no signs of wear and has yet to develop any “fish stories”. The stainless steel guides show no signs of insert pop-outs or damage. The reel maintains smoothness and exhibits corrosion resistance thanks to an aluminum spool and aluminum alloy frame. This combo can withstand years of fishing trips and adventures.

Best Use Cases

• Bass fishing - excellent for casting crankbaits, jigs, and texas rigs
• Trout fishing - versatile for casting light lures and live bait
• All purpose freshwater fishing

User Feedback Analysis

The Ugly Stik Carbon baitcast combo receives consistently positive feedback from anglers. The majority of reviews give the combo 4-5 star ratings. Users say the rod offers a great balance of sensitivity and power, detecting light bites while handling sizable fish well. The lightweight carbon material makes casting easy and reduces fatigue on long days according to customers. The reel gets high marks for smoothness and durability even after seasons of use. Many reviewers mention catching lots of bass and trout with this combo.

A few users did report issues with the guide inserts popping out after setting the hook on larger fish, likely related to the extreme strain. However most saw no problems after prolonged use. Some anglers needed to fine tune the magnetic braking system on the reel to minimize backlash on their first casts. Overall the feedback indicates great performance and reliability at a reasonable price point.

Pros

• Lightweight and sensitive carbon fiber rod
• Smooth and reliable baitcasting reel
• Incredible strength and durability
• Great value and performance for the price

Cons

• Baitcaster reel has a learning curve
• Occasional backlashes if not tuned properly

Value

Considering the quality of the rod blank and components, smoothness of the reel, and proven Ugly Stik durability, this baitcast combo provides excellent value. The performance is on par with combos costing $200+ yet the Ugly Stik is far more affordable. For anglers looking to step up to a lightweight carbon fiber rod and precise baitcast reel without breaking the bank, users widely agree this combo delivers top-notch quality and fishing ability at a very reasonable price point difficult to beat. The Ugly Stik name provides added confidence in long-term durability and performance. For under $130, this is an incredible value for a versatile bass and trout fishing setup.

Conclusion

The Ugly Stik Carbon Low Profile Baitcast Combo offers an incredible balance of sensitivity, strength, smoothness, and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for anglers looking for a high-performing baitcast setup for freshwater fishing without breaking the bank. From ultralight panfish to heavy largemouth bass and everywhere in between, this Ugly Stik combo handles it all with ease. I highly recommend the Ugly Stik Carbon rod and Low Profile reel combo for anglers looking for a versatile, durable, and sensitive baitcasting setup delivering superb quality and performance at a very wallet-friendly price point.

Ugly Stik Brand and Warranty

Ugly Stik Fishing is a reputable fishing brand known for tough, durable rods and a 7-year warranty. This combo is covered by the warranty for defects and damage.

Specifications

• Rod Length: 7’
• Rod Power: Medium Heavy
• Rod Action: Fast
• Reel Gear Ratio: 6.4:1
• Reel Bearings: 5 stainless steel
• Reel Drag Max: 15 lbs

Box Contents

• 7’ Medium Heavy Ugly Stik Carbon Rod
• Low Profile Baitcast Reel
• Rod sock

How to Use

The Ugly Stik Carbon baitcast combo is easy to setup. Attach the reel to the reel seat securely. Thread the line through the rod guides and tie on a lure or bait. Adjust the reel drag and spool tension as needed. To cast, press and hold the thumb bar, bring the rod back and fling it forward releasing the thumb bar mid-cast. Engage the reel and crank to retrieve line. Take care to prevent backlashes.