I’m often asked what makes a good fishing pole for beginners and kids, so much so that I wrote an entire article on the subject. Even so, I thought it might be good to explore one of the poles I talked about in detail: the Ugly Stik Elite.
Why I Love These Fishing Poles
I caught my first northern pike on an Ugly Stik my dad handed me some thirty years ago. That catch was a moment that ensured fishing would be a huge part of my life, and these fishing poles were with me every step of the way. Over the years, I’ve caught everything from tiny panfish to huge bass and enormous channel catfish on Ugly Stiks I borrowed from my dad. They served me so well as a child that when I became a father, I knew they had to have a prominent place in my rod box.
I now own half a dozen Ugly Stik Elites, all in the smaller lengths (4’6″ to 5’6″) that I use to fish with my children. These balance very well for them, especially when paired with a 20-size spinning reel (I favor the Pflueger President, personally).
These are the perfect fishing poles for beginners and small kids, but are also fine for anyone who wants to enjoy fishing without spending a lot of money.
Inexpensive Quality
I’m not going to list a price as they’ll change from time to time, but it is fair to say that this is not an expensive of a fishing rod. They cost a fraction of what my other rods did, even when I bought those other rods used. That might put you off and make you think that they aren’t quality, but that isn’t true. After all, how many rods can you honestly say would hold up to 30+ years of fishing, much of it by kids? To me, that is the mark of a quality product.
Why I Purchased These for My Children
These fishing poles are great for kids because they’re so durable. Little anglers get very excited when a fish is on the line and they don’t always listen well. They can put rods through a lot of stress by failing to appropriately position them, or by holding them on the blank for leverage. You can trust that this rod won’t break.
Even their ultralight models are fairly sturdy. I was surprised by this, as some of the other Ugly Stiks I’ve used throughout the years have been fairly “whippy,” but the Elite model is strong all the way to that power (at least in the 4’6″ model).
While sturdy, their ultralight models still give plenty of play. Even panfish will be fun to catch, which is important. As a parent, you’re going to spend a LOT of time targeting these species, so you’d better have a rod that’s fun to fish with.
with a Pflueger President in size 20. This is one
of my main combos for my kids.
Range of Models
The Ugly Stik Elite is offered in spinning and casting models and has a wide range of lengths, power, and action.
The smallest spinning rod is their 4’6″ ultralight model. Their largest is a 7’6″ medium power model. They also have a 7′ medium heavy if you wanted something to throw spinnerbaits or Senkos.
Casting models are, as expected, usually more on the heavy side as you tend to need beefier tackle with baitcasting presentations. Six models are offered. The shortest is 6’6″ and the longest is 7′. Most are either medium or medium heavy power, though they do offer on in ultralight, curiously. Light lures are pretty hard to use on a baitcaster, so I’d suggest you pick up a spinning model instead.
Are There Any Fish You Can’t Catch with These Poles?
You’d have to go out of your way to find a freshwater fish in North America that you couldn’t catch with an Ugly Stik Elite. I suppose some monsters like lake sturgeon or alligator gar might put the rod to the test, but I have to figure your line will snap long before your rod would when fighting one of those. Also, if you’re buying one of these fishing poles for your kids, you probably aren’t targeting these species.
If you did want to pursue one of these larger fish, Shakespeare also offers a catfish model that I’ve used and enjoy. It’s even sturdier and is meant to go head to head with monster blue catfish. It won’t let you down.
Does Ugly Stik Offer a Warranty?
A limited warranty is offered on these rods that covers manufacturer defects, but you’d have to do something crazy stupid to break them in the first place, and the warranty says in part:
[They are] not responsible for normal wear and tear, nor failures caused by accidents, abuse, alteration, modification, misuse or improper care.
To me, this means that this probably isn’t that useful of a warranty. I suppose you could always get a lemon, and if you do, they’ll replace it for a processing fee of $9.95 US or $10.55 CAD. While prices change from time to time as the rods go on sale, that’s roughly a sixth or so of what you might pay for it new, which is reasonable.
I’d guess the most likely way you break one of these is by accidentally slamming it in a car door or something similar, and that doesn’t appear to be covered.
Don’t let this dissuade you from purchasing one. Again, we have some Ugly Stiks in our family that have been fished for at least 30 years now if not more and they’re still going strong. Even though they’re inexpensive, these rods are made to last.
Closing Thoughts
The Ugly Stik Elite is one of my favorite rods. I own dozens that cost considerably more, yet always bring these along for a fishing trip with my son and daughter. If you’ve decided that fishing is a hobby worth sharing with your kids, buy them one of these rods.
They make a great fishing rod for anyone who needs durability and dependability. I own half a dozen of these that I use to fish with my kids, and can’t recommend them highly enough.
If you thought this tip was helpful and would like some other ones to help you get started with fishing, check out my book. In it, you’ll find more advice for what gear to buy!
-Thanks,
John Paxton