If you're willing to spend 15 or 20 more bucks, I would immediately go to gander mountain and get a graphite rod from them, either medium or medium light action. I have quite a few graphite GM rods now.. my favorite is the IM-8 pro-select (50 bucks) but they have less expensive ones. The pro-select is a hell of a rod though, I've landed 10 lb cats on it while bass fishing, so it's got the guts it needs But yeah, when buying a new rod... buy something that makes you at least a little happy! To me, ugly sticks never do balance quite right, and I don't like fiberglass rods, too floppy for sure. Graphite allows for much more sensitivity, and you'll probably land a ton more fish.

 

I actually ended up finding a 7'0" graphite Fenwick medium power rod with an Abu Garcia spinng reel at Walmart 50%. I paid $30 for it. I did pick up the Ugly Stik Ultralite too. I haven't been out much with either, but I can say that this graphite rod are WAY stiffer than anything I have ever used before. I also spooled up flouro for the first time on this rod (found it on sale at Walmart too) and I'm not sure I'm going to like it much. I'm thinking about switching to braid, but it's pricey and I'm not sure how it would affect my AL spool.

 

i've got 2-5' ultra lights, a 6'6" med. action, and a 9' mh....i've dumped the reels and upgraded to various reels...i bought them all from dick's...think i paid $29 apiece for the ultra lights and $34 for the 6'6".....i'm pretty happy with them all...especially the ul's

 

I've got a 7' ugly stik lite pro from walmart that I've liked using for smallies. I think it was 40 or 50 bucks. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a good spinning combo in that price range.

 

all i use are ugly stick rods and abu garcia reels and never had any problems

 

CDL - Like Iam20, I only use Ugly Stik rods. Typically the reels that come on the combos suck, but I typically just replace those with some form of upgrade. However, I don't spend money on high dollar fishing equipment because I spend a lot of time trudging around on foot, so the Ugly Stik is ideal for me - you can beat 'em up and you're not going to break them.

As for feel, I think that's a matter of personal preference. I only use my ultra light stuff for bass fishing, and even when I'm throwing soft plastics, I rarely have trouble with sensitivity. A thumb on the line just above the bail does wonders for me for knowing when I get a taker on a senko.

Also, keep in mind that Ugly Stik rods are usually as expensive as the combo you're talking about, consider the reel a throw-in or throw-away item. What I generally do is keep those as backups in case something does go wrong with one of my reels. That way when I'm carrying light into the woods or something, I don't have to walk back to my truck or quit fishing. Just an idea.

 

I love fishing braid on my graphtie rod. Casting with graphite, as well as braid, each take getting used to, but it's awfully dang nice in the end

Just don't get tip-wrapped and hook a fish or they'll probably bust the tip of your rod off before you get a chance to fix it lol.

 

I love my medium action ugly stik 6' rod. I used the reel that comes with it as a backup. I like Shimano 4 berring spinning reels ($30-$35) paired up with it. My only complaint is the lack of selection. I really want a 6'6" or larger LIGHT action rod for river smallies and ugly stik don't make that. Can anyone recommend a 6'6" light action rod that is less than $45?

 

You can get started off right with a Berkeley Lightning Rod for around $30 and a plain jane Shimano 2000 or 2500 series spinning reel for around $11. It'll get the job done.

 

You can get started off right with a Berkeley Lightning Rod for around $30 and a plain jane Shimano 2000 or 2500 series spinning reel for around $11. It'll get the job done.

That looks like a quality rod, but I'm looking for a light action rod that's at least 6'6". They do have a Medium Light rod at that is that length. So that might be an option. I need to feel it in my hand to decide. Thanks for the info.