Ugly Stik GX2 6-12lb Kayak Rod - Initial Overview

Shakespeare have just released a new range of Ugly Stik rods designed for kayak fishing. The range includes a 6ft 12lb class rod, a 7ft 6in 6-12lb class rod and a 7ft 6in 12-20lb rod. I love my 8ft 2in 12-20lb Ugly Stik Braid rods but have been waiting for Shakespeare to bring out a lighter version. As soon as the new range was available i ordered two 7ft 6in 6-12lb rods..... here is an initial overview....

The rod comes in 2 asymmetrical sections - a short butt and the long main section - joined by a ground carbon push-in joint. 

The rod features the characteristic Ugly Stik solid glass tip

The rod has 8 'Tuff' eyes - solid one-piece metal construction so no more cracked inserts!

1 x 6mm (internal diameter) tip eye
2 x 7mm
2 x 9mm
1 x 12mm
1 x 15mm
1 x 20mm

The blank is finished in matt black, with a glossy decal section bearing the cross hatched red/silver whipping and the Shakespeare and Ugly Stik logos.

The rod features a chunky EVA foam grip, engraved with Ugly Stik, and a screw up reel seat. 

The rod butt is shrink wrapped in black x-wrap and has a hard rubber butt cap. The rod butt is 30cm in length from the end of the butt cap to the back of the reel seat and 43cm in length to the front of the reel seat.

Initial Impressions:

These rods are what i have been waiting for, a lighter model to go with my current 8ft 2in Ugly Stik 12-20lb Braid rods. The rod is very similar to now old style Ugly Stik braid rods, apart from a few cosmetic differences and being 8in shorter. The new eyes look great and will take both mono and braid. The whipping and finish look to be robust and high quality. The tip is sensitive and will make playing the smaller fish fun but the blank has plenty of winching power left from the butt eye down so should be able to handle the odd bigger fish that may find its way onto the hook. 

I will be using these rods for lighter work drifting baits on clean ground as well as for estuary fishing and heavy lure work over reefs and rough ground. They will be paired with Abu 6500's. My 12-20lb rods will be reserved for heavier fishing for Rays, Conger, Tope, Bull Huss, Ling etc. 

Theres not a lot bad to say about the rods apart from i prefer the spigot joint and all glossy blank finish on my 12-20lb braid rods. Time will tell how they perform on the water but so far the rod looks great!

The rod has a RRP of £59.99 and i managed to get 2 for £110 from Glasgow Angling Centre.

2016 Update

I have now been using these rods for over a year and have put together a review on their performance here: Ugly Stik Kayak Rod 1 Year Review. They are still my favourite rods!