Have had the 7'6" M rod the a few years now and caught tons of bass to large snook. Rod is more durable than most Medium 1 piece carbon inshore rods, which is why it is my fall back rod since I tend to be rough on things. I'v snapped numerous TFO PRO S rods, but I do like thier sensativity, weight, and overall balance for throwing artificials all day long, which can get tiring quickly when using this ugly stick with a 2500 or 3000 sereis diawa BG reel or 3000 Legalis Reel (which does pair a little better weight wise). But I suppose that is the trade off we are all fighting against if looking to go with an Ugly Stick over other premium brand rods, sensetivity and lighter weighter vs durability and cost/overall value.

Major annoyances have been as follows (but wouldn't take Ugly Stick much to work or cost to fix):

1. The handle is about and inch or so too long and gets in the way when casting, working lures, or putting in my side trackmounted rod holder to troll while pedalling when kayak fishing (where space is at a premium).

2. Not the best of balance with higher quality (generally lighter) heavy duty 2500 and 3000 series reels (this might be a harder fix and maintain durability). It woudl be great if Ugly Stick, and all rod makers for that matter, listed what weight range of reels work best for their product to maintain ideal balance to more easily and confidently make reel pairing selections. Rather than the annoying trial and error or word of mouth method we…