The reason for this purchase was multi-part. 1st - I needed a 2-piece that would fit in my travel luggage. (NOTE - Having a spinning reel in your carry on bag can baffle the snot out of the TSA!) 2nd - I needed a shorter rod that is easier to maneuver through the thick stream-side brush, than longer rods. This unit meets both criteria.

This rod features pink trim/highlights, but guess what - the fish don't care! My first hook-up was a 2+ pound small mouth that this Ugly Stik handled with ease - a positive hook set and even though in the "ultra-light" category, and enough backbone to get the job done. Going through the brush with this short rod was a piece of cake, and the brook trout were also oblivious to the pink trimmings!

The only negative with the rod was that I purchased has the 1st (largest) eye being mounted slightly out of line with the others. (all eyes are mounted to the detachable section). I did not notice this until I was mounting my reel, weeks and 1500 miles after my purchase.