Northwest Fishing Reports

Hey guys I bought a Shakespear Pole, it was a light one 5'6" and was told it would be good for bass. I got snagged using texas rig and flicked my wrist to get it loose and the pole broke in half. I was irritated so I went back to the shop and made them exchange it but when I did they said that I shouldn't be using a light pole for bass (even though the last guy sold me the light one for bass... cause I'm a newbie to fishing) so I went home with a Shakespear 6'6" medium pole. But I didn't think ahead and my reel is pretty small and it "looks" funny with the long pole.. but do you think a smaller reel would still work or should I go back there again and exchange it once more.

Exchange it! As you grow as an Agler your equipment/tools will be upgraded,..something that just ends up happening,..6'6" is a good start but I'd def get a reel that matches the pole a bit better,..has alot to do with confidence,..and that's something that comes with time,..just keep tossin your line and make sure to read the Forums and ask questions,..do some research on the type of fish you want to target,..we have an unlimited resource at our fingertips in this website as well as others,.."the only STUPID question is the one that's not asked",..so read and ask,..you started out great with the Texas-Rig,..now try the Drop-Shot,..there's some good info in the Forums on this style,..tight lines and have fun,..BB

Alright they didn't have any other agility 5'6" poles in the Shakespear brand like I originally had but I saw one with the same specs in Quantum and one in the Ugly stick (shakespear again I think) category with similar specs. Do you think either of those would be good? I want to ask you guys because I hate being at the mercy of shop owners.

I've got 4 Ugly Sticks and I've never had a problem with any one of them. I'm no expert when it comes to fishing equipment but I've had my Ugly Sticks bend way over trying to tug lures out of weeds and I haven't ever had one break on me.

The small reel will work...but will look goofy, as you mentioned. It'll also hold less line, and likely has a slower retrieve....but it WILL work. I have one or two rods floating around with a similar set up...might not be ideal, but at least its a functional setup...just in case!

You definitely don't want light or ultra light action rods for bass...the first time you try and drag a fish from the weeds it's going to--well, you know.

The Ugly Stick is a great "budget" pole, with a huge following.
I've had several, and still use several as loaners (or occasionally, myself). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one for the price. In fact, I just bought one a few weeks ago for my lady...the "Ladies Ugly Stick."
They should probably call it the "prett stick" because it's gloss black and bright pink...but if it keeps her coming fishing, it was well worth the $$$.

My first pole was a 6'6" ugly stick that caught an uncountable number of bass, trout, humpies, and dollies.

I like med-heavy fast action rods for bass on a big fish you need to set the hook like your trying to break there neck. A flimsy rod will not work to good for bass. A buddy I have saw me getting some hawgs out at Island Lk in Kitsap and asked for a jig to get some and he was useing a trout pole and it was so flimsy he could never set the hook. As far as the reel, I had a cheep-o and striped the gears on a 5.5#er so any more I use much better. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!

Thank you everyone for all your assistance. I hate being at the mercy of shopowners heh.

Here's a similar post: "I want to upgrade"

Ugly sticks don't break -- count on it. Other "high quality" rods may hold up if you use them "properly", but let's face it, most of us get really excited when a big fish is on the line and we don't think about rod angles. Most rods are broken when the user "rears back" on the rod and puts it at an extreme angle (1:00+). It's best to keep the angle between 10 & 12 oclock when you're applying pressure to a fish (or a snag ).

Thanks again everyone. I'll be aquiring my new Ugly stick in a few hours if all goes well.

Edit: I purchased the Light Action Ugly stick 5'6" and it fits perfectly with my Quantum reel.

Now I have that pole, and my stiffer pole so Bass and sunfish watch out heh.