AMAZING LAKE FISHING RODS & REELS !
The Daiwa BG SW and medium or medium-heavy Ugly Stik GX2 combination is more versatile and durable than anything else in the same price range . Spending less means losing out on long-term durability ; spending more means you ’ re paying for features designed for specific kinds of fishing , or lighter-weight materials that are nice to have but unnecessary for a general-purpose fishing setup . ( Daiwa ’ s 1500 – 2500 models are ideal for small trout streams but can also handle light inshore fishing for spotted seatrout and flounder , while the larger 5000 and 8000 models will handle larger inshore species and perhaps even small tuna and dolphinfish .) However , if you never plan on targeting anything larger than trout and small freshwater bass or small inshore saltwater species ( about 1 to 4 pounds ), you can get away with the ultra-light version of the Ugly Stik GX2 and a smaller BG SW reel ( size 2500 or less ) and save a few bucks . If you ’ re fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream , consider a shorter rod , down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches , for tiny creeks and brooks . If you ’ re fishing with bait , especially with heavy sinkers ( 2 ounces plus ), the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite series offers a little more flex ( through more fiberglass and less graphite ), which is good for both setting the hook and fighting with heavier tackle and fish . The Daiwa BG SW has been the most popular $ 100 reel this year across the board , from the annual ICAST show to Salt Water Sportsman and Sport Fishing Magazine . Compared with our previous pick , the Penn Battle II — not to mention many higher-end Penn and Shimano reels — the BG SW is equipped with a more durable rotor , as well as stronger , individual springs for the anti-reverse clutch ( which keeps the reel from spinning backward ), and most notably , the very same ball bearings included in Daiwa ’ s and Shimano ’ s most expensive models . The BG SW ’ s design allows trapped water ( a common issue with braided line especially ) to drain through the reel . The drag mechanism is the same one found in higher-end $ 200- plus reels , but unique in the $ 100 range . This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much .
After interviewing experts and spending more than 80 hours testing spinning rods and reels , we ’ ve determined that pairing the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 rod with the Daiwa BG SW spinning reel makes the best all-around fishing outfit for most casual to experienced fishers without breaking the bank . This combo compares favorably to outfits costing twice as much .
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