First time out with the new casting rig.

[BassFeverJohn]

I didn't catch anything. Not even a bite. We had a major storm front come through yesterday, so I am not too surprised.

I threw almost every non-topwater lure I had at them, but nothing even stirred. I didn't throw the TW stuff because there was no action at all going on at the surface.

It was a bit hairy at first, until I got the settings worked out. Had a few backlashes, but no nests. The worst one was on the first cast. After some very, very slow pulling I managed to get it out with no tangles. This Vicious ultimate is as limp as braid, and doesn't dig in bad at all.

I was a bit discouraged at first, but soon enough I had it down and was making long smooth casts. I am having a bit of trouble with accuracy, but I am sure that will come with more experience. I have to say, at first I was so disappointed I was thinking about returning the thing, but I got over that pretty quick.

Some stuff I am going to have to get used to are; less sensitivity, stiffer rod, not being able to use my UL tackle.

I am very accustomed to going back and fort between my UL lures and my meduim MH stuff on my UL spinner. However I found out very fast that this reel will not cast the UL stuff very well at all, and more than not it's a BL situation. This is fine, I just need to remember to bring both rods. I am new to this multi-rod thing after all, it's a real sea change in how I do things.

I am also used to my UL rod and 15lb braid. I am so spoiled on sensitivity. I can feel everything my lure touches, and vice versa. I can't say that about this rod, and I think the Vicious line is less sensitive than even regular mono. I am thinking about some 20lb spiderwire for the casting reel.

I have been using this flimsy little Shakespeare Cirrus UL rod. My M lures bend it over like I have a nice bluegill...

Overall I'd have to say i am very happy with the decision I made to go with the Ugly Stick. I want to get a better reel as soon as I can, but the one I have will do fine for the mean time. One thing is for sure, I am going to stay aways from combos for now on. I like picking out my own stuff.

[islandbass]

Right on! Just let us know when your ready for the next reel. We can definitely get some input to you and your bait monkey.

[Bassboss]

Good deal man! Sounds like you still need some getting used to it! You'll definitely get lots more sensitivity with braid than you would with mono, especially viscous, defiantly stretchy stuff! Good call on the braid! Just make sure you can cast good before you use braid on it. It's a little more pron to back lash IMO and harder to get them out. But they don't seem to come as bad. Also maybe get a different rod... graphite definitely! You'll notice a BIG jump in sensitivity from fiberglass to graphite, even with braid.

And it's not a big deal that you didn't catch anything right? More or less of a day to learn!

[BigBassin144]

Glad you like the new rig!

bassboss is right, upgrading to a graphite rod will greatly increase your sensitivity over an ugly stick.

BB

[Jrob78]

If i'm not mistaken the Ugly Stick Lites are graphite rods with cork grips.

[Backwater Charlie]

Glad ya liked the baitcaster! Yeah the graphite Ugly Stik Lite will be more sensitive than the regular Ugly.

Now before you'll know it, you'll have $300 Zillions and $300 Loomises.

[Jim80]

glad ya like the new set up man I hope it brings in a couple lunkers for ya



Jim

[bamabassman]

congrats on the set up man. now don't let that skunk get ya down. go at em again!