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.