Baitcast Reel on an Ugly Stick GX2?

[briseno09]

Hey guys, I was wondering if it's possible to put a baitcasting reel on an Ugly Stick GX2? The rod came with a Shakespeare spinning reel(not sure of the model).

What I want to do is put a baitcaster on my Ugly Stick and then put the Shakespeare spinning reel on my lighter Zebco. I am new to fishing so don't judge on my low end gear haha

Thanks!

[sodapop]

Ugly Stick GX2 rods are made either
to be bait casting or spinning. Since yours
came with a spinning reel it will be a spinning
rod. You can put the two together, unless
you get really good at working lures it should not
affect you that much.

[twin22s]

Fishing rods are usually designed to bend a curtain direction but for a beginner you wont notice too much difference when flipping it over to use a baitcaster other than the unnecessarily large eyes and extra flex of a light rod. I would recommend getting a proper baitcasting rod with a trigger grip as soon as you can afford to though, something a bit stiffer. You should be able to find a decent rod for $20-$30. then you can have 2 rods setup, spinning rod for light line finesse fishing and the baitcaster for throwing heavier lures. Practicing casting a baitcaster with a rod that is too light is going to cause some problems if not right away when you go to a stiffer rod.

[briseno09]

Fishing rods are usually designed to bend a curtain direction but for a beginner you wont notice too much difference when flipping it over to use a baitcaster other than the unnecessarily large eyes and extra flex of a light rod. I would recommend getting a proper baitcasting rod with a trigger grip as soon as you can afford to though, something a bit stiffer. You should be able to find a decent rod for $20-$30. then you can have 2 rods setup, spinning rod for light line finesse fishing and the baitcaster for throwing heavier lures. Practicing casting a baitcaster with a rod that is too light is going to cause some problems if not right away when you go to a stiffer rod.

Thanks for the detailed response. I think I'll just leave the Ugly Stik as is, then. Are there any baitcaster rod/reel combos under $60 that you would recommend? Thank you.

[Brent]

Thanks for the detailed response. I think I'll just leave the Ugly Stik as is, then. Are there any baitcaster rod/reel combos under $60 that you would recommend? Thank you.

Check the Bass Pro website for sales. I'm pretty sure you could get one to learn on for around that price.

[twin22s]

Walmart has some but they aren't very durable. They would be great to learn with though.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shakespeare-Xterra-Baitcasting-Combo/10298925

or match up this https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pflueger-Monarch-Low-Profile-Reel/16794791
with something like...https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shakespeare-Excursion-Casting-Rod/33589333

ABU Garcia black max is a great reel for the money too, I still have 2 rigged up and ready to fish all the time.
When you do have the money to buy a $150 combo it will be well worth it, you can get 4-5x the life out of a setup that cost twice as much. Defiantly worth the investment long term.