Ugly Stik Rods For Big Catfish

[@glassontherocks]

I got an Ugly Stick rod for my 14th Birthday. I'm 69 now and I still have it and use it occasionally.

[@stillwater62]

I own six Shakespeare Ugly Stiks. Three assorted Bass rods, and three assorted Catfish rods. I have never had any problems with them over the many years I have used them. They may not be the prettiest, or the most expensive, but they are almost indestructible, priced right, and catch fish. Enjoy all of your videos, thanks for taking us along.

[@jed1166]

“Before catfishing was cool” … I am now 66, and even though I grew up in trout country in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, catfishing was always cool to me! Loved it, and found some good spots, even in the mountains! My father, a devout trout fly fisherman considered me a heretic, but my grandfather, a 6’ 2” , 200lb lumberjack was ok with it, because he loved to eat the smallish cats I would catch in the clean, clear water… catfishing will always be cool!

[@qontoh2s872]

Great video Dave. I've been an Ugly Stik user since my dad got me my first in 1974, I was six. I get a lot of heat from friends that use expensive gear for my walmart rods but I consistently out fish em.

[@conrailfan6277]

Right on Dave, my Ugly Sticks came from Kmart years ago and they have been excellent rods!! When I bought them my buddy and I was taking them off the rack and seeing how far we could bend the tips, some lady working in sporting goods was freaking out on us, LOL!!!!

[@billjcanada]

I have been using ugly stick rods for years. From ultralight to heavy action. I have never had a issue with them. They just work.

[@williamcornelison4721]

Those are some good looking Rods......

[@chetcoggeshall9682]

Dave I've been watching a lot of catfish videos on KZbin and you are definitely my go to. Keep up the good work

[@huskergator9479]

Woohoo!! Overalls made a comeback!! Next it will be Karl Kohlshack’s coat. Love that coat. Looks so comfy.

[@RealMakoi]

When I was first married, I always bought Ugly Stiks because they all looked the same to my wife. For years she thought I only had one fishing pole! Game over when I started taking the kids fishing. Then it was “How many fishing poles do you have?!?”

[@charlescross4393]

Same here I have 14-15 rods. I use 4 of them most times. Not even sure what brand they all are lol. I buy them at the Acadamy Stores and my most expensive is around 50.00. I usually fish for Eater Sized fish as i have a lot of fish fry's at my home and now and then at work. Fridays i cook fish and all the crews come in around noon and we eat and play corn hole until around 2-3. Have only owned one Ugly Stick from Wally World and broke it in two days by shutting my tailgate on it lol. I have caught 3 world record flat heads but no one around to verify so i threw them back rofl.

[@passion4castin]

i absolutely love ugly sticks! they are my favorite rods of all time specifically the ugly stick catfish pro. they have a tip soft enough to detect the smallest channel cat and yet ive caught 30,40,50 lb blues and a 50 lb flathead on it. it's by far my favorite rod.

[@rayhall3010]

Thank you so much for all your videos, but this one hit home I learned how to fish and mostly my passion for fishing came from my grandfather, ugly stick rods and zepco rills was all he used ,, for all his fishing, catfish was his favorite,,

[@flyingfisherman9076]

Dave, Thanks for the focus lately on the Ugly Stik Tigers. There is so much hype on the so-called custom-designed catfish rods, that many of the newcomers to the sport have no idea that the Tigers are already out there. On the other hand, Ugly Stik has so many models it can be tough to weed out their premium rods from their Walmart specials. Ugly Stik just dressed up their own Catfish Special rod, but that isn't what we are talking about here. The Tiger is a premium Ugly Stik rod that comes in various lengths and models. One variation of the rod is the 7-foot bait-casting model with light tips and a stout backbone. I have some of the Med Lt labeled for 12-30 lb line and 1/2-4 oz weight, and some of the Med labeled for 20-50 lb line and 1-6 oz weight. I don't have experience with the Med Hvy that you are using, but obviously, you are demonstrating it works pretty well. Many of the old captains up on the James River are using the Med Hvy with good results, especially when the current/tide is moving hard against a big fish. I think the other rod builders are missing the mark with their long 7-foot-6-inch short butt rods. The Tiger has a long rear butt section and meaty EVA foam grips. The action profile of their rods is great for planers and the longer butt generates leverage. The light tip makes dealing with a 10-pounder sporting without overkill, but the beef in the back half of the rod will handle the big fish. Their 7-foot length makes them perfect for transport in your truck and handling on the boat. The other short butt 7' - 6" roods have almost an extra foot out in front of the reel making them awkwardly long for a boat and front end heavy. I realize that is just my opinion. I fished the Tigers for many years and then switched to a pair of the cliche glamour rods. That lasted about 2 months and I sold the glamour rods and quickly went back to the Tigers. I guess I'd be willing to try another brand, but it will take more than a pretty paint job, unique butt wrap, aluminum reel seat, and double diamond-wrapped serving to get me to bite. Until then, I'll be happy with my Tigers. Oh, and you can still find them at Bass Pro and West Marine for $69.00. Just be careful what you order. Not all Ugly Stiks models are created equal. Ask for a 7-foot Tiger Med Lt, Med, or Med Hvy Conventional/Casting Rod. In my opinion, the blank specs are one grade heavier than the competition, so a Tiger Med Light is similar to the competition's Med. I enjoy your reviews. I'd like to hear your thoughts on a comparison between your old Jon Boat and your current Alumacraft.

[@chuckstith838]

Don't hold back. Tell us what you think.

[@camwinston5248]

@@chuckstith838 He did...his openness was appreciated !

[@Echos_Forever]

You will never go wrong using ANY style ugly stik's!!! Best rod's ever made!!! Big love to you Dave! ✌️😊🤙

[@jacobgomez8233]

I’m from San Diego I came across your channel…. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@JarrydMitchell]

I've been loving my medium light tiger rods for channel cats

[@stubby8663]

Used Ugly Stik Rods for years, and the Only problem I Ever had is when I would shut the trunk lid down on the tip, broke a few that way. Thanks for the video Dave, and as always Good Luck and have FUN !

[@huskergator9479]

I like buying Ugly Stik’s at estate & garage sales. Cannot go wrong.

[@vwmountainman9701]

Back in 90 or 91 - I worked at Walmart in the sporting goods dept. My friend Bronson was the dept. manager. He took a big ol' Ugly Stick ( don't remember the model ) after putting on safety glasses & gloves - he bent that rod Tip to Handle. Did NOT break or crack. I believe that was the advertising of the day. Wether it be magazine or TV. They are strong well built rods. I use a couple myself. Always had a least one on hand. Keep up the videos - nice work !!!

[@TNRVG]

I remember finding one in the bargin bin for $10 years ago. Made a great kayak rod and I caught some very nice cats on it! Some reels would not fit in the reel seat right.

[@ricksouthernrebelatheart5138]

The lake all to yourself that’s what I’m talking about 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 ty Dave for another great video

[@jasondeansmith79]

Dave’s videos never disappoint

[@arthurmccorkle4331]

Never!!! Well said.!!

[@brotherbrian5625]

I was using ugly sticks in the 80's and catfish have always been cool in my world.

[@pdm1289]

Thank you Dave for another quality video. Just keep on doing like you have been doing! Blessings on you and be safe.

[@tammykifer5176]

Good looking fish I have used a ugly before it had a glow in the dark tip good for night fishing 🎣

[@sha6mm]

For some fishing I believe Ugly Sticks are the best choice in a rod.

[@badhombre8383]

I love my ugly stiks. They’ve been through the woods countless fish kayaks the beds of countless pickup trucks and even beat raccoons with them before 🤦‍♂️ I think I’m up to 6 of them now.

[@hokanut]

" We caught fish in this video, that makes it a fishing video" I like Daves low key style. And taste in old school rods.

[@77smg4boi]

Great video I’m old school and had salt water poles that I now use for suspending baits they work good get a lot of hook ups

[@anthonydalicandro8848]

Been fishing for years. Cought big cats on ugly sticks. Tiger sticks are the best.

[@419FishinandPowderCoating]

Before catfishin was cool, lol. I been catfishin all my life and taught allot of people, including my wife, how to catfish. I didn't even know KZbin had all this stuff goin on until a year and a half ago. My grandson really likes watching catfish Dave. Dave will always get his attention.

[@FDXman65]

Love the overalls. I like how you are wearing what you like and not clothes to impress your audience.

[@ROYLORAH]

Awesome video love the blue grass music.

[@henryparent1157]

Great fishing rod.

[@timothykarnes7945]

Yep The 7 foot med heavy Tiger ugly.is a fantastic rod hooks up well..had mine many years now very durable rod...

[@beinawesome9117]

Thanx for another fine show. Carry On!

[@FDXman65]

Oh I know I’m always commenting on you but I’m sorry. I used ugly sticks in the 70’s so they are definitely good or they wouldn’t have been around so long. Nice rig overall. Glad you have the boat👍

[@madtownangler]

I started catfishing in the early 1990's before freshwater circle hooks became a big thing. They were not in any of the In-Fisherman catfish VHS tapes that I had They used saltwater circle hooks on long lines for stuff like halibut for years before that. I got one from a fisherman up in Alaska. I have never used one that big for catfishing yet

[@carlericpickett597]

I have 5 Ugly Stik rods. Greatest rods ever. (2)GX2 ,Catfish special, Big water, whuppin stik.

[@coltwasham7702]

Heck yeah, it's another great video! I'm danged sure ready to see those new Madd Katz in action, that you have been teasing us with pics on Facebook lol With all the colors, there's something for the whole family.

[@Firewoodmaninvirgina]

All I use and have ever used is ugly sticks. Good video Dave. Come up and fish the Potomac River with us

[@raygillem4768]

Been using ugly stik rods for decades and I love them. Tried many different rods but I always return to the ugly stik. My 10 ft medium heavy ugly stik I have been using for almost 20 year and it's still holding up well for the big cats.

[@rchilsstandardpoodles8029]

Only way to know you'd have a fish on that heaviest rod would be by using a planer board! Mine is only a 6' and there is no way of knowing otherwise if you had a big fish on, without drag being pulled, or having a board on it. Hell, I can't even get mine to bend at the tip at all. May as well be using a 2x4. LOL I inherited mine from my brother, who used to fish for grouper when he was in Florida. Not your average cat rod for sure.

[@johnnyfish6051]

Ugly Stix in any style is your best buy for the money. Before the " catfish rod" boom, serious cat men bought salmon/steelhead and muskie rods. Ugly still makes them. Cork handles too.

[@guccijones005]

I just love watching Dave 💪🏾💯👍🏾

[@925Dragon1]

I have the 7 ft Ugly Stik Tiger rod in a medium light lots of backbone 30 lb line rate perfect for sturgeon that sensitive tip normally hard to detect a sturgeon bite without a sensitive tip

[@tilfishindouspart6579]

Ugly Stik👍🏼, my preferred rod

[@barryphelps3940]

Been using Ugly Stik rods in Texas every since they came out. Walmart keeps them in stock

[@KevinJohnson-rn8ho]

I have pulled some big halibut with them salt uglysticks, think they even have one called uglybutt

[@jamescannon4917]

What reels are you using Dave.

[@mikem201]

I own a couple Ugly Stiks. Caught a lot of big carp and catfish with them. A lot of bang for the buck.

[@jackienelson5804]

Hay DAVE good to see you iv been down lately but I'm watching you now I'm late getting to this one but I ant wait to see what you catch Lemay Nelson

[@cdblackjr9414]

I think ugly stiks are the best rods. I have them from dock rods to surf rods!

[@mikeredrugger]

Dave have you ever fished the Arkansas River? Got a catfish tournament there coming soon

[@coodyoutdoors8766]

Ugly Stik is our favorite here at my house

[@MichaelJohnson-pj1ro]

I've been using ugly stick's since i was 16 and got into bass fishin real heavy, always was a cat man at heart though. I'll 41 later this year and haven't bought anything but ugly stick's since. I am lookin into getting a couple madkatz for me and my wife though. That'll be the first rod's i've bought that wasn't ugly's since i was 16 😂

[@bettyperedaherrera]

Good video Dave, what brand and size reel do you have on the 7 ft heavy big water rod ?

[@inannashu689]

I caught a fifty pound catfish on the Santee river with a 6.5 ugly stick rod and reel on twenty pound line over twenty years ago. I still have that rod and I will never buy another brand for catfish.

[@grindernorcal4373]

I use Ugly Stick rods all the time..

[@kenlee6126]

Anybody know where Dave gets those long dragging weights the green ones? I looked on Amazon can't seem to find them any help would be appreciated! Even googled them no luck finding them

[@jackkeeble9272]

Nice video man! G

[@jackkeeble9272]

Great job, enjoy watching your channel!

[@jackkeeble9272]

Great music love it!👍

[@jackkeeble9272]

Would like very much to go fishing with you man!👍

[@donwise1614]

What kind of reflective tape do you put on your fishing rods.

[@catfishdave8192]

It is Duck brand auto reflective tape, color white, got it at walmart

[@kevinbanks818]

Dave you get a new boat?

[@jerrydavis3648]

Drive over 400 miles this week fished 19 hours caught 13 fish. One day I fished 6 hours and not one fish. It’s tough here. I was on Tennessee river below Wilson dam. Dropping water I guess.

[@rondellschuyler7074]

What is the float called that looks like a spook lure that your bait hook line is tied to ? Does that keep your bait off the bottom ?

[@blackdeath5026]

I still use these rods for catfish

[@Michael_Clark_II]

I’m all totally sure this will definitely be laughing 😂 material for the vast majority of pros herein but, can any offer a detail explanation of this CAT 🐈‍⬛ FISH 🎣 MASTER’s rig setup. My first guess was that it was a Carolina Rig but, I looked 👀 again; only to see, a type of 🔝 water jerk bait lure in the middle of his setup, and thence… A long line weighted strip. I’m both amazed & confused as damn 7 hells. In conclusion, any help from one ☝️ of you iconic knowledgeable anglers would be mighty kind… Mighty kind-indeed! Thanks for the outstanding video DAVE! “Whoooooooooo!” 🙃

[@jimmieepperson7255]

Catfish Dave!! Where did you find your boat? That’s the type of boat I’m looking for. If you know of one like it for sale or if you see one for sale. Can you hit me back on here.

[@bidenhasdementia8657]

Uglystick's just work, no thrills no 130$ price tag, they just get the job done. The lighter actions don't have to tip dexterity for me, but all my catfish rods are uglysticks

[@jrporter50]

Undersized gear is my problem. I got all this dagblasted bass fishing gear!

[@glassontherocks]

A record Catfish in Missouri was held for almost a decade caught on a cut willow branch.

[@jrporter50]

@@glassontherocks lol awesome

[@codyedgington6852]

Dave! Question. I'm in ky. Bank fisherman, I ain't been in a month or 2. Cause I been tournament fishing. Have you had to downsize baits yet for flattys due to temp change. I don't have fresh skipjack in my woods so I'm asking you your opinion on what a man should be throwing and using rn for these old stubborn blues.

[@kyleybare9262]

always entertaining keeping it REEL

[@justinstatham6378]

Did you stop using the Big Catts rods?

[@davefisher5196]

What reels do you have on those ugly sticks?

[@beebop9808]

Still good rods but they never used to make segmented rods and they all had lifetime warranties on them. Weren't the lightest of rods but they were tough as nails.

[@beebop9808]

I've already won millions on here. Give it to someone else who needs it.

[@DNA_Catfishing]

The goat.

[@chadgreenaway8289]

Yea dude, all I USE is ugly sticks, I have two 9fts and a 10ft bigwater I've only broken one over the years gotta watch out for the foam plug inside if you ever get a two piece, it likes to fall out leading to breakage

[@lukethomas3296]

put a small stinger hook on below the main bait to ketch the small dingers

[@tnriverbanks]

So Dave? These iconic ugly stik rods are pretty good yes? I agree they need reflective tape on the tips for night fishing but they are bullet proof in my opinion. Never broke one yet and cant see spending the money on more costly rods. Appreciate your opinions and hope you reply. ( suck creek fisherman)

[@mathewrupp8568]

My problem with Ugly Stick is they aren't the value they once were, also they aren't rated to throw much weight. I started with a Catmax rod from Cabela's. While it's an ok rod I realized that it cost as much as the Mad Katzs rods available at a couple of local bait shops. In fact I got the rods 20% of on sale. The cheaper rods just don't compare to the Mad Katz which can throw 16oz, needed in the river I fish.

[@brownstarslots]

My Walmart sells those, and yes, I'm on the coast

[@johnnyutah7504]

Best flathead bait there is, Midnight Shad(crappie heads)

[@robbob5318]

Come fish the lower Squahanna river in Pennsylvania

[@brandonlollis1506]

Come down to south ga an fish the altamaha river for some 100 pound flatheads u will forget about those dagblasted blues

[@babyyoda4182]

Mr dink Dave is at it again

[@steveheras7109]

Completely off target but do you have any thoughts on the walleye cheating fiasco?

[@bobbygreen2291]

Good show Dave ,,love them ugly sticks just about as much as an ugly woman ,,h ah haha ha,,hey ain’t least they know how to cook beans and corn bread ,,and that is important.

[@JonR35]

Need to put hooks and sinkers you use in description

[@randall517]

I catfish with a Dicks special Ugly stick with a cheap 12 yr old baitcaster and 30lb line. I also have a nicer rod and reel and that ugly stick seems to catch good fish. Pulled in a 30# flathead with it. Was a bit more sporty bringing it in than it would of been on my heavier set up but a lot more fun.

[@independentthinker.273]

Are all of these rods 7 ft or 7'6?

[@myronward203]

What kind of reels are those?

[@tonywheeler7473]

penn squalls

[@nathanpruce6230]

Old school! if it works use it!👍

[@boboneil949]

Glad to see you break out coveralls

[@jeffchaffee1235]

Come on Dave where the hell are you?

[@erichoward518]

Been using ugly stik tigers for 13 years….Will continue to.

[@steven-nb6rt]

All my rods are ugly sticks. Best bang for your buck.

[@rondoofnightmare775]

Why are you switching to ugly stick vs staying with madkatz

[@stanpierce4724]

Madkatz are great rods and I'm sure Dave agrees, I believe he doesn't want to be committed to any certain rod due to all the rod company drama in the catfish world..

[@rondoofnightmare775]

@@stanpierce4724 Don't blame him. I m asking him about some issues with madkatz rods I heard from other anglers. Stuff like the guide wrappings coming unraveled, or the tip section breaking

[@stanpierce4724]

@@rondoofnightmare775 Madkatz will replace it no questions asked. I have not heard about any issues with them, they replace rods you slam in your tailgate.

[@rondoofnightmare775]

@@stanpierce4724 That's what I thought.

[@Yelladog78]

I like 'em except the line guides look like they stamped out of pop cans

[@scottgoldsberry2730]

Looks like only one of those poles was working. Better calibrate the other 2🤔

[@h.i.mcdunnough9401]

WOOOOOOOOOWWWwwhhh!!!