Ugly Stik: Difference between revisions
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Template:New unreviewed article Ugly Stik is subsidiary company of Shakespeare, a fishing equipment retail company. Ugly Stik is most well-known for its fishing rods. Shakespeare, originally called William Shakespeare, Jr. Company, was founded by William Shakespeare, Jr. in 1897 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The William Shakespeare, Jr. Company changed its name to Shakespeare in 1915, then moved its base of operations to Columbia, South Carolina in 1970. In 1976, Shakespeare introduced the Ugly Stik rod.[1]
About
One of the characteristics of the Ugly Stik rod that made it such a success when it was first introduced was the way it was built. Shakespeare used the Howald process, which was first used in the “Wonderod” in 1947. This rod was invented by Dr. Arthur M. Howald, and it would forever change the way Shakespeare would build rods. The process used by Howald in building this Wonderod was perfected by Shakespeare, and was used in building the first Ugly Stik rods. The rods made using this method included “an internal spiral fiberglass core and parallel glass fibers impregnated with pigmented polyester resin”, which was then covered in several layers of tape to hold these components together while they “cured in an oven”.[2] The tape was then removed with high pressure water jets.[2] Ugly Stik rods today are still made using the Howald process, but materials and methods have been tweaked considering the changes in technology since 1976. The modern Ugly Stik rods can be bent into a circle without snapping, which can be credited to the Howald process.[3] The construction process of Ugly Stik rods means a finished product that is sturdy and stiff, yet flexible. Sensitivity is also a large part of Ugly Stik’s success, as newer models are also built using graphite in the center of the fiberglass wraps. While the fiber glass provides the strength and stiffness that fishing demands, the graphite provides sensitivity.[4]
Ugly Stik got its name from the "ugly" appearance of their first rods. The first Ugly Stik rods were very large, featured metal handles, the graphite color showed through the blank, and the wraps were black with white pinstripes. Over the years, the appearance of Ugly Stik rods evolved into the now recognizable “red and yellow basket weave” design near the handle, a shiny jet-black finish, and a clear tip.[2]
Shakespeare did not just manufacture fishing tackle. During World War I, their “factory was converted to manufacture mortar fuses and automobile carburetors”.[5] In World War II, Shakespeare manufactured controls for tanks, automobiles, and aircraft. “Shakespeare also manufactured the first fiberglass radio antennas, golf club shafts, pool cues, archery equipment, and numerous industrial materials”.[5] From 1968 to 1986, Shakespeare manufactured trolling motors.[5] Today, Shakespeare also sells non-fishing related Ugly Stik products, such as car decals, hats, glasses, and clothing.[1]
Ugly Stik's Current Rods
Ugly Stik Rod: The classic Ugly Stik rod, closely related to the original 1976 Ugly Stik. These rods are black with the signature red and yellow design near the handle, built using the Howald process, and feature the clear tip.[6]
Ugly Stik GX2 Rod: These rods are claimed to be an improved version of the Ugly Stik Rod, with better looks, a “lighter feel”, “better balance”, and tougher line guides. These rods are also made using the Howald process and feature the clear tip. Ugly Stik also manufactures “Ladies” and “Kids” versions of this rod.[6]
Ugly Stik Lite Rod: Smaller, lighter version of the Ugly Stik Rods, intended to be used in angling situations that require more finesse. These rods feature a cork handle material, instead of the foam of most other Ugly Stik rods. These rods are made using the Howald process and feature the clear tip, but are made with proportionately more graphite to decrease the weight and add sensitivity.[6]
Ugly Stik Elite Rod: Much like the Ugly Stik Lite Rod: cork handle and built using more graphite. But, these rods are not meant for smaller fish or more finesse situations, they are regular sized rods with added graphite for lighter weight and added sensitivity. Built using the Howald process and features the clear tip.[6]
Ugly Stik Tiger Rod: A bigger, stronger version of the Ugly Stik Rod, intended for use against large fish. Features a golden-brown coloring. Built using the Howald process but does not feature the clear tip design.[6]
Ugly Stik Striper Rod: A species-specific rod produced for purpose of catching striped bass. Features a white coloring, along with the clear tip and being built using the Howald process.[6]
Ugly Stik Catfish Rod: A species-specific rod produced for purpose of catching catfish. Bigger and stronger than the Ugly Stik Striper Rods. Features a white coloring, along with the clear tip and being built using the Howald process.[6]
Ugly Stik Inshore Select Rod: Built with more graphite in the Howald process to make lighter and more sensitive. Features an exposed reel seat, foam grips, tougher guides and the clear tip.[6]
Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod: Larger and stronger than the Ugly Stik Rod. Built with stronger line guides, tougher reel seats, and features an epoxy coat that offers protection from UV rays. Built using the Howald process and features the clear tip. Ugly Stik also manufactures its only fly rod under the Bigwater series.[6]
Ugly Stik Line Counter Rod: Rods specifically built for fishing situations that demand the ability to know exactly how much line is out. Features a white color and a built-in line counter. Built using the Howald process and features the clear tip.[6]
Popularity
Ugly Stik’s Facebook page hit one million likes on January 19th, 2015. Ugly Stik was the first fishing tackle brand to reach this milestone, and did so in just under four years (Ugly Stik opened its Facebook page in February of 2011). Ugly Stik gave away prizes, such as products and gift cards, to over 30 people as a part of this achievement.[7] Owen James Burke, and avid outdoorsman and writer for thewirecutter.com, is one of the many fishermen who has done extensive reviews on Ugly Stik rods. In his article entitled The Best All-Around Fishing Rod and Reel for (Around) $100, Burke stated that the Ugly Stik Bigwater Series spinning rod is the best option for a fisherman on a budget who is looking for a strong, versatile, and durable fishing rod.[4] In a test of fishing rod strength performed by Jon Merwin, fishing editor of the outdoor magazine Field and Stream, attached weights to the ends of seven different fishing rods. All but one of the rods broke at forty five pounds of weight or less. The only rod that didn’t break was the Ugly Stik rod, which handled all fifty five pounds of weight Merwin had to test with.[4]
References
- ^ a b "About Ugly Stik". Ugly Stik. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.
- ^ a b c Lindler, Monroe; White, Phil. "The Ugly Stick and the story behind the naming of the best selling rod of all time". stripers247. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.
- ^ Sauer, Abram. "Ugly Stik". brandchannel. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.
- ^ a b c Burke, Owen. "The Best All-Around Fishing Rod and Reel for (Around) $100". thewirecutter. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.
- ^ a b c "About Shakespeare". Shakespeare Fishing Tackle. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Rods". Ugly Stik. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.
- ^ "Ugly Stik Hits the One Million Fan Mark on Facebook". npaa. Retrieved 19 Feb 2015.