- 1). Pair the Ugly Stik with a fishing reel. Ugly Stik rods are available in bait-casting and spinning models. The former have a trigger beneath the reel seat; the latter do not. Spinning models are best paired with spinning reels, while bait-casting models accommodate both bait-casting and spin-casting reels. The rod and reel should feel comfortable and well balanced when you hold them.
- 2). Add line to the Ugly Stik rod and reel. Make sure the line is of a size that works with the rod and reel. Ugly Stik rods have written on their sides the range of line sizes they can accommodate. The boxes in which reels are sold also have that information, and some have it written on their spools.
- 3). Check the side of the Ugly Stik rod to see what lure sizes work best with the specific rod you are using. Using a lure or weight that is lighter or heavier than the recommended size will reduce the rod's performance and hamper your ability to feel fish bite.
- 4). Attach a hook or artificial lure to the end of the fishing line. A good connecting knot is the Palomar knot. If you are using a plain hook or jig, attach a piece of live bait or soft plastic to it.
- 5). Cast your lure or baited hook to likely areas. Fish often hold around cover such as boat docks and vegetation, or around structure such as drop-offs and the edges of humps and reefs. Do not be afraid to cast into the heaviest cover you can find, as it often holds fish.
- 6). Set the hook when a fish bites. A good hook-set with Ugly Stiks involves bringing the rod upward in a firm, controlled motion.
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