new rod question

Hey guys,

I always keep a rigged rod and reel in my truck just in case. I am kind of stuck on the Penn/Ugly Stick combo. I have been fishing them since I was a kid and don’t plan on changing. I would like to replace the Ugly Stick (6’6" med. action) with another one. Here is the question: Where would you buy it? I have looked at 2 box stores (Dicks and Walmart) and it is actually way cheaper (by about half) to buy the rod with a crappy reel attached. What gives? I certainly would rather pump some money into the local economy by going to one of the local tackle stores, but I would be crazy to spend $65 on a rod when I can go to Dicks, get the combo and throw the reel away for $29.

Thoughts?

check the model numbers to be sure it really is the exact same rod, but if so I would say buy the combo, keep the reel as a backup, and then go spend that extra $35 at your local shop on lures, bait, etc.


Angler 204 FX
Yamaha 150

I prefer the Penn/UglyStik combo myself

Negotiate…