It works for both fresh and salt water. My rod and reel setup puts it at a weight of under 12 oz. I want to give it 5 stars but I was hoping the paint would hold up like my GX2 but they rubbed on each other while loading it into my truck and the Carbon rod got a scratch. I touched the scratch with a red Sharpie marker and it's not as noticeable. So I wish that the paint was toucher because the color is radiant red and I love it. I bought a protective sleeve for transporting. My only other gripe about this rod is on the end of the handle where the Ugly Stik decal used for the carbon rod is cheap looking. Compared to the holographic almost three dimensional peace on the handle end of my GX2 rod. Other than that, it's a solid rod and it performs well. I would recommend it.

I purchased these to replace two very old Ugly Sticks. These are lighter and feel good in the hand.

not your classic ugly stik, much lighter and more sensitive, cant speak to the durability yet but seems theyve come a long way. only down side: no rod info printed on the blank? this is something every other rod manufacturer on the market does, it cant be that hard. many might not care about this but serious anglers will want to know what power and action rod theyre picking up.

I have the very first Ugly Stik, circa 1976, and about 20 various Models from then till now, Fresh and Salt Water. I really love the feel and look of this New Stik.. Both Incredibly Light & Strong, with an Attractive Shiny Red Color. The only thing I would change is adding a Cork Handle, because that is My Personal Preference. Fishing a 100 degree Day recently, I missed having Cork, as when your Hands get Sweaty or Wet, they can Slip on the Pole's Surface, where Cork gives You a better Grip. But these New Poles are a Joy to Use. Got a Big Bass on My New Rod, so I know they are Strong, like all the other Uglys. An example of Ugly Stik's Durability, is that I had an Elite 7'6" in my SUV. It is a 1 piece, and was laying inside from tailgate to front passenger door window. I arrived at My Fishing Spot and saw somebody pulling up that I knew would try to grab My Spot. So in a hurry I had opened both front and back seat passenger doors. I grabbed some stuff, as yet another car started to pull in I quickly pushed both doors closed tto make room for the other car. The poor 7'6" had Both Doors Close on the top part of the Rod, Bending it form the Back Door to the Front ! I thought what the Heck , I am not going Home, so I straightened the Rod out, and went and still caught a 18" Spunky Fat Rainbow on it ! UGLY STRONG !!!

I have the very first Ugly Stik circa 1976, many other varieties of it, and now this Baby.
I normally prefer cork handles, but really like this New Graphite Version . It is a very Light yet very Strong Rod ! Have already landed a 3+lb Smallmouth, on My 7' Med. Bought it more for Trout Fishing, but could not wait to try it out ! I think any Ugly Stik is One of the Best Value Rods out there, and this One falls right into that Category.. I own St. Croix, Fenwick, Daiwa, and other Rods, which are all Great, but I love My Uglies !

Got this pole for the Wife. She likes it. Really light rod.