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What is the Ugly Stick equivalent for fly rods?


I’ve been conventional fishing for most of my life. I bought my first fly rod two weeks ago. It’s a Martin starter kit thing. Like $40. I’ve been practicing and caught a native brookie! (Above)

I know I’m going to want to continue fly fishing so I wanted to ask if there is a brand of fly rods that are similar to ugly stick in that they’re reliable, affordable, and durable. I’m a big fan of buy a decent one and use it for a couple decades.

I appreciate all help!

Posted by Ryan-Bburg

13 Comments

  1. literally_everything on

    I’m an ugly stik guy with conventional gear and I have leaned toward Redington in my fly rod purchases. They arent really comparable in price to one another but you could make the argument that within the much more expensive world of fly fishing Redington occupies a similar space as ugly stik.

  2. Nautilusnewyork on

    Unfortunately ugly stick does not make a fly rod. I have them for spinning reel set ups. My fly rods are Redington and Echo. They will break but you will be able to buy a new tip without it hurting to much.

  4. FrankWoodsakaonion on

    I like orvis personally the Clearwater is a great rod it’s my favorite of the ones that I have

  7. StrawberryDouble3870 on

    I think the Redington Classic Trout is your rod! I have 8’6 4wt and it’s a great rod.

  9. Azthatsme on

    I have an eagle claw 6’6 3/4 and it’s the only rod I haven’t broken, and I’ve fallen on it more times than I can count

  10. yarrr0123 on

    Redington. I have 3 different rods: Vice, Classic Trout, and striper field kit. They get the job done really well for how cheap they are. No desire to buy more expensive brands. Probably all 3 of those I could have had one Orvis Helios. And they’re catching the same fish. 

    Redington also goes on sale a ton.

    I’ve never used Echo, but I hear similar sentiments. 

  11. Turdsonahook on

    Ugly stick definitely makes a fly rod. I have abused many 10wt ugly sticks fishing for tarpon at night.

  12. Plum119 on

    Bright yellow fiberglass Eagle claw 6’6, I have it in a 3wt and think it was like $40 with a crap reel and line all for under $100. I’ve banged that thing on rocks, sticks, trees, bushes, car doors, and it doesn’t even have a scratch. Pretty easy to cast and a great beginner setup to get in for fairly cheap

  13. AspenGold100 on

    Have both Reddington and an Orvis, and love both. Orvis has a better warranty for rod repair.

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