Elite Spinning Rod
Durable composite spinning series for freshwater multi-species from panfish to bass
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is a general-purpose freshwater spinning series designed for entry-to-mid-level anglers fishing bass, panfish, walleye, and trout. It sits in the space between the budget GX2 and a dedicated performance rod, priced around $80, it delivers the brand's legacy toughness with more sensitivity than older fiberglass-dominated builds. The series suits bank anglers, kayak fishers, and beginners who want a durable, low-maintenance option across multiple species.
Blanks are graphite/fiberglass composite with 35% more graphite content than the GX2, reducing overall weight while retaining bend-before-break durability. The signature Ugly Stik Clear Tip technology places a fiberglass-only tip section that adds impact resistance where breakage is most common. Guides are Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, and designed for smooth line flow. Handles use premium cork; a 10-year warranty against defects covers the series.
Fourteen spinning models run 5' to 7'6" with powers from UL through MH. Ultra-light options (USESP501UL 5', USESP702UL 7', USESP662UL 6'6") target panfish and trout. The midrange M and ML models cluster around 6'6"–7' for general bass and walleye use. Two-piece configurations appear at several lengths (602, 662, 702) for travel or storage convenience. A single 7'6" ML model anchors the longer-reach end for shore fishing or open-water casting.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 14 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 14 spinning
- Length
- 5'–7'6" 1.50–2.30 m
- Power
- UL–MH 5 classes
- Action
- XF–MF
- Line
- 2–17 lb
- List price
- $84.95
- Released
- 2015
Rods in this series
14 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USESP501UL | 5' | UL | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP562L | 5'6" | L | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP602M | 6' | M | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP601MH | 6' | MH | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP661MH | 6'6" | MH | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP661M | 6'6" | M | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP662UL | 6'6" | UL | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP662M | 6'6" | M | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP702UL | 7' | UL | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP702M | 7' | M | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP701ML | 7' | ML | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP701M | 7' | M | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP701MH | 7' | MH | Buy from Ugly Stik | |
| USESP761ML | 7'6" | ML | Buy from Ugly Stik |
Model notes
3 of 14 modelsShortest and lightest rod in the lineup at 5' UL with moderate-fast action; suited to trout and panfish in tight quarters, small creeks, and ponds where rod length would be a liability.
The only MH/XF combination in the lineup; 8-17lb on a 7' rod covers spinning applications near the upper end, larger soft plastics, swim jigs, and heavier inshore use. Unusual for a composite rod to run XF at MH.
Longest rod in the series at 7'6" ML; moderate-fast action and 6-12lb line suit long casts from shore or kayak for walleye, larger panfish, or finesse bass techniques where reach matters.