Shakespeare Ugly Stik

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik spinning rods come in a variety of models, and reviews say even the $30 Stiks are an excellent value for casual fishing enthusiasts. The graphite core is surrounded by fiberglass, making the Shakespeare Ugly Stik extremely strong but not inflexible. One Field & Stream reviewer set out to break seven fishing rods, and only the Shakespeare Ugly Stik survived until he finally ran out of weights at 55 pounds. The durability, seven-year warranty and low prices have helped make the Shakespeare Ugly Stik popular for more than a quarter century. Users say experienced anglers might want more sensitivity and less weight, however, and reviews recommend the lightweight graphite Okuma Guide Select (*est. $75) as the best bridge between budget and high-end spinning rods.

We found the best review at Field & Stream magazine, where the magazine's fishing editor set out to snap seven fishing rods, all of them more expensive than the Shakespeare Ugly Stik and none as tough. User reviews at the websites of Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's give better indications of actual fishing performance, however.