In 1976, Shakespeare® began a journey that would provide many anglers with their most memorable fishing moments – creating the original Shakespeare Ugly Stik®. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik is known as an icon in the fishing world and very little has changed about the rod since its inception, until now. The new Ugly Stik® GX2™ is set to continue the legacy that was established 37 years ago, As a replacement series to the original Ugly Stik, the Ugly Stik GX2 is ready to continue building upon the legendary toughness and durability in waters around the globe.

The Ugly Stik GX2 is infused with enhancements that go beyond cosmetics. Featuring Ugly Tech™ Construction and a new blank through reel seat design; the Ugly Stik GX2 combines graphite and fiberglass to create a strong yet sensitive rod with better balance.

When developing the new Ugly Stik GX2, Shakespeare took angler comments very seriously. As a result of this consumer research Ugly Tuff™ Guides were created. The newly designed one-piece, stamped stainless steel guides provide maximum durability and no insert pop-outs.

Featuring enhanced cosmetics, the Ugly Stik GX2 showcases a sleek matte black finish highlighted by red and silver accents giving the rod a more modern look. The rod also features the Ugly Stik logo etched into the EVA grip to give it a look all its own.

While there are a number of new features the Ugly Stik GX2 also gives a nod to the heritage of the original. The iconic Ugly Stik® Clear Tip® still delivers extra strength right where you need it and is sensitive to the lightest strike. Cosmetically the Ugly Stik GX2 balances a modern look with the classic diamond wind above the grip that many consumers loved about the original.