Hi Kev
The Ugly Stiks are not a bad buy I use 12lb & 30lb Class rods
30lb Rod has brought in some good fish 24lb+ Conger (Swansea) 16lb+ Ling (Swansea)
11Lb+ Bull Huss (Rhyl) 14lb+ Cod (Whitby)
12lb Rod has brought in some good fish 4lb+ Pollack (Rhyl) 3lb+ Coalie (Whitby)+ I use it for Boat mackereling,its great sport.
OK they are not big fish but is there any monsters out there today?
It's good fishing on the 12lb class cos the fish gives you a lot of sport
On the Portland Race i've used and uptider and the 30lb class rod and caught some good Bass on both,but would not use the 12lb Class,as you need to get the fish up quick cos of the speed of the currents and drift of the boat.
If I was to fish the Portland Race often then a 20lbish 6'6" Ugly Stik would be my choice,but fishing there is another story.
Yes I do use braid and would never go back to mono when rough ground and wrecking,you can feel everything on the bottom
I do use mono when uptiding because the method needs the bend and stretch of the line for the fish to hook itself.
I would use an Uptiding rod if your in the Severn or Thames esturies, where there's shallow water and fast flowing tides.
Yes if you can go into a tackle shop and have a good feel,but unless you know the dealer,remember most of them are salesmen not fishermen.
Good luck on your choice
Cheers 4 Now
John E
