Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Combo VS Sandwich Mangrove Snapper.
Took the Ugly Stik GX2 to the Backcountry to see if it could handle the Tug Of War between big Mangrove Snappers in the roots. Chummed up some Pinfish and threw the net. Once bait was acquired I headed over to the side of the Keys where there is a distinct cut that runs along the Mangroves. I utilize my main anchor as not only do I need to be set in a good casting position, it is really important to be able to lock yourself down so that you aren't pulled into the Mangroves by the fish. I used a knocker rig with a 2 oz weight and a 3/0 circle hook. The heavier weight is needed to peg the bait straight down as the under cuts usually run under neath the mangrove roots and you want the bait to sit right at the edge. The biggest challenge is figuring out how long to let the fish run with the bait before you set the hook. Pull too early and it pulls the bait out of its mouth before it has taken it completely. Wait too long and the fish is buried in the Mangrove roots. After a few trial and errors, I got it figured out and started beating the beasts.
In regards to the performance of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2, I can say the rod handled everything without a problem. The reel however struggled with the strain of heavy drag and a hard pulling fish. The crank ratio is a bit light and the handle feels like it is going to break at any moment. The rod would struggle casting a 2oz weight, but the tension it can keep on the fish was just about right. I also was limited by using mono versus braid as the extra stretch allowed a few fish to reach the roots and got me rocked up. Overall, the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo has totally outpeformed it's rock bottom price. Still looking to see how it performs against the big boy Sharks, but that time will come. In the mean time, I'm more than happy to keep the Ugly Stik in the rotation.
KEY WEST KAYAK FISHING: Equipment Used
The Car - 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX
The Motorcycle - 1997 BMW F650
The Kayaks
1) 2010 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140.
2) 2012 Hobie Adventure Island w/ Outboard Motor Mount
- 2010 Suzuki 2.5 HP 4-Stroke Outboard
- Lowrance Hook-5
The Rods/Reels
1) 7' MH Shimano Teramar, TMS-X70MH, Line Wt. 10-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-1 1/2oz, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Extra Fast
- Penn Conflict 4000
- Power Pro 20lb
- Power Pro 10lb
- Andes 15lb pink mono
2) 7' H Shimano Teramar, TMS-F70H, Line Wt. 15-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-2oz, Power: Heavy, Action: Med Fast
- Penn Conflict 6000
- Power Pro 65lb
3) 6'6" XXH Offshore Angler - Ocean Master Freestyle Jigging Trigger Rod, OM66XXHT, Line Wt. 80-200, Lure Wt, 7 1/2 - 13 1/2oz, Power Extra Extra Heavy
- Shimano Torium 16
- Power Pro 65lb
4) 7'6" M Hurricane Calico Jack IM7, CAJ-457, Line Wt. 8-17lb, Lure Wt 3/8-3/4oz, Power: Medium
- Shimano Solstace 4000 FI
- Power Pro 20lb
5) 6' Ande Tournament Stand Up Rod, ASU-601A SDRMH, Line Wt. 20-50, Power: Medium Heavy
- Shimano TLD-30A 2-Speed
- Power Pro 65lb
6) 6'6" Shimano Trevala, TVC-66MH, Line Wt. 50-100lb, Jig Wt 50-100g, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
7) 7' Shimano Trevala, TVC-70ML, Line Wt. 20-50lb, Jig Wt 55-135g, Power: Medium Light, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
8) Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Combo, Med action, 6-15lb.
Plus a few other misc saltwater rigs that are used sparingly and some Bass rigs which I won't use in salt water.
Filming
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
GoPro Hero 3 Black
GoPro Studio Editing Software
Header Graphic Created By: Jeff Kaphingst (www.jeffthedesigner.com) (www.rack30.com)
