Originally Posted By rde1911
... Has anyone fished with the 5 foot Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Pack Rod lite weight? I am looking at this rod or am looking for suggestions on a telescoping ultra lite rod. Thanks for any help you can provide.


Their seems to be many more sectioned pack rods currently than telescoping pack rods. The sectioned rod tends to be lighter and has better action, which is why I think it is hard to find anything other than a cheap telescoping rod.

However, I discovered as you did, that when you add in a case to protect a sectioned rod, it gets a lot heavier. Telescoping rods don't really need that kind of protection. Retracted they seem much more robust. My son lost the top section to my first rod and I replaced it with a telescoping rod and haven't looked back. I now own two:

1. A cheap rod I bought for saltwater fishing with not very good action for trout fishing (A bit stiff for the tine Mepps spinners I use in the High Sierra). This is it: http://www.amazon.com/South-Bend-Proton-...QC0RSJHJ8NM6S8D

2. I have a nice Balzer rod that I use trout fishing. It's not as cheap, nor as good of action.... but the action is good and matches well with light lures. I think I bought the Magna Magic 25 from these guys (though I thought I spent more than $60....): http://www.psfishing.com/magna-magic-25-telescopic-fishing-rod.html

Most Balzer rods are pretty long like that one. Not sure if they have some shorter with light action. I like a 6ft + rod to be able to cast out into a lake.