I've fished this combo quite a few times now using a few different choices and methods. This thing is great. I seriously never knew I needed a 6-1/2 foot rod.

This will work well with a Rebel baby wee craw, bass hook and watermelon lizard, hook and bobber, poppers, great with all sorts of cranks. Also throws a pretty big lure depending on how much you trust your line and knot. I've lost a considerable amount of fish because I was using too small a lure. This will catch a decent sized fish no problem. 8lb monofilament is pretty good general use line. I'm starting to feel pretty confident throwing bigger lures after a few fishing trips.

Good luck getting one, but it's worth the hunt. Don't listen to people telling you that high end gear is a requirement. I'm adding some of my better catches from the last 2 week since these released. Although I got mine 2 days before official release through a complete coincidence while thinking it's about time for an update from the questionably numbered 30th anniversary rod. Ugly Stik out.

Great combo with a cool graphic. I threw some locally sold 8lb monofilament on and caught 6 fish in 3 hours. I was teaching a friend who's new to fishing and we didn't stay at the spot all day, so I'm excited for next time I go on my own. Side note: I think the reel only take 8lb mono (or whatever equivalent).

The reel is surprisingly good and has zero backwards rotation. It doesn't REALLY make a difference, but there's no reverse feature which I find useful. The top cap to adjust the drag is a complete POS. Don't even imagine touching it with anything other than finger tips. I wouldn't be surprised if a finger nail scratched or gouged it. I really don't know what happened with the piece in particular, it's a pretty solid reel otherwise.

I've been fishing over 25 years pretty passionately and I can't justify anything but an ugly stick. Everytime I think of 'upgrading', I remember I pull more fish out of the water than anyone else I know. Definitely grab a 50th anniversary while you can. My 30th anniversary is still perfectly fishable about 20 years later. These new rods feel a little stronger, but the only thing I've lost a rod to is a car door (many times).