Reddit reviews Shakespeare UGLYDR36PDQ Ugly Stik Dock Runner Spinning Combo

I've only been fishing for a little over a month. My young kids wanted to so finally bought some rods, hit the internet to learn, and we're obsessed. OK, rather I'm obsessed lol, but my kids love it nearly as much. It's great to spend time with them and a blast when they catch one. So what I've learned in this short time...

Step one is to get a license for where you fish! Buy online and you can fish your whole state. Next equipment.

Most of the cheap rods I bought for the kids broke already :(. So I've resorted to buying gear that I'd personally find useful and will hold up. I replaced one with an ugly stick dock runner. Only $15, dinky but it's super strong so my 5 year old won't break it. I use it for bluegill (small fish) but it also held up great when I unwittingly hooked a decent bass! It's a spinning reel which is more prone to tangles. Unfortunately I also spend a lot of time untangling my 5 year old's reel. Alternatively you can get the dock demon spincast which is less prone to tangles.

I'm mentioning these rods because I'm kinda guessing your daughter is young if you want her to fish too but it's still appropriate for an adult to use. Full size ugly stick combos (rod & reel) are around $50 if you're will to spend that much for something super durable. Otherwise you can spend $25 for any combo at a sporting goods store and be able to catch fish no prob. Most popular is medium-fast action 6ft-7ft probably.

Easiest way to start catching fish is exactly what' you'd think, hook and a worm. I'm a fan of jig heads so you don't have to deal with a weight (weight is attached to hook). The improved clinch knot is seems to be the most popular way to tie the hook (but there are other knots). Grab some night crawlers - gas stations, convenient stores, grocery stores will have them by you (I'm in Chicago area so assuming it's the same). Just look for a live bait sign. Cut a small piece of the worm (maybe in half or quarters), stick it on the hook, give it a few wraps then hook it again, cast it (or just drop it from where you're standing), wait for that bobber to move, lift up to set the hook and reel it in. Take care unhooking it and go for that next one! It should be easy to find bluegill in shallow areas or right off of docks next to pillings (he uses slim jims in that video). You don't have to get up at the butt crack of dawn either for these small fish and can basically go whenever. They'll magically steal bait of the hook but be persistent and you'll hook one. Oh you might want to bring small scissors and needle nose pliers as well. Not necessary but sure makes things easier when you have to retie a hook or unhook a fish.

This is how we got into fishing because it's just a thrill to catch a fish no matter how small. If you enjoy it you'll probably want to catch bigger or different fish. Each fish has different behaviors so generally you'd target one species, learn what it eats and lives, then fish for it. Largemouth bass is the most popular but of course there's tons of fish out there all with different challenges.

As for places obviously you have Lake Michigan. I've personally never fished it and to be clear my suggestion comes from small lake or pond experience so might be more applicable there. They are everywhere around here though! I literally load up google maps, look for bodies of water, and bam, never realized there are dozens of places to fish within 10min or less. I'm sure it's the same for you.

Youtubers I've been enjoying so far Catfish and Carp, Hey Skipper, KickinTheirBassTV, Flukemaster, TacticalBassin, & just today discovered 1Rod1Reelfishing (probably one of the biggest ?).

Good luck. Even if it doesn't turn into a new hobby, you can spend $30 and have the thrill of catching a fish. Totally worth it.

Walmart has a $10 ugly stick combo with a Shakespeare reel

Rod: main reason I bought the combo, it's great

Reel : cheap Chinese reel, but works

Line : supppper cheap. I replaced it the next day with triline xt 4lb line

Here it is on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PNZSY7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o0yjDbWZ986AC

I have 10 other fishing rod and reel combos, where the cheapest setup was $150. So, buying a $10 combo was weird, but I'll be dammed if I'm happy with it.

I'll eventually replace the reel with a Pflueger 20x reel, but not until this one gives me issues

As for lures, my suggestion is to not use anything with a tail. I realized the micro fish were biting the end of the tail on my jig heads. So, make sure your lure has the hook at the end

Best suggestion I can give you is to buy a pair of waders. I find creeks and wade through it.

If you wade, try and start at the bottom of the creek and walk up stream. If you walk down steam, the mud you disturb will make the water hard to see through