Thread: HOA pond equipment recommendation

New guy here - please be kind!

I did some searching via the interwebs and this forum prior to posting, but likely missed the thread I'm looking for.

I've fished on and off my entire life, starting with a Zebco 404 almost every day after school.

I've never done anything spectacular, other than a few deep sea excursions.

I've lived in an HOA that had a pond within walking distance for the last nine years, even with multiple corporate relocations. For whatever reason, I've failed to use them.

Unrelated to COVID, I ventured out a few months ago. I've really enjoyed spending an hour or so a few nights a week after my daughter goes to bed. The last few nights I was out until almost midnight!

I'm currently using a medium Speedstick gifted to me by a neighbor. I have no idea what happened to the numerous Wal Mart combos I've acquired over the years. I had it restrung with either eight or ten pound line the other night, and that certainly enhanced my experience.

I'm generally catching very small perch, some only a few fingers in length. The other night I realized that if I walked another hundred yards, I could enjoy a much larger pond that appears to have somewhat bigger fish.

I type all this to ask for an ultralight combo recommendation. Although I'm having a blast with my lighted bobber and split shot on the medium, I'm guessing I could enhance my experience with a smaller rig.

Google tells me that the Ugly Stick GX2 is the way to go, and the only reason I'm hesitant is that it is a medium action as opposed to a fast. I'd assume I'd want an ultra light extra fast for what I'm doing. If possible I'd like a two piece so I can bring it to Nebraska when I visit the in laws well stocked farm pond. Far from a priority, I can always bring my medium.

I've attached a few pictures of what I'm catching for reference. The cat is rare, I caught it the other night and have never seen anything that large. I'm told there are plenty of ten pounders, but I'm going after the perch.