The company was founded in the year 1897 by William Shakespeare Jr. in the state of Iowa, United States of America. Since its conception, Shakespeare has been pioneering in the field of affordable yet technically superior fishing rods and tackle. Their in-depth experience and passion towards providing the best tackle to the angler is remarkable which reflects in their product range and customer service.
 | Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod | See Price |
 | Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Combo | See Price |
 | Navigator Spinning Combo | See Price |
 | Micro Spinning Rod | See Price |
 | Catch More Fish Spinning Fishing Combo | See Price |
Review of Top 5 Fishing Rods by Shakespeare Fishing
1. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
The Ugly legacy won’t go out without a bang! Shakespeare introduces their new range of Elite series of rods under the Ugly brand. The rod boasts of up to 35% more Graphite composition that allows the manufacturers to provide the angler with a lightweight rod, all the while maintaining the traditional toughness one would expect from a Ugly Stik series of rod.
Specifications
- Length: 7’6″
- Power: Medium Light
- Pieces: 1
- Lure rating: 1/8 – 5/8
- Line rating: 6 – 12
- Handle Material: Cork
PROS
- Advanced and upgraded Ugly Stik Clear Tip design that delivers performance when and where you need it and according tho the changing conditions
- Ugly Tech mode of construction that where the rod blank is constructed from Graphite composite material with 35% more graphite content and less resin content
- Equipped with a single Ugly Tuff stainless steel guide that offers maximum durability all the while eliminating guide insert pop-outs
CONS
- Not compatible with braided lines
2. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Combo
The Ugly Stik GX2 is the upgraded version of the Ugly Stik series of spin fishing rods. The upgraded series of Spin fishing rods carries over the tradition and heritage of the original series of rods, all the while maintaining the durability and strength factor ogf the series of rods. The rods are designed to give the angler more control over his/her gear due to the light feel of the rods, properly balanced construction and loaded with all the modern amenities one could ask for.
Specifications
- Length: 7’
- Power: Ultra Light
- Pieces: 2
- Lure Rating: 1/32 – ¼
- Line Rating: 2 – 6
- Handle Material: EVA
PROS
- Sensitive and strong rods, a trait that defines Ugly Stik rods are well known for
- Custom reel designed specifically for this rod series. Delivers reliable, smooth and impressive performance
- Equipped with anodized and machined aluminum spool that is coupled with strong bail wire
- Reels setup is equipped with pinion bearings that reduces overall mechanical wear on the same
- Rod flaunts a two piece mode of construction that favors portability
- Rod blank is constructed from fiberglass and Graphite composite material for both lightweight feel of the rod and strength
- Ideal for both fresh and salt water conditions
- Bundled with Shakespeare’s patented Ugly Tuff stainless steel single piece guide that is compatible with almost all types of braided as well as high performance lines
CONS
- Quality of the reel could have been a bit better
3. Navigator Spinning Combo
The Navigator series of spinning rod and reel combo is the latest addition to the range of quality tackle from Shakespeare. This combo allows the modern day angler to experience an effective, performance oriented and aesthetically pleasing setup. The medium powered tackle comprises of a rod blank that is constructed from fiberglass. The reel is designed to house a multi-drag system for smooth angling operations
Specifications
- Length: 6’
- Power: Medium
- Pieces: 2
- Lure Rating: 115 – 6
- Line Rating: 6 – 12
- Handle Material: EVA split grip for convenience
PROS
- Tubular rod blank is constructed from fiberglass that delivers great backbone strength along with lightweight feel that favors smooth maneuverability and casting action
- Rod favor portability due to its 2 piece mode of construction
- Split EVA grip offers comfort and all weather performance
- Rod is equipped with holes that ensures drainage of water for the longer shelf life
- Reel setup is equipped with multi-drag system that ensures smooth casting and retrieval action
CONS
- Quality is not up to the mark when compare to that of the other rods from Shakespeare
4. Micro Spinning Rod
The Micro series of spinning rods from Shakespeare is the ideal gear for the ones looking for a more relaxed session of angling. These rods are known for their lightweight feel and ultra-light power which makes this ideal for inshore fishing. Couple these rods with light lures and lines for optimum results.
Specifications
- Length: 7’6’’
- Power: Ultra Light
- Pieces: 2
- Lure Rating: 1/32 – 1/4
- Line Rating: 2 – 6
- Handle Material: Cork
PROS
- Available in both light and ultra light actions
- Rod blanks are constructed from Graphite composite material
- Reel seat is compatible with all types of reels and comes equipped with cushioned hoods fro convenience
- Stainless steel guides with corrosion resistant inserts
- Durable & reliable
- Made from high quality materials that ensures longevity and offers great value for money
CONS
- A little on the fragile side and needs care while handling
5. Catch More Fish Spinning Fishing Combo
The Catch More Fish series of spinning combo gear from Shakespeare supplies the angler with all the necessary equipment that is required for a great day at an inshore fishing condition. The rods are bundled with lure, lines from renowned brands like Gulp, Berkley and Stren.
Specifications
- Length: 7’
- Power: Medium
- Pieces: 2
- Lure Rating: 340/6 230/8 190/10
- Line Rating: 10 – 25
- Handle Material: Cork
PROS
- Ideal setup that favors inshore spin-fishing sessions
- Medium powered rod that delivers impressive backbone strength
- Combo is fully loaded with pre-rolled spool
- Rod blank is constructed from fiberglass material and coupled with stainless steel guides with durable ceramic inserts
- Grip is made from EVA and placed in a sporty split mode for all weather compatibility
- Complete kit that includes Berkley Powerbait worms, coupled with a pre spooled spinning reel and spinning line
CONS
- Rod quality is a bit delicate and requires careful handling
Conclusion
Shakespeare is a well known name in the angling communities of America as well as the world. They provide the anglers with their quality Ugly Stik Series of rods that is popular for their durability, strength and long shelf life. The rods are also equipped with holes in their blanks that facilitate drainage of the water from the rod setup. Shakespeare provides quality tackle at reasonable prices therefore this trait makes them the ideal choice if you want fishing tackles that delivers performance, and quality but doesn’t cost much. The Ugly Stik GX2 series of spinning rods is the ideal one among the lot evaluated in this article due to its great backbone strength. The graphite rod blank not only feels light on the hand but also facilitate smooth casting actions.
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