Most anglers are very familiar with the Shakespeare fishing brand.
There’s a very strong likelihood, if only speculative, that most anglers have owned a fishing tackle or fishing kit of some description with Shakespeare’s name on it.
There are well over 100 years of history in the stalwart company, from swimbait heads to baitcaster die-hards they have rods to match every angler.
Such longevity in the ridiculously competitive angling market suggests Shakespeare fishing rods have been getting it right, and probably from inception.
Firstly, let’s have a quick look at the top two Shakespeare fishing rods in our lineup….
The Top Two
Here are the top two choices from our Shakespeare fishing rods review….
Today we’re going to review 5 Shakespeare fishing rods.
We’ll look at fishing rods the average angler and weekend dangler will likely seek to cover their general fishing applications.
I’m focusing on the average angler here for a reason which will become apparent shortly.
5 Shakespeare Fishing Rods Reviewed
The following 5 Shakespeare fishing rods are the types you would expect to purchase for more common fishing needs.
I’ll cover boat to bank and river to sea while excluding more specialized applications such as big game fishing and fly fishing.
Let’s have a detailed look at 5 Shakespeare fishing rods that could well make your rod purchase deliberations list…
Shakespeare Wild Series Spinning Rod
This is what Shakespeare considers a premium rod. Performance-wise, it certainly holds its own when compared to other more expensive fishing rods.
Shakespeare Wild Series Spinning Rod
Every angler needs a general-purpose fishing rod in their arsenal. For many anglers, the general-purpose rod is their only rod. Whether it’s your go-to every session rod or part of an arsenal, your GP should be performance-driven.
A general-purpose fishing stick is deployed for a variety of applications. It needs to be both sensitive and strong, as well as hold reasonable casting manners. Versatility is critical.
It’s lightweight, responsive, and when well balanced, casts a country mile…
The Shakespeare Wild Series Spinning Rod 9’ is a full graphite rod, cork handle 2 piece. It’s lightweight, responsive, and when well balanced, casts a country mile.
The 9 footer copes well with decent stripies and drum from the surf, while not being overkill for 2 and 3-pound largemouth bass or smallmouth bass, casting cranks from the bank.
Weight
It’s very light to hold (especially paired with an ultralight reel) and easy to extract peak casting. It is sensitive enough to feel a timid bite while holding all the grunt you need when a stripy takes a small live bait.
It has enough sensitivity to feel a timid bite…
Sensitivity is enhanced using braid, but I’d happily spool a 3000 spinning reel with mono and expect good feedback.
The cost is quite accessible for anglers on a tight budget. However, these light Shakespeare fishing rods would benefit from performance guides, reel seats and a more polished finish.
I’m still of the opinion that anglers would be happy to pay a few extra dollars for better hardware.
Quality
This is what Shakespeare considers premium fishing rods. Performance-wise, it certainly holds its own when compared to other more expensive fishing rods.
In some cases, you get better performance for your money relative to others.
While componentry is a little lackluster, this is a light and versatile graphite rod, with plenty of power for dealing with the majority of the shoreside species you’re likely to target or encounter.
Should a monster take your lure, you’re in with a fighting chance despite the conservative rating.
How Would I Use it?
I’d take this stick on any trip where I wanted more lure casting distance. It’s also ideal rigging for a smaller species of fish, knowing there’s some power backing you up should you hook-up bigger than expected.
This would be a go-to option for a host of surf species when the waves and weather are conducive to lighter class fishing rods.
Specs
- Lure Rating: 1/4-1/2 Oz
- Line Rating: 6-12lb
- Handle Cork
- Blank : Mi6 Graphite
- Guides: 10 X Stainless Steel
- Length: 9’
- Power: Medium-light
- Pieces: 2
Pros
- I really like that this fishing rod series features a full graphite rod. You get plenty of sensitivity and power with none of the weight
- It’s affordable and versatile. It’s a very useful surf rod while being no load to carry while fishing the docs or river banks
Cons
- The rod is let down a little with the stainless steel line guides, handle and reel seats. A few extra dollars on hardware could turn this rod into something special
Shakespeare STM66SPT Travel Mate Pack Spin Rod
Wherever you’re traveling by train, plane, automobile, bicycle or walking, this spinning rod is incredibly easy to carry and has the power and sensitivity to land a decent catch on lures or baits.
Shakespeare STM66SPT Travel Mate Pack Spin Rod
I have to admit that I have NEVER been a fan of telescopic fishing rods. I’ve not met a telescopic fishing rod that I’ve been happy to use, let alone buy. It’s quite the contrary with multi-piece travel fishing rods, however.
Many rod manufacturers have travel rods lined up. Some of them are so good that they rival the performance of standard rod configurations, with the hefty price tag to match.
With the STM66SPT breaking down to 7 pieces, it’ll fit in your laptop bag…
The Shakespeare models certainly fit the travel bill. With the STM66SPT breaking down to 7 pieces, it’ll fit in your laptop bag. What I don’t understand is why Shakespeare has used such ordinary material.
The rod feel is certainly fine. They cast well, they handle battles well, and these rods are easy to put together and break down. The rods look pretty good too.
The rods are fiberglass and the insert-free stainless steel line guides are quite robust. While this makes sense for a rod that is likely to attract significant transits bumps and scrapes, they could have upped the quality of componentry.
Price
I’m not quite sure why Shakespeare set out to make their travel rods so ridiculously cheap. And I mean crazy cheap.
They’re literally pocket change. But they work and the rods work pretty well. I’d just like to see the rods with a higher standard of hardware.
They’re literally pocket change. But they work and the rods work pretty well…
The medium action rod will cover just about everything the shoreside has to offer, excluding mega-fish, of course.
But wherever you’re traveling by train, plane, automobile, bicycle, or walking, this rod is incredibly easy to carry and has the power and sensitivity to land a decent catch on lures or baits.
How Would I Use it?
I’d put this rod in my car and leave it there with a reel and a couple of versatile lures. Then, as I passed any likely puddle or table drain, with half an hour to spare, I’d whip out my Travel Mate, and cast at come what may.
Specs
- Line Rating: 6-12lb
- Handle: EVA
- Blank: Tubular Fibreglass
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Length: 6’6”
- Power: Medium
- Pieces: 7
- Reel Seat: Twist Lock
Pros
- The cost is stupidly cheap. You’ve probably got enough coins in the ashtray of your car to pay for one
- They’re very easy to assemble and break down. The multi-piece configuration doesn’t seem to adversely impact performance to any serious degree
- It really will fit in your briefcase. You can stash it in your car and leave it there without taking up any space at all
- The rods are fiberglass and the insert-free stainless steel line guides are quite robust.
- The performance is pretty good. Indeed, it’s a hundred times better than any telescopic rod
Cons
- There was no need to make these rods so cheap. I believe most anglers would be happy to pay a few extra dollars for higher quality hardware
- Composite rods would deliver far better performance without adding significantly to the cost.
Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater Spinning, 12′ Medium-Heavy
This rod is for any angler looking to tackle BIG catches from land. You can cast heavy metal slices and poppers, as well as huge flesh baits and live baits.
Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater Spinning, 12′ Medium-Heavy
I really like this option for anybody on a strict budget who wants to fish the ocean rocks and surf. Despite it being pretty light (an advantage), this has power to burn with plenty of casting length.
This rod is for any angler looking to tackle a BIG catch from land. You can cast heavy metal slices and poppers, as well as huge flesh baits and live baits.
This rod is for any angler looking to tackle a BIG catch from land…
While it’s a surf and rock special, you would also use this anywhere you want some casting length and/or need strength to wrestle big fish. A good example other than surf and rock fishing would be targeting huge catfish from a lake or river bank.
TIP
It’s brilliant for tackling a monster from piers. The length gives you a real advantage when trying to keep your catch out of the sticks.
There’s no mucking around with Alpha. With this rod in your hands, you’re set to tackle sharks, kingies, grouper and more. It’s a cool fishing stick for live baiting for record stripies.
There is a 9-foot version of the same rod which is pretty cool too. However, the 12 foot delivers more access and greater benefits from the land.
How Would I Use it?
I’d strap an 8000 spinning reel to it, and it would be my go-to rod for targeting monster fish species from the surf, ocean rocks and piers. I’d cast the heaviest poppers, larger live baits, and metal slices.
Specs
- Lure Rating: 3-7 Oz
- Line Rating: 0-40lb
- Rod Handle: EVA
- Blank: Tubular Fiberglass
- Guides: 5 X Ceramic Inserts
- Length: 12’
- Pieces: 2
- Reel Seat: Graphite
- Power: Medium-Heavy
Pros
- Love the light-weight feel. Fatigue is reduced significantly; you can cast it and hold it all day. Surprising for a fiberglass rod
- Power to weight ratio is fantastic. You’d never know just by holding it, that you’re armed with a serious shark catcher
- Graphite Reel Seat
- The cost is incredibly cheap
Cons
- It’s a fishing tackle for big fish and big fish only. This is a really stiff rod. Great for casting heavy loads, but that’s about it. If you’re wanting the versatility to be able to chase panfish and rig light, the Alpha is not the go
- Lackluster fittings and bindings. That’s more an observation than a criticism. For the price, one can’t expect all the bells and whistles
Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Rod, 7’ Medium-Heavy
This rod is the epitome of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik line. It’s what Shakespeare Ugly Stik is all about, indestructible. This Ugly Stik rod is perfect for the boat or for ocean kayak fishing.
Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Rod, 7’ Medium-Heavy
This rod is the epitome of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik line. It’s what it’s all about, indestructible. This Ugly Stik rod is perfect for the boat or for ocean kayak fishing. It’s the second of our big fish rods for today’s review.
This Ugly Stik rod is perfect for the boat or for ocean kayak fishing…
This single piece Ugly Stik Fishing rod will handle a wide range size of casting reels and a huge range of massive fish. I love this Ugly Stik for massive kingies, tuna, sailfish and GT’s. It’s also great for bouncing the bottom for grouper.
With practice or experience, you can cast a reasonable distance with this Ugly Stik rod, but that’s not what it’s all about.
For example, you’d not be using rods like this Ugly Stik Tiger to park up a distance from the tuna school and start casting poppers. This is more about trolling or dropping big flesh and live baits, floating baits, or even jigging.
These are incredibly robust casting rods for this price range…
These are incredibly robust casting one piece rods for this price range. Everything about it says you can’t hurt me. The line guides look as if they’d handle steel winch cable and a vice without flinching.
I strongly recommend these Ugly Stick casting rods for anglers who are harsh and careless with their fishing rods. It will handle tough fish and tough fisher folk. Unless you drop it in the drink, it’ll last you a lifetime of countless trophy fish.
I’m still astonished that they can make rods like this for the mere pocket change it costs online. If you chase big fish from your boat or kayak, it’s really hard to go past this.
Specs
- Lure Rating: 1-8 Oz
- Line Rating: 30-60lb
- Handle: EVA
- Blank: Ugly Tech Construction
- Guides: 9 X Ugly tuff
- Gimbal: Rubber
- Length: 7’
- Power: Medium-heavy
- Reel Seat: Graphite
- Pieces: One Piece
Pros
- The strength and durability is really something. It’s a credit to Shakespeare that they can make rods at this tiny price that will literally last a lifetime.
- I like that price point. With the money you save on this little number, you can invest in higher performance casting reels
- The powerhouse look inspires the angler with the confidence to lay into massive fish
Cons
- Aesthetically, it’s not particularly appealing to me. But that’s completely subjective and makes no difference to its performance
- Those chunky robust Ugly Tuff line guides will see corrosion fairly quickly. It’s important to note, however, that this corrosion is only superficial. It usually starts where the Ugly Tuff guides are bound to the rod, and sometimes on the guide frame. My ugly stik showed corrosion quickly but has hardly increased in 30 years. It made no difference in longevity or performance.
Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Rod
This is the most inexpensive quality rod option there is and the performance is far better than simply adequate.
Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Rod
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Rod is easily my favorite rod among the lot. For the life of me, I can’t choose a size or action, I want them all. Interestingly, if I bring my coffee from home this month instead of buying it, I could almost save enough to purchase them all.
This is the most inexpensive quality rod option there is and the performance is far better than simply adequate…
This is the misers budget option, and the quality compares to far more expensive fishing rods. This is the most inexpensive quality rod option there is and the performance is far better than simply adequate.
I’ve fished for over 40 years, and I’m more than happy to cast an Ugly Stik Inshore Select all day long.
Later, I’ll provide the specs for one of the models, but consider this a review of the Inshore Select spin range.
I like these spinning rods for everything in the saltwater and freshwater fishing from bass to trout, to flounder and whiting. If it swims the shoreside waters, it’s a fair bet that it’s covered with this Ugly Stik rod.
The medium-light is rated 6 to 15 pounds. The medium heavy is rated 10 to 25 pounds. You don’t have to be a great fishing expert to recognize the awesome versatility of the Inshore Select’s reach.
They’re ideal for the beginner but will impress the most discerning spin angler…
I’ll fish baits and lures, live baits and dead baits, hard bodies, soft plastics and spinnerbaits. They perform with mono or braid and will suit reels from 2000 to 4500 reel size. They’re ideal for the beginner but will impress the most discerning spin angler.
I can’t see a flaw in these Shakespeare fishing spinning rods. Admittedly, I can’t vouch for durability and longevity as yet, but with reasonable care, I can’t see why they won’t live up to the Ugly Stik mantra.
How Would I Use it?
To be honest, I’d buy 3 of them and put different size reels. I’d put a 2500 spinning reel on the medium-light, a 3000 reel on the medium and a 4000 reel on the medium heavy. I’d use them for focussed hunting trips casting small hard bodies at bass.
I’d also use them for sitting on the dock with a drink and a comfy camp chair, dangling a shrimp at whatever, while I stared off into the lake or riverside vista.
Specs
- Lure Rating: 1/4-5/8 Oz
- Line Rating: 8-20lb
- Handle: Cork
- Blank: Ugly Tech Construction
- Guides: 9 X Ugly tuff
- Length: 7’6”
- Power: Medium
- Pieces: 2
Pros
- Quality and performance for the price is second to none. If you’re on a strict budget but demand quality and performance, this Ugly Stik is a must
- The Inshore Select range covers a huge percentage of shoreside targets. I’d even poke the 7’6” medium-heavy model at a gentle surf
- They look great, and the feel of the cork handles is excellent. They transfer all the action from the business end to your hand
- This model demonstrates how Shakespeare rods has evolved, developing the Ugly Stik series into far more than a one-trick wonder
- Great for freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing
Cons
- I think Shakespeare missed an opportunity to create an extensive range covering lighter and heavier models.
- Jury is out on guide endurance and performance.
Now let’s take a look at the Shakespeare company
We can learn a lot about a brand by looking at the people and the structure behind the product.
Who is Shakespeare?
Shakespeare commenced operations in Kalamazoo, Michigan back in 1897. The company was started by William Shakespeare Jr, hence the name.
While there’s no particular connection to the ultra-famous Elizabethan playwright, the company’s phenomenal rise to global angling recognition shares some of the drama and poetry with its dramatist namesake.
Contribution to the Development of Casting Reels
Shakespeare has made significant contributions in moving both freshwater fishing reels and saltwater baitcasting reels technology forward. Significant achievements include the invention of the backlash brake. Obviously, this was a critical progression for casting reels, and the technology proved a boon for Shakespeare and its market share.
Significant achievements include the invention of the backlash brake…
Such was their success in the United States, Shakespeare was inducted into the National Sporting Goods Hall of Fame in 1959.
For me, and I assume many others, Shakespeare’s true rise to global prominence arrived with their Ugly Stik fishing rod series. This proved a marketing revelation; I’ll have a little bit of a chat about it shortly.
If you’re interested, follow this link for Shakespeare’s corporate timeline. It makes for interesting reading.
Who is Shakespeare Now?
For better or worse, Shakespeare is now part of angling’s largest corporate conglomerate, Pure Fishing, Inc. I won’t go into the corporate history, it’s a big business, high finance story of acquisitions, alliances…and takeovers??
For my money, these corporate machinations detract from the sport, art, and romance of angling. However, this is the modern way, and it is what it is.
I question the creation of fishing tackle mega-corps. – I’m just not sure there are any tangible fishing benefits for we the anglers.
Pure Fishing Inc. does have a pretty impressive stable, however. The list of fishing names may surprise a few of you who may have believed their favorite fishing name was fiercely independent. Check out the Pure Fishing Inc. brand portfolio.
- Abu Garcia
- All-Star
- Berkley
- Chub
- Fenwick
- Greys
- Hardy
- Hodgman
- Johnson
- JRC
- Mitchell
- Penn
- Pflueger
- Sebile
- Shakespeare
- SpiderWire
- Stren,
- and the famous Ugly Stik.
Ugly Stik
I remember when I was a kid I couldn’t wait to get my hands on an Ugly Stik. I had no idea it was from Shakespeare, nor did I care. Seeing as though I was only 5 years old when Ugly Stik rods hit the shelves in 1976, I didn’t know much about anything.
In hindsight, I now understand that Ugly Stik rods were substantially more expensive than other Shakespeare fishing rods. I didn’t actually own an Ugly Stik until my early 20’s when I bought a blue water spin model that I still have and use to this day.
Unbreakable?
This says plenty for the “unbreakable” robust nature of the Ugly Stik design and its associated marketing spiel. The Howald clear tip construction process was billed as indestructible.
So far, this rings true. I’ve put my Ugly Stik fishing rods through hell, and apart from being very faded, not even a line guide has been compromised.
Having said that, this particular Stik has a strange action. I’ve found it impossible to match up the perfect reel. I’ve never actually been satisfied with the overall performance of the fishing rod.
Sure, it’s strong as an ox, but I very rarely use it. Watch a man try to break an Ugly Stik fishing rod in the video below.
Truth in Marketing
For me, Ugly Stik was true to its claims. They were/are ‘unbreakable’. However, I never really enjoyed using this Ugly Stik rod. While rated over 10kg, and indeed heavy, there are many brands that offer all the power without compromising action and sensitivity.
For me, and this is only my opinion, Ugly Stik was, and remains, an example of marketing genius. Ugly Stik was a fishing rod that sold on its name and its headline claim.
These days, even though Ugly Stik fishing rods are more affordable than in the early years, there are plenty of brands that deliver both great performance and worthy durability at accessible price points.
Your Average Angler
Without going into the specific mission statement and marketing objectives of Shakespeare, they appear to be, for all intent and purpose, a name for the average angler and weekend dangler. And that accounts for the vast majority of fisherfolk.
a brand for the budget-conscious angler who wants quality and durability without the hefty price tag…
Importantly, they’re a brand for the budget-conscious angler who wants quality and durability without the hefty price tag. It’s this market where Shakespeare thrives. Shakespeare produces great fishing rods at very accessible, entry-level price points.
It’s because of their rock bottom pricing that I thought it best to go into some Shakespeare history, however brief. Some anglers are put off by the lowest of entry point pricing believing the quality simply can’t be there.
Shakespeare Manufacture Worthy Fishing Rods
Generally speaking, Shakespeare produces good fishing rods that are very affordable and highly suitable for the average angler.
Shakespeare produces good fishing rods that are very affordable and highly suitable for the average angler…
For a fishing equipment manufacturer to endure all these years, become a household name in fishing, and remain relevant in a highly competitive market, you have to deliver – and Shakespeare does.
It’s not a coincidence that Shakespeare shares stables with some of the most trusted angling brands on the planet.
Active Competition
Despite my corporate cynicism, this says a lot. Shakespeare keeps good company. And competing against each other under the same corporate umbrella ensures the angling consumer is assured, at the very least, a modicum of genuine quality, not just marketing hype.
Wrapping up The Shakespeare Rod Review
Just about every angler loves a bargain. And there’s no doubting that Shakespeare fishing rods get you out on the water with quality and performance for less.
I like a fishing manufacturer that keeps fishing tackle accessible to all, and Shakespeare has built its name on this principle.
Compared to Other Brands
Do Shakespeare fishing rods lack a little of the refinement and some of the bells and whistles of their competitors? Yes, Shakespeare fishing rods do lack a little refinement.
However, there’s no denying that many of the Shakespeare fishing rods deliver a reliable and best fishing experience.
If nothing else, the Shakespeare fishing rods mentioned above represent great value and good performance. For most of us, that’s all we ask of any fishing rod.
Share Your Thoughts!
Have you owned Shakespeare Rod? Do you agree with my Shakespeare Fishing Rods Review? Drop a comment and let me know.
Don’t hesitate to share this Shakespeare fishing rods review with your friends if they’re looking for their next best fishing Shakespeare rod.
And feel free to check out my other articles, such as this review of the best travel fly rods.
