This rod is for any angler looking to tackle BIG catches from land. Performance-wise, it certainly holds its own when compared to other more expensive fishing rods. Every angler needs a general-purpose fishing rod in their arsenal. For many anglers, the general-purpose rod is their only rod.
It needs to be both sensitive and strong, as well as hold reasonable casting manners. I’ll cover boat to bank and river to sea while excluding more specialized applications such as big game fishing and fly fishing. For those in England it might be presumed that the company, being based in Redditch, very near to the Warwickshire border, has its’ roots in that county. However, reading the story of the companies origins in the USA before its’ acquisition of an English company, it might be thought that the origin of the companies name lies strictly in the USA – there is a strange twist to this! William Shakespeare, the companies founder, was the son of William Henry Shakespeare, who was the son of
John Lindsay Shakespeare.
In 1999, Ugly Stik became the first and only 100% graphite rod, to be offered on the market and the success from that name alone makes Shakespeare a living legend, in the world of freshwater fishing. The success of the Ugly Stik line has been profound and stands as the most successful freshwater rods, ever. The company’s automotive products business helped compensate for the loss of business produced by its fishing tackle business during the 1930s, and, consequently, shakespeare fishing rods helped it withstand the devastating blows delivered by a moribund economy. Shakespeare Company persevered through the Great Depression as a result, and after the end of World War II, when restrictions on the use of raw materials for civilian use were removed, Shakespeare Company was able to grow aggressively. The postwar years witnessed the ascension of the second generation of Shakespeares, led by Henry Shakespeare, William Shakespeare, Jr.’s son.
The one exception to the company’s strategy of strengthening established businesses during this period was the creation of a ski division in 1970, facilitated by a distribution and sales arrangement with Yugoslavia-based Elan Ski Company. Operated through the Shakespeare Sporting Goods Division, the ski segment manufactured skis, bindings, poles, and a line of ski apparel. An integral subsidiary of K2 Inc., Shakespeare Company manufactures fishing tackle equipment, marine antennas, fiberglass utility poles, and monofilament.
Regardless of what freshwater species is being targeted, ten times out of ten, there will be an Ugly Stik Freshwater rod model, which will fit that fishing need. A good example of this is any type of trout fishing in North America and Canada, can be handled with the 6’6” Ugly Stik CAL 1102 Model. 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.
I’ve fished for over 40 years, and I’m more than happy to cast an Ugly Stik Inshore Select all day long. The medium action rod will cover just about everything the shoreside has to offer, excluding mega-fish, of course. I’m still of the opinion that anglers would be happy to pay a few extra dollars for better hardware. Sensitivity is enhanced using braid, but I’d happily spool a 3000 spinning reel with mono and expect good feedback.
Shakespeare made several more level-winds and handed them out. The level-winds were an immediate hit, and that was all the market testing Shakespeare needed. He filed for a patent and quickly prepared himself for his new entrepreneurial career. And there’s no doubting that Shakespeare fishing rods get you out on the water with quality and performance for less. Since the early 2000’s Shakespeare has been innovating rods and reels, amongst other terminal tackle items, with the Catch More Fish kits, to our best in class line of licensed kid’s products. Shakespeare certainly offers something for the whole family and all levels of experience whether you are just starting out or are a professional.