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. 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. I’d also use them for shakespeare reels 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. I’ve fished for over 40 years, and I’m more than happy to cast an Ugly Stik Inshore Select all day long. Should a monster take your lure, you’re in with a fighting chance despite the conservative rating.
I’m thoroughly impressed, especially with the fact that Shimano includes a cold-forged drive gear (usually cast zinc in reels within this price range), though according to spinning-reel guru Alan Hawk, it’s made more cheaply than the higher-end drive gears. The major issues I immediately had with the Nasci were the slightly uneven line lay (line doesn’t seem to collect on the spool as neatly as on other reels) and the tiny crank handle, which is bolted on and cannot be changed. This design might not affect other fishers as much, but I find it to be a nuisance to have to grab something so small when you’re hurrying to set the hook. If you’re planning to get only one rod and you don’t want to spend a fortune, it should be a 6½- to 7-foot Ugly Stik GX2, available in ultra-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy versions. The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. We also considered several high-end models to determine if paying a lot more would get you a much better product.
And though he agreed that there is likely no single bag that will suit anything from fly-fishing to deep-water trowling, he had a few suggestions for what to look for. His tackle splits its time between a classic (and unfortunately discontinued) L.L.Bean tackle bag (which straps easily to the front of his kayak) and a similarly vintage side-sling number from Piscifun. The numerous loops and side shakespeare fishing rods compartments in the sling bag make it easy to keep essentials like pliers and multi-tools within reach; it also has a convenient water-bottle holder. Costing around $30, the updated version of Piscifun’s side-sling model features supportive, padded shoulder and waist straps, as well as compartments to sort bait from gear. We are currently testing this new model and will update with our results.
However, these light Shakespeare fishing rods would benefit from performance guides, reel seats and a more polished finish. When any fisherman thinks of one of the best all-purpose freshwater rods available on the market today, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik comes to mind. Freshwater fishermen from around the world hold this one rod, and now a family of rods, in the highest of regards.
Shakespeare offers specialty lines for kids, including combo rods in fun colors and sporting beloved characters from superhero comics and popular animated films. If you’re looking for a particularly durable rod to start your adventures, Shakespeare is a popular choice. Shakespeare also offers gear including kids’ and adult tackle boxes, nets, and more. Choose from spinning, spincast, baitcast, and fly fishing rods, reels, and combos to get started on your next adventure.
You start seeing these only on rods in the $150 range, as opposed to the $40 to $50 range, so they’re beyond the budget of most casual anglers. Also, most anglers won’t even notice the difference—I find that I don’t care one way or the other, and I’ve been fishing my whole life. Compared with a baitcasting shakespeare fishing reel or fly-fishing setup, a spinning setup is more comfortable to use and is usually easier to repair; it also requires less finesse to cast. Think of it as the “automatic transmission” version of a fishing rod and reel. If you’re starting from nothing, a spinning outfit offers the highest chance of success.
However, the 12 foot delivers more access and greater benefits from the land. The medium action rod will cover just about everything the shoreside has to offer, excluding mega-fish, of course. I’m not quite sure why Shakespeare set out to make their travel rods so ridiculously cheap. Ugly Stik Tiger rods are versatile rods that can be used from coast to coast. These rods are at home catching tuna in the Pacific as well as landing monster catfish down south.
That said, if you plan to do a lot of bait fishing from boats, buy a conventional open-faced reel with a more dependable dual drag system. Cheaper reels come with cheaper drag systems made of felt or lower-quality carbon fiber, which disintegrates quickly. This construction, combined with little or no preventative sealing to keep saltwater and grit from entering the mechanical parts, means that most reels less than $50 just aren’t worth the money.
Although much of the company’s strategic focus was aimed at K2, Shakespeare benefited directly from some of the acquisitions completed by Anthony Industries. In 1990, Britain-based Nymofil, Ltd. was acquired and merged into Shakespeare Monofilament and in 1991 the decorative light pole business belonging to Stanhope Inc. was acquired to strengthen Shakespeare Electronic & Fiberglass’s business. Don’t hesitate to share this Shakespeare fishing rods review with your friends if they’re looking for their next best fishing Shakespeare rod. If nothing else, the Shakespeare fishing rods mentioned above represent great value and good performance. 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.