Shakespeare fishing rods have long been associated with fantastic fishing, especially in freshwater. As a matter of fact, in 2007, Shakespeare rods reeled in more freshwater world-records than any other brand, in the world. Shakespeare has long been seen as the leader in freshwater rod production and remains one of the most popular freshwater-fishing rod manufacturers, on the planet.
What many ‘old-timers’, and freshwater fishermen recall about the Shakespeare fishing rods and reels, was the very first push-button ‘Wondercast Spinning Reel’, created in 1953. Certainly, many anglers, who have tackled anything from big Rainbow Trout in the many Texas streams and creeks, to feisty Brown Trout located in the far reaches of the Canadian Rockies, are familiar with the pushbutton variety of this Shakespeare innovation. The company has moved forward in a big way, and now remains a leading manufacturer and supplier of freshwater rods, for the fishing industry.
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. The Ugly Stik line started in 1976 with the introduction of the very first Ugly Stik fishing rod. Shakespeare utilized the groundbreaking process called the ‘Howald Process’ and was the first to feature a clear-tip and ‘Ferruless’ construction design.
Previously all poles manufactured in the United States were fashioned out of the ‘Ferru’ design. Shakespeare expanded upon this design and through the Howald process, created a pole that could be bent into a circle, without breaking! The television commercials were a big success, and the images of the fishermen bending the pole and touching both butt and tip, are burned into the angler’s subconscious, even today. This 45-year-old fisherman knows for sure, that I can still see the pole being bent, and to be honest with everyone, have tried this myself, without one single splintering failure! Shakespeare fishing rods
Shakespeare fishing rods are an American classic and deserves its high regard in both affordability and functionality in the world of freshwater rods. The line of Ugly Stik that was introduced in 1976 now includes the Ugly Stik Junior kits as well as the Ugly Stik Tiger units. 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.
There are literally millions of over-satisfied fishermen, which will swear that the Ugly Stik freshwater rods are hands down, the best in the market. I have used Ugly Stik rods all my adult life and have never had one instance of a breakage or tip failure, ever. To give you a look into how expansive the ugly stick line has grown from that one single pole in 1976, I have listed two of the most popular and available models as of 2009. There are over 30 specialized models of Ugly Stik poles on the market today, one for every freshwater fishing species in the world today! Now that’s coverage!
Ugly Stik rod
- BCL 1100 5’ 6” 8-20 Pound Test
- CAL 1101 7’0” 8-20 Pound Test
Since 1977, freshwater fishermen have been thrilled by using the Ugly Stik rod and this has made Shakespeare, the number one choice for fishermen throughout North America. 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.
When it comes to giant freshwater species, such as Spoonbill Catfish and deep northern Lake Sturgeon, Shakespeare has those heavyweights covered, as well with the Ugly Stik Big Water Heavy Duty Freshwater Rod Series. It does not matter what freshwater species or the location of that monster trophy-sized, waiting to be placed on your dean wall or in your digital camera, variety is, Shakespeare and Ugly Stik, have a rod that will fit your every need!