Parts were commonly found at most hardware stores that sold these products. Such service appealed to the many users of Shakespeare products. Today, such reels are free spool, meaning only the inner spool rotates and not the handle. Also, if not properly adjusted to the lure weight, you were pretty much guaranteed to wind up with a “birds nest” or commonly known as a backlash with these older reels. Often referred to as “knuckle busters,” these reels were difficult to cast. When you cast this reel the handle always spun around in conjunction with the inner spool.
If you’re fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream, consider a shorter rod, down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches, for tiny creeks and brooks. Both men’s and women’s models are filled with 100 yards of quality Stren 10-pound test shakespeare fishing monofilament line. The combos feature a two-piece 6’0” medium action rod with hook keeper, stainless steel guides, and EVA grips. To best understand the size of a spinning reel or casting reel, refer to the line capacity rating for the reel.
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. It should be a single-piece model, if you can accommodate it. The GX2 is the latest update to a classic line of rods renowned for their versatility and durability for nearly four decades. This spring is sourced directly from the original equipment manufacturer for use with Shakespeare fishing reels. Keep in mind this high-quality clutch spring is made of durable metal and is sold individually.
The anti-reverse clutch (which keeps the reel from spinning backward) consists of individual metal springs, as opposed to the cheap plastic clips usually featured in $120 reels. Based on the GX2’s build and the original’s history of durability, the GX2 could very well be the last rod you’ll need to buy. They are seriously tough rods—a fact supported by their industry-leading seven-year warranty (compared with the typical one-year coverage offered on Penn and Shimano rods). I haven’t found another $50 fishing rod I would trust this much. In fact, if it costs less than $100 and it’s not an Ugly Stik, I’d just as soon use a hand line.
It is stainless steel with nylon gears and carboloy bushings. The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. After just a few weeks of use, it showed some early signs of corrosion. Ultimately, I’ve had to repair the secondary (freespool) drags on the Baitrunner, which is another reason why I suggest buying a conventional setup if you’re going to fish bait.
are known for their rugged, go-anywhere toughness and the ATS reel lives up to that legacy. Value packed, the ATS conventional reels deliver performance and reliability. These are an affordable option, offering a variety of sizes and one of the most affordable line counters we have ever offered.
I’m also a fan of the Teramar, which is extremely well-balanced—both in weight and in guide placement—but Shimano rods come with only a one-year warranty, and I prefer the high-end cork on the Triumph anyway. In addition to having a durable shaft, the GX2 comes fitted with one-piece stainless steel line guides, which can literally be smashed with a rock and still maintain serviceability. During testing, I accidentally planted my foot directly on the guide of a rod that I’d left in the bottom of my boat—as one does—but it was unscathed. Cheap, flimsy aluminum-oxide guides are the industry standard at this price, so it’s nice to see Pure Fishing, the maker of the Ugly Stik, take durability seriously. This design also represents an upgrade from the old Ugly Stik, which had two-piece pop-out guides that were the only weak spot in an otherwise bulletproof rod.