Shakespeare Reel Schematics

Shakespeare Reels: A Legacy of Making Fishing Accessible and Enjoyable

For over a century, the Shakespeare brand has been a familiar name in the world of fishing, synonymous with providing accessible and reliable tackle for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Founded in 1897 by William Shakespeare Jr., the company embarked on a mission to make fishing easy and enjoyable, a philosophy that continues to guide its product development today. From innovative early designs to a modern lineup that includes the rugged Ugly Stik series, Shakespeare has consistently focused on quality at an affordable price point.   

A History Rooted in Innovation and Accessibility

The Shakespeare Company, now a subsidiary of Pure Fishing, has a rich history that began with William Shakespeare Jr.’s inventive spirit. An early milestone was the patent granted in October 1897 for a reel featuring a twin worm gear level winding mechanism, showcasing the brand’s early commitment to advancing reel technology. This spirit of innovation was coupled with a desire to make fishing tackle available to a broad audience, establishing Shakespeare as a go-to brand for families, beginners, and budget-conscious anglers.   

A Diverse Range of Reels for Every Angler

Shakespeare offers a comprehensive array of fishing reels designed to cater to various fishing techniques and preferences. Their lineup typically includes:   

• Spinning Reels: These are among the most popular types, known for their ease of use and versatility across different fishing conditions. Shakespeare spinning reels, such as those in the Alpha® and Contender® series, are often lauded for their straightforward operation, making them an excellent choice for those new to the sport or anglers seeking reliable performance without complexity. They are suitable for casting lures and fishing with bait for a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater species.   
• Spincast Reels: Perhaps the easiest type of reel to master, spincast reels are a hallmark of the Shakespeare brand, particularly for introducing children and novice anglers to fishing. Models like the Synergy® TI are designed for simple push-button casting, minimizing line tangles and frustration. These reels are often pre-spooled with line and are a key component in many of Shakespeare’s “Catch More Fish” kits.   
• Baitcasting Reels: For anglers seeking more casting control and power, Shakespeare offers baitcasting reels like the Agility® Low Profile Reel. These reels are favored for handling heavier lines and larger lures, making them suitable for targeting bigger fish species. While they have a steeper learning curve than spinning or spincast reels, they offer greater accuracy and casting distance in experienced hands.   
• Fly Reels: Catering to the art of fly fishing, Shakespeare produces fly reels such as those in the Cedar Canyon™ series. These reels are designed to balance well with fly rods, hold fly line and backing, and provide a smooth drag system when fighting fish on the fly.   
• Trolling Reels: For anglers who troll baits or lures, Shakespeare offers conventional and line-counter trolling reels like the ATS™ (Advanced Trolling System) series. These are built for durability and often feature line counters for precise lure placement at desired depths.   

The Ugly Stik Connection: Toughness and Reliability

The Shakespeare name is also closely linked with the legendary Ugly Stik brand, renowned for its virtually indestructible rods. This philosophy of toughness extends to their reels, with offerings like the Ugly Tuff™ spincast and spinning reels. These reels are engineered for durability, often featuring aluminum construction and stainless-steel ball bearings, designed to withstand rugged use and tough fights, reinforcing the Ugly Stik reputation for dependability.   

Focus on the Angler: Affordability, Durability, and Ease of Use

Shakespeare’s enduring appeal lies in its consistent focus on several key principles:

• Affordability: Shakespeare has always strived to provide fishing tackle at a price point that makes the sport accessible to everyone, from individuals to families. This value proposition is a cornerstone of their brand identity.   
• Durability: While affordable, Shakespeare reels are generally built to last, especially those under the Ugly Stik banner. The emphasis is on creating gear that can handle the rigors of fishing without breaking the bank.   
• Ease of Use: Particularly evident in their spinning and spincast reels, and their popular youth fishing kits, Shakespeare prioritizes designs that are easy to learn and operate, ensuring a positive experience for beginners. Innovative designs, such as those seen in their children’s fishing combos, focus on ergonomics and user-friendliness for smaller hands.   

Innovation for the Everyday Angler

While not always chasing the high-end, cutting-edge features of premium brands, Shakespeare’s innovation often centers on practical improvements that benefit the everyday angler. This includes advancements in materials for durability, user-friendly designs, and creating complete, ready-to-fish kits that simplify the entry into the sport. Their children’s products, for instance, often feature thoughtful ergonomic designs and engaging aesthetics to foster a love for fishing in the next generation.   

A Reel for Every Adventure

Shakespeare reels are designed for a wide range of fishing applications. Whether it’s a child’s first cast with a spincast combo, a weekend angler targeting bass with a spinning reel, or someone trolling for walleye, Shakespeare aims to provide a reliable tool for the task. Their products are commonly found in freshwater and light saltwater environments, and their trolling reels are suitable for larger bodies of water.   

In essence, Shakespeare reels have carved out a significant place in the fishing world by consistently delivering on their promise of quality, affordable fishing tackle. For over 125 years, they have equipped countless anglers with the gear needed to create lasting memories on the water, fostering a love for the sport by making it accessible, enjoyable, and successful.