Best Shakespeare Fishing Rods of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Shakespeare is a well-known brand in the world of fishing, offering a wide range of fishing rods suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. Their fishing rods are made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and strength while fishing. Shakespeare's fishing rods come in different lengths, weights, and actions, making it easy for anglers to choose the perfect rod for their fishing needs. Whether you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater, Shakespeare has a fishing rod that will help you catch your next big fish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 1
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater 9' Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 2
Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater 9' Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 3
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Shakespeare Fishing Rods

#TOP 1

Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod

Shakespeare
MCRSP702L
Black
7' - Light - 2pc
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod, 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Graphite Composite Blank, Light Rod Power, Comfortable Full Cork Handle

The Shakespeare Micro Fishing Rod is designed for anglers who enjoy using lighter lures and lines. With a line rating of 4 to 10 lb, this rod provides reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. Its lightweight graphite composite construction ensures easy handling and responsiveness, making it ideal for light and ultra-light fishing. The rod features six durable stainless steel guides, which help reduce friction and withstand tough conditions. This means you can fish with confidence, knowing your gear can handle the wear and tear. Plus, the full cork handle offers a comfortable grip, allowing you to fish for hours without discomfort.

What We Like
Lightweight and responsive
Durable stainless steel guides
Comfortable full cork handle
Budget-friendly performance
#TOP 2

Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater 9' Spinning Rod

Shakespeare
ALPHABWSP90
Multi
9-Feet/Medium-Heavy
Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater 9' Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Alpha Bigwater 9' Spinning Rod, 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Tubular Glass Rod Blank, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Comfortable EVA Type A Handle, Graphite Reel Seat

The Shakespeare Bigwater Spinning Rod is an excellent choice for anglers of any experience level. With a robust line rating of 15-25lb and a medium heavy power, it provides reliable performance, making your fishing trips more enjoyable. The tubular glass construction offers enhanced strength, ensuring your rod can withstand tough conditions. Additionally, the rod features four stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts, which help in smoothly guiding your fishing line. You’ll appreciate the comfortable EVA handle, designed for prolonged use, giving you the grip needed to battle fish all day.

What We Like
Durable construction
Comfortable EVA handle
Smooth line guidance
Great value
#TOP 3

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod

Shakespeare
USGXICE26L
Multi
One Size
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod Cover
Shakespeare USGXICE26M Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod, 26-Inches, Medium

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod is a 26-inch medium rod that offers a combination of graphite and fiberglass construction for durability. The new one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides eliminate insert pop outs, while the Clear Tip design offers extra strength and sensitivity. The rod is also designed with lightweight EVA grips and enhanced cosmetics for a modern look.

What We Like
Durable construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass
New one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides prevent insert pop outs
Clear Tip design for added sensitivity and strength
#TOP 4

Shakespeare Agility Fly Rod

Shakespeare
SKPROAL905
Green
9' - 5wt - 4pc
Shakespeare Agility Fly Rod Cover
Shakespeare Agility Fly Fishing Rod

The Shakespeare Fly Rod is designed with a four-piece construction, making it easy to transport and store without sacrificing performance. Its light, medium-fast action blank allows you to cast with precision and control, enhancing your fishing experience. The lined stripper guides help reduce friction, ensuring smooth line flow during your casts. Additionally, the wood spacer reel seat combines durability and style, providing a comfortable grip while you fish. With these features, you can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable time on the water.

What We Like
Convenient four-piece design
Medium-fast action for precision
Smooth line flow
Durable wood spacer reel seat
#TOP 5

Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Rod

Shakespeare
SROCCL8034
Multi
8' - 3/4wt - 3pc
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Rod Cover
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Stream Fly Fishing Rod,Olive Green, 8' - 3/4wt - 3pc

The Shakespeare Fly Fishing Rod is designed for anglers who appreciate ease and portability. Its moderate action blank allows for effortless casting, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced fishers. The three-piece design ensures that you can easily pack it away for travel or hiking trips, so you can take your fishing adventures anywhere. Additionally, the stainless steel guides provide durability and smooth line movement, enhancing your fishing experience. Lastly, the quality cork handle offers a comfortable grip, allowing you to fish for hours without discomfort.

What We Like
Easy casting
Portable design
Durable guides
Comfortable grip
#TOP 6

Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Rod

Shakespeare
SRODCAR8078
8' - 7 / 8wt - 4pc
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Fly Rod Cover
Shakespeare 8' Cedar Canyon Carbon Fly Rod, 7/8 wt Fly Fishing Rod, Medium-Fast Action for Easy Casting, 4-Piece Carbon Composite Construction, Comfortable EVA Handle

The Shakespeare Fly Rod is crafted to offer a perfect blend of strength and flexibility, making it suitable for both novice and seasoned anglers. Its durable carbon composite construction ensures a lightweight yet robust rod that delivers a smooth casting experience due to its medium-fast action. This design allows you to target various fish species, including trout and bass, enhancing your fishing versatility. Plus, the 4-piece design makes it easy to pack and carry, ideal for those hiking to remote fishing spots. Enjoy a comfortable grip with the EVA handle, ensuring you can fish for hours without discomfort.

What We Like
Durable carbon composite
Medium-fast action
Portable 4-piece design
Comfortable EVA handle
Buying Guide Image

The Best Shakespeare Fishing Rods to Buy Right Now

How to Choose the Right Shakespeare Fishing Rod

Introduction

Fishing is a beloved pastime for many people, and a Shakespeare fishing rod is a popular choice among anglers. With so many different types and styles of rods available, it can be overwhelming to try and choose the right one. In this article, we will provide some tips and guidelines to help you select the perfect Shakespeare fishing rod for your needs.

Consider Your Fishing Style

One of the first things to consider when choosing a Shakespeare fishing rod is your personal fishing style. Do you prefer to fish from a boat or the shore? Are you targeting small or large fish? Different rods are designed for different fishing situations, so it's important to choose one that will suit your needs.

For example, if you plan to fish from a boat, you may want to choose a longer rod with more sensitivity to detect bites from distant fish. If you prefer to fish from the shore, a shorter, more powerful rod may be a better choice for casting long distances and landing larger fish.

Look for High-Quality Materials

Another important factor to consider when choosing a Shakespeare fishing rod is the materials used in its construction. High-quality rods are typically made from lightweight, durable materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass. These materials are strong and flexible, providing the necessary sensitivity and power for a successful fishing experience.

In addition to the materials used, pay attention to the quality of the components, such as the guides, reel seat, and handle. These components should be smooth, durable, and well-constructed to ensure that your fishing rod will last for years to come.

Consider Your Budget

Fishing rods can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. When choosing a Shakespeare fishing rod, it's important to consider your budget and choose a rod that fits your financial needs.

While it's true that high-end rods can provide superior performance, there are also many affordable options that offer excellent value for the money. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices to find the best deal on a quality Shakespeare fishing rod.

Test Before You Buy

Whenever possible, it's a good idea to test a fishing rod before you buy it. Many fishing stores and sporting goods retailers offer the opportunity to test out different rods before making a purchase. This can give you a sense of the rod's sensitivity, power, and overall feel, which can be helpful in choosing the right one for you.

In addition to testing the rod in-store, you can also ask friends or experienced anglers for their recommendations. They may be able to provide valuable insight and advice on which Shakespeare fishing rods are the best for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Shakespeare fishing rod can make a big difference in your fishing experience. By considering your fishing style, looking for high-quality materials, considering your budget, and testing before you buy, you can find the perfect rod for your needs. With the right Shakespeare fishing rod, you can enjoy many successful fishing trips in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Shakespeare still make fishing rods?

And nobody knows that better than Shakespeare. For over 100 years, Shakespeare has been one of the most recognizable brands in fishing. As more and more newcomers discover the joy of fishing, Shakespeare will be there, providing the gear and inspiration to make sure that the next bite will never be the last.

2. Who manufactures Shakespeare fishing rods?

The Shakespeare Company is a subsidiary of Pure Fishing which manufactures fishing equipment. It was founded by William Shakespeare, Jr. in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1897.

3. Is Shakespeare a good fishing reel?

From my experience, Shakespeare makes excellent fishing rods and reels. I have been using Shakespeare products for years and still have the first fishing pole I bought for myself (a Shakespeare) about 6-7 years ago. It is still in fine working order; although, I must admit that it has seen better days.

Editor's Notes

During our Shakespeare fishing rod research, we found 24 Shakespeare fishing rod products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,074 customer reviews through our big data system to write the Shakespeare fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose Shakespeare fishing rods with an average price of $53.77.

The Shakespeare fishing rods are available for purchase. The top 6 picks range in price from a low of $20.00 to a high of $85.00, find the one that fits your budget. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.