For nearly 90 years Shakespeare operated as an independent company, developing a diversified presence in sporting goods and industrial products through its expertise in using fiberglass. Shakespeare, with operations in Europe, Asia, and Australia, accounted for a considerable percentage of K2 Inc.’s annual sales and profits during the late 1990s. After using fiberglass to manufacture fishing rods and golf club shafts, Shakespeare began looking for other applications for the strong yet flexible material, having realized the benefits of using fiberglass as a replacement for steel.
Through Columbia Products, the company began manufacturing commercial fiberglass antennas, which developed into a thriving business. Success with antennas bred further diversification, bringing the company into the business of manufacturing utility pole line hardware and other utility-related products that depended on strong and durable construction. The construction of this facility occurred in the same year Shakespeare opened a new production plant in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for its line of fishing reels and golf clubs.
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. For a fishing equipment manufacturer to endure all these years, become a household name in fishing, and remain relevant in a highly competitive market, you have to deliver – and Shakespeare does.
Shakespeare has made significant contributions in moving both freshwater fishing reels and saltwater baitcasting reels technology forward. Significant achievements include the invention of the backlash brake. Obviously, this was a critical progression shakespeare fishing reel for casting reels, and the technology proved a boon for Shakespeare and its market share. This rod is for any angler looking to tackle a BIG catch from land. You can cast heavy metal slices and poppers, as well as huge flesh baits and live baits.
Under Henry Shakespeare’s tutelage, Shakespeare Company would proliferate, developing into the multifaceted enterprise in operation during the 1990s. Importantly, they’re a brand for the budget-conscious angler who wants quality and durability without the hefty price tag. Shakespeare produces great fishing rods at very accessible, entry-level price points. This is the misers budget option, and the quality compares to far more expensive fishing rods.
In addition to our sports gear, uniforms and clothing, Frank’s Sports offers a complete professional and industrial uniforms department with in house embroidery & screen-printing. We are also an authorized New York State Department of Conservation License issuing agent. This Ugly Stik rod is perfect for the boat or for ocean kayak fishing.
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. The company’s automotive products business helped compensate for the loss of business produced by its fishing tackle business during the 1930s, and, consequently, helped it withstand the devastating blows delivered by a moribund economy. Shakespeare Company persevered through the Great Depression as a result, and after the end of World War II, when restrictions on the use of raw materials for civilian use were removed, Shakespeare Company was able to grow aggressively. The postwar years witnessed the ascension of the second generation of Shakespeares, led by Henry Shakespeare, William Shakespeare, Jr.’s son.
Some anglers are put off by the lowest of entry point pricing believing the quality simply can’t be there. Without going into the specific mission statement and marketing objectives of Shakespeare, they appear to be, shakespeare fishing reel for all intent and purpose, a name for the average angler and weekend dangler. While rated over 10kg, and indeed heavy, there are many brands that offer all the power without compromising action and sensitivity.
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. In 1959, the company widened the scope of its operations by acquiring Waverly, Ohio-based Parallel Products Company, a maker of archery equipment that was organized into Shakespeare’s Columbia Products subsidiary. Next, the company made its first move into a foreign market, forming a subsidiary in Canada named Shakespeare shakespeare fishing Company (Canada) Limited in 1960. Located in a suburb of Toronto, Shakespeare’s Canadian subsidiary marketed sporting goods to Canadian markets. By the mid-1960s, diversification into the production of automotive parts, golf equipment, and archery, coupled with steady geographic and physical expansion, had created a formidably-sized Shakespeare enterprise. Multifaceted and poised for expansion on three fronts, the company was collecting nearly $50 million in annual sales midway through the 1960s and showed no signs of slowing its growth.
Dr. Arthur M. Howald, technical director of the Plaskon Company, was one of the legions of individuals who experimented with fiberglass’s strength and flexibility to create improved quality in existing products. Dr. Howald’s area of interest was in manufacturing a fishing rod constructed with fiberglass. After conducting experiments with fiberglass fishing rods, Dr. Howald turned over his results to Shakespeare Company.