Shakespeare® Ugly Stik® Rods

Back in 1976 the Australian tackle scene was abuzz with news of the introduction of a range of rods built on a revolutionary type of blank, the like of which had never been seen before. Those rods were of course the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Rods that took the sport fishing world by storm. Within a few short years the Ugly Stik was the "must have" item of tackle and no self-respecting sporting angler would be seen without one.

Part of the reputation that Ugly Stiks have earned is that of being as tough as nails. It is highly unlikely that an Ugly Stik will break under normal fishing conditions. Since the introduction of GSP super lines on the market there has been a swing back to the Ugly Stik by a lot of knowledgeable anglers who have seen too many competitors graphite rods explode under the stresses created with these new lines. There is simply no better rod on the market than the tough, durable Ugly Stik for using with GSP lines.

Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. The number of copycat, clear tip rods on the market today therefore, is a clear sign of the high esteem in which the Ugly Stik is held by competitors and the consumers alike. Although there have been many attempts to imitate the Ugly Stik, none of the copies are constructed with the same unique process that sees the original remain unequalled.

Ugly Stik blanks are made using the unique, patented Howald process, a manufacturing method that literally builds the blank twice. An inner layer of spiral wrapped graphite fibres provides sensitivity and adds the renowned "guts" to the butt section. Flexibility and overall durability comes from an outer layer of longitudinal E-glass fibres. The resulting product is a rod flexible and robust enough to be guaranteed unbreakable under normal fishing conditions for the life of the rod. In spite of the almost legendary status attained by Ugly Stik rods, the Shakespeare design team hasn't been resting on its laurels. The range is constantly being evaluated and added to, as fishing trends and techniques evolve.

The Traditional series of Ugly Stiks consists of a wide array of models ranging from a petite 1.75m spin stick to a 3.6m surf rod and workhorses like the GB1609, 10kg boat rod. All are hand made in Australia on Howald process, double built blanks and continue the tradition of almost three decades of catering to the demands of Aussie fishing. Introduced for the start of the new millennium, the Ugly Stik 2000 Plus series features double built blanks and quality Fuji components. The eye catching red metallic bindings easily identify this range. Just as tough as the traditional Ugly Stiks these are rods that will last indefinitely.

The Ugly Stik Custom series caters for those who enjoy the finer things in life. This series includes fully rollered game rods up to 60kg class and stand up sticks to 37kg as well as some serious big game spinning rods. Rods are all under bound and are fitted with either Fuji guides or AFTCO rollers. Game rods are fitted with machined aluminium reel seats. For anglers preferring a lighter, all graphite rod Shakespeare have come up with the Ugly Stik Graphite series. These rods are built using the Howald process with the outer layer of graphite instead of the E-glass of other Ugly blanks. This revolutionary manufacturing technique has produced the strongest 100% graphite rod ever made. The graphite series is limited to light and medium tackle casting rods where the advantage of a light, responsive rod is most appreciated. Models ranging from a 1.5m 1-3kg spin stick to a 2.1m spinning and a very potent 2.1m plug rod make up this series.

The Ugly Stik Gold series is aimed at the more budget conscious angler. Built on the same robust double built, Howald process Ugly blanks as the traditionals this series includes some useful additions to the Ugly Stik range. Along with a complete array of spinning, casting, overhead and surf rods the Gold series includes a selection of two piece spin and plug rods. Among the other special purpose rods in this series is a pair of stand up sticks and some great, short lever boat rods like the OHD56A. The newest addition here includes four overhead boat rods featuring hard chrome guides. The Ugly Stik Gold range offers a 10 year warranty.

Ugly Stik Lite rods represent yet another breakthrough in blank manufacturing technology by the Shakespeare team. The Howald process has been modified to triple build these blanks giving thinner walls resulting in a lighter, more sensitive rod. The Lite series is limited to light and medium tackle spin and casting rods from 1.75m to 2.1m. There is a rod in the range to suit all light tackle applications from highland trout to tropical jungle perch and all of the popular estuarine targets.

Ugly Stik Black Tiger rods are the no nonsense, hard working, boat rod branch of the family tree. All constructed on powerful, fast taper, Ugly Stik blanks the series includes spin, trigger winch casting rods and baitcast rods for line classes up to a brutal 27kg. The BWC2200-1-56 is a deadly 1.56m casting rod rated for lines from 15 to 27kg and should be included in the tackle of any angler making a trip to PNG chasing black bass. This one won't explode on the fish of a lifetime.

The Ugly Stik Little Bluey is a kid's rod that is built to last. At 1.07m the Little Bluey is short enough for the littlies to use with ease but being a genuine Ugly Stik is a serious fishing tool that won't need replacing after a few knocks and bumps that kids tackle inevitably receives. Mum or Dad may feel the need to borrow this one too! So get into your nearest tackle store to check out the great range of Genuine Shakespeare Ugly Stiks. Don't forget to call us today on 02 9820 9600 to get your hands on a copy of the latest Shakespeare catalogue, or email us through the website at www.shakespeare.com.au


Shakespeare (Australia) Pty Ltd
15 Saggart Field Road, Minto, NSW 2566
Ph: 61 2 9820 9600 Fax: 61 2 9820 9100

Shakespeare K2 Outdoor Products (N.Z.) Limited
P O Box 14171, Panmure, Auckland New Zealand
Toll Free Phone / Fax: 0800 467 425