Fishing Tackle

One name that stands out when talking about the fishing tackle industry is, Shakespeare. William Shakespeare Jr., an avid fisherman for 27 years, came up with a device for winding fishing line evenly back on the spool. He patented the level-wind reel and his new design was superior to anything on the market back then in 1890s. Till date this feature is common on most fishing reels found in fishing tackle shops and with fishing tackle dealers.

With his experience in advertising, camera manufacturing, medicine and his love for fishing, he founded The William Shakespeare, Jr. Company in 1897. In 1908, the company created a slogan ’Built Like A Watch’ and later its name was changed to The Shakespeare Company in 1915. The innovations continued and in its 50th year of operation Henry Shakespeare (William’s son) was in charge. He introduced the President Reel and the newest innovation in fishing rods ñ the glass fibre Wonderod. Invented by Dr. Arthur M. Howald, this rod revolutionised the fishing rod market and made bamboo and steel virtually obsolete.

In 2003, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo and Barbie joined the fishing tackle equipment scene. In the annual Outdoor Life tackle review, the Shakespeare’s Titanium series won the Editor’s Choice award for the most exciting new design in the spincast category. So after a 100 years this fishing tackle company is still going strong, Shakespeare continues to develop and manufacture top quality fishing equipments.