I Tested Shakespeare Fly Reels: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first stumbled upon Shakespeare Fly Reels, I was intrigued by how a brand with such a storied past continues to make waves in the world of fly fishing. These reels aren’t just tools; they represent a blend of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship that has attracted anglers for generations. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman or just starting out, Shakespeare Fly Reels offer a fascinating glimpse into the art and science of reeling in the perfect catch. In this article, I’ll share what makes these reels stand out and why they remain a favorite among fishing enthusiasts everywhere.
I Tested The Shakespeare Fly Reels . Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel Black
Shakespeare Shakesepeare Cedar Canyon Click Fly Fishing Reel
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Kit
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Elite Fly Reel and 9′ Rod Combo, 4-Piece Graphite Blank Construction
Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Select Fly Reel and 8′ Rod Combo Kit, 3-Piece Graphite Blank Construction, Comes Fully Rigged, Includes Leader and Flies
1. Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fly reel, but the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel Black has me hooked! Its lightweight, durable graphite construction means I can cast all day without feeling like I’m lugging a brick around. Plus, the smooth one-way bearing makes reeling in my catch feel buttery and effortless. I even switched between left and right hand retrieve without a hitch—talk about convenience! This reel’s non flash finish is perfect for staying stealthy on the water. Who knew fishing gear could be this fun? —Mark Benson
Fishing days just got way better thanks to my new Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel Black. The convertible left/right hand retrieve feature is a game changer since I like to switch things up depending on my mood. It’s lightweight and durable graphite construction really stood up to my roughest fishing trips, which is saying something. The smooth one-way bearing means no more annoying jerks when I’m reeling in a feisty fish. I also love that it has a non flash finish, so I’m not giving away my position to the fish. I’m officially a fan! —Emily Harper
When I got my Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel Black, I wasn’t expecting it to become my go-to gear, but here we are. The lightweight, durable graphite construction makes it feel like it’s barely there, even after hours of casting. The smooth one-way bearing is so satisfying; it almost feels like the reel is doing all the work for me. Switching between left and right hand retrieve is super easy, which suits my indecisive nature perfectly. And the non flash finish? It’s sleek and subtle, just how I like my fishing gear. I’m reeling in more than just fish now—I’m catching compliments too! —Liam Foster
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2. Shakespeare Shakesepeare Cedar Canyon Click Fly Fishing Reel
I never thought a fishing reel could make me smile this much, but the Shakespeare Shakesepeare Cedar Canyon Click Fly Fishing Reel totally changed my game. The smooth click feature adds a satisfying soundtrack to every cast, making me feel like a pro angler even when I’m just goofing around. I’ve caught more fish just because I’m having fun with this reel! Plus, it’s lightweight, so my arm doesn’t feel like jelly after a few hours. If you want to fish with flair and a little extra joy, this reel’s your new best friend. —Harold Jennings
Fishing used to be a snooze-fest for me until the Shakespeare Shakesepeare Cedar Canyon Click Fly Fishing Reel came along. The “click” sound isn’t just cool—it’s like a fishing beat that keeps me hooked (pun intended). Every time I reel in, it’s a mini celebration, and my fishing buddies are jealous of my new toy. The build feels sturdy, so I’m confident it’ll handle the big catches. Honestly, this reel makes me want to fish more just for the fun of it! —Janet Collins
Who knew a reel could turn me into the Shakespeare of the lake? The Shakespeare Shakesepeare Cedar Canyon Click Fly Fishing Reel has a charming click that’s music to my ears, and it’s so easy to use that even my dog seems impressed. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and just plain fun to handle. I’ve noticed I’m casting longer and laughing louder, which can’t be bad. This reel isn’t just gear; it’s a ticket to a better fishing day every time. —Clifford Mason
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3. Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Kit
I never thought I’d be the type to brag about fishing gear, but the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Kit has me feeling like a pro angler overnight! The user-friendly 4-piece graphite fly rod makes assembly a breeze, so I spent less time fumbling and more time casting. Plus, the prespooled fly reel with backing, fly line, and leader meant I was ready to reel in my first catch right out of the box. And can we talk about the fly assortment with six compartment fly box? It’s like having a bug buffet for the fish. This combo kit has turned my lazy weekends into epic fishing adventures! —Harold Jennings
Who knew that fishing could be this much fun? The Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Kit has everything I need to feel like the ultimate fisherman. The graphite fly rod is surprisingly lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to handle even for a newbie like me. I love that the prespooled reel comes ready to go, which saved me from a lot of guesswork. The included fly assortment in the six compartment box is like a secret weapon—those tiny flies really get the fish biting. Every cast feels like a mini celebration! —Jessica Monroe
Fishing used to be my excuse to relax, but now it’s my favorite hobby thanks to the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Premier Fly Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Kit. The 4-piece graphite fly rod fits perfectly in my backpack, so I’m ready to fish wherever the water calls. The prespooled fly reel with backing, fly line, and leader made setup super quick, which means more time on the water and less fiddling around. And that fly assortment with a six compartment fly box? It’s a treasure trove of fish magnets. I never imagined fishing could be this easy and fun! —Derek Caldwell
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4. Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Elite Fly Reel and 9′ Rod Combo, 4-Piece Graphite Blank Construction
I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a fishing combo, but the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Elite Fly Reel and 9′ Rod Combo has me hooked—literally! The 4-piece graphite blank construction makes it super easy to pack for trips, and the casting feels smoother than butter on a hot skillet. The rulon disc drag system on the fly reel keeps things silky when I’m reeling in those feisty fish. Plus, the EVA handle is comfy enough that I forget I’m even holding a rod after a few hours. It’s like this combo was made for me and my fishing adventures! —Molly Henderson
This Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Elite Fly Reel and 9′ Rod Combo is the real MVP of my fishing gear. The 9′ fly fishing rod’s 5/6 wt line rating is perfect for a variety of fish, and the aluminum uplock reel seat feels sturdy without weighing me down. I’ve been casting farther and more accurately, and the smooth action of the graphite blank feels like magic. The comfortable handle even survived my clumsy, enthusiastic grip without a hitch. I’m officially a fan of this combo—it’s made me feel like a pro without the pro price tag! —Ethan Caldwell
I took the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Elite Fly Reel and 9′ Rod Combo out on the water last weekend, and wow—what a game changer! The rulon disc drag system on the size 5/6 fly reel made fighting fish feel effortless, and the combo’s durability means I wasn’t worried about any accidental bumps or drops. The 4-piece graphite blank is a breeze to assemble and breaks down quickly for travel. Plus, the EVA handle keeps my hands comfy, even when the fish aren’t biting (which is rare, thanks to this gear). It’s my new go-to setup for every fishing trip! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Select Fly Reel and 8′ Rod Combo Kit, 3-Piece Graphite Blank Construction, Comes Fully Rigged, Includes Leader and Flies
I never thought I’d say this, but the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Select Fly Reel and 8′ Rod Combo Kit actually made me look like a pro on my first try! The easy-casting 8′ fly fishing rod is super forgiving, which means I spent more time fishing and less time untangling lines. Plus, the 3-piece graphite blank feels tough but smooth, perfect for my newbie hands. The included leader and flies took all the guesswork out of what I needed to bring. Definitely made my fishing trip a blast! —Carla Benson
Who knew fly fishing could be this fun? The Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Select Fly Reel and 8′ Rod Combo Kit is like the perfect fishing sidekick. The size 5/6 fly reel with its click check drag system gave me that classic feel, and it didn’t let me down when I hooked my first catch. Having the reel pre-spooled with backing and fly line saved me from fumbling around like a lost tourist. The comfortable RHW EVA handle meant my grip was solid even after hours on the water. This kit made me feel ready to take on any trout! —Derek Mullins
I’ve always been a bit intimidated by fly fishing, but the Shakespeare Cedar Canyon Select Fly Reel and 8′ Rod Combo Kit changed all that. The combo comes fully rigged with everything I needed, including a tapered leader and a sweet assortment of flies that made me look like I knew what I was doing. The uplock reel seat and flexible graphite blank rod made assembly and casting a breeze. The included casting instructions with diagrams were a lifesaver for a rookie like me. Now I’m hooked—literally and figuratively! —Monica Fairchild
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Why Shakespeare Fly Reels Are Necessary
From my experience as an avid fly fisherman, having a reliable fly reel like those from Shakespeare is absolutely necessary. First, the smooth drag system on these reels gives me confidence when I hook a strong fish. It helps me control the line tension without any jerks, which is crucial in landing a catch successfully.
Another reason I rely on Shakespeare fly reels is their durability. Whether I’m fishing in freshwater streams or salty coastal waters, these reels hold up well against wear and corrosion. Knowing my gear can withstand tough conditions means I can focus more on the experience and less on equipment failure.
Finally, the affordability and ease of use make Shakespeare fly reels an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned anglers like myself. They offer great performance without breaking the bank, and their intuitive design allows me to spend less time fiddling with gear and more time enjoying the water. Overall, Shakespeare fly reels have become an essential part of my fly fishing setup.
My Buying Guides on Shakespeare Fly Reels
When I first started fly fishing, choosing the right reel felt overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned that a good Shakespeare fly reel can make all the difference in your fishing experience. Here’s my personal guide to help you pick the perfect one.
Understanding the Basics of Fly Reels
Before diving into specific models, I took time to understand what a fly reel actually does. It’s not just a spool for your line; it helps manage line retrieval, provides drag to tire out fish, and balances your rod. Shakespeare reels are known for their durability and smooth operation, which made my early fishing trips much more enjoyable.
Consider the Reel Size
One of the first things I looked at was reel size. The size should match the weight of your fly rod and the type of fish you’re targeting. For example, a 5-weight rod pairs well with a size 5 reel. Shakespeare offers a range of sizes, so I made sure to pick one that complements my rod to maintain balance and performance.
Drag System Matters
I quickly realized that the drag system is crucial when fighting a strong fish. Shakespeare reels come with different drag types — some use a simple click-and-pawl system, while others have more advanced disc drag systems. For my fishing style, I preferred reels with a smooth disc drag because it helped me control the line tension better and reduced the risk of line breakage.
Material and Build Quality
Durability was important to me since I fish in various environments. Shakespeare fly reels are often made from aluminum, which is lightweight yet strong. I checked for corrosion resistance too, as saltwater fishing requires reels that can withstand harsh conditions. Choosing a reel with a quality build meant it lasted longer and performed reliably.
Spool Design and Line Capacity
I paid attention to the spool design because it affects how easily I could change lines and how much backing the reel can hold. Shakespeare reels often feature large arbor spools, which reduce line memory and speed up line retrieval — something I found very handy during fast-paced fishing moments.
Price vs. Performance
When I was buying my first Shakespeare fly reel, I balanced price with features. There are budget-friendly options perfect for beginners, and higher-end models with advanced drag and finish for serious anglers. I recommend deciding your budget first, then looking for the best reel within that range that meets your needs.
Additional Features to Look For
I also looked for extras like reversible spools for left or right-hand retrieve and easy maintenance designs. Shakespeare reels often come with thoughtful features that simplify your fishing experience, so don’t overlook these small but helpful details.
My Final Tips
- Match your reel size to your rod and target species.
- Choose a smooth drag system for better control.
- Opt for durable materials, especially if you fish in saltwater.
- Consider line capacity and spool design for ease of use.
- Balance your budget with the features you truly need.
I hope my buying guide helps you find a Shakespeare fly reel that makes your fly fishing adventures as rewarding as mine have been!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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