Hi
As mentioned in my other thread I'm heading out to Cuba next year staying in Cayo Guillermo. Now from what I can gather there's a whole bunch of different fish to catch there which suits me fine. Yes I'd like to experience catching some bonefish but as long as the rod keeps wrapping round I'm not bothered what's on the end as long as I'm catching.

As I don't want to spend a vast amount on new tackle for a 2 week trip will the Shakespeare rods be up to the job ? I don't want the rod to break on casting or a fish but if that's unlikely then I guess they'll do the job. Plus at around £50 per rod I could get 2 different weights. I believe there's some big tapon in the channels near my hotel, would the heaviest rod be up to tackling them.

As per my previous post my local fly tackle dealer recommended the Shakespeare and I'll take his word for it but would like other peoples opinions preferably from someone who has used one, or alternatives in a similar price band



Thanks

Lee

Shakespeare - bomb-proof, usually . The chrome guides do rust if not washed out in fresh water.
Tarpon run large and a 70 lb rattler requires a reel
that does not melt and holds much backing.

for my saltwater fishing I use a shakespeare expedition 9foot 9/10 weight it is in 7 sections. (great for putting into the tiny wee carrier tube and hopping around the rocks)
awesome rod! got mine from john norris with a reel and line for 47 quid delivered.
i too didnt want to spend too much as i hadnt tried saltwater up til then.

now i have caught pollock off the scottish coast and they are awesome fish to catch, fight like no other fish I have had on the fly.

i got my flies from Chris at saltwatershack in these forums and they are very high quality flies and a great service from Chris.

hope this helps you.

for fishing aroung the coast here I think this rod will do me for a while yet, although, i do think i need a better reel. as mentioned before, this is important.
if you are going after fish like tarpoon then I would imagine this is a very important part of the your set-up.

shakeys are cracken rods for their price!
cheers
rusty

Just seen this.
I've just started SWFF this season and bought the 9ft Atlantis #8.
I'm pleased with it, build seems pretty good. I did snap the tip section, probably my own fault being a bit cack handed. This was replaced foc by Glasgow Angling Centre. Very good customer service.

Not small GT proof though - this one was borrowed from a friend, and it's the only time I've ever broken a rod on a fish:

I have one and use it for pike no complaints at all...

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TOO MUCH PRESSURE!!
Regards
bert

Nope - rubbish rod (may of been a duff one of course), I know how much pressure a rod should withstand and this one went way to early. Like I said, I've never broken a rod on a fish before and I've caught much bigger GT's than this tiddler.

tiddler..

I've had pike to 20Lb on my atlantis 10 weight.. No problem. and i play them hard... Rod casts well also. I can put 30 yards out even with a 10inch fly....
Please remember when rating this rod that it costs 50 quid... Good value for
money in my opinion.. Such good value that i am getting a second one so i can have two rods set up in the boat, one with an intermediate and one with a di7..

cheers
JJ

Also worth bearing in mind the service I had when I broke mine. Replacement tip sent, no questions. There's rod companies that sell rods costing a lot more that make a big deal about their no quibble guaranties.
Is it the best SWFF rod, probably not. Is it in the running as one of the best budget SWFF rods. I would of thought so.