Customer Reviews

Shakespeare Medium Action Excursion Soft Case Kit Combo (6-Feet 6-Inch)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First things first: the Amazon photo does NOT show the included soft-sided case. The case is filled with soft foam with compartments cut-out for the rod, reel, and mini tackle box. The only down side is that the case is fabric, so it WILL show dirt and absorb anything nasty that you put it into. So, take care of the tackle box. Also note that the case has an area between the tackle box hole and the reel hole to cut out a space for a jar of Power Bait. Two minutes with a sharp knife and you are set. You can also lift out the main block of foam in order to stuff flat items underneath: stringer, package of snelled hooks, plastic bags, etc.

As for the combo itself, I love it. Keep in mind that this is budget tackle. This is comparable to a $20 rod/reel combo in quality (in fact, except for the color, the reel is IDENTICAL to one that came with a Shakespeare $25 2-piece combo). What you are paying for here is the convenience of a little package that you can leave in your trunk, or carry with you that is MUCH less cumbersome than a standard 2-piece combo. The old saying is that the .22 that you have with you is better than the .45 you left at home. The same goes for fishing rods. There are better combos out there, but this is one that you can have with you all the time.

Other than the fact that the case is fabric (mentioned above), the only other complaint is that, every now and then, when I cast, I also cast out the very top section of the rod. The cure is to simply be certain that every section is pushed together firmly. Other than that little tiny problem, this rod/reel combo has been flawless. I have taken a few trout with this little beauty.

I got this as a gift for my Dad, who is an avid fisherman. I don't fish and know nothing about fishing, but I wanted to get him something good that he could keep in his car and take easily along when they travel, so I researched a lot and decided on this one. Found out later that my Dad had thought I must have asked his fishing buddy what to buy because this was the exact thing he needed and that he's very happy with it. My Dad goes bass fishing a lot, so I assume that means its good for that.

Nice rod. Decent reel. I caught a 6lb large mouth on it with no problem. Great for fishing on the go. It stores nicely under the seat of my truck.