THE iconic and much-loved tackle brand Shakespeare has revealed its latest collections of rods, reels and luggage, as well as bankware accessories, that are all heading to tackle shop shelves near you.
The new SKP Concept and SKP Solitude ranges are aimed at specialist pleasure anglers and the fish they catch. Here Angling Times exclusively showcases these and a few more super new tackle items from Shakey.
For more details visit www.shakespeare-fishing.co.uk
SHAKESPEARE SKP CONCEPT RODS
WHAT THEY SAY: Shakespeare’s new SKP Concept rods cover the pursuit of all big fish aside from carp. With test curves from 1lb to 1.5lb, the range encompasses three barbel rods (all with push-in white quivertips and test curves from 1.75lb to 2lb), along with six float rods – including a 12ft Power model that should prove perfect for tackling the Trent and Wye.
Add to these three new feeder rods, the 10ft and 11ft light tip versions of which are designed for silverfish and F1s, and you have an impressive line-up.
WHAT WE SAY: These new rods, built from two types of carbon, offer the pleasing balance of a cushioned action with plenty of power lower down the blanks. All the matt-grey rods benefit from quality single- and double-leg lined guides, screw-down reels seats and full length cork handles.
Price: £59.99 - £74.99
SKP SOLITUDE RODS
WHAT THEY SAY: Built with high-end components including Seaguide rings, these classic olive-green blanks with full cork handles (abbreviated on the barbel rods) use a 20/30T mixed carbon combination. Whether it’s trotting for chub or feeder fishing at distance for tench and bream, there’s a rod for the job in the Solitude range. The beautifully-finished blanks have a subtle colour scheme that helps to make them an absolute pleasure to fish with.
WHAT WE SAY: The retro colour scheme of the blanks is sure to appeal to the traditional specialist searching for many seasons’ worth of angling serenity. There are six 11ft and 12ft Solitude rods with test curves from 1lb through to 1.75lb, four 12ft barbel rods with 1.75lb to 2.5lb test curves, five float rods – including a 14ft Long Trotting model – and three light tip and feeder models.
Price: £79.99 - £99.99
SKP PADDED ROD HOLDALLS
WHAT THEY SAY: Ideal for use with made-up rods, and made from a long-lasting rip-stop material, key features include padded shoulder and carrying handles, reinforced webbing straps, pockers for additional items, a reinforced base, and looped zip pullers.
WHAT WE SAY: If you want to get fishing as soon as you hit the bank, ready rod holdalls are a must-have. These no-nonsense versions are well made, well-padded, and should keep your precious rods and reels safe in transit.
Price: Two rod, £79.99, three rod £99.99
SKP LANDING NET HEADS
WHAT THEY SAY: Designed for the big-fish angler and available in 16ins, 20ins, 24ins and 28ins options, these nets are deeper than normal, so you can safely retain your catch for a trophy shot. The subtle green latex mesh, except in the 28ins net, is quick-drying, and they all have solid, single-piece spreader blocks and robust aluminium frames. There’s even a finger loop to carry them around.
WHAT WE SAY: These deeper than normal and well thought-out landing net heads will enable you to retain your personal best catches safely. The finger loop helps when roving the banks in search of your next specimen fish.
Price: From £14.99
SKP SUPERLITE CHAIR
WHAT THEY SAY: This aluminium-framed chair can be used in conjunction with the SKP Ruckbag. With durable Teslin mesh-type seating material it folds flat for ease of transport.
WHAT WE SAY: The Superlite chair’s 6ins ground clearance offers a super low angler profile, and is ideal for avoiding those skylining scenarios when faced with open or high banks.
Price: £59.99
SKP ROLL UNHOOKING MAT
WHAT THEY SAY: Perfect for the roving or day session angler, these fish-friendly roll mats come in small, medium and large sizes, with elasticated loops for rapid, compact storage.
WHAT WE SAY: A must-have item for the specimen angler on the move, the fully waterproof roll mat is light to carry. It can also be used on wet banks as a kneeling mat, saving your knees from a soaking.
Price: From £15.99
SKP NET AND WADER BAG
WHAT THEY SAY: This fully sealed PVC net-cum-wader bag is a marriage-saver, preventing nasty whiffs or soaking car seats. Features include a looped zip puller.
WHAT WE SAY: Stink bags are essential for all travelling anglers, especially if you use the family car. This one is fully sealed and comes at an affordable price.
Price: £28.99
SKP RUCKBAG
**WHAT THEY SAY:**The ultimate all-round bag, it’s roomy and easy to access. It comes with reinforced webbing straps and has an ultra-comfy padded back support for painless carrying, even on long walks. It’s compatible with all SKP unhooking mats, and the SKP Superlite chair.
WHAT WE SAY: Looking for a bag that can swallow all your kit and bait, including chairs, unhooking mats and short banksticks? For the ultimate in yomping comfort, this is the bag for you. Dimensions are 48cm x 47cm x 27cm.
Price: £74.99
SKP FEEDER CHAIR
WHAT THEY SAY: This chair system is perfect for the angler who wants everything close to hand. A footplate is an available add-on for use when faced with steep banks.
WHAT WE SAY: The high back offers neck support for anglers fishing rivers with rod-tips pointed skyward. The front section of the chair features a sturdy metal cross section that should offer twist-free stability, even on uneven terrain. Well padded and comfy to sit on, features include a secure handwheel back setting, and a plethora of add-on items to add to your fishing enjoyment.
Price: £139.99
TELESCOPIC FEEDER ARM
WHAT THEY SAY: This 70cm telescopic feeder arm can be used with any length of rod and set at any position to provide you with the perfect angle to spot bites.
WHAT WE SAY: The double leg brace offers more stability than a single arm, and can also cope with the added stress of using a rod in running water with its tip pointed upwards.
Price: £21.99
SKP FEEDER REAR REST SINGLE
WHAT THEY SAY: A soft-touch EVA rear rest with a ribbed design for quick and easy rod butt placement.
WHAT WE SAY: Ideal for making tiny adjustments to the rod, flat rear rests that you drop the rod on to are easier to use than a U-type rest.
Price: £9.99
SKP SIDE TRAY
WHAT THEY SAY: This self-supporting side tray holds bait tubs and accessories. Drainage holes provide instant run-off.
WHAT WE SAY: Nice and neat, and strong enough to support three or four three-pint boxes.
Price: £17.99
SKP FEEDER CHAIR FOOTPLATE
WHAT THEY SAY: This easy-to-use footplate has two extendable legs with swivelling mudfeet and easily removable leg brackets.
WHAT WE SAY: Faced with steep banks or the need to be seated in shallow water, a footplate is must. This one’s easy to use.
Price: £79.99
SKP SIDE TRAY AND GROUNDBAIT BOWL
WHAT THEY SAY: This self-supporting side tray comes with a removable groundbait bowl. It will hold a couple of kilos of groundbait plus bait tubs.
WHAT WE SAY: A side tray and groundbait/pellets bowl that doesn’t require additional legs will be a boon to anglers fishing from compact commercial platforms on the Method feeder.
Price: £34.99