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What To Look For
The Shakespeare Microspin Combo rod and reel is an ultralight rod and reel setup that works well for a variety of fish. The reel can take 65 yards of six-pound test line, 110 yards of four-pound test and 175 yards of two-pound test. It has a gear ratio of 5.2 to 1 along with a top drag button and an anti-reverse button. The handle is reversible for righties and left-handers. The rod is one piece and 4.5 feet long and possesses five rod guides. It is a light-action rod but can handle fish as large as 3 lbs. The handle is made of cork. This combo is a good option for adults but especially for children since it allows even fish such as bluegill and perch to feel much larger and put up a great fight. It is a handy pole for tight places that an angler may have to get into, and a great backup pole that is easy to transport.
Common Pitfalls
Some of the drawbacks this combo presents are that the reel is not smooth and sometimes "catches" while reeling in a lure or fish. The flexible nature of the rod means the inattentive angler will not feel many bites by less aggressive fish. It also makes a very strong hookset necessary. Fishing from an elevated area becomes problematic with a setup this light, with it very difficult to reel in a lunker.
Where To Buy
This combination of ultralight rod and reel often shows up on the shelves at Walmart in time for fishing season. Other sporting goods stores such as Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods may carry this combo. Your local bait and tackle shop can order one for you easily enough through its catalog. The Shakespeare website has these rods and reels, and the website Shop Local.com will let you know which Walmarts are currently carrying the rod and reel.
Cost
Walmart sells the Shakespeare Microspin rod and reel for just under $20 when the item is in stock. You will see a very similar version online for the same price, but this is a closed spin casting reel and not an open bail spinning reel like the Microspin.
Comparison Shopping
This rod and reel combo is superior to the Zebco Microlight that is of a similar price, because the rod is shorter and comes as one piece. Shakespeare does offer a superior reel on an Ugly Stick rod for $35. Browning also has an ultralight rod and reel that is of better overall quality for around $50. However, a father cannot go wrong taking, for example, four kids to the store and outfitting them all for ultralight fishing action for under $100, a price which includes hooks, swivels and split shots.
