Shakespeare Crusader Medium Spinning Combo

Let me say first that this is a budget rod and reel, and is obviously not really as nice as higher end gear. However, it works great. For only $20 you get a two piece glass rod and a Shakespeare ball bearing reel. I particularly like that the rod comes with cork grips at this price. For someone looking to get into the sport, or someone who wants to go fishing once or twice a year, you cannot find a better deal than this.HOWEVER, I have seen 5 of these reels now, and each one of them had an annoying rub when you retrieve line for about 1/4 rotation. The reel still works fine, but you can feel it drag and it makes an annoying sound. Fortunately, it's an easy problem to fix if you have 5 minutes, a screwdriver, and a 10mm wrench. Here's what you do:- Loosen the drag adjuster all the way and remove it. Pull the spool off the reel.- Pull the plastic washer and star washer off the spindle. They'll be a little hard to remove, but just pull hard.- Remove the phillips screw.- Using a 10mm wrench remove the nut. The nut is reverse threaded, so you need to turn it clockwise to loosen.- Pull the rotor off the reel.- On the outside edge of the body you'll now see a small ramp. This is what flips the bail when you start retrieving. It's the top outside edge of this ramp which rubs on the inside of the rotor. Just take a utility knife and shave off about 1/16" of the top outside edge of the ramp. Don't worry, you can remove quite a bit of material from it without affecting it's function.- Reassemble the reel in reverse of how you took it apart. Remember that you need to turn the nut counter-clockwise to tighten it. You also need to line the nut up correctly to re-install the phillips screw.- You're done. Have a beer.So, bottom line this is still a great value and probably the best way to cheaply get into fishing. However, I'm goign to subtract two stars because the reels need immediate modification to not be annoying.

Hard to complain about a complete rod set for under $20. This rod looks and feels great. I usually use an Ugly Stik also made by Shakespeare and this one feels similar to it. The reel is smooth. I am assuming the build quality is a bit different. I bought 2 and one has a slight rub but the other one works perfectly. Both have been used on 3 different fishing trips. I've caught several fish with the rod and it has not broken. As far as I'm concerned, if it breaks tomorrow, I've already got my money's worth. Highly recommend for the beginner or occasional fisherman.

very good combo for the price.i loved the sensitivity of the rod, but i think i pushed it a little too far. I fished for porgies from the shore and i was casting miles witht this. I dressed it wtih good quality 8lb mono and worked wonders. but if you are fishing from the surf it gets messy and sand gets in it, and it will stop working, i found that shimano makes better reel, but don't get me wrong the rod itself is worth the price.

My boyfriend bought me this pole and it's the first nice one I've ever owned! While I am not one who fishes on every day off, I do enjoy fishing, and for my needs it's perfect. I caught my first walleye with it, so I think it's a winner! It reels smoothly and is easy to cast.

Good pole but would only use it for smaller fish. Caught a couple small catfish on it and it looked like the pole was going to snap. Great pole for perch and crappie or any smaller fish

Definitely more of a light action pole.i primarily fish rivers and this rod doesn't have the backbone to handle more than pan fish or small bass.that being said as a light action pole it's not bad considering the price.just don't expect it to handle currents or large fish

I ordered this poll it was on the porch when I got home from work I tried it out and I love it I caught 3 fish just to start off and it was smooth as any other pole I've ever owned. Great deal might order another.

caught some pretty large fish with this one it is a very nice item