About Us
Shakespeare has been providing fishing tackle to Australian Anglers since 1970. Leading with trusted brands like the legendary Ugly stik rods and the ever reliable tidewater reels to name a few. Shakespeare is committed to providing innovative, high quality and affordable fishing gear to the many Australians who love fishing. Have a look at Shakespeare’s long and innovative company history, dating back to 1897, that’s over 100 years of fishing experience! Going for the ‘big one’ or dangling a line off a jetty with the kids, you can confidently rely on Shakespeare products to provide a practical and affordable answer to your fishing needs.
Shakespeare’s History - Over 100 Years In Fishing Excellence -
Date Line: Kalamazoo, Michigan
1896 - William Shakespeare, Jr., an avid fisherman of 27 years, wanted to improve on existing fishing reels so he came up with a device for winding fishing line evenly back on the spool. William patents the level-wind reel and his new design was superior to anything on the market. As a result, this feature is now common on most fishing reels.
1897 - With his experience in advertising, camera manufacturing, medicine and his love for fishing he founded The William Shakespeare, Jr. Company growing to a dozen employees by 1902.
1915 - Name changed to The Shakespeare Company.
1918 - During World War I The Shakespeare Company factory was converted to manufacture mortar fuses and automobile carburetors.
1939 - Anglers needed a way to apply a light action reel brake to prevent spools from back-lashing so William Shakespeare Jr. invented one, the “Backlash” Brake. The new Wondereel was one of the most popular reels to ever hit the fishing tackle market. At the same time William patented a new two-gear direct drive reel.
1941 - World War II: The company had contracts to build controls for aircraft, tanks, and jeeps.
1946 - In addition to braided and fly line, Shakespeare was one of the first to manufacture monofilament line from raw materials.
1947 - The company is in it’s 50th year of operation. Henry Shakespeare (William’s son) is in charge. He introduces the newest innovation in fishing rods - the glass fibre Wonderod. Invented by Dr. Arthur M. Howald, this rod revolutionised the fishing rod market and made bamboo and steel virtually obsolete.
1947 - Rod production moved to Columbia, South Carolina and was incorporated as the Columbia Products Company. This new factory was the centre of research and development for fibreglass construction.
1954 - Shakespeare manufactured the first fibreglass radio antennas, golf club shafts, pool cues, archery equipment, and numerous industrial materials.
1960 - Worldwide expansion is achieved through acquisitions made in Europe, Hong Kong and Japan for manufacturing and distribution growth.
1965 - With production growing, Columbia Products expands rod operations to a new plant in Newberry, South Carolina. This became the production centre for fibreglass products.
1966 - Shakespeare acquires the Pflueger® Company (formerly known as The Enterprise Company).
1970 - Shakespeare (Australia) Pty Ltd is established in Sydney.
1972 - March - Shakespeare Company listed 2,479,680 shares of stock on the New York Exchange under the ticker name SKP.
1976 - Introduction of the Ugly Stik tubular fishing rod! As quoted by USA Fishing Tackle Trade News in their March ‘76 publication “ the Ugly Stik . . . may be the most remarkable product of the last two decades.” Designed using the Howald Process; first to feature a clear tip and ferruless construction.
1979 - Anthony Industries of Los Angeles, California, purchased The Shakespeare Company.
1982 - Operations in Arkansas closed and moved to Columbia. All Shakespeare facilities are now located in South Carolina.
1985 - Shakespeare introduces the Ugly Stik Tiger rods - “For big game, choose the big cat”
1996 - Shakespeare gets a new corporate identity: Anthony Industries changes to K2, Inc.
1996 - Ugly Stik Lite rods made using the Howald Process and triple built construction were introduced to the fishing tackle world.
1997 - Shakespeare celebrates 100 years of trading in the fishing tackle industry.
1998 - Ugly Stik GOLD rods launched in Australia to offer the consumer a more affordable high quality fishing rod.
1999 - Ugly Stik 100% Graphite rods were made using the Howald Process.
2002 - An increase in the range of the extremely high-quality Pflueger rods and reels helps to reinforce the Pflueger brand name.
2003 - Shakespeare expands its brand recognition in the Australasian fishing tackle markets through an extension of the Ugly Stik range, reels and associated outdoor sporting goods products.
And what about the future? If the past is any indication, you can look forward to Shakespeare having another successful 100 years. So while we’re busy developing and manufacturing top quality fishing gear, grab your tackle and head to your favourite fishing hole. We’ve got the rest under control.