Anyone ever use a Shakespeare Model 1810 spinning reel on a fly rod? They also made other models that were similar such as the 1954, 1730, 1745, 1750, 1756, and possibly some others. I know several Michigan steelhead fishermen who use long noodle rods with the 1810 reels and very light mono line. The drags on these reels are superb and unlike the drag system on any other reel I have used. They are closed faced, but hang under the rod like a traditional spinning reel but that's where the similarity ends. Shakespeare used to make a 7' rod that was made specifically for this reel. It was too awkward for a regular spinning reel but just right for the 1810 (and the similar ones). They work great with a fly rod also. I sometimes will use an 1810 with a fly rod. Don't think it is sacrilege because it is not; just another way to utilize your fly rod as I see it. I was once fishing in Sarasota Bay with a fly rod. I also had an 1810 set up on a fly rod rigged with a with a white rubber jig next to me in the boat. Suddenly a school of jacks were busting a pod of minnows. I grabbed the 1810 set up and started throwing the jig into the school of jacks. It was fish after fish as fast as I could cast until the jacks moved on. Great fun.
Joe

I'm surprised, too, so I moved this to the "another spin . . ." section and we'll see. Personally, I was never big on using any kind of spinning reel on a fly rod, mainly because the mono line is very hard on guides. Once the least amount of grooving starts, no big deal for a lot of spin fishing, but that's the end of casting fly line--it'll still cast, but the line will be damaged in no time. The "noodle rod" on a fly rod blank with ceramic guide makes double duty more feasible, but still, what little spin fishing I do, I'll use a spinning rod.

Hi,
Not sure if your still active on this forum. I really appreciated your thoughts and opinions on the 1810 Shakespeare reel. I had no knowledge of this reel and a friend wanted me to sell it for him. I was intrigued by the reel and started digging on the internet and I think I will keep it. Then after reading your piece, I needed to find the correct rod. Looks like a SP 508 , SP 905 and a SP 860 will work well for this reel. I found a SP 508. Would you know what the AP listed as the action means? I should know this but I don't get it. Also KT is listed as the design?

Thanks for your help!

Hi Foamer, Welcome to the Forum!

Look at some of the Shakespeare catalog images posted by Wrong88, particularly those from the late 70s. There is a specific mention of SP508 rods built for the 1810 reel in post #33 (1979 catalog), the first image. These images are primarily of fly rods, but there are some other rods too.

The Purist identified KT as Kwik-Taper and AT as Action Taper. AP refers to "All Purpose", although exactly what made a particular rod an all purpose, I'm not sure. Shakespeare also offered "Standard Taper (ST) and Omni-Action (OA). I haven't seen a good listing about the various actions.

You may still have a date code on your rod. The photo below is my 5 foot, 1 piece Shakespeare Wonderglass spin rod. The date code is below the model number. I think my code reads DGK, which would mean it was made in 1974 (that's about what I remember). The rod is on the 3rd or 4th set of guides, but still has the original grip and reelseat.


Tom