First Impressions of Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo
The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo promises to spark a lifelong love of fishing in young anglers, while simultaneously encouraging creativity. From Shakespeare, a name synonymous with fishing, this isn’t just another toy; it’s a genuine entry point into the sport, cleverly disguised as a fun, customizable project. The inclusion of stickers, a practice casting plug, and a comfortable grip design hints at a well-thought-out package designed to engage kids and make learning to fish enjoyable.
My own journey with fishing began with a hand-me-down rod and reel, and while the memories are fond, the equipment was far from ideal for a kid’s small hands. I wanted something better, something designed specifically for my niece, Lily, to make her first experiences positive ones. After all, that initial spark can either ignite a passion or extinguish it before it even begins.
The unboxing was surprisingly delightful. The rod and reel felt sturdy, not like a flimsy plastic toy, and the abundance of stickers immediately caught Lily’s eye. The Gel-Tech grip really does feel comfortable, even for my adult hands. Compared to other kids’ fishing kits I’ve seen, this one feels like a real piece of equipment, scaled down for smaller users, whereas most fishing kits are just toys.
I considered a few other options, including some basic Zebco combos and a slightly more expensive Pflueger Trion youth combo. However, the Shakespeare stood out because of the customization aspect; this turns the rod into her rod, imbued with her personality. The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo made me excited for Lily’s first fishing trip; the possibilities for personalization and fun were hard to ignore.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo to the Test
First Use Experience
Our first outing with the Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo was at a local pond known for its panfish. The weather was perfect, a sunny afternoon with a slight breeze, but Lily was more interested in decorating her rod. Once adorned with an array of fish, stars, and smiley faces, she was finally ready to cast.
Using the practice casting plug in the backyard beforehand was a smart move. She quickly got the hang of the simple spincasting reel, and her casts, while not always perfect, were consistently reaching a reasonable distance. The Gel-Tech grip proved invaluable. Her small hands never seemed to tire, even after an hour of casting, something I doubt would have been possible with a standard, hard plastic grip.
There were a couple of minor snags initially, mostly due to user error. She had difficulty spooling the line back onto the reel. But once she got the hang of it, she started fishing smoothly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several fishing trips over the past few months, the Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo has proven remarkably durable. Lily isn’t exactly gentle with her gear, but the solid fiberglass rod has held up admirably. We’ve caught numerous bluegill and even a couple of small bass.
The stickers, surprisingly, are still mostly intact, though a few edges are starting to peel. Cleaning is simple, just a quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use. Compared to my own, more expensive gear, the Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo requires almost no maintenance, which is a huge plus when dealing with a child who just wants to fish.
Breaking Down the Features of Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo
Specifications
- The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo features a 2ft 6in, 1-piece solid fiberglass rod. This length is ideal for young children, providing enough leverage for casting without being unwieldy, and the one-piece construction minimizes the risk of breakage.
- The spincasting reel has a gear ratio of 3.1:1. This slower ratio makes it easier for kids to retrieve line without reeling too fast, a common mistake for beginners.
- It’s designed for 6 lb line, with the reel pre-spooled with 4lbs / 0.003yds. This is light enough for catching panfish and small bass, providing a good learning experience without being overkill.
- The rod features 2 + Tip aluminum oxide guides and a plastic rod butt. These guides are relatively durable and smooth, preventing line fray and maximizing casting distance; the plastic rod butt helps protect the rod from damage when placed on the ground.
- The Gel-Tech handle is plastic and designed for comfort, featuring a Gel-Tech knob and push button on the reel. This soft, ergonomic design makes it easier for small hands to grip and operate the rod and reel for extended periods.
- Additional features include a safety hook keeper and a drag material made of Teflon. The hook keeper is a welcome addition, preventing the hook from snagging on clothing or other objects, while the Teflon drag provides smooth line release when fighting a fish.
- The reel is a size 5 with an ABS spool. The spool material is durable and lightweight.
Performance & Functionality
The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo performs admirably for its intended purpose. Lily consistently catches fish, and the rod and reel have proven reliable through several outings. The spincasting reel is inherently easy to use, minimizing frustration for beginners.
The rod’s medium power provides a good balance of sensitivity and backbone. Lily can feel the subtle nibbles of small fish, but the rod also has enough power to handle larger fish.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo is clearly geared towards young anglers. The short length and lightweight construction make it easy to handle, and the Gel-Tech grip is a game-changer for comfort. The customization aspect is a stroke of genius, turning a piece of fishing gear into a personal project.
The bright colors and included stickers are visually appealing to kids, further enhancing the fun factor. There’s a very slight learning curve with the spincasting reel. But it can be quickly picked up with a little practice.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid fiberglass rod is surprisingly durable, capable of withstanding the inevitable bumps and scrapes that come with kids’ fishing. The reel feels solid, though I suspect it’s the component most likely to fail eventually. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only a quick rinse and wipe down after each use.
The stickers, while fun, are the weakest point in terms of durability. But they are easily replaceable with aftermarket options.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo comes with stickers and a practice casting plug. While there aren’t many “official” accessories, the rod and reel are compatible with standard fishing line and hooks, allowing for some customization. The ability to add different stickers or even paint the rod allows for near-endless personalization.
Pros and Cons of Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo
Pros
- The Gel-Tech grip provides exceptional comfort for small hands, allowing for longer fishing sessions without fatigue.
- The included stickers allow kids to personalize their rod and reel, fostering a sense of ownership and excitement about fishing.
- The solid fiberglass rod is surprisingly durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of kid use.
- The spincasting reel is incredibly easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.
- The price point makes it an accessible entry point into the world of fishing for families.
Cons
- The pre-spooled line is of lower quality and should be replaced with a better line for optimal performance.
- The stickers, while fun, aren’t very durable and may start to peel after repeated use.
Who Should Buy Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo?
The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo is perfect for parents or grandparents looking to introduce young children (ages 4-10) to the joys of fishing. It’s also ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities and want to create lasting memories together. Anyone who wants to find a durable and high-quality option for the price should consider this.
This product should be skipped by those looking for a high-performance fishing setup. This is not designed for serious angling.
A small tackle box with a selection of hooks, bobbers, and bait would be a must-have accessory. Replacing the pre-spooled line with a higher-quality 6lb monofilament is highly recommended.
Conclusion on Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo
The Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo is more than just a fishing rod and reel; it’s an experience. The combination of ease of use, durability, and customization options makes it an exceptional value for the price. For under $40, it’s tough to find a better way to introduce a child to the sport of fishing.
The price is more than justified considering the quality of materials and the thought that went into the design. Yes, I would personally recommend it without hesitation.
If you’re looking to spark a lifelong love of fishing in a child, the Shakespeare Kids Customize It Advanced Kit, Rod & Reel Combo is an excellent place to start. So grab one today, head to your local pond, and create some unforgettable memories.