Shakespeare STM66SPT Travel Mate Pack Spin Rod

Better quality than what I thought I would get for the price. I don't have any issues with expanding or collapsing the rod. Very lightweight but will act as a medium weight rod. Very nimble at the tip will react to any size bite. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on something I won't probably use much and I succeeded with this item.

Shakespeare telescopic rod model # STM66SPT (ver 3). This is an exceptional telescopic rod with a wonderful action, 6’ 6” long extended, 15” long compressed. I fish exclusively with telescopic rods (40+ years) for trout, bass and steelhead, and have been searching to replace my favorite rod recently lost overboard — this rod is perfect. Most telescopic rods are cheap pieces of junk, either too soft and weak for real fish, or stiff clubs with no action and no casting ability. Note that Amazon has the wrong picture shown for this rod, they show a bait casting butt whereas the actual rod has a standard reel seat for spin casting reel.

I own two of these rods. The first was purchased in Oct 2018. When the reel wore out, I purchased the 2nd one to go with the new reel. It has a very smooth action when casting a 1/4 oz lure. My new reel has a 6lb line. The reels were Pflueger Presidents. I also recommend them. They respond nearly as equal to an open faced reel.

top 2 sections snapped off while dehooking a baby fish. I am a huge ugly stick fan but you can find better option than this travel shakespeare rod.

Bought this rod to take to Cali because I did not want to pay for baggage and rods. This is not a good rod for those who need sensitivity. If you are using soft plastics or jigs this rod is no good. Honestly even using spinner baits and crank baits is difficult with this rod. I would say this rod is best suited to chunking because it is very inadequate for lures. Now for the pros. It is cheap for a travel rod, its way better then a telescoping rod, and its light a bit heavier then a 2 piece rod of equivalent length. Finally it comes with its own carrying case which is great. Its super tough fiberglass no doubt can handle a 6+ pound bass.

This telescoping rod is great for backpacking. It has light-action and works well for trout fishing in high mountain streams and lakes. The rod is light weight and it comes with a plastic case, though the case isn't super rigid, it works well enough to protect the rod in a backpack.

Great for packing in on ATV's to high mountain lakes

Took this rod on vacation. Caught lots of fish. Packs easy, assembles easy, light weight.