Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Acquires Penn Fishing Mfg. Co., A Leading Saltwater Reel Company

[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey folks,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Here is some interesting news that could affect many of us that use these company's products - I know I have quite a bit of gear from both of them.[/size][/black]

[size 1]Columbia, South Carolina - Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, a leading manufacturer of fishing rods, reels, fishing line and accessories is pleased to announce the acquisition of Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co. Founded in 1932, Penn is the market leader in saltwater trolling and spinning reels and saltwater rods. [/size]

[black][size 3]For the rest of the story visit ...[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]the [/size][/black][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?post=302487;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread"][black][size 3]BFT FISHING NEWS BOARD[/size][/black][/url]
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[Tarpon4me]

Mmmm. that's an interesting tid bit of info. I'd say the majority of Shakespears products are average at best, and comparing Shakespears reels to Penns is like comparing a 2 door hatch back to a Viper RT-10. I sure hope that this merge will not affect the quality of Penns product. If it does, Shimano and some of the other high end reel companies will be getting a surge in thier market.
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[tubeN2]

I better stock up on parts for my Newells before they mess that end of it up. I already have enough parts for my Jigmasters including the 500s, 501s,505s, 9Ms, 506HS and others.[cool]
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]That was kind of my thought as well. I am glad i bought my Penns when they were still made in the USA. I wonder now what will ultimately happen to the Penn line of products. Will they succomb to the lowest common denominator as is sometimes the case with mergers like this ? In the short term, I would think they will continue as they are, but, down the road ?[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Good idea to look into spare parts and such before any major corporate decisions come into fruition.[/size][/black]
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[tubeN2]

It was enough when the Newells went to the plastic style of handle. They do break under certain fishing conditions. (like when you have a big fish and are on a small boat)

I purchased separate metal handles. I keep them rinsed off of all the salt build up before they build up and keep them shiny with my old faithful "Never Dull" product.[cool]
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]I've always wondered about some of the decisions that companies make. Like the plastic handles you mentioned or even putting the tiny two paddle handles on some casting reels that I've bought. Maybe those companies have stock in the handle manufacturing companies and know darn well that folks will pay the extra dollars to swap out the inferior ones.[/size][/black]
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[tubeN2]

So it seems. Some of the companies are even making plastic gears. Shakespeare is one of them. I have a few of their reels. I wasn't too impressed with them especially when I would hook bigger fish.[cool]
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