As the current foot-and-mouth outbreak continues to rage through
our land there will be many anglers who may wish to either take up
sea fishing for the first time or, like myself, return to this aspect
of our sport.
Not all of us can afford to commit ourselves to tackle at the top
end of the market so there is likely to be a healthy market for those
who wish to buy serviceable tackle in the lower to mid-price
band.
This is the area where the Shakespeare company has had a good
reputation for many years for providing solid and serviceable tackle
at reasonable cost. The XK 4000 Beachcaster rod being a good
example.
The review model was ringed for fixed spool use, there is a
version ringed for multiplier use.
The rod, supplied in a cloth bag, is 12' long in two equal
sections with overfit joints. The rings are lined and the other
fittings are of reasonable quality. The tip is painted a nice
reflective white.
Performance:
The rod has a gentle tip, which makes for good bite indication,
with the power coming in further down the blank. Whilst this rod is
never going to win any tournaments it is easy enough for the
inexperienced to wind up and achieve reasonable fishing
distances.
I found that with an appropriate fixed spool reel I was easily
able to achieve 150yds with a 5oz lead, which should be more than
enough for most purposes.
For the person who wishes to undertake occasional beach fishing
forays, and for those on a budget, this is a competent enough rod
which can be purchased with confidence.
RRP is just £42.
Graham Marsden
