Shakespeare Sigma Fly Rod Combo - A Tackle Tarts Test And Review

[@philrougier5533]

I met Barry at Frensham Trout Fishery in Surrey on Sunday 1st September 2019. He had been talking to the owner and my wife who mentioned I had just started fly fishing, and without prompting Barry came over and gave me some kindly advice on casting and retrieving and also set me up with some free flies. What a lovely man and so very helpful. I can't tell you how big his plums are but the way he walked off suggests he could be right...

[@barrybigplums]

Phil Rougier ha ha was nice to meet you mate....we all have to start somewhere and we have all been on that beginners boat at some point...keep plugging away mate and it will all suddenly click for you

[@davidhunt6322]

Seen a bargain box the other day, had a look though it and found a Shakespeare 10wt line for a tenner so I thought "I'll have that as a back up..." Reeled it up after a good cleaning, stuck it on my 9/10 rod and took it for a whirl and.... it took off like a rocket, zero memory, 75ft+ casts no problem, 2 pike in an hour... Happy days! Shakespeare know a thing or two about fishing. Fair dues for the honest review 👍✌️🎣

[@rmonty8270]

Just ordered this Rod combo in wf/7 will be here tomorrow. It was recommended to me from a very experienced Angler. Your video was great, loved every minute of it.

[@barrybigplums]

I still have this setup to this day - even though I use a £1050 sage r8 rod o crack this combo out every so often - I use it for carp in the summer too - so good for the money

[@rmonty8270]

@@barrybigplums Getting mine in the 10ft, only started fly fishing this year, I have two greys rods but this was recommended so thought why not for that price.

[@raiins42]

For a small KZbinr you are really good i actually enjoy watching your vids compared to others

[@barrybigplums]

raiins-_- thank you that’s very kind of you......I just try to be myself in my vids.....

[@vole12]

You don't need top end gear to catch stocked fish . Or to catch wild fish . How many more yards do you cast with Hardy or Loomis ?You don't need great expensive fly gear .

[@craigleith100]

Nice1 Barry I just bought the 9ft 5 weight version a pair of chest waders & boots for just under £200 can’t wait to get out I’m just waiting on the boots to be delivered I’ve got plenty flies Gink and a nice fanny pack style bag & a net the one thing I will change is the leader I bought Maxima Evergreen but my brother uses Fluor carbon I think it is & it’s almost invisible Tight lines pal ✌🏼💙👍🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@barrybigplums]

I still use my sigma for fly fishing for carp in the summer - not broke it yet!!

[@kiwi_comanche]

You get a like for that name alone. I'm actually looking at this product in 2021. Entry level. Great video dude. Thanks for the info!!!

[@barrybigplums]

Ha ha ! The sigma combo really is awesome

[@kiwi_comanche]

@@barrybigplums My folks just got it for me for my birthday. I was gonna buy it but they beat me to it 🤣 never Fly Fished before, waiting on the season opening here in NI as I've got all the stocked spots mapped and in the list. The line I got on my setup wasn't great so I upgraded that to a Bloke WF7F which is a new British line. Can. Not. Wait. To get out there bro.

[@barrybigplums]

@@kiwi_comanche let me know how you get on when you use it mate

[@kiwi_comanche]

@@barrybigplums Will do man.

[@andrewm7584]

The name on the rod and whippings,cork, guides is what your paying the extra for arguably the blanks are probably the same as higher brand rods. Also worth mentioning Shakespeare is owned by pure fishing who also own greys and Hardy.

[@barrybigplums]

I did not know that mate 👍

[@kaiserinfishy8071]

Great Video, enjoyed watching it and thanks for the Test!

[@barrybigplums]

I was always pretty happy with the way this video turned out …. The sigma is a cracking little setup

[@delwigzieful]

Barry very honest review mate and as you say your a tackle tart same as me my friends yesterday bought 2 of these Shakespeare supra combo because of your review got to say the quality is absolutely awesome how can you make them for that price i took the guys to a local playing field to teach them how to cast there getting there,i have been fly-fishing for 20 years but got to say when i cast these Shakespeare supra rods yesterday i was blown away just by how good they are cheers for the video barry really appreciate it keep safe tight lines,para

[@barrybigplums]

paraffinalien as I said in the vid it’s not an Orvis Helios 3 or hardy rod but it’s not meant to be.....for the cost of the combo it’s a really good deal

[@outdammspot]

Great video as usual Barry. An important point about the price of tackle. As you say you get what you pay for, but there are not many sports where you can get kitted out for 100 pounds and get that amount of enjoyment and fish to boot :)

[@barrybigplums]

David Brittaine I was pretty shocked at how decent the whole setup was for the price

[@outdammspot]

@@barrybigplums Yes, and to think that setup doesn't cost that much more than a day ticket at some waters.

[@garystedman324]

Barry try coltord mill fisheries ? Your s Gary Stedman

[@garystedman324]

I ment to say coltsford mill fisheries in Surry tight line

[@barrybigplums]

Gary Stedman I think it’s currently closed Gary.....water is too hot

[@delwigzieful]

Shakespeare knockout some great tackle at sensible prices for those who don't want to spend a fortune i have a Shakespeare sigma supra 10ft 8# i use it for catching carp on a fly nothing like catching carp on a fly rod i have had carp to 27LB on this Shakespeare sigma supra awesome rod barry great video really enjoyed it nice 1 barry what do you think of the airlock indicators i myself think there awesome what flies did you use barry Alien

[@barrybigplums]

paraffinalien I find the airlock indicators are fine as long as you do not try to cast them too far lol

[@barrybigplums]

paraffinalien on a serious note I really was blown away by the Shakespeare sigma combo for the price

[@delwigzieful]

the shakespeare sigma supra is fantastic i have a 10ft 8weight i use for carp awesome rod had carp to 27LB Alien

[@outdammspot]

Barry, I know that you are a busy guy, but when you get the time it would be great if you could do a short video on Martyn Williams flies. You use them a lot in your videos and you seem to be a big fan of his flies. For example, you could go through your flybox and show the different Williams flies you have used, how to fish them when to use them etc. Just an idea. Impressed by your catch rate so you must be doing something right ;)

[@barrybigplums]

David Brittaine thats not a bad suggestion

[@techmick1399]

Hi Barry, I am a tackle guy like you and own some of the higher priced rods. But I love my Shakeys, too. They are simply very good quality rods for the price. Will buy the 7wt Sigma as a backup streamer rod...

[@barrybigplums]

Tech Mick it’s definitely not an act for the video....I was pretty blown away by the performance of the rod for the price

[@techmick1399]

@@barrybigplums Yes, and I believe what you are saying. It seems that you will be hard pressed to find a better combo at this price point.

[@kiwi_comanche]

My favourite 3wt fly rod is the one I can afford. Shakespeare Sigma, with a Sunray 3wt floating fly line.

[@barrybigplums]

I still use my shakey all these years on …. I broke my sage and used it as the spare from my car to save the session a few weeks back and I also use it for carp in the summer …. Great rod best £45 I ever spent on the sport

[@davidbartley1798]

Brought one of these rods off the back of this video ....I think it's ok but wouldnt know as I'm new to fly fishing...hopefully I'll get the casting down one day

[@barrybigplums]

It’s decent for the money and defo enough to get started in the sport with

[@MrAnderson321]

Great review, will be buying this now for my mates 50th. Cheers! 🎣

[@barrybigplums]

S Greer it’s a great rod to try fly fishing or for someone who might go once and awhile and does not want to spend a fortune

[@Mjygbjuytmhgy]

I just bought this kit for my 50th, I haven't tried fly fishing before, can't wait to get out and give it a go😎👍

[@MrAnderson321]

James Hollings Go for it, let us know how you get on! Tight lines. 🎣

[@IrishSpursFan]

I only started fly fishing this year and a Shakespeare Agility 10ft number 6 is my rod yes I'm thinking about a Sage or a BVK but I do love this inexpensive rod :)

[@barrybigplums]

Look into orvis too mate.....I love the brand and the Helios 3 is the best rod I have ever used

[@IrishSpursFan]

@@barrybigplums thanks I sure will Greys is another I have been flirting with about 180 quid ?

[@barrybigplums]

@@IrishSpursFan the greys gr60 is a great rod for around that price.... have a look at the Orvis Clearwater too

[@graymain]

I'm a newbie and bought a Shakespeare sigma combo and so have been happy but I've also never fished with an expensive rod so got nothing to compare. :P

[@barrybigplums]

I still have my Shakespeare - time I mainly use it for carp

[@jamesmccreery250]

Is it short guides? Every Shakespeare fly rod I've seen was short 1 or 2 guides. It looks like it has the same flaw. I looks 3 or 4 guides short. This will be huge trouble in wind. Great video! I enjoyed the review.

[@barrybigplums]

It’s not the best rod for windy days in honesty but for the price it’s amazing

[@flyfishing1988]

A rod is a rod. A fish does not care. I have never spent more than 100 pounds on a rod. According too a source most Rods are made in the same warehouse in China

[@barrybigplums]

The fish knows not what it is attached to on the other end

[@chrislloyd6974]

Hi Barry, Great video! I had a question reference rods and Frensham? Background is: I'm pretty much a total novice, I had my first season last year as part of Grayshott club, mainly as they own some rights on the River Wey which is within a few hundred yards of my house... That's a narrow-ish river, so I ended up getting myself an 8ft 4wt Sigma which I REALLY enjoy using, and I also ended up buying a split cane bamboo rod blank, 7ft 6inch 5wt, which is my absolute pride and joy! But having had an accident involving a stile, the main road and three vehicles in succession... I've been reluctant to take the split cane out again... Just glad I bought a spare tip at the same time! My question is: What rod length/wt would you recommend at Frensham? Would either of the above be reasonable? I do overline the 4wt with WF5. The crux is, I may be joined by a friend who is tempted to start fishing but isn't certain he'd take it up properly yet... A "guest rod" would give me the option to lend him (or any friend) a set up. But I'm torn between: - Replicating my own Sigma setup (which seems pointless) - Going with different length/weight (could make me jealous... haha) - Upgrading my setup entirely (I have been looking at the budget end of the Orvis rods?) and using my Sigma 4wt as a "guest rod". I'll likely be fishing Frensham, the Wey (although I'm currently undecided on renewing membership), and am hoping to get in some other fisheries and small-medium river fishing. Grateful for any advice, and Happy New Year! Chris

[@barrybigplums]

The Orvis clearwaters are pretty decent rods my mate still fishers his trusty Clearwater even after 4-5 years

[@clipper530]

Great video...any recommendations for a fly rod for a newbie

[@barrybigplums]

Eugene Earle this is a great starter rod...depends on your budget....what’s your budget mate and I can help you with some more info

[@robertcourt8593]

Hi chad, sorry I know this is an older video but hopefully you'll see my comment and be able to advise. what weight rod would you recommend for a beginner and how much difference is there from a 5 to a 6 to a 7? I've been coarse fishing as long as I can remember but I'd love to have a go at fly fishing, specifically sight fishing/stalking on lakes.

[@barrybigplums]

Robert Court starting out I would have to say a 9 and a half foot seven weight outfit.....this covers you for everything. You might be a little overkill on really small stillwaters for smaller fish sometimes but being a seven weight you can fish large waters too and fish big lures. Part of me wants to recommend a nine foot six weight in honesty a this is more fun to play fish on and is not as heavy when casting all day....you do lose a little power from a 7 though...

[@robertcourt8593]

Thanks for replying, somehow I never saw the notification though so apologies for not coming back sooner. I had a day with a guide who put me in a 9ft 6 7# and whilst it didn't feel too heavy playing fish it was a struggle after a few hours of casting. do you think I would lose much casting ability going from the longer 7# to the shorter 6#? What outfitt would you advise for a beginner? I don't want to spend a fortune but would happily spend £2/300 is there much merit in spending that much as opposed to 70 quid on a Shakespeare? Sorry for all the questions but I don't have any decent fly shops round my way to him on and try anything.

[@barrybigplums]

@@robertcourt8593 I seem to have missed your reply sorry mate.....you can get a great setup for 200/300 pounds you could get the Orvis Clearwater or the greys gr60.....they are better rods than the Shakespeare and will last you years....on the same note though if you were to go for the cheaper shakes you could fish for a year or two for under £100

[@dazk6592]

👍

[@anthonyigoe8573]

Hi there I know it’s an older video. Is there any chance you could send me a link to where you got the rod because I’m on a budget to start fly fishing and I can only find this combo for £70-£80 and if not is the Shakespeare omni fly combo any good?

[@barrybigplums]

Big Man stay away from the omni combo the reel doesn’t have a good drag system....I got mine from eBay ..... the price on everything is inflated atm due to the COVID-19 outbreak....I would wait till that calms down and try again .... ps try bobcotackle for a good deal

[@anthonyigoe8573]

BarryBigPlumsFishing ok thanks for the help. Much appreciated

[@delwigzieful]

Barry by yhe way what reel did you get with this kit was it the omni or the sigma Alien

[@barrybigplums]

paraffinalien it was the sigma reel which has a reasonable drag system too for the price

[@delwigzieful]

Thanks barry nice 1 Alien

[@johnm9014]

So Shakespeare can make a 10ft 8 weight for ~ £60 so how come Hardy charge ~ £1000 ?

[@barrybigplums]

I guess it just comes down to mathematics......if you have the occasional accident and break a shakey it’s cheap as chips to replace...... it’s down to the individual to decide whether the performance and status of owning a £800 fly rod is worth the extra cash

[@mikegallagher1967]

It's a bit like versace and primark, it's just a label.. Don't get me wrong the dearer stuff might be better but there's no way its 20x better.. Its mostly the label you are paying for..

[@Jagdpanzer-bh4pb]

Could it handle salt water fly fishing?

[@barrybigplums]

Jagdpanzer 1944 I think it could potentially handle a bit of saltwater fly fishing....the good think is for under 50 pounds if it gets damaged it’s not the end of the world.......I’m not sure how the floating line would handle the salt......I think you need specific lines for salt water work

[@barrybigplums]

Jagdpanzer 1944 to answer your other question I think this setup is amazing for the price and is a great combo to start fly fishing with.....it’s my spare rod which sits in the back of my car at all times....I have caught carp up to 8 pounds on this rod......if you want to have a go fly fishing then this is a great setup to get started with.....you could easily fish a season with it.....heck I see lots of people use them full time

[@Jagdpanzer-bh4pb]

@@barrybigplums Sounds good mate! Thanks for the reply. Keep up the great work with the videos man.

[@whisperingblues9887]

Wonder why in the name of Christ you would need expensive fly fishing gear when you can hardly handle that little outfit and you're fishing in a pond for rainbows ffs.

[@barrybigplums]

You seem like a jolly and friendly chap…. Thanks for the comment