Rods and Reels

[Coyote]

Howdy
Not sure where to post this..
I was wondering do expensive rods and reels actually catch fish better than cheaper versions - reliability I understand is a key factor, but what about all the other "features" that we pay through the nose for, are they really necessary?
What are your thoughts

[bassmaster]

In a nut shell, no! Boet, the advantages of high end equipment are not as major as everyone thinks. People will argue with me but I really don't believe because someone has the most expensive rod or reel they are going to beat me on the water. I have only clarus rods and a few mid range shimano reels. Which I have caught many fish on and have won a few Money Trails with as well where other people have all the top end gear.

The high end stuff is more sensitive and lighter, but that does not mean you are going to catch more fish with them. The only thing that lets you catch more fish is time on the water, confidence and of course patience. One advantage of the high end stuff is due to how light most of it is your arms and hands may take a little less work load... but for the young guys this should not be an issue... :blue-cool:

Once you have a good combo the only other thing to consider is your line, a fluro line is essential when fishing plastics etc, this is one item I would spend more money on because some lines are just better than others and are more sensitive.

Hope this helps...

:blue-cool:

[Ninja]

I think I'm the wrong person to reply to this one, or perhaps I'm not.

I do not have a proper bass boat nor any fancy electronics. I only have two "branded" rods and both of them are in the lower end of the Shimano range. I use two Shimano reels on these rods and they are also from the bottom end of the range. I use one size fits all mono line which again is far from the top of the range.

Is it reliable - Hell yes!
Does it catch "better" fish - Hell why not!

I think it is a bit like golf. If Ernie Els play a round of golf with a Spalding Box set I'm sure he will still have a great round of golf, better than most of us even if we use top of the range Taylor's.

I'm sure the guys with the top of the range bass equipment will dissagree. :blue-biggrin:

[Coyote]

BM I couldn't agree more on the line, I personally use cheaper equipmet as that is what I could afford at the time
Ninja Respect - love to see Ernies response to that !!
The reason behind the question is that after 4 years of competitive angling my gear is all about shot and I am due for replacements - Do I upgrade or should I stick to what I know and feel comfortable with? :blue-question: :blue-rolleyes:

[Jeremy]

The reason behind the question is that after 4 years of competitive angling my gear is all about shot and I am due for replacements - Do I upgrade or should I stick to what I know and feel comfortable with? :blue-question: :blue-rolleyes:

I am also one of the low-mid range type of anglers. I say go with what you are comfortable with.

You have to ask your self will spending twice as much make your equipment last 8 years. Most of the top end stuff will be 3 or 4 times as much, that 12 to 16 years, I think not. :blue-shock:

[CrankbaitCarl]

Let us look at it this way.
Driving an old Golf will still get you girls,only problem is, they will not be beautiful. :blue-lol:

[Coyote]

Thats funny CBC - but in an old golf you can still smash a Bus and not feel bad :blue-lol:

[CrankbaitCarl]

Strange though,I dont see any young strong guys walking around with those old brick cell phones.Too heavy I believe.
Not even talking about those big heavy tv's with a tiny screen.
We designed motor cars,petroleum plants with a slide rule and logarithm books, but everybody has a laptop nowadays.Not 480mb, no 80 giga byte!
We call it technology.
I love technology.

[smurf]

BM is right,but something concerns me...your equipment falling apart after 4 years...that should not be the case,even for the more ' bottom range' tackle.I have a philosophy...Buy the very best you can afford.The new carbonlite stuff is super sensitive and WILL help to catch more fish as you will detect a more slight bite and will react quicker.There are those that fish the Regional circuit that hate fluro line as it has memory issues,frays easily,etc etc,so they are as sucessful using mono line...its a confidence thing.Personally,the detection of a bite is far superior with fluro line,so sticking with it until you master its mishaps will pay dividends later.Instead of having 6 medium range rods and reels,get 4 better ones,more bearings in the reel,more sensitive rods with the right power and taper & good fluro line.The one thing about reels...you don't need one that sports 10 bearings...nice to have bearings in the handle grips,but why spend money on that...6 bearings is all you need.And when you are about to spend money on a set of,say,4 rods and 4 reels,ASK for some discount...they will be happy to give 10% rather than see you walk out empty handed !You certainly do not catch more fish using a top end Quantum,GLoomis ,Kistler ,Shimano etc...you may look cool,but you will catch as many fish using medium range tackle,but good quality medium range stuff...it will last longer than 4 years.Every guy has 'his ' brand and will knock the others...I like Quantum and shimano sucks !...but I know shimano is not too bad...don't be swayed by brand as they are all pretty good.There are many changes in recent rod and reel design...there is a 'war' on to produce super slim,super light,super sensitive equipment,so the top anglers will be selling their not so old good quality rods and reels to update...you could pick up a bargain on this site.Shop around...it's as much fun as a day on the water. :blue-cool:

[smurf]

CBC...that beautiful babe that you snatch in your flashy two seater 'one bar car' only wants your money...the Golf chick wants you... :blue-badgrin:

[CrankbaitCarl]

Dammit, I thought my wife married me for my looks. :blue-shock:

[smurf]

You take some time to realise it .don't you... :blue-badgrin:

[robfisher]

I disagree with most of the postings… top of the range stuff certainly helps… the new rods are not only a lot lighter (and that helps me a lot as well) but they are really sensitive. Add decent fluorocarbon to a sensitive rod and you most certainly have an advantage over someone with a cheaper set-up… no question.

Reels will also help you because not only can you cast further you can cast more accurately and they are way lighter which tires you less… another advantage over someone fishing with a brick.

I’m sorry but had I been using a cheap rod I may well have missed that big fish on Saturday at the BETT… the bite (it wasn’t even a bite) was so subtle I think the bait just tipped the basses mouth as she inhaled it and I doubt I would have felt it…

Maybe I’m fooling myself but I don’t think so.

My advice is buy the best rod you can afford and use fluorocarbon. The reel is less important. If I had a limited budget I would buy one or two decent rods rather than 6 cheap ones.

[Ninja]

Stop bragging Rob :blue-biggrin: :blue-lol: :blue-biggrin:

I must admit if money was not a problem I would more than likely had a Triton full of the best equipment that money could buy. I just love Rob's boat and equipment!

For now mye two low-end Shimano sets must do, at least they deliver the odd 3 and 4 kg fooshie. :blue-cool:

[robfisher]

Not bragging Ninja... just giving advice... I bought bottom of the range tackle when I started and that was a costly exercise for me when I realised I would be better off with less decent rods than a boat full of cheap ones. I wasted money.