Gear progression 2024
lafalot reply :
So I'm starting to buy nicer gear for fishing and was wondering what the "normal" progression is for you guys. When did you all start buying better gear - was it related to just having the money or getting good enough at fishing that differences in the rods/reels would be noticeable?
jtesch reply :
It was two things for me, first was having the money to actually upgrade and second was the overwhelming feeling that my skills had outclassed my equipment. Realize that as your equipment gets more and more expensive the return in quality gets less and less.
Angry John reply :
I upgraded when i found i was not using the correct gear. Jigs on an ugly stick was not going to cut it. My first good rod was a st croix 66mf which i still have and use for a lot of things to include jerkbaits. If you have friends that let you use there gear or buy used you will save a pile of money figuring out what you really want. IF your young and have the summer to kill i would recommend learning to build. The skills you pick up will teach you a ton, and repairs for your gear and fishing buddies will save money as well.
Raul reply :
I started with junk, but not because I wanted, unlike you fellas, there wasn't much from where to choose, fishing gear in the Mexico of the 70's was junk, maybe you might not understand, the only people who fished were the people that lived on the coast. Most of Mexico is semiarid country, rivers only carry water during the summer when it rains, after that they become bone dry, there weren't many artificial lakes and there were even less natural lakes, inland fishing was pretty much non existant.... ah, but soccer, that was a different story ( which didn't do me much good since I don't play sucker ).
Turkey sandwich reply :
Welcome to the forum!
I started out with cheap gear that didn't really fit any of the techniques I was fishing. See above scenario with the Ugly Stick. My first good quality rod was also a St Croix, and I still use it today. I think the desire to fish more techniques well coupled with having expendable income has been what's driven me to pick up more/nicer gear and customize things to my liking. It's probably the same for most guys on here, I'd imagine.
The nice thing about looking to pick up gear now is that for $100-200, you can get some really incredible rods from most manufacturers, for the same price range excellent casting reels that will perform well out of the box, and for under $70, it's hard to beat a Pflueger President spinning reel. The above advice about buying used or watching for deals is a great way to build a collection starting out. $200 rods become $90 rods when models get updated.
brent245 reply :
Well I started cheap, then went expensive, now I realized as a recreational fisherman I don't need a $180 reel and a $200 rod. I still use my $70 pfluger spinning combo for wacky worms and I still catch fish. My last setup I bought was a Abu Veritas winch cranking rod and a Kastking assasin reel. $135.
blckshirt98 reply :
I started getting better gear as I got more confident in my fishing. You don't want to be the guy at the basketball court wearing Air Jordans but can't make a layup. I started out with the lower end Shimano spinning gear - Voltaeus/Clarus rods, Sienna/Sedona reels. I started to upgrade at first by buying used and clearance gear on the cheap just to see what the differences were. I still like my cheap Shimano spinning reels but have mixed in better pieces. Still no $400 Loomis rods but my priciest rods are a St. Croix Legend Elite and Megabass Orochi, and my priciest reels are a Shimano Stradic CI4+ and a Shimano Metanium. All of the above were bought heavily discounted.
lmbfisherman reply :
First of all, if you are using a main stream ugly stik or something similar definitely purchasing in my opinion "the sensible" choice is to get to the 100 dollar price point for a rod and for reel I'd go with the 100 dollar range too. So a 200 dollar setup in my experience gives you the best quality, bang for your buck no nonsense combo and will give you the steepest upgrade (sensitivity, quality, etc.) from an ugly stik. For me that was buying my first Abu Garcia Veritas that I found on sale for 40 bucks Canadian (like 30 USD). It hit me like a freight train, it was night and day when I fished a jig, flipping a jig..etc. I remember when I caught my first bass with the Veritas and a Curado G7 pitching into weed pockets, it was when I realized I can feel the bite, weeds, rocks..etc. I've graduated to higher end slowly, especially my reels. I found the reel was more "important" in fishing, so I own Metaniums, Chronarch and a Conquest and they are slowly replacing my cheaper reels. (BPS PQ, Daiwa Lexas) I have three Citicas left to replace, once that is completed I will have the Curado as my lowest line, they will eventually be replaced, well maybe not the Curado 70 and Curado 50E but the 200 sizes probably will. As for rods the 200-300 dollar range rods is where I've been staying at.
Now if you are at this stage already, you realize how much "comfort" and personal "preference" comes into play when you are fishing. Like a previous post says, the jump up in sensitivity primarily is smaller. However for quality, the fit and finish and comfort level, it's a bigger jump. If you can afford it, get it...if not save up and buy 1 high end combo a year, it is doable if you really wanted too. It isn't a requirement though to become the best fisherman on the planet, it's still whoever is behind the rod and reel.
lafalot reply :
On 5/24/2017 at 2:23 AM, lmbfisherman said:First of all, if you are using a main stream ugly stik or something similar definitely purchasing in my opinion "the sensible" choice is to get to the 100 dollar price point for a rod and for reel I'd go with the 100 dollar range too. So a 200 dollar setup in my experience gives you the best quality, bang for your buck no nonsense combo and will give you the steepest upgrade (sensitivity, quality, etc.) from an ugly stik. For me that was buying my first Abu Garcia Veritas that I found on sale for 40 bucks Canadian (like 30 USD). It hit me like a freight train, it was night and day when I fished a jig, flipping a jig..etc. I remember when I caught my first bass with the Veritas and a Curado G7 pitching into weed pockets, it was when I realized I can feel the bite, weeds, rocks..etc. I've graduated to higher end slowly, especially my reels. I found the reel was more "important" in fishing, so I own Metaniums, Chronarch and a Conquest and they are slowly replacing my cheaper reels. (BPS PQ, Daiwa Lexas) I have three Citicas left to replace, once that is completed I will have the Curado as my lowest line, they will eventually be replaced, well maybe not the Curado 70 and Curado 50E but the 200 sizes probably will. As for rods the 200-300 dollar range rods is where I've been staying at.
Now if you are at this stage already, you realize how much "comfort" and personal "preference" comes into play when you are fishing. Like a previous post says, the jump up in sensitivity primarily is smaller. However for quality, the fit and finish and comfort level, it's a bigger jump. If you can afford it, get it...if not save up and buy 1 high end combo a year, it is doable if you really wanted too. It isn't a requirement though to become the best fisherman on the planet, it's still whoever is behind the rod and reel.
Yeah - funny the automatic reaction is that main stream = ugly stik (it's actually spot on for me). I'm thinking about upgrading .. but still kind of scared reading about how the higher quality stuff is more "brittle". Would hate to spend $100 on a new rod and have it snap.
Raul reply :
On 5/24/2017 at 8:54 AM, lafalot said:
Yeah - funny the automatic reaction is that main stream = ugly stik (it's actually spot on for me). I'm thinking about upgrading .. but still kind of scared reading about how the higher quality stuff is more "brittle". Would hate to spend $100 on a new rod and have it snap.
Unless you do something really stupid there's no reason, other than a real manufacturer defect, which btw is quite uncommon, for a 100 dollar rod ( or any rod for that matter ) snapping.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 5/24/2017 at 8:54 AM, lafalot said:
Yeah - funny the automatic reaction is that main stream = ugly stik (it's actually spot on for me). I'm thinking about upgrading .. but still kind of scared reading about how the higher quality stuff is more "brittle". Would hate to spend $100 on a new rod and have it snap.
Don't slam them or be rough. Just be in general careful, if you can't stick with the Ugly Stik.
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 5/24/2017 at 9:03 AM, Raul said:
Unless you do something really stupid there's no reason, other than a real manufacturer defect, which btw is quite uncommon, for a 100 dollar rod ( or any rod for that matter ) snapping.
Agreed. Accidents happen, but I've rarely had a rod snap because of defects. It's almost always user error that snaps them. Also, most quality rods will come with some sort of warranty.
CroakHunter reply :
On 5/24/2017 at 8:54 AM, lafalot said:
Yeah - funny the automatic reaction is that main stream = ugly stik (it's actually spot on for me). I'm thinking about upgrading .. but still kind of scared reading about how the higher quality stuff is more "brittle". Would hate to spend $100 on a new rod and have it snap.
"Knock on wood" the only rod Ive ever broke was my ultra light setup I use for bluegill/crappie. Ever seen the bill dance episode where he jams the rods in the ceiling fan, yep that was me! Turned my 7'6 into a 7'3 lol
Kidflex reply :
Worst thing I ever did in "upgrading gear" is upgrading gear. I started using $40 rods back in the early 90's. By the mid 90's started using $100 rods. Then $150-200, and now $3-400 rods. There was nothing wrong with the mid level rods I still use a couple. Same with reels. As my rods got better my reels got better. Problem was I had so many of those said rods. I had to go through the trouble of getting rid(sell or trade) of them and get new stuff. It was/is a hassle and you lose money in the long run. I should've just bought really nice set ups to begin with and started enjoying high end gear earlier. And wouldve save me some money. I live by the motto "buy once, cry once" now.
Catt reply :
I believe in keeping my tools simple, functional, durable & dependable
One can go to Wal/Mart, Harbor Freight, Sears or some other outlet store to buy mechanic, carpenter, electrician, machinist tools ECT and these tools will work but they are not designed for commercial use. Yes these tools wills last the weekend guy a lifetime of light to medium use and serve him quite well.
Now look at it through my eyes I am a journeyman carpenter/mechanic my tools are what I make my livelihood with so I must depend on my tools to perform every single time I use them under every conceivable conditions with limited failure.
Now relate this to bass fishing; when I hit the lake it will be from sunup to sunset, under extremely adverse conditions, and with full expectations of bass in excess of 6 pounds so any failure on the part of my tools is not accepted.
Mosster47 reply :
Fishing is mental, experience, and natural ability. KVD has won an insane amount of money on rods that usually don't cost more than $150.
For me I fish a certain way with every technique good or bad. If whatever I am using isn't working then I know I need to change to something else. Consistency and mental confidence is why I upgraded. When things just aren't going my way I can't blame it on the equipment. One less thing to doubt when you are in the middle of a tough day is a huge positive.
WIGuide reply :
I started upgrading when I had some extra money. Fishing the new with the old side by side really highlighted how much better the upgrades were, and after that point, I set the bar higher for the gear I would look to purchase.
Steveo-1969 reply :
Fishing experience has me buying different rods/reels based on my perceived needs and my fishing preferences. More disposable income has me buying more expensive rods/reels. I stopped fishing for 13 years and when I got back into it in 2010 I decided to start fresh with all new rods/reels/tackle. I kept a small UL rod for panfishing and went out and bought a MH "action" Ugly Stik spinning rod, a cheap spinning reel and 10# mono. I was set!! Let's go fishing!!!!! I quickly realized for the fishing I was doing this rod was too heavy. Tried the small UL but it was too short. Bought a nice 7' UL rod for $70 (most I had ever spent on a rod) and I was set! Nope, needed braid for better hook sets. Nope, needed a little more powerful rod so bought a ML spinning rod for $119. Holy crap, now I could REALLY feel everything! Rock, stick, weed, FISH!! My current spinning rod is a Loomis GLX.
Went through a similar progression with baitcasters. The first baitcaster I bought was a crankbait rod then decided I didn't like fishing crankbaits, I liked bottom contact. Tried it for that but it didn't work well. So bought a BPS Carbonlite MHF for jig/worm fishing and liked it until I used my buddy's Quantum Smoke rod and felt how much more sensitive it was than mine. Ugh. I now have 2 Loomis NRX baitcasting rods.
Would I change anything about my progression or experience though? I don't think so. It really helped me figure out how I liked to fish and what level equipment would satisfy me and make my fishing experience more enjoyable.
Catt reply :
Buy a quality reel first, it will last a lifetime, rods will break!
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 5/25/2017 at 11:03 AM, Catt said:Buy a quality reel first, it will last a lifetime, rods will break!
I've had some rods last quite a while, but I cannot recommend this enough with casting gear. A good, consistent, durable reel that you like and care for will last a very long time. If you post a thread on here asking how many guys still have the Chronarchs and Curados that they fell in love with as long as 20 years ago, you'd be shocked. There's probably still a bunch of guys on here fishing Ambasadeurs from 1990 that they still really like for cranking.
Catt reply :
On 5/25/2017 at 2:23 PM, Turkey sandwich said:I've had some rods last quite a while, but I cannot recommend this enough with casting gear. A good, consistent, durable reel that you like and care for will last a very long time. If you post a thread on here asking how many guys still have the Chronarchs and Curados that they fell in love with as long as 20 years ago, you'd be shocked. There's probably still a bunch of guys on here fishing Ambasadeurs from 1990 that they still really like for
cranking.
I have Calcutta's that I use daily that are close to 40 years old & they function flawlessly!
Darren. reply :
Welcome aboard!
When it comes to "quality gear" money/price is not necessarily
the best indicator. Quality is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak.
So to my eye, quality is Shimano Stradic spinning reels, Chronarch
casting reels, and rods in the $100 price point.
I do have one rod more than double that, the St. Croix Legend
Tournament, and it is very high "quality", but having a rod like that
snap because of a dumb mistake 
is very painful. Although
St. Croix has a great warranty!
Point being: a quality reel for you might be a Pflueger President,
and a quality rod might be a Lightning Rod Shock. To be honest,
I'd consider those quality as well, because they are solid and
dependable but don't break the bank.
Now if you want to discuss workmanship and "art", quality will take
you up to Daiwa and Shimano high-end reels like Steez, Stella,
and so forth....
roadwarrior reply :
High end gear does not necessarily impact the "catching", but it can have a big impact on the "fishing".
For most guys a $100-$150 combination will be something you will like and if you take care of it, will
last for many years.
So, why do some guys spend so much more on the gear? It's just like everything else, they appreciate
the refinement even with diminishing price/ value. Slight improvements can be very expensive. The
analogy that is often repeated is driving a car. Why would anyone buy a new $40k pickup when they
can spend less than $10k to get from point A to point B?
Now back to a specific response to the OP:
https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/okuma-helios-reel-rod.html
Fishin' Fool reply :
On 5/24/2017 at 4:44 PM, Kidflex said:Worst thing I ever did in "upgrading gear" is upgrading gear. I started using $40 rods back in the early 90's. By the mid 90's started using $100 rods. Then $150-200, and now $3-400 rods. There was nothing wrong with the mid level rods I still use a couple. Same with reels. As my rods got better my reels got better. Problem was I had so many of those said rods. I had to go through the trouble of getting rid(sell or trade) of them and get new stuff. It was/is a hassle and you lose money in the long run. I should've just bought really nice set ups to begin with and started enjoying high end gear earlier. And wouldve save me some money. I live by the motto "buy once, cry once" now.
I think as others have mentioned that $100 price point gets you a pretty sweet rod these days whether its a Dobyns Fury, St Croix mojo or a Daiwa Tatula that can be found on sale for that price. I agree once you get past that price the differences are subtle. The blank is lighter and more sensitive, the guides are better quality, the reel seat is a little more comfortable. Do those things equate to more fish? No but my NRX rod is sure a lot more fun to fish than my $100 Johnny Morris. Will it make me Kevin Van Dam? Unfortunately no 
WRB reply :
Fishing tackle are the tools we use to catch bass, buy the good quality.
Good quality doesn't always mean the most expensive, quality relates to reliability, how it performs when you needed it to work.
Buying the highest end most expensive rods and reels doesn't always mean they will be the most reliable, they are sometimes trophy tools for some anglers. Like cars, some people buy the most expensive exotic brands and don't know how to get the top end performance out the car but it looks great and impresses other folks. Unless you have the skills to ultilize the expensive exotic rods and reels why buy it? If you don't have the expendable money to buy expensive tackle don't buy it!
Tom
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I don't think experience has much to do with it. As you reach a position where you can afford to treat yourself to some nicer things, you'll find that they enhance the enjoyment of the activity. The most important thing is to live within your means, and don't feel pressured to keep up with the Jones's. This applies across the board not just to fishing imo.
Darren. reply :
On 5/26/2017 at 1:10 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:I don't think experience has much to do with it. As you reach a position where you can afford to treat yourself to some nicer things, you'll find that they enhance the enjoyment of the activity. The most important thing is to live within your means, and don't feel pressured to keep up with the Jones's. This applies across the board not just to fishing imo.
Spot on!
lafalot reply :
On 5/26/2017 at 1:10 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:I don't think experience has much to do with it. As you reach a position where you can afford to treat yourself to some nicer things, you'll find that they enhance the enjoyment of the activity. The most important thing is to live within your means, and don't feel pressured to keep up with the Jones's. This applies across the board not just to fishing imo.
Well, I guess my problem is that I don't want to blow through the "progression" so quickly that I won't be able to appreciate the gear I end up getting. I think some of that was addressed by others in this thread.
I ended up ordering a Chronarch MGL which should be arriving soon! Still looking for a rod though, but I have a couple in mind based off the information on this forum.
Yudo1 reply :
I started with cheap spinning gear like most people. My first bait caster was a cheap one which turned out to be a mistake because it backlashed constantly. Then I got some lews and bps pro qualifiers which were great reels. I also ventured into $100 rods which were a huge step up in sensitivity. Now I'm using shimano and daiwa reels exclusively because IMO they are the best. Rods vary from $100 to nrx. The higher end gear is just pleasure to use even when I'm not catching. Fishing is the only hobby that I spend money on so I just figured why not own the best I could afford.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 5/27/2017 at 2:35 AM, Yudo1 said:I started with cheap spinning gear like most people. My first bait caster was a cheap one which turned out to be a mistake because it backlashed constantly. Then I got some lews and bps pro qualifiers which were great reels. I also ventured into $100 rods which were a huge step up in sensitivity. Now I'm using shimano and daiwa reels exclusively because IMO they are the best. Rods vary from $100 to nrx. The higher end gear is just pleasure to use even when I'm not catching. Fishing is the only hobby that I spend money on so I just figured why not own the best I could afford.
Your progression nearly mirrors mine, except that I bought my first Shimano Low Profile and BPS PQ to start.
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