How much do you gain with the better equipment? 2024

RO_Watkins reply :

As someone who has been fishing for a long time I understand how important it is to have the right stuff. A lot of days it's the difference between catching your limit and striking out completely, sometimes it's just the difference between a lot of headache and a relaxing day.

For my bass setup I just have a Diawa Fuego and a 7ft. Med heavy Fenwick HMX. I usually keep it wrapped with 12lb P-Line Fluorocarbon. It's nothing special but I caught a lot of fish this year and I caught several good ones.

What I'm wondering is 1: is there any major change I need to make to that setup to be better off? 2: how much will I really gain by upgrading everything?

I appreciate all the help! Thanks!

CTBassin860 reply :

If what you have works for you then it works for you.Are you going to catch more fish on a Curado 70? Maybe maybe not.If your equipment is beat up replace it with what you can afford to replace it with.

kickerfish1 reply :

Better equipment won't directly translate into better results or make you a better angler. It may however enhance your fishing experience. Higher end equipment is usually lighter, more sensitive, casts easier and smoother. If you give a pro angler a $100 rod and and $100 reel and $10 line he would catch plenty of fish and probably notice little drop in his production. Give a new angler or an angler with less knowledge and experience a $500 rod and $500 reel and he may not notice a change in production. Have the battle of fishing is what info you have between your ears. Choosing the right locations, structure, presentations, etc. are for more valuable than a better piece of equipment.

I have been bass fishing for over 20 years. I find that nicer gear to me makes fishing more enjoyable especially when it is a tough day of fishing. Plus the lighter weight outfits lead to less fatigue meaning I can fish comfortably longer.

RO_Watkins reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:33 AM, kickerfish1 said:

Better equipment won't directly translate into better results or make you a better angler. It may however enhance your fishing experience. Higher end equipment is usually lighter, more sensitive, casts easier and smoother. If you give a pro angler a $100 rod and and $100 reel and $10 line he would catch plenty of fish and probably notice little drop in his production. Give a new angler or an angler with less knowledge and experience a $500 rod and $500 reel and he may not notice a change in production. Have the battle of fishing is what info you have between your ears. Choosing the right locations, structure, presentations, etc. are for more valuable than a better piece of equipment.

I have been bass fishing for over 20 years. I find that nicer gear to me makes fishing more enjoyable especially when it is a tough day of fishing. Plus the lighter weight outfits lead to less fatigue meaning I can fish comfortably longer.

That makes sense. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't costing myself a ton of fish because I use middle of the road stuff.

Jrob78 reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:38 AM, RO_Watkins said:

That makes sense. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't costing myself a ton of fish because I use middle of the road stuff.

Middle of the road gear is really good these days. I wouldn't worry about it.

kickerfish1 reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:38 AM, RO_Watkins said:

That makes sense. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't costing myself a ton of fish because I use middle of the road stuff.

Sure thing. As with anything else your mileage may vary. I fish a lot of jigs and plastics for example so for me I value a light, balanced, and sensitive rod and am willing to fork over a few more bucks for that type of rod. I also fish a few places where casting distance is important, so having reels that can really sling a bait out there is useful. And finally, I don't have any other hobbies outside of fishing other than fitness and a monthly gym membership is pretty cheap.

One of the managers at a local tackle shop here once said "If I let a customer hold a NRX and Core 50 combo, it will ruin their day".

Some guys can do just find with budget level rods, reels, and line. Some feel they need better equipment especially rods for them to distinguish between a bite, or something like a weed, rock, or piece of wood.

cgolf reply :

I will chime in as a mostly lower end gear user. My best combo is a Daiwa Viento paired with a Cabela's prodigy rod.

My best spinning rod set up is a St. Croix premier with an older Daiwa Regal Z (now retired) or a St. Croix Eyecon.

What are my workhorse setups, older Quantam Accurists for BC with either one of those ugly blue Rick Clunn SB, 20 year old lightning rod, or a 20 year old Pinnacle rod. I do have 2 other prodigys but don't use them much.

With the BC setups I really don't feel that I lose anything, especially cranking, as the glass rod may actually help me out there. Maybe jig fishing a higher end rod might get me a bit more feel, but I don't feel handicapped by my setups here.

Spinning rod rod workhorse is a 2 piece 6'6" ugly stick with a 10plus year old Shakespeare Excursion reel. As for the reel, it works, drag is adequate for bass and the occasional toothy critter. Here I will say the St. Croix rods do give me more feel, and it is debatable on whether I lose fish due to this or not as I catch a bunch on both rigs. I will admit I may miss a light bite or two from time to time with the ugly.

The key for me is using braid on the BCs and Fireline on the spinning rods. That makes up for a less sensitive rod to a point.

Will be be curious on others opinions, I have always thought that for bass fishing the gains in the higher end aren't worth the cost. If you want to talk fly rods, that is where a better stick makes a huge difference, but that is because the rod does all the work casting.

Typing on an iPad is glacial lol, a bunch of you guys snuck in while I was typing lol

RO_Watkins reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:46 AM, kickerfish1 said:

Sure thing. As with anything else your mileage may vary. I fish a lot of jigs and plastics for example so for me I value a light, balanced, and sensitive rod and am willing to fork over a few more bucks for that type of rod. I also fish a few places where casting distance is important, so having reels that can really sling a bait out there is useful. And finally, I don't have any other hobbies outside of fishing other than fitness and a monthly gym membership is pretty cheap.

One of the managers at a local tackle shop here once said "If I let a customer hold a NRX and Core 50 combo, it will ruin their day".

Some guys can do just find with budget level rods, reels, and line. Some feel they need better equipment especially rods for them to distinguish between a bite, or something like a weed, rock, or piece of wood.

Just out of curiosity is there something you would recommend for someone who fishes mostly ponds but wants to fish lakes in the future? I fish almost exclusively soft plastics with some jerk baits and the occasional buzz bait or spinner thrown in. I like to be able to cast a decent distance but nothing crazy.

fvogel67 reply :

I started off years ago using low end rods and reels,I caught plenty and gained tons of knowledge.Fast forward years later,Better job more money.I bought a St Croix Premier and my mind was blown.Enter the Bait Monkey

kickerfish1 reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:54 AM, RO_Watkins said:

Just out of curiosity is there something you would recommend for someone who fishes mostly ponds but wants to fish lakes in the future? I fish almost exclusively soft plastics with some jerk baits and the occasional buzz bait or spinner thrown in. I like to be able to cast a decent distance but nothing crazy.

Assuming we are talking about a casting rod and reel? What do you have in mind for a budget for either or both? For what you have described a reel like the Shimano Curado 70 or a Daiwa reel like the Tatula CT would be a good choices. For rods their are a lot of great rods out there but I have been moving more to custom built rods. A lot of folks like St Croix due to the warranty.

Kidflex reply :

There's been plenty of times I'm fishing with people with considerably less expensive gear than me and they end up catching more than me and I ask myself why do I spend so much money on this stuff?!....I don't think high end gear will make you a better angler but it is a joy to use and at the end of the day you have to be satisfied with what you have.

CTBassin860 reply :

Expensive equipment will never be a substitute for knowledge,skill and common sense.But it sure looks good.

NHBull reply :

I take a lot of novice fisherman out and over the yrs, and I have found that any spinning gear with braid and wacky rig will catch fish. I think the biggest advantage of better gear is when it comes to jigs and any situations that call for long, accurate cast and sensitivity is a must.

I also can feel the difference after a day on the water when I use my better gear,,,,,, my wrist, hands, and arms and shoulders say "thank you"

fishnkamp reply :

Today the quality of rods and reels that "retail" between $100 and $200 has improved immensely from the equipment available for the same price just 5 years ago. If you are fishing with a Daiwa Fuego reel then you have a good reel and Fenwick has always made good rods. At the point you are at you are not costing yourself many fish or handicapping yourself much. Yes a G Loomis NRX or Dobyns top of the line Champion would be really sensitive for bottom bouncing baits. Plenty of anglers do just fine with rods that do not cost over $250 though. A $400 reel is not necessary either. Having said that I do suggest realizing what techniques your combo does well. Most likely jigs,texas rigs etc. Make sure you complement it with a good spinning rod and reel combo that lets you handle lighter baits. For this maybe a 6'8 to 7'3 medium power fast action rod. Here is a rod I would recommend spending say $140 to $250. The other combo worth looking at is a 7 foot to 7'3" medium power moderate action baitcaster to help catch fish on crankbaits, squarebills, spinnerbaits and even some topwaters or jerkbaits. These baits need some give to keep the fish buttoned up. This can easily be a $100 to $160 rod. The suggestion of a Tatula CT is a good one.

For years i fished with one rod and only a few type of baits, Heck back then I could fit them all in a Plano box, one of those with several drawers and an open bottom area. Today I need at least a 17 foot bass boat to carry all of my tackle!LOL

CrustyMono reply :

buy the gear that is nice enough to make a difference in your fishing, but not nice enough to make you bankrupt. You can get away with a spinning rod, a medium, medium heavy, and heavy casting combos just fine

WRB reply :

Upgrade the equipment between your ears, learn bass behavior and everything you can about the prey they prefer to eat. Knowledge doesn't cost much and is priceless!

Tom

RO_Watkins reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:46 AM, kickerfish1 said:

Sure thing. As with anything else your mileage may vary. I fish a lot of jigs and plastics for example so for me I value a light, balanced, and sensitive rod and am willing to fork over a few more bucks for that type of rod. I also fish a few places where casting distance is important, so having reels that can really sling a bait out there is useful. And finally, I don't have any other hobbies outside of fishing other than fitness and a monthly gym membership is pretty cheap.

One of the managers at a local tackle shop here once said "If I let a customer hold a NRX and Core 50 combo, it will ruin their day".

Some guys can do just find with budget level rods, reels, and line. Some feel they need better equipment especially rods for them to distinguish between a bite, or something like a weed, rock, or piece of wood.

I appreciate all of the comments and advice! I will definitely put it to use!

A-Jay reply :

How much do you gain with the better equipment ?

I'd like to respond with a question of my own ~ How much do you loose with worse equipment ?

May not matter as long as the angler knows where, why, when & how to use it.

A-Jay

soflabasser reply :

Knowing how to bass fish well is much more important than how much your gear is worth,nothing will change this fact.I have a custom bass rod (was given to me as a gift over decade ago) which is very light and strong,but it hasn't caught me as many bass as my rods that cost me less than $50 each. In fact, almost every bass I have caught over 8 pounds has been on fishing rods under $50 each.I do spend more money on saltwater rods/reels, since saltwater fish put more stress on my fishing gear and saltwater is much more corrosive than freshwater.

bigturtle reply :

Better equipment gives you more specialized options to make your life a lot easier, such as rods/reels for swimbaits, carolina rigs, jigs, frogs, punching, etc. A generic all-purpose rod may hold you back on learning the true ins and outs of certain techniques. Another thing is sensitivity. Ya sure, you may catch a lot, but how many more bites could you have gotten if you had a more sensitive rod to detect them? This is something you will never be able to find out unless you upgrade, as it is impossible to say how many bites you miss. Say for example you are trying to learn dropshot, or shakyhead or something of that nature, how would you know you are doing it right if the bites are very subtle? you may not feel the bite when you imitate a pro's method, which may lead you to believe you are doing something wrong, and force you to continuously change your methods, you simply can't tell. One final thing is weight/balance. Lighter/better balanced rods decreases fatigue, which will help in many ways, especially if you twitch your rod a lot. A sore wrist is not fun.

You should upgrade when you feel you want more fish, target specific fish, and/or when you feel you have gained enough knowledge and your current equipment is holding back your progress.

TxHawgs reply :

Fishing high end gear won't make u a better angler. It will however allow u to differentiate the difference between the cover and structure your fishing, very important. It will also allow you to feel bites with certain techniques on days when the fish are just grabbing the bait and not moving. Flipping to suspended fish on timber, jerkbait fishing and while your bait is sitting the fish inhales it and comes straight to u ect. And being able to capitalize on these bites is what will make u be a better angler. Boom drops the mic and walks off stage.

lonnie g reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 6:33 AM, kickerfish1 said:

Better equipment won't directly translate into better results or make you a better angler. It may however enhance your fishing experience. Higher end equipment is usually lighter, more sensitive, casts easier and smoother. If you give a pro angler a $100 rod and and $100 reel and $10 line he would catch plenty of fish and probably notice little drop in his production. Give a new angler or an angler with less knowledge and experience a $500 rod and $500 reel and he may not notice a change in production. Have the battle of fishing is what info you have between your ears. Choosing the right locations, structure, presentations, etc. are for more valuable than a better piece of equipment.

I have been bass fishing for over 20 years. I find that nicer gear to me makes fishing more enjoyable especially when it is a tough day of fishing. Plus the lighter weight outfits lead to less fatigue meaning I can fish comfortably longer.

great advice!! read, listen, learn. one of reasons I like this forum. these guys seem to be more than willing to help and share knowlage I appreciate it hope you do as well keep learning and the more fun you will have good luck this year tight lines my friend lonnie

crypt reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 9:20 AM, soflabasser said:

Knowing how to bass fish well is much more important than how much your gear is worth,nothing will change this fact.I have a custom bass rod (was given to me as a gift over decade ago) which is very light and strong,but it hasn't caught me as many bass as my rods that cost me less than $50 each. In fact, almost every bass I have caught over 8 pounds has been on fishing rods under $50 each.I do spend more money on saltwater rods/reels, since saltwater fish put more stress on my fishing gear and saltwater is much more corrosive than freshwater.

amen to the above. most of my reels are at least ten years old. have 4 that are newer but my older ambassadeurs are what I use most. as far as rods go what soflabasser said is perfect.

iabass8 reply :

350% more

hawgenvy reply :

Once you get into the the level of quality of mid-range gear, most of the benefit of higher end stuff is psychological -- like having an expensive car to commute to work. But if the budget allows (it my case it doesn't) it may be really satisfying to have the smoothest and lightest reel, or the lightest and most sensitive rod. Even though you may not catch more fish, you may have a more satisfying experience with a rod that you can feel a fly landing on the tip, and with a reel that's as smooth as silk and light as a feather. If it makes you feel good, and you get a sense of pride in owning the best, and you appreciate the beauty of the craftsmanship, and it doesn't hurt your budget -- then go for it.

WRB reply :

I have caught hundreds of DD size bass on tackle that couldn't be sold today unless some collector was looking for it. I still fish with old stuff like hair jigs and pork rind trailers.

My 30 to 35 year old Lamiglas jig rods and Daiwa HTSA reels with 12 lb Big Game line isn't state of the art today, they where in the early 90's when I caught a lot of giant bass. Before that my reels were 4500C's and Fenwick HMG rods with XT line.

My tackle today is up to date, custom ALX custom rods, Daiwa Tatula R reels and Sunline FC line but haven't caught any giant bass over 15 lbs on my new tackle, now 5 years old. The reason is simple, the giant bass are gone from where I fish.

Does this tackle give me an edge? I like fishing with lighter rods and reels but being able to locate bass and detecting strikes is the reason I have had success.

Tom

Catt reply :

#1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet!

rangerjockey reply :

Yep, Today's mid priced stuff is so good I don't think you need any more. Heck ,guys are making a living with average equipment. .I think it's the Indian not the arrow.

Yudo1 reply :

I started with shakespeare combos from walmart and gradually went up the ladder to eventually fishing kistler, megabass, NRX and daiwa/shimano for reels. While fishing with the budget gear, I still enjoyed fishing as much as now. The term "ignorance is bliss" comes to mind because sometimes I wish I never ventured into the world of high end gear because I'd have a lot more money in my pocket. On the other hand, fishing is my only real hobby and life is too short. It's only money.

For me, better gear enhances the experience. Higher end rods are lighter, more balanced and more sensitive. I feel more connected to the river and lake because I feel more of it. The casts go where I want them to because accuracy is better. I work the baits better because of the action of the tip. The reels cast with less effort and less backlashing. In general, better gear gives me peace of mind and confidence.

However, I believe gear in the $100-200 range offers the best value and I'd be perfectly happy with it.

RichF reply :

I agree that experienced anglers will notice a big difference in more expensive gear. I do however think there is a limit. I don't feel a whole lot of difference between my Legend Extremes and Kistler Heliums (sensitivity-wise) but one is about $150 more. Once you get past a certain price-point, the differences become awfully subtle.

RoLo reply :

Most would agree that Tanqueray makes a better martini than Seagrams,
but you can get equally intoxicated on either one.

Roger

Flywatersmallie reply :

It's funny how some of us come full circle. Over the years I started with cheapo stuff like most all of us do, over time, my stuff progressed to increasingly more expensive rods and reels to the point where when I thought I needed a new rod, I had to save or budget for $300+ to get the rod I "needed". Fast forward to present, I am established in my job, home and marriage to the point that I can buy whatever rods I want and I find myself using rods and reels in the $100-150 range. I can tell the difference between say a *** and a St Croix Legend Elite but is it worth 4x the price? It isnt to me anymore. I'd rather spend the money elsewhere. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the rig you are using. If it works for you, you aren't missing anything at all.

S. Sass reply :

Personally there are plenty of good rods in the $100-$150 range and plenty of time proven good reels in the same price range. Sure you can drop $500 on a rod and it might be slightly more sensitive but you will never catch every fish and the difference between a quality mid range rod and the top end rod in #s of fish will most likely be a small % gain if any.

Just don't expect that $50K new boat, $500 dollar rods, $500 reels, or $500 swimbaits to catch more fish just because it's advertized as the greatest, people say on forums you have to have it, or because its new. Case and point is look at what nearly every post on this page is saying in this thread they were there, bought the good stuff, and now that they are older more mature and understand it's not always about the high dollar stuff. You still have to know what you're doing.

Further North reply :

As a long-time shotgun I like to use that subject as a way to describe the incremental improvements that we get for moving up the cost vs. benefit ladder.

You can buy a really good, very functional shotgun for less than $300, brand new. There are millions and millions of Remington 870s, Mossberg 500s, Winchester SXPs, etc....all great guns, all work well, get the job done.

They lack refinement, technology, and some other things...but frankly, I'm really impressed by anything that there are that number of that work so well. That's incredibly impressive.

You can add nicer stocks, some engraving...some other stuff...and that $300 gun can get close to $1,000 pretty quickly.

Make it a sem-auto...and $1,200...$1,500...even $2,000 isn't impossible to see.

Go to an Over/Under...you can get on the boat around $500...again add nice wood, better engraving...stepped ribs, screw in chokes...$1,000 goes by in a hurry, $2,500 is easy to get to and $5,000 isn't unheard of. Add a custom stock and you can see $7,500 easily...add hand real (not rolled and chased) engraving and tens of thousands of dollars is easy to get to.

Same with SxS shotguns...I've seen and shot some guns that'd pay for a couple college educations, a decently equipped car.

Where's the sweet spot on the curve? Where the gun fits you and shoots where you look without you having to conform yourself to the gun. That's mostly stock work...and you could probably get there with a decent starting gun and custom stock under $2,000. After that you're mostly paying for either artistry or exclusivity, IMO.

Does a custom built shotgun make you a better shot? Absolutely. It's not debatable by anyone who is credible. It it worth the money? Probably not, IMO, for most shooters.

Same thing for fishing equipment...but probably more so...again, IMO. I own some expensive rods, some mid-priced rods and some cheaper rods. The cheaper rods...just aren't as nice as the mid priced rods...do they work? You bet. Do they catch fish? Every day. Are they as sensitive or as effective as the mid-prided rods? Not for people who have learned to utilize the differences. Same thing for the jump to the expensive rods...only it's even harder to get the bang for buck out of them.

blckshirt98 reply :

The main benefit I think is in the angler's confidence. A good fisherman will catch fish on cheaper gear, but the a bad fisherman will have a tough time catching fish with the best gear. Sure there's some differences in weight and sensitivity, but nowadays the quality and features in lower priced gear would put top of the line equipment from 20 years ago to shame.

K_Mac reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 10:25 AM, iabass8 said:

350% more

I think this may be a little high...or low, depending on the fisherman ?.

There is a real difference in high-end gear and entry level. The middle level gear has improved so much over the last few years that it is perfectly adequate for all skill levels. My budget doesn't allow for high-end gear and I do quite well without it. That doesn't mean that I don't appreciate the difference. High-end gear is a luxury, and like luxuries the world over, not necessary but nice if you have the means.

BassWhole! reply :

You apparently CAN have your cake, and eat it too, as long as you pay more for it...

soflabasser reply :

On 1/2/2017 at 10:11 AM, crypt said:

amen to the above. most of my reels are at least ten years old. have 4 that are newer but my older ambassadeurs are what I use most. as far as rods go what soflabasser said is perfect.

Thank you.I learned a long time ago that expensive rods/reels wasn't what I needed to succeed in bass fishing ,what I really needed was to put my time on the water and apply what I learned to improve my bass fishing. There is a man from Georgia who is known for catching over 1,100 bass over 10 pounds each and his biggest bass was well over 18 pounds,with 6 bass over 15 pounds each. His favorite rod/reel combo was a Ugly Stik/Ambassador 5500C, which he mostly fished buzzbaits with.

3309

How much do you gain with the better equipment? 2024

related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic

previous topic

next topic

most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic