I'm Starting To Think High End Reels Are Overrated 2024
tnt2671 reply :
lately i've been rethinking my setups and let me start by saying i have always had higher end fever, i owned and still own a lot of the newer shimano jdm ( scorpions , ci4's , met's etc) but lately i've been leaning towards using my 70.00 diawa exceler's ( the new gen, taken apart cleaned up and properly lubed) and honestly i think i enjoy my fishing more than ever. they put fish on the boat and the bank just as well as my expensive stuff, gear ratio choice and casting ability honestly isn't all that far apart , brake adjustably and consistency is set it and forget it , drag is smooth w/ great hold ( no problem on a "38" northern today , pulling like a tractor) , palmability is perfect for me and lure limit's are not even a factor as i fish for bass , pike etc so never throw anywhere under 1/4 oz. i have just been fishing the heck out of them w/ out worrying about dropping , stepping on , soaking , scratching, breaking or servicing and all the other stuff thats in the back of my head when i'm fishing a higher end, now don't get me wrong it's nice to hold a feather light smooth as glass higher end reel and i like most people become gear heads when it comes to our equipment but i with out a doubt am having more fun and focusing more on my fishing than ever before using the everyday cheaper reels on a good rod. would i get rid of my "good stuff" , no, but don't think i'll ever spend the money i have in the past when i can buy a sub $100.00 reel that i'm just as happy with. Am i going crazy lol??
kickerfish1 reply :
With fishing you try things and experiment until you find where it is that you want to play at. Usually this is the intersection of where price and performance collide and you feel the gains beyond that are not justified by increased price. I know a guy that sold off lots of high end rods and reels that were as good as money could buy to settle on a rod company that makes $170 to $350 rods. He felt this was all he needed to be successful.
Now back to reels if you throw lighter baits and ultra heavy or resistant baits speciality reels costing more than $100 will be needed. For fishing standard weights between 3/8 and 1 oz many reels like the BPS PQ, Lews Speed spool, Shimano Citica, Daiwa Exceller and Lexa can handle what we need them to.
Same can be said for anything in life... Homes, cars, bikes, electronics, etc...
tnt2671 reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 2:51 PM, kickerfish1 said:With fishing you try things and experiment until you find where it is that you want to play at. Usually this is the intersection of where price and performance collide and you feel the gains beyond that are not justified by increased price. I know a guy that sold off lots of high end rods and reels that were as good as money could buy to settle on a rod company that makes $170 to $350 rods. He felt this was all he needed to be successful.
Now back to reels if you throw lighter baits and ultra heavy or resistant baits speciality reels costing more than $100 will be needed. For fishing standard weights between 3/8 and 1 oz many reels like the BPS PQ, Lews Speed spool, Shimano Citica, Daiwa Exceller and Lexa can handle what we need them to.
Same can be said for anything in life... Homes, cars, bikes, electronics, etc...
i think the price point reels have just gotten that much better , 100% agree on anything finesse or hd, thats money that needs to be spent , i'm talking daily drivers.
EvanT123 reply :
Fish what you brought. That's my philosophy.
Josh Smith reply :
I am currently enjoying a Cherrywood rod next to my more expensive stuff.
It feels wrong but there it is.
Josh
*Hootie reply :
I can throw 1/4 oz baits on my PQ's all day long.
Hootie
Josh Smith reply :
Hootie,
How far do they go?
Josh
*Hootie reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 8:11 PM, Josh Smith said:Hootie,
How far do they go?
Josh
I can get easily 15 to 20 yds. on a cast, but seldom ever cast that far. I am a shoreline fisherman, and fish close quarters.
Rarely make a cast over 30 ft. If I am fishing a spinnerbait parallel to the shoreline, then I'll go for the long cast, and find that 60 ft is plenty long enough for me. I don't fish deep diving crankbaits, so I never find it necessary to be able to cast from the launch ramp to the dam...lol.
Hootie
Hey Josh, thought you might like to see these. Part of my collection.
HoosierHawgs reply :
I always use cheaper rods. The most expensive rod I own is $50. I also really enjoy Berkley Rods. I fish all Lew's reels, but refuse to buy one that is more than $180. Most of them are $100 or less. I usually buy them used at half price for the more expensive ones. Never had the kinda money to throw at 6 Shimanos. Its just not worth it.
roadwarrior reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 2:04 PM, tnt2671 said:Am i going crazy lol??
Yes, you should seek professional help!
Watch the video, it might cure you: http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/spinning/stella.html
smalljaw67 reply :
You aren't crazy, you're an angler plain and simple. I love mid-tier rods and reels even after having high end because of the the very same reason you stated, the worry that is in the back of your head every time you put your rod on the deck, you walk on egg shells being careful not to come close to the rod and you even put it down on the deck lightly to avoid a possible nick in the rod blank or road rash on the reel. Now that mid-tier rods and reel are lighter and better performing than they were in the past, fishing is a lot more enjoyable, the only difference would be if you have enough disposable income that a NRX or a Stella reel isn't really much of an investment, if you're in that income bracket then you can focus on fishing without worrying about equipment.
new2BC4bass reply :
Guess in this thread it is safe to admit that I enjoy using a $30 Procaster and $33 Black Max 1600 nearly as much as a $200 T3 1016. 1600 has a bit of handle wobble that I don't care for, but it sure does a fine job otherwise. The Procaster feels like a tank....like a cheaper rendition of a Zillion. I must admit, tho, that although it is a pleasure to be out with these lower cost reels, it brings even more joy when out with a Zillion, T3, Alphas, Chronarch, etc. just knowing they are of a higher quality.....even if they don't catch any more fish. However, if finances forced me to sell the majority of my gear, I could happily make do with those 2 cheaper reels until too old to fish anymore.
*Hootie reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 9:21 PM, smalljaw67 said:You aren't crazy, you're an angler plain and simple. I love mid-tier rods and reels even after having high end because of the the very same reason you stated, the worry that is in the back of your head every time you put your rod on the deck, you walk on egg shells being careful not to come close to the rod and you even put it down on the deck lightly to avoid a possible nick in the rod blank or road rash on the reel. Now that mid-tier rods and reel are lighter and better performing than they were in the past, fishing is a lot more enjoyable, the only difference would be if you have enough disposable income that a NRX or a Stella reel isn't really much of an investment, if you're in that income bracket then you can focus on fishing without worrying about equipment.
I hear that. I have an NRX with a Shimano Core 100mg7 mounted on it that got a lot of rack time this season, simply because I was afraid of damaging it. When I posted my situation, roadwarrior, Alonerankin, and a few others quickly talked me out of that mindset. Spent the last part of the season actually using that combo, and...WOW!! How AWESOME. Sure wish I had used it all year, but, oh well,.... LOOK OUT NEXT YEAR!!
Hootie
paleus reply :
I think one of the main benefits to more expensive reels is durability. My BlackMax and SilverMax are starting to act up.
*Hootie reply :
I do have a question for you super dedicated "high end" tackle guys, roadwarrior, and the rest. Concerning mid range G Loomis rods,
GL3, Moosyback, Bronzeback etc. I have 3 GL3's That I really like that have been relegated to reaction bait rods, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits.
lipless crankbaits, and such. If reaction baits don't require a sensitive rod, why spend $220.00 to $240 on these rods, when a $50 lightening rod, cherrywood, or BPS tourney special is sufficient. How does Loomis manage to sell these rods, what void do they fill that warrants that kind of price tag. If you wonder why I bought mine, it was for contact baits. That was before I tried the GLX and NRX series rods.
Hootie
new2BC4bass reply :
Hootie, I am not a super dedicated "high end" tackle guy, but I know this....sensitivity may not be paramount for some techniques, but it never hurts. I'd much rather be feeling every wiggle of the crankbait than not even tho the end result might be the same.
Maico1 reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 10:04 PM, *Hootie said:I do have a question for you super dedicated "high end" tackle guys, roadwarrior, and the rest. Concerning mid range G Loomis rods,
GL3, Moosyback, Bronzeback etc. I have 3 GL3's That I really like that have been relegated to reaction bait rods, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits.
lipless crankbaits, and such. If reaction baits don't require a sensitive rod, why spend $220.00 to $240 on these rods, when a $50 lightening rod, cherrywood, or BPS tourney special is sufficient. How does Loomis manage to sell these rods, what void do they fill that warrants that kind of price tag. If you wonder why I bought mine, it was for contact baits. That was before I tried the GLX and NRX series rods.
Hootie
There are two rods I would recommend that are in the wheelhouse of your question that you should at least try provided that they are in the requirements of the lure weights you throw......
SMR 702C-TW 5' 10" A 1 10 - 17 1/4 - 3/4 Fast Med-Heavy $250.00 and the SBR 752 C 6' 3" A 1 10 - 17 3/8 - 1/2 Ex-Fast Medium $230.00Both are smaller than most that would be normally recommended for their use but do not let that fool you. They will cast well beyond your expectations and with plenty of backbone as they will lock up to tame the larger ones you hook into. As for the price well that is list price but I never pay list price as I like to hunt for my investments....
*Hootie reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 10:51 PM, Maico1 said:There are two rods I would recommend that are in the wheelhouse of your question that you should at least try provided that they are in the requirements of the lure weights you throw...... SMR 702C-TW 5' 10" A 1 10 - 17 1/4 - 3/4 Fast Med-Heavy $250.00 and the SBR 752 C 6' 3" A 1 10 - 17 3/8 - 1/2 Ex-Fast Medium $230.00
Both are smaller than most that would be normally recommended for their use but do not let that fool you. They will cast well beyond your expectations and with plenty of backbone as they will lock up to tame the larger ones you hook into. As for the price well that is list price but I never pay list price as I like to hunt for my investments....
I have the spinnerbait rod you mention. Didn't pay list price for it
As for hunting for my investments, my NRX, Core 100mg7 combo, brand new, how's $160.00 out of pocket for that.
Hootie
Hogsticker reply :
It adds another level of enjoyment to something I already love, so why not. You said you wouldn't get rid of what you referred to as your good stuff, so that somewhat sums it up. Get in where you fit in. I would rather fish out of a 20,000 dollar boat than a Jon too, but I can't. I've tried enough 100 dollar reels to know the refinement simply isn't there. Different story if it was all I knew but I ventured to the dark side too long ago. Yes they work, and yes you may be going crazy.
Poolshark reply :
I am rethinking high end rods and reels for a couple of reasons. Rods can get get bruised, nicked and can break rather easily if you aren't to careful. And even if you are... Sh** can and always will happen via, wife , gf, dog. Nothing you can do. It's Murphy's law. Now a days I'm finding that there are great performing rods and reels that are good values in which you won't be necessitating a three hundred dollar price tag and you won't be paranoid about damaging. I just picked up some carbonlites based on some good reviews and to my surprise.....they fish as well as my st croix... Less tip heavy and less than half the price. As far as durability goes. It doesn't matter when when the inevitable happens. Like when your better half makes a mistake...... Or wacks it on a tree limb... Or drops it into the water, let's go of the paddle board......lol.
Maico1 reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 11:19 PM, *Hootie said:I have the spinnerbait rod you mention. Didn't pay list price for it
As for hunting for my investments, my NRX, Core 100mg7 combo, brand new, how's $160.00 out of pocket for that.
Hootie
A very sweet deal.....
Alonerankin2 reply :
Lets see, using less expensive rods & reels has, brought less stress, more joy, contentment, etc..
I don't see a problem here, also no, I don't believe your going crazy. Now send me all your hi-end stuff! Then,I may think you are loosing it. ( not really)
gulfcaptain reply :
Reels, I think anything in the $100-180 range is going to preform as well as the higher dollar stuff....may weight a little more. It's a tool. Being I fish braid on everything, I feel the need for a $300 rod for sensitivity is not required. Can find a lot of rods in the same price point between $80-150 that will fit the bill. I can't see spending $900 on one set up for bass fishing. The few guys I know around here that consistantly catch fish don't fish $900 set ups, they simply know how to catch fish with the midrange equipment most fish. Now the ones that do have the high dollar Steez, core's ext.....you wouldn't believe the days they tell you about with all the 5+ lb fish they caught.....unfortunately some of those days they forgot to notice a few of us were there too and those 5+lb fish were all of 10-14inches. Reels and rods are a tool to be used. I can buy all the Snap On tools I want, but it's not going to make me a better mechanic if I have no idea how to work on an engine, where the guy that's been doing it for 20+ years with his midrange tools he's had for years has no problem fixing anything he works on. $$$$ doesn't = success. Experience and knowledge do though.
IAY reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 11:40 PM, gulfcaptain said:Reels, I think anything in the $100-180 range is going to preform as well as the higher dollar stuff....may weight a little more. It's a tool. Being I fish braid on everything, I feel the need for a $300 rod for sensitivity is not required. Can find a lot of rods in the same price point between $80-150 that will fit the bill. I can't see spending $900 on one set up for bass fishing. The few guys I know around here that consistantly catch fish don't fish $900 set ups, they simply know how to catch fish with the midrange equipment most fish. Now the ones that do have the high dollar Steez, core's ext.....you wouldn't believe the days they tell you about with all the 5+ lb fish they caught.....unfortunately some of those days they forgot to notice a few of us were there too and those 5+lb fish were all of 10-14inches. Reels and rods are a tool to be used. I can buy all the Snap On tools I want, but it's not going to make me a better mechanic if I have no idea how to work on an engine, where the guy that's been doing it for 20+ years with his midrange tools he's had for years has no problem fixing anything he works on. $$$$ doesn't = success. Experience and knowledge do though.
Biggest misconception out there by far... To the OP, use what you feel comfortable with.
UKCats55 reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 8:35 PM, jakob1010 said:I always use cheaper rods. The most expensive rod I own is $50. I also really enjoy Berkley Rods. I fish all Lew's reels, but refuse to buy one that is more than $180. Most of them are $100 or less. I usually buy them used at half price for the more expensive ones. Never had the kinda money to throw at 6 Shimanos. Its just not worth it.
I completely agree, the Berkley rods are a great value!! I have a Abu Garcia Silver Max on a Berkley Lightning Shock rod that is my favorite set up. I also have a couple Mitchell spinning reels on Berkley Amp rods for finesse baits. All three outfits cost me less than $250. With a daughter in college and a 2 year old, I can't afford to drop $500 on a fishing rod. But like everyone says, it is all personal preference. I know a guy that has caught several bass over 10 pounds using a Zebco 33 and an Ugly Stik!!
Alonerankin2 reply :
During the 80's Woo Dave's use to flip with a Zebco 808
A-Jay reply :
For me, it's all about the journey and the eventual destination.
While I'm on it, whatever I can use that makes that pleasant & successful, I'm going with.
But I will say that when I'm posing with a Super Beast, I'm not really thinking about the tackle anymore.
A-Jay
Josh Smith reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 8:34 PM, *Hootie said:I can get easily 15 to 20 yds. on a cast, but seldom ever cast that far. I am a shoreline fisherman, and fish close quarters.
Rarely make a cast over 30 ft. If I am fishing a spinnerbait parallel to the shoreline, then I'll go for the long cast, and find that 60 ft is plenty long enough for me. I don't fish deep diving crankbaits, so I never find it necessary to be able to cast from the launch ramp to the dam...lol.
Hootie
Hey Josh, thought you might like to see these. Part of my collection.
Amb5000.jpg
Amb5000.jpg
Pretty!
That's what I get with 1/4oz; I'm sort of comparing notes but without derailing the thread. I appreciate it!
I had this idea that there are some folks out there getting 50 yards with 1/4oz. I simply was not sure if that was possible with a non-custom rod and baitcaster.
Regards,
Josh
HoosierHawgs reply :
There is just a point in terms of price where it is not going to fish any better. It might last longer, or be lighter, but the fact is if you take a $50 rod, and pair it with a $100 reel, and take care of it, its going to fish just as well, and last a long time. There is a point where price and quality meet, and you just have to find that place.
Dwight Hottle reply :
You can throw a lot of money at the sport of fishing or you can squeak by under the dollar radar it is all up to you. I don't care what you spend on tackle. But I do enjoy seeing guys learn the sport & being successful with their accomplishments relative to where you fish. Tackle is just a tool in your arsenal. I do always get a chuckle when I read or hear of someone catching a trophy on a low price outfit. It's kind of in your face.
Texas Pride reply :
My most exspinsive reel cost 30 dollars brand new from acadamy and i caught lots and lots of fish with it includeing my PB i use it for my umbralla rigs deep dive cranks pulling jigs through heavy cover its about two years old i never serviced it never made any repares to it and it still works as good as it did when i bought im a poor fisherman i could barrly afford it i belive its a ul1008 ultrex i dont rember the brand name but its a good reel its my only casting reel and im trying to buy more but dont have money for reels much less a casting rod so i say why not go cheep ots not like the fish say hmmm he has the more exspensive stuff i think i will bight is lure and i know people that catch lot of bass on 10 walmart zebco push buttons rod and reel now push buttons do break on there on about two years after use
Jaderose reply :
I use a BPS PQ on a 6'6" bps Extreme Rod spooled with 20lb Power Pro Slick with about 8ft of Fluoro leader for my main rig. Total combo around $200. I've never thrown a high end BC on a high end rod. I may upgrade someday but then again, I may not. This gives me everything I've needed up to this point and I love it. Like Hootie I throw 1/4 oz jigs and such on it all the time and with the distance I am typically looking for. Am I slamming high end gear? Not at all...I would LOVE to give it a try. I'm just saying that I love what I got and don't really have a "Tackle Monkey". The Bait monkey takes up too much room. Buy the best you can afford and love what you got.
John G reply :
I look at it like this........High end rods/reels are not magic wands that automatically catch fish but they sure as heck bring me enjoyment when I am using them and for me, that is all that matters. More so the reels than the rods. I can be content with a Loomis IMX but as long as I can afford it, high end reels are all I am going to buy. Note! An exception has to be made for the little 50 size low profile Shimano's (Curado and Scorpion XT1000). They are not high end but they sure are sweet!
*Hootie reply :
I'm loving this topic. It proves that we have guys all over the board when it comes to fishing gear, and we all catch fish. That's the name of the game. If you can only afford the basics, so be it. Get out there and "catch em". If you can afford the high end stuff and enjoy having it, great. "Smoke em if you got em".
Hootie
gulfcaptain reply :
You know how many swimbaits I can buy if I get a $300 combo instead of a $500 with that $200 savings......well 2, but that's a different topic.....lol
Jaderose reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 2:05 AM, *Hootie said:I'm loving this topic. It proves that we have guys all over the board when it comes to fishing gear, and we all catch fish. That's the name of the game. If you can only afford the basics, so be it. Get out there and "catch em". If you can afford the high end stuff and enjoy having it, great. "Smoke em if you got em".
Hootie
Exactly...I got into a minor "argument" on here a while back about the length of a rod and flipping and pitching. After a while, I realized that I was wrong to argue about anything. I use what I use and others use what they use. My opinion is just that and means nothing to someone else. And that's ok. I catch fish...they catch fish. Life is good and goes on.
Hogsticker reply :
These threads all end the same way. Higher end gear doesn't catch me bigger fish, and if anyone thinks that's why I or others choose to use it you haven't read the thread, or are not even remotely understand my take. I should have known better
wisconsin heat reply :
One thing I can't justify is the price on spinning reels. I use $40 Abu Cardinals and I see no reason to go any higher.
One of these retails 39.99 and the other 249.99. They look nearly identical. I know that the outside doesn't really matter, but is the inside of the revo 6 times better than the cardinal, that is how much more it costs.
The main selling points for reels to me are:
1. Castability, how well/far does it cast
2. Ergonomics, is it comfortable to use
3. Durability, how long will it last
4. Drag, high rating and smoothness.
I have never used a revo premier, but this is what I predict is are the differences between the $40 cardinal and the $250 Revo
Castability - Same. With spinning reels, the line just falls off the spool, there is no spinning or anything. I really think these reels will cast the same distance.
Ergonomics- They are made from the same body, you can see it in the picture, the handle is slightly different and the materials are different, but I don't think it makes the revo significantly more comfortable to use.
Durability- The Revo will likely last longer than the Cardinal. That being said, I have used the same cardinal for 4 years with no signs of performance reduction, I think that is pretty good. The materials they use on the cardinal are not bad and aren't going to break under normal conditions.
Drag- This is where the Revo will kill the Cardinal. High end spinning reels always claim really good drag, but I think that is all they can really improve on. But the Cardinal doesn't have bad drag, just because it is a cheaper reel doesn't mean the drag is going to suck. I fought a 36 in Northern Pike for 5-10 minutes on 10lb braid and the drag worked absolutely fine. Bass fishing with spinning reels, I don't think the drag is extremely important. Maybe in certain conditions like light-line big smallmouth on Michigan or Erie. But otherwise, we as bass fisherman don't often target large bass with light line and spinning gear.
So in my opinion, I don't see a big advantage to a higher cost spinning reel. Not enough of an advantage to justify the cost anyways.
OK Bass Hunter reply :
As for me, I will continue to overpay so as to fill that void that is in my soul, lol. Stick a JDM sticker on that Cherrywood and charge me $250, I'm buying it.
ColdSVT reply :
Im a mid range guy... curado, lews Tp, ci4, 13 omens, 13 *** and croix ltb.
I see no reason to beyond those points however i understand why people do. Yes i lust over the metaniums, cores, team lews, LEs and NRX but they arent needed, they are wanted...and i understand lol
I slayed em on a symetre and lightning rod for many years. Skills, location and timing trump money everytime. Heck most pros dont have all tje highend stuff and they make a living fishing! Well some of them do lol
gulfcaptain reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 3:55 AM, Hogsticker said:These threads all end the same way. Higher end gear doesn't catch me bigger fish, and if anyone thinks that's why I or others choose to use it you haven't read the thread, or are not even remotely understand my take. I should have known better
I understood your take....you like fishing and enjoy fishing the finer fishing equipment because it makes you happy and by all means you should enjoy fishing with what you worked hard to purchase and aquire. I don't hate on people that enjoy fishing with nice equipment or choose to because they want to. Think the conversation ended up discussing that for most there isn't enough difference in midrange equipment and the higher dollar ones for most to make the jump and fish with. Some people like a fine wine, others like a cold beer. But some and I do say some, not all, look to buy the higher priced equipment thinking it will make them a better fisherman or do it to brag and show off what they have. I'm sure there are many that think my comment about saving $200 and buying 2 swimbaits was a joke, but honestly with taxes it would come out to about $220 for the two of them. We all purchase the equipment WE WANT which it the great part of this sport and we make it work for us. Weather it be a $39 reel or a $500 reel, it's all about what we want. The fish don't care and each of us is only as good as the amount of knowledge and skill we have and understand how to translate it into catching fish.
*Hootie reply :
On 11/9/2014 at 11:21 PM, Hogsticker said:It adds another level of enjoyment to something I already love, so why not. You said you wouldn't get rid of what you referred to as your good stuff, so that somewhat sums it up. Get in where you fit in. I would rather fish out of a 20,000 dollar boat than a Jon too, but I can't. I've tried enough 100 dollar reels to know the refinement simply isn't there. Different story if it was all I knew but I ventured to the dark side too long ago. Yes they work, and yes you may be going crazy.
Your first sentence tells the whole story. Another level of enjoyment. I love bass fishing and I love having the best gear I can afford. Loomis rods, Shimano Core reels, tungsten worm weights, yes, I kknow I griped about losing so many, but I can't give them up. Trokar hooks, Seaguar Abrazx line, the list goes on and on. It's my life and my game. So far, I am winning.
Hootie
Raul reply :
These threads always become a peeing contest, those banging their chest on how much they spend in uper end gear and those banging their chest on how much they don't spend in lower end grear. Get this through your skull : fish don't give a d**n with what you are fishing, it's you what counts.
*Hootie reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 5:56 AM, Raul said:These threads always become a peeing contest, those banging their chest on how much they spend in uper end gear and those banging their chest on how much they don't spend in lower end grear. Get this through your skull : fish don't give a d**n with what you are fishing, it's you what counts.
Got it boss...lol.
Hootie
Cgrinder reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 3:56 AM, OK Bass Hunter said:As for me, I will continue to overpay so as to fill that void that is in my soul, lol. Stick a JDM sticker on that Cherrywood and charge me $250, I'm buying it.
Always nice to meet a kindred spirit.
Cgrinder reply :
People with cheap gear probably catch many more fish than I do.
That's because they're out fishing while I'm changing the handle on my Sol for the third time this week. 
Goose52 reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 7:00 AM, Cgrinder said:People with cheap gear probably catch many more fish than I do.
That's because they're out fishing while I'm changing the handle on my Sol for the third time this week.
Everyone has their own priorities. In my case, I've caught six bass just since this thread started... 
Alonerankin2 reply :
Funny stuff right there^^ both of the above posts!
tomustang reply :
People catch fish with their high end gear? I just keep mine out on the deck so it looks like im using them
Darren. reply :
Fun thread. Just use what catches you fish!
I looked up the ESPN story on Pat Cullen, a trophy bass hunter, but the URL is DOA. Anyhow, Pat caught an ungodly amount of 10 pound bass on Ugly Stiks! Great article, obviously his methods are not for everyone, but hey, there it is.
I enjoy some of the (for me) high-end gear out there. My highest being a single St. Croix Avid rod, two Shimano Chronarch 50e reels, and two Stradic 1000FI reels.
To be honest, I love the lightness of the Stradics, but there's something about the Lexa 2000SH I have that wins me over. Whatever it is attracts me to Daiwa spinning reels. My Lexa baitcaster, not so much.
The Chronarchs? Nothing cheaper I have meets or beats them. Chronarchs simply rule, plain and simple, LOL.
Jaderose reply :
I DO buy the best terminal tackle and baits that I can afford.
DelcoSol reply :
Half the fun of fishing to me is the gear. The unknown of what else may be better, while expensive, is still fun. What else am I going to waste my money on? Can it be done on cheaper stuff? Sure. Will I do it? No.
tnt2671 reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 3:55 AM, Hogsticker said:These threads all end the same way. Higher end gear doesn't catch me bigger fish, and if anyone thinks that's why I or others choose to use it you haven't read the thread, or are not even remotely understand my take. I should have known better
guy's i wasn't in any way trying to stir up any commotion and i apologize if it goes that way.
tnt2671 reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 7:00 AM, Cgrinder said:People with cheap gear probably catch many more fish than I do.
That's because they're out fishing while I'm changing the handle on my Sol for the third time this week.
lmao!!!
SirSnookalot reply :
Don't know about anyone else but my joy from fishing is catching them, my rods, reels, lines and lures are just tools. It's pointless to debate what is best or what I use, except to say I found my niche and I'm having a lot fun.
I did view the Stella video 3 times, came away bewildered. Any manufacturer could have made the identical video promoting their product as the best. The issue is not whether the stella is a good reel or not, but if Shimano is trying to get someone to spend over $600 at least they could have showed catching some decent fish. They talk about cranking power, with those fish? C'mon Shimano you can do better than that.
Catt reply :
The #1 key to consitistently catching bass is between your ears not the folds of your wallet!
At my age I witnessed this entire bass fishing phenomenon, I when from a Penn 9 (try throwing spinner baits all day with that puppy), to an Abu Garcia Ambassodeur, to an Shimano Bantam, & now Shimano Calcuttas.
Why Calcuttas?
Solid as an anvil, versatile as a pair of ChannelLocks, dependable as a 30/30
smalljaw67 reply :
Most of this depends on priority, I know guys that don't have a boat and fish from the bank in ponds with Megabass Lin 10 reels and Evolution rods which makes for an approximate cost of $1600, if that was me I'd be using something a little more affordable and putting the rest of that away for a boat. I'm a firm believer in fishing the best you can afford, if you can afford a $150 dollar rod and instead choose to fish a $50 dollar one, that is fine too because I know those guys who can afford good gear but don't find fishing a high enough priority to spend their disposable income. For that reason I don't assume someone using less expensive equipment is broke or doesn't have too much, most of the time homes, children, cars and other daily things in our life take priority over where money is spent, for most of us on this board, fishing is a serious hobby that we like to spend money on. I have a couple custom rods along with quite a few high end rods but most of them I got when you couldn't get a rod in the $125 to $180 range that was light and sensitive and performed well, the bad economy has forced companies to make lower cost rods but with some many rods out there most tried to separate themselves by offering higher and higher performance at lower and lower cost and so now you can get a really good performing rod and reel for $200 that will last and you won't feel like you're using cheap equipment.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
I have reels that cost 20$ brand new 50yrs ago.that was expensive i still use these reels.all jokes aside if you feel good using a 1500$ combo more power to ya.your fun and my fun are still the same.and another thing...old saying i have id rather have 4 quarters then 100 pennies
aavery2 reply :
You are correct, they are over rated, please send me your high end gear and I will replace it with something much cheaper.
Your Welcome
thehooligan reply :
Every hobby ive ever been into, skateboarding, bmx, cars, motorcycles, fishing... i started at the bottom and worked my way up the food chain...
Whether it was that 70s banana board, huffy bmx bike from a yard sale, or the five dollar quantum at the flea market, when you get that high end item that you've saved forever for, its all worth it.
I want the best, i want the lightest, and i want the smoothest product out there. Like others have said, fishing is a blast, absolutely love it, but when you can get on the water with that conquest, stella, steez, certate, theres no other feeling out there. I dont care if i get skunked, just casting with a work of art like that on a beautiful day is awesome.
With my budget, i could have 10-15 middle grade combos on my deck, but you better believe ill take 4-5 high end combos all day long...
Choporoz reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 5:56 AM, Raul said:These threads always become a peeing contest, those banging their chest on how much they spend in uper end gear and those banging their chest on how much they don't spend in lower end grear.
You know, I haven't visited a 'hobby forum'....ANY hobby forum and found that sentence not to be true. I don't care if its a hobby that seems like it shouldn't cost a dime....you still get threads like this...lol
roadwarrior reply :
On 11/10/2014 at 2:55 PM, tnt2671 said:guy's i wasn't in any way trying to stir up any commotion and i apologize if it goes that way.
No need to apologize, these threads are always fun...for a little while. Let's take it
up again in a few months, just like we always do.
So with that, Goodnight Irene.
-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior
Global Moderator
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