Opinions Wanted 2024
macmichael reply :
I do own a few high dollar rods and reels. I am just wanting to know ya'lls opinion i you thinkf they are really necessary to be a good fisherman? Or even to catch quality fish?
Jar11591 reply :
I dont think they're required to be a good fisherman, or to catch quality fish. But i definitely think higher end equipment makes it a lot easier to be a good fisherman, and to catch quality fish. For example a good reel might cast farther and a good rod is super-sensitive. Both help you catch more than an inferior rod/reel. Another thing that's factored into pricing is durability and comfort. These things don't affect the number of fish you catch but adds to the price tag.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
Well seeing how Edwin Evers just finished 2nd in the classic and fishes mostly with a $100 reel and $120-$150 rods I would say no. But I also don't know what your idea of high end is. Mine would be $300+ reels and $200+ rod.
eyedabassman reply :
Yes, I was brought up ,you get what you pay for. I am not sure what you think is high end because everyone has a different out look on what is high end. But you don't have to go nuts on rod and reels in today's market. You can buy alot of good rods and reels from $80 up $150.
roadwarrior reply :
Definitely not required for "catching", but it makes the "fishing" part more fun!
A-Jay reply :
What defines Quality gear is often debated.
High Dollar tackle is defined differently by anglers as well.
Tackle that allows required dependable performance can be obtained without purchasing the best gear money can buy.
In order to answer your question "Is High Dollar tackle required to be a good Fisherman ?
I'll ask you one - How do you define a Good Fisherman ? Is it catching big fish, many fish, adaptability or perhaps sportsmanship ?
Looking at that brief list - my stance is that the price of one's tackle plays a fairly limited role.
A-Jay
Arv reply :
I have a bunch of higher end gear sitting in my house and it's not catching anything.
More expensive gear can be beneficial as it usually performs better, but is it worth the money? That's up to you.
iabass8 reply :
motodmast reply :
Does it help me catch more fish, probably not, but do I like it? Yes!!!
EsoxWI reply :
High end gear does not make a "good fisherman". Knowledge, experience and determination makes a good fisherman. You gotta find the fish before you can catch them. High end gear, at least to me, just adds to my overall experience.
BassThumbAddict reply :
To me I think high end stuff just adds to the experience but does not help or hurt fishing success. I think it all comes back to knowledge.
jtesch reply :
I do think high dollar equipment does help make you a better fisherman to a point. An example is,I wasn't able to pitch nearly as well until I bought casting reels in the $200+ range and For light weight (1/4 and below) lures the $300 range. As for rods, a few techniques may benefit but I think a $100 rod is just fine
Catt reply :
The #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet.
bflp3 reply :
Definitely not. I did really well in tournaments this year, and I don't think I had a combo that cost more than $150. The gear doesn't catch the fish, just might make it a little easier or more enjoyable.
mjseverson24 reply :
high end equipment is definitely not needed to be a good fisherman, nor catch big fish, that being said if you are already a good fisherman, I think an increase in the quality of the gear you use will equate to an increase in production, the difference might not be huge but I would guess there would be a difference, at least in most cases. I also think that having very low quality gear no matter how good you are will negatively impact your fishing especially in finesse and bottom contact situations. I would say that you give the guys on tour 150-200 dollar combos their productivity will not decrease very much, but their wrists and elbows might hurt more after a day on the water...
Mitch
Scott F reply :
If you don't cast where the fish are, the best equipment ever made won't make any difference.
EvanT123 reply :
I would say yes to an extent and depending on your definition of high end. In my opinion the right rod and reel for the job is more important.
Example this summer my buddy and I were fishing a private lake filled with weeds and stumps(perfect frog country) he was using a medium action ugly stick combo and me a 6'6 mh rod and baitcaster. I caught about 20 to his 0 the fish would blow up on his frog but there was no way he could set the hook and land those fish. I watched that happen almost as many times as I caught fish. He also stripped the gears on the shakespere reel rendering it useless.
Back to the original question. I think the gap between a $50 reel compared to a $150 reel is going to be much greater than say the gap between a $150 reel and $300 dollar one. If you have the dinero and that what you like great have at it but in my opinion it's not going to catch you more fish. Especially since the competition between companies is predominantly in the 200 and under range you can get a ton of bang for your buck.
I have friends that pay 200 for sneakers and fish ugly sticks. It's all relative depending on what you are into and decide to spend YOUR money on.
John G reply :
And having good electronics and knowing how to use them.On 3/5/2014 at 8:28 AM, Catt said:The #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet.
WhiteMike1018 reply :
On 3/5/2014 at 6:58 AM, macmichael said:I do own a few high dollar rods and reels. I am just wanting to know ya'lls opinion i you thinkf they are really necessary to be a good fisherman? Or even to catch quality fish?
No Vandam would beat you with the cheapest baitcasters they sell I bet.
flippin and pitchin reply :
Nope. Most of us have either, what we can afford, or what we like because we can afford it. High end stuff is like owning a Corvette. Any car can get you from point A to point B, some just do it in style. Rule #1: Fish what you got...but fish ! Rule #2, Be grateful you have what you got.
Zimobass reply :
All the gear and no idea ...............................comes to mind !
SirSnookalot reply :
Being on the right body of water at the right time can make almost anyone a superstar, equipment is secondary. I've got a Daiwa rod, with a $35 Shakespere agility size 30 reel, I only use this set up for jig fishing. I have landed as many 6-8# fish as any thing else I own. The reel is as smooth as any other reel I have, the drag is questionable, in fact not very good. Nicer rods and reels are more enjoyable, there is a limit to what I think is needed for me. Not only do I bass fish but do much more saltwater fishing, I've got $100 spinning reels and $100 rods that have been catching almost anything swimming for many years with near perfect performance.
ww2farmer reply :
Nope.....not needed, but if you can afford it, buy what makes you happy. There is room for all of us.
Bankbeater reply :
The fish doesn't care what is bringing it to the boat.
Maico1 reply :
High end gear is all relative to what one perceives it to be, for one mans definition will vary from another. Case in point you will see posted how a Curado or a Lews Tournament Pro is the smoothest reel they ever used,then yet you may see another post saying it is a Core,Tatula or a Metanium. Of course it continues on to left hand retrieve or a right, split grip or solid and then spinning or a bait caster, all are the best and rightfully so for it is all what we perceive them to be.On 3/5/2014 at 6:58 AM, macmichael said:I do own a few high dollar rods and reels. I am just wanting to know ya'lls opinion i you thinkf they are really necessary to be a good fisherman? Or even to catch quality fish?
At the end of the day to me the answer to your question more time on the water and experimenting with different techniques will make you a better fisherman. What grade of tackle you use is all about your comfort zone and we all know there are all different kinds of comfort zones and of course this is just my opinion.
crankcaster100 reply :
It's like when I wanted to replace my golf clubs for a higher end set I was reminded that Tiger Woods could take my set and shoot under par
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Gear does not make the fisherman, but it needs to perform and be reliable and costs something. You get what you pay for up to a point, but there is a point of diminishing returns on your investment as well.
Felix77 reply :
The bass at the other end could care less how much your setup cost. 
Oregon Native reply :
I too believe you get what you pay for up to a limit. When I pay that little extra I'm paying for lightness and balance wether it be a rod or reel. I'm also paying for reliability...I've got older shimanos and Diawa's that still perform flawlessly and their over ten years old. Not pretty but smooth as a babys butt in performance. I also pay extra for line too. I don't want that blue stuff that sits under the walmart or K-mart lights for twenty years for a $1.29 for 500 yards. It's all in what we want out of the sport and can afford to spend.
Tight Lines
Wbeadlescomb reply :
It's no secret that if you buy quality gear you won't have to be replacing it in a couple of years. I like curados and have a couple of chronarchs. My thinking is that by buying those types of reels I'll have to pay more up front but they will give me years of good service eventually paying for them selves.
There's a huge difference in the weight and the quality of a 150 dollar combo and a 250 dollar combo
bassin is addicting reply :
it makes a difference to a point. only in that...does it get the fish to the bank or the boat. using the right equipment...a reel with enough drag/power, and rod with enough backbone and line that won't break. all that said. that can all be purchased for under $100, easy.
although, a higher end rod will help you "feel" things better, thus potentially helping you catch more
to me it is all about location, location, location and timing.
imo...mostly it is like a car.... a Ford Tempo will get you where you want to go....but it sure is more fun arriving in a Corvette......(with a hot female next to you).... 
FLMasshole reply :
I didn't start fishing til I was 30, when I moved to a house with a lake literally in my backyard in south florida. One day I decided to get a spinning combo and start fishing. I paid $9.98 at Dick's and caught dozens of fish on it. Now I have several reels in the $100-300 range and rods that range into the high $200's. I can honestly say that they don't make me catch more, or bigger fish. But Hell, I'm just a sucker for good toys, I'm the same way with my tools. So I say fish with what you can afford, technique catches fish, not money.
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