Quality rod vs reel 2024

BassSam5 reply :

I don’t have a lot to spend on combos so I’m wondering if I should lean toward a quality rod or a quality reel. What’s your opinion on the topic?

WRB reply :

Spinning or casting and approx budget would help.

Tom

dodgeguy reply :

Quality reel first. Crap reels don't last and are no fun.

keagbassr reply :

Agree with post above. A cheap reel is more likely to fail/break than a cheap rod.

new2BC4bass reply :

I have to agree with dodgeguy. I can fish with about any rod, but a reel that sucks is no fun. You can always upgrade the rod later, and give the old one away if you don't want it. I caught tons of fish on a K-Mart rod in my youth with a Mitchell 300 spinning reel.

MN Fisher reply :

Joining the party - reel, then rod. I've got three levels of reels on a single line of rods. Even with the 'budget' rods, I can tell the difference between the three reels - the Fuego is much smoother and easier to setup/cast with than the Nitrous.

So the reel matters more than the rod. Start there.

WRB reply :

You have a wider choice of entry level decent quality spinning reels then bait casting reels. Spinning reels are about 1/2 the price compared to bait casting reels of equal quality.

I will repeat my initial reply; spinning or casting and approx budget?

Tom

Jig Man reply :

It depends on what you are doing. Chunk and wind the reel is more important to me than the rod. For bottom baits a good sensitive rod is much more important to me than a device that takes up line slack. I say let your type of fishing tell you what to do.

BigAngus752 reply :

As Tom @WRB asks, we need more info. The argument for reel first is only valid up to about $40 for spinning and $70 for BC. If "I don't have a lot of money to spend" means you have $150 to spend on a spinning setup then you should absolutely be spending the majority on the rod. The same amount on a casting set-up is going to split that money between rod and reel.

Catt reply :

A quality reel can be had for a minimum of $100 & so can a quality rod.

At any price point a rod will break long before a reel!

NYWayfarer reply :

On 9/14/2019 at 10:22 AM, Catt said:

At any price point a rod will break long before a reel!

Amen!

quality reel first, then rod IMO. For example I have a $100 Lew’s LFS that I brought on my July vacation to Florida. Packed it in my luggage. When I arrived down there I made a quick trip to Bass Pro to purchase a $25 Berkley Cherrywood casting rod. I was set for the rest of the trip.

Rods are the weak link in the chain. I have broken mine in doorways, car doors, ceilings or bumping them on rocks or the ground. I rarely spend more than $100 for a rod for that reason.

new2BC4bass reply :

The OP isn't asking for any recommendations on which rod or reel to buy. Only which he should spend more money on. Since he doesn't have a lot to spend, I am going to assume he isn't asking about specific technique gear. I am sure everyone would prefer a $100 reel on a $300 rod then the reverse for bottom contact. If I only had $100 to spend on a combo, I would prefer a $60 President on a $40 Lightning or a Fuego CT on a Lightning for a few dollars more. As stated, casting is going to be more expensive than spinning.

Catt reply :

On 9/14/2019 at 10:57 AM, NYWayfarer said:

For example I have a $100 Lew’s LFS

Tackle Warehouse has Lew's Tournament MB for $119.97, I got mine last month for $109.97!

Dens228 reply :

Depending on technique.......

But I'm going to go the opposite here.

I'd rather put the money into a quality rod, especially for contact stuff like jigs and plastics.

That's as long as I can have a decent reel.

fishwizzard reply :

For me a reel hits the point of diminishing returns a lot faster then a rod will, but at the bottom of entry-level gear I would rather spend more on the reel then the rod.

The Maestro reply :

I could probably live with a cheap(ish) spinning reel but fishing with a bunk baitcaster sucks. These days even lower end rods are decently crisp compared to 20 years ago.

FishTank reply :

I am going rod first on this one..... The rod to me does what matters most, communicate. It tells me what's going under the water, it detects the bite, it sets the hook, and controls the fish. The reel only has two functions that it needs to do> cast and retrieve. If a reel can do those two things well, cost/quality is not that important, especially with today's offerings. A $100 (or less) reel today is far better than what was out years ago. Of course, like Tom said, we need to know the OP's budget before making a true assessment.

Grim_Reaver reply :

Better reel components and smoother operation is more important than rod sensitivity for me. Cheaper rods tend to have softer tips so using a longer rod and watching the tip has helped me detect more bites with bottom contact baits on cheaper rods.

NYWayfarer reply :

On 9/14/2019 at 11:33 AM, Catt said:

Tackle Warehouse has Lew's Tournament MB for $119.97, I got mine last month for $109.97!

Awesome deal. I didn’t mention it but I bought my normally $100 Lew’s LFS for $70 on clearance sales for last years model.

A decent graphite rod will transfer all the sensations you need. I find watching your line more important than how much the rod costs. I was Smallmouth fishing today and noticed my line moving in a different direction way before I felt the bite in my IM7 graphite rod.

WRB reply :

The OP hasn't responded but it looks the reel is a 3:1 favorite over the rod.

Tom

greentrout reply :

why make it rocket science ... you live in michigan ... should be a cabela's or bass pro nearby ... they offer decent rods at the 70 dollar price pt. and as low as 50 fifty dollars ... the fish eagle II is a good buy ...

a decent reel at 70 price range can be had too ...

too high ... walmart sells casting and spinning combos from abu garcia and lew's for around 70 dollars ... they can't keep enough of the black max ...

right here on this site ... kastking ... perigee II rod 50 dollars with your choice of baitcast or spinning for another 50 dollars .. and you're fishing ...

good fishing ...

LionHeart reply :

On 9/14/2019 at 11:33 AM, Catt said:

Tackle Warehouse has Lew's Tournament MB for $119.97, I got mine last month for $109.97!

$99 on ebay. Outstanding reel for the $

WRB reply :

Why does everyone assume the OP is looking for inexpensive rods or reels, he hasn't stated a budget or casting or spinning combo?

Tom

Hammer 4 reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 8:25 AM, WRB said:

Why does everyone assume the OP is looking for inexpensive rods or reels, he hasn't stated a budget or casting or spinning combo?

Tom

Yup, he does state that he doesn't have " a lot to spend " which could mean just about any amount under say 300.00 or so. More info is really needed to offer a educated answer.

Catt reply :

On 9/14/2019 at 7:37 AM, BassSam5 said:

I don’t have a lot to spend on combos so I’m wondering if I should lean toward a quality rod or a quality reel. What’s your opinion on the topic?

Sounds kinda straight forward to me ????

He is asking which should he spend more on a reel or a rod!

The budget could be $100 or a $1,000, I'm picking buy a quality reel first & be done with that part of the combo.

Quality reels when properly maintained will last many years while a quality rod can break on day one... believe me...been there done that!

cookieman reply :

full days gone by. Must not be interested in an answer

NYWayfarer reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 8:46 AM, Catt said:

Sounds kinda straight forward to me ????

He is asking which should he spend more on a reel or a rod!

The budget could be $100 or a $1,000, I'm picking buy a quality reel first & be done with that part of the combo.

Quality reels when properly maintained will last many years while a quality rod can break on day one... believe me...been there done that!

One of the posts I wish I can love more than once.

i had a rod break in a door frame to my garage before I could use it once. Never had that happen with reel. I can’t imagine a scenario where that would happen with a reel.

i can only imagine when someone says “they don’t have. Lot to spend” they are talking about purchasing something in the $30 to $70 range. That’s in the range I like to spend on rods regardless of the fact that I have rods that cost way more. Thats my assumption and if I am wrong it’s up to then OP to tell me so.

MN Fisher reply :

I'm with @Cattand @NYWayfarer. While having a great rod can be a plus, it's the reel that's going to last longer. I've retired reels that went through several rods each. So put the money into the reel.

For me, as I upgrade my rigs - no matter the budget, be it $100 or $300 - 1/3 is for the rod, 2/3 for the reel. That's my 'rule of thumb' and my Fuego rig follows that to the 'T' - $55 rod, $100 reel at retail.

fvogel67 reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 9:52 AM, MN Fisher said:

I'm with @Cattand @NYWayfarer. While having a great rod can be a plus, it's the reel that's going to last longer. I've retired reels that went through several rods each. So put the money into the reel.

For me, as I upgrade my rigs - no matter the budget, be it $100 or $300 - 1/3 is for the rod, 2/3 for the reel. That's my 'rule of thumb' and my Fuego rig follows that to the 'T' - $55 rod, $100 reel at retail.

My first question is what several rods did your reel retire

and what is this magic reel

Second, You've obviously never fished with a high end rod.

IMO if I lent You my St Croix Legend Elite it would def change your mind.

Unless You've fished with an higher end stick You can't give that advice

MN Fisher reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:23 AM, fvogel67 said:

My first question is what several rods did your reel retire

and what is this magic reel

I don't remember the exact rods - but the reels that outlasted the rods are my old Pflueger 640 and Cardinal 562. Both are 40-some years old and I could still use them, but right now they're sitting on a shelf.

On 9/15/2019 at 10:23 AM, fvogel67 said:

Second, You've obviously never fished with a high end rod.

IMO if I lent You my St Croix Legend Elite it would def change your mind.

Unless You've fished with an higher end stick You can't give that advice

Never had the money to own a high-end...anything. Also never fished with someone who had one...so I can't say. All I know is that I catch fish with my 'budget' equipment, and that's the name of the game.

Catt reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:23 AM, fvogel67 said:

My first question is what several rods did your reel retire

and what is this magic reel

Second, You've obviously never fished with a high end rod.

IMO if I lent You my St Croix Legend Elite it would def change your mind.

Unless You've fished with an higher end stick You can't give that advice

I have 2 Calcutta 100As that are both probably over 35 yrs old & still use em daily.

They have outlasted G. Loomis rods, St Croix rods, Falcon rods, Shimano rods, Fenwick rods, CastAway rods, & Lighting rods.

So yes I qualify to give that advice ????

fvogel67 reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:32 AM, Catt said:

I have 2 Calcutta 100As that are both probably over 35 yrs old & still use em daily.

They have outlasted G. Loomis rods, St Croix rods, Falcon rods, Shimano rods, Fenwick rods, CastAway rods, & Lighting rods.

So yes I qualify to give that advice ????

Your missing the point

Catt reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:34 AM, fvogel67 said:

Your missing the point

Aint missing nuthin ????

Your St Croix is an excellent rod but subject to break as easily as a Lighting rod.

fvogel67 reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:27 AM, MN Fisher said:

I don't remember the exact rods - but the reels that outlasted the rods are my old Pflueger 640 and Cardinal 562. Both are 40-some years old and I could still use them, but right now they're sitting on a shelf.

Never had the money to own a high-end...anything. Also never fished with someone who had one...so I can't say. All I know is that I catch fish with my 'budget' equipment, and that's the name of the game.

I have plenty of "Budget'"Reels and rods on my rack and also many high end rods and reels.

Unless You have fished with higher end offerings I'm thinking you can't give a valid opinion

On 9/15/2019 at 10:40 AM, Catt said:

Aint missing nuthin ????

Your St Croix is an excellent rod but subject to break as easily as a Lighting rod.

LOL

MN Fisher reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:45 AM, fvogel67 said:

Unless You have fished with higher end offerings I'm thinking you can't give a valid opinion

My opinion is that whether it's high-end or budget - they both catch fish...and that's all that's needed. You want to gift me with a high-end St Croix or Dobyns rod...I'd love it. Being on a fixed income, however, means that I'll never be able to afford it myself.

fvogel67 reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:48 AM, MN Fisher said:

My opinion is that whether it's high-end or budget - they both catch fish...and that's all that's needed. You want to gift me with a high-end St Croix or Dobyns rod...I'd love it. Being on a fixed income, however, means that I'll never be able to afford it myself.

Your right friend...Tight Lines

Catt reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:45 AM, fvogel67 said:

I have plenty of "Budget'"Reels and rods on my rack and also many high end rods and reels.

Unless You have fished with higher end offerings I'm thinking you can't give a valid opinion

LOL

After my original investment for those Calcuttas my entire budget for the last 35+ yrs has went to rods.

Hewhospeaksmuchbull reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 10:40 AM, Catt said:

Aint missing nuthin ????

Your St Croix is an excellent rod but subject to break as easily as a Lighting rod.

Seriously? I would hope that purchasing a Higher end stick would give a little more in the durability dept.

I just bought my first Dobyns, a Fr 765 flip in the hope that tip inserts, rod snaps, ect would be some what mitigated.

I could care less about weight/sensitivity when the rod is in half or an insert breaks. Man this is tough, I come from a salt water back ground and that was sometime ago(like twenty years) and I never have had a problem with rods snapping.

If this Dobyns snaps like my KK did (casting a hollow bodied frog), I guess it'll be an Ugly stick for me.

MN Fisher reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 11:21 AM, Hewhospeaksmuchbull said:

If this Dobyns snaps like my KK did (casting a hollow bodied frog), I guess it'll be an Ugly stick for me.

If you do go there - skip the Ugly Stick and go to the Diawa Aird-X. I've got three so far and my remaining Ugly Stick is slated to be replaced by an Aird-X this Yule.

Catt reply :

On 9/15/2019 at 11:21 AM, Hewhospeaksmuchbull said:

Seriously? I would hope that purchasing a Higher end stick would give a little more in the durability dept.

G. Loomis rods break as easy as any rod, they are graphite, & graphite breaks.

Tony johnson reply :

i would say reel... unless your fishing big tuna west coast style(stand up no harness) then i would go rod... at that point the rod kills the fish and reel just gains line/provides drag. my best fish is a 110 bluefin i caught off san diego on a diawa bg 40 single speed star drag with 40lb leader. I had 10 lbs of drag but what killed the fish was my 8ft custom wrapped cal-star gf800h and 53 mins of pain

edit: This is on a boat with 20 other anglers so no backing down or chasing a fish when there are a few hooked up at a time

Bigassbass reply :

Shimano Sedona reel is one of the best for the money buy a 3000 if you're chasing bass, you can always spool it with lighter line and catch crappie easily! 75.00 at big box stores if you're not afraid of online shopping you'll beat that price easily.

Fried Lemons reply :

If you’re buying entry level then definitely spend more on the reel. Past that I believe the rod gets you more bang for your buck. There is much more to a rod than durability. If that were the main concern then ugly stiks would be one of the best rods on the market.

Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :

I’m with @CattI would invest in reel first then rod.

With reel at least higher price ones, you would get smoothness, better drag smooth system, not BS max drag, trouble free and worry free and better ergonomic and better material and tolerance.

With rod higher price rod, you might get lighter and better components but not durability. Also sensitivity is very subjective, in the hand of experiences even a cheap Walmart rod they still can feel fish bite, but $1000 rod in a hand of others might feel like broomstick.

With all these, I don’t have any high end reels or rods. I believe in comfortable, light weight, color and budget.

Burke reply :

The way I spend on my fishing setup:

Combo on ROD/REEL is set like 60%/40%

Example:

ROD: Gloomis NRX873

REEL: Shimano CORE 50 MG7 with 7.7 gear set.

2801

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