Reel Vs. Rod 2024
Brett's_daddy reply :
Okay, I've been doing so much research and question asking on different rods and reels that my head is literally spinning. Is it wiser to get a really good reel and a decent rod (like maybe a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock) that doesn't cost too much and upgrade the rod later if necessary OR would it be wiser to start off with a good quality rod like a Duckett Ghost, Dobyn's Fury, Mjo Bass, *** Black etc. and get a lesser but still good reel in the $80ish dollar range? Thanks for being patient everyone and answering my million questions...lol.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel.
fishballer06 reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 3:48 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel.
.
bigbill reply :
Buy what you can afford, you can always upgrade down the road. A decent reel will fit any rod? But keep in mind we can fish with any setup but we need good quality line.
Good luck in your journey.
Jaw1 reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 3:48 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel.
This !
MidwestF1sh reply :
My guess is its going to be a "do everything" rod and reel for the OP. I'd say decent rod and $80 reel. For 80 bucks you can get a decent reel.especially if you went used.
PitchinJigz reply :
You can find Tatula's online for $85-$90. That's what I'd go for.On 10/8/2015 at 5:29 AM, MidwestF1sh said:My guess is its going to be a "do everything" rod and reel for the OP. I'd say decent rod and $80 reel. For 80 bucks you can get a decent reel.especially if you went used.
roadwarrior reply :
For me it would be all reel, the rod can wait.
Jeff H reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 6:01 AM, roadwarrior said:For me it would be all reel, the rod can wait.
LOL...one ain't much good without the other. 
gulfcaptain reply :
Shop around for deals. Right now depending on what you're looking for you can find great deals on E bay. Think I've picked up 4 reels in the last couple months that would have ran me upwards of $1100 retail for about $400. Rods can be had to if you look. Also, about the same price as the Lightning Shock you can go to Academy and get one of the H20 brand IM8 rods for $60. Much better IMO as well and work well for both.
NathanW reply :
I strongly disagree with any advice that suggest buying a low quality reel. I understand it and they mean well but hear me out on this.
A decent reel could last a decade or two and has good used resale value. I am not saying you need a $300.00 reel but reels in the $100-$150.00 range will suit. I have seen used Curados sell on eBay for more than I bought them for new after Shimano discontinued making the reel. Same is probably true for a lot of the Diawas that tend to have a cult following.
Rods don't last that long anyhow and don't typically resale well if you find out its not something you like. I wouldn't advise against buying less expensive rods because its very difficult to know exactly what you like in a rod in your early years of fishing.
DVT is correct regarding bottom contact baits but I don't think its relevant to price the way it used to be. The last few years we have seen rod companies sneak $100.00 rods into the market that outperform many of the other companies best stick. Dobyns and Loomis aren't lowering their prices and improving their low end because they want to, the market is forcing them.
Retired@176 reply :
I can understand your head spinning but is your question about a baitcaster or a spinning set up? Don't know about BC's but with spinning get a Pfleuger president and browse the deals on TW or where ever for a $150 or so rod.
bigbill reply :
How much do you have to spend on a rod?
Then make a list of the rods in your price range.
The gurus here will help u pick.
Brett's_daddy reply :
I am talking about a bait cast setup. I actually bought an Abu Garcia ProMax combo for $50 but it's a righty reel and even though I'm a right handed person I cast with my right and reel with my left so I'm selling the reel. Do any of you know anything about the rod that comes in this combo? It says Abu Garcia Pro Max on it, is 7ft. long, MH with a fast action. I'm wondering if I should replace right away even though there is only about a month left in the season where I live up here in Vermont OR if I should just get a decent reel like a Lew's Tournament Pro or Daiwa Tatula 100, mount it on the rod I have to get my feet wet so to speak? I'm thinking more along the lines of what NathanW is saying where a reel is more of an investment that if properly cared for could last me many years so maybe get one that I won't feel the need to upgrade in a year instead of settling for a lesser reel now so I can get a better rod...maybe get a good reel now and use the rod I have and then maybe for my Birthday in April ask the wife to get me a better rod. I also wouldn't mind replacing the rod I have now with something inexpensive but decent like the Lightning Rod Shock to use as a temporary rod which can be relegated to backup rod status when I get a better rod. As far as looking for good deals on used reels, I know there are some good deals out there but I generally prefer to buy new so I know how the item has been treated as i will be the first to use it...plus a good warranty gives me a piece of mind 
. If it was somebody I knew who had a good deal i might be a little more inclined to go the used route but I don't know of any friends with a good reel they're looking to get rid of. Decisions, decisions...I do appreciate any and all help you can give this bait cast noob...lol.
deep reply :
You have a rod right? Buy an used reel for ~$100 and go fish.
iabass8 reply :
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/158677-what-should-you-spend-more-on-a-rod-or-reel/?hl=%2Bspend+%2Bmore+%2Bon+%2Brod+%2Bor+%2Breel
Further North reply :
I fly fish a fair amount...everything from brook trout to muskies...and the the experience I carried forward from that with baitcasting and spinning equipment is tha the rod makes more difference to me than the reel.
...that said...the least expensive reel I use regularly was about $180...so I might not be the best person to ask...
VtSmallmouth reply :
The promax combo was the first bc combo I ever bought with the same mh rod, and I still use the rod everytime I'm out but the reel has been replaced. I use it for t rigs, jigs, heavier stuff ect. It honestly is a good rod I wouldn't replace it. Get a good reel for it and you'll be happy with it.
Catt reply :
A quality reel will last a lifetime, a quality rod could break tomorrow!
Big Bait Fishing reply :
definitely get a quality reel !!!! a quality reel is an ivestment like a car , maintain it and it will last for years or more , getting a decent rod and using it for awhile will help you perceive what you will like later down the road . get the best reel you can afford and take care of it ...
NathanW reply :
I would jump on ebay and grab a Tatula 100HSL for 98 bucks and be done. Great reel.
Brett's_daddy reply :
If I go the buy a better reel route I'm looking at the Tatula 100HL or the Lew's Tournament Pro (on sale for $129).
Scarborough817 reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 3:48 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel.
can you explain why?
PourMyOwn reply :
I think that if you can wait until the end of the season there will be deals, and you can get both.
Ohio Dave reply :
Brother I have been down this road: My first BC was from Dicks and it was a junker: i tried for a whole season to get that thing to cast without backlashing or knotting up and got nothing but frustration. Why well here is my list of shame:
One I used the line that came with the reel (not so good)
Two: I was too embarrassed to ask on a site like this telling that I had bought the Friday night blue light special;
Three: I had no clue how to adjust the dumb thing to different weights and wind conditions:
Since then: I have swallowed my pride and asked for help, found a friend to fish with to help with fine tuning and invested in a much better reel for not that much more money. All that made all the difference in the world
Honest to goodness, please buy the best you can afford right now and spool it with a quality braid or florocarbon: save the pennies for a better rod later.
Go out with someone experienced in their use to help you dial the reel in to suit you.
I bought my first Lews Tournament Pro two years ago and it so blew the doors off the high end Bass Pro shop models that you would not believe it. You certainly don't have to spend that kind of money but there are certainly advantages to the higher price points for every brand. I believe it is mostly true for both rods and reels.
now go fish and have some fun!
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 1:01 AM, Brett said:If I go the buy a better reel route I'm looking at the Tatula 100HL or the Lew's Tournament Pro (on sale for $129).
you haven't bought a reel yet ??? go buy that Tournament Pro and get to fishing !!!!
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 1:30 AM, Scarborough817 said:can you explain why?
I'm not DVT. Mike has more fishing experience than I will ever have. However, I think I know the answer to this question. With "feel" type baits you want the most sensitive rod you can afford. Why? For "feel", naturally. 
You want to know exactly what is happening with the bait. The reel takes up slack and fights the fish. "Feel" type baits are usually fished slow and moved with the rod.
With moving baits you are going to be constantly casting....and cranking. Thus it is better to spend a little more for a quality reel. Obviously we on bassresource prefer both to cost a week's pay. 
poisonokie reply :
man, I wish I could spend a week's pay on a reel, followed by a week's pay on a rod...
new2BC4bass reply :
OP. I agree 100% with getting a good reel now and fishing the rod you have until funds for a better one can be saved. When it comes to rods I would suggest not buying "good for the money" rods in the less than $100 category. It is easy to wind up with quite a few of these $40-$80 rods. What do you do with them once you start buying decent quality rods? Can't sell them...except locally...as it would cost more to ship them than what the rod is worth. Also once you start getting decent rods from the $100 low end such as Fenwick HMG and *** Blacks and up, you will discover that the other rods don't see much use. Rods for crankbaits needn't be too expensive, but even then I like to be able to feel what my lure is doing. Besides....quality gear brings its own rewards. Doesn't catch more fish for me, but I enjoy using it more than my lower cost gear.
Read on this website long enough and you will find plenty of comments from posters wishing they had bought better rods from the get-go because in the long run they would have spent less money.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 8:58 AM, poisonokie said:man, I wish I could spend a week's pay on a reel, followed by a week's pay on a rod...
You and me both, brother. I just stated in another thread that I have something like 3 rods that cost me $150 or slightly more. You won't find a Stella, Core, Zonda, Pixy, etc. in my arsenal. I make $600 a month less than I did 7-8 years ago, but still make more than $150 a week.
wnspain reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 6:01 AM, roadwarrior said:For me it would be all reel, the rod can wait.
Exact opposite here...a good rod can help increase catch in a variety of ways. Match it with a used Revo and you have a quality setup.
Jaw1 reply :
If your budget is around $200 why not get a lews lfs (best $100 reel in the industry imho) and one of the rods you mentioned(***). Now you have a really good setup within budget that will perform. The reel is not a clunker that will cause you constant aggravation it is an all around good solid reel that's easily adjusted and performs good. The rod depending on the model you choose gets rave reviews from most ( I just picked up one for my new chatterbait/ swim jig rod and fished it this weekend no complaints) and they look good. This setup when maintained properly should last and as you build your arsenal will probably always have a spot in rotation. I know this setup isn't a tackle enthusiasts dream setup but it is a very respectable angling tool to me and should be great to fish with
dam0007 reply :
Rod first reel (IMO 6:1 is good all around ratio) second. All the reel does is cast line out and bring line back. Say you did a Tatula or a Citica either can be had under $100 around the web. Also for rods on a budget 13 Omens are my rod of choice. 
Brett's_daddy reply :
According to a poster on another of my threads (St. Croix Mojo Bass) he said that they have Rage rods for $89 shipped at the St. Croix store online OR if you call the store directly they will sell you 2 Rage rods for $100 with a flat $19 shipping charge...seems like a good deal, is it? I'm still leaning towards putting most funds towards a reel but am willing to at least entertain good deals on rods when I see them.
roadwarrior reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 11:37 AM, wnspain said:Exact opposite here...a good rod can help increase catch in a variety of ways. Match it with a used Revo and you have a quality setup.
Well, I am a fan of high quality rods and agree that they "can help increase catch in a variety of ways".
However, reels make the "fishing" more fun. I want reels that are VERY user friendly and perform
flawlessly.
Catt reply :
Abu Garcia, Lew's & Shimano all have proven quality reels for under $150.
Academy, All Star, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, CastAway, Gander Mountian, & Cabela's all have rods from $40-$60.
wnspain reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 10:41 PM, Catt said:Abu Garcia, Lew's & Shimano all have proven quality reels for under $150.
Academy, All Star, Bass Pro Shops, Berkley, CastAway, Gander Mountian, & Cabela's all have rods from $40-$60.
and your point is? Quality reel, junk rod? Sorry but I beg to differ, never cared for low end rods or reels. Quality can be had on both for under $200 IMO.
BTW - I usually agree with every post you make, just not this one (unless you were just making a statement)
Catt reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 1:57 AM, wnspain said:and your point is? Quality reel, junk rod? Sorry but I beg to differ, never cared for low end rods or reels. Quality can be had on both for under $200 IMO.
BTW - I usually agree with every post you make, just not this one (unless you were just making a statement)
Point is buy a quality reel like a Citica or Revo & any rod listed above while saving for a better rod.
Take Berkley's Shock it's a outstanding rod for $39.95 & far from junk!
wnspain reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 2:41 AM, Catt said:Point is buy a quality reel like a Citica or Revo & any rod listed above while saving for a better rod.
Take Berkley's Shock it's a outstanding rod for $39.95 & far from junk!
Never fished a Berkley Shock so I can't comment on it but have tried many rods in $40-60 range and most are just that IMO, junk. Glad you have experience that leads me to believe otherwise...
Brett's_daddy reply :
Okay, may have the rod issue settled for now so that leaves me to concentrate on a good reel. The ones I'm thinking about are the Lew's Tournament Pro, Daiwa Tatula 100 and maybe a Shimano Citica I...what's the consensus on these reels? I know from previous posts that the Tatula and TP are really close quality-wise...should the Citica I be lumped in with that group or is it an inferior reel?
webertime reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 3:04 AM, Brett said:Okay, may have the rod issue settled for now so that leaves me to concentrate on a good reel. The ones I'm thinking about are the Lew's Tournament Pro, Daiwa Tatula 100 and maybe a Shimano Citica I...what's the consensus on these reels? I know from previous posts that the Tatula and TP are really close quality-wise...should the Citica I be lumped in with that group or is it an inferior reel?
I love Daiwa and Shimano. I have no issues with Lews. I would get my hands on a Tatula before buying one. I have huge hands and still find the Tatula large. The citica I (or E) is a great reel. I've fished the Lews and it was nice, but nothing that felt like, "woah I want this." Dicks in Rutland or Williston have all 3 of the reels to grope before you buy.
Brett's_daddy reply :
I would say I have medium/average sized hands. I don't think I'll be palming the reel as it just doesn't seem natural to me so more than likely I'll have most of my hand under the rod with just my thumb and maybe a forefinger up top near the reel so I'm thinking palming might not be as big an issue for me.
Brett's_daddy reply :
I checked the Dick's web site and they don't sell the Citica I but they do have the Curado I...would that be a reel to consider also? I just want to make sure that whichever reel i get will be "beginner friendly" as I have zero experience with a bait cast reel and need something forgiving so I'm not constantly back lashing and getting frustrated .
DogBone_384 reply :
On 10/8/2015 at 6:15 AM, gulfcaptain said:Shop around for deals. Right now depending on what you're looking for you can find great deals on E bay. Think I've picked up 4 reels in the last couple months that would have ran me upwards of $1100 retail for about $400. Rods can be had to if you look. Also, about the same price as the Lightning Shock you can go to Academy and get one of the H20 brand IM8 rods for $60. Much better IMO as well and work well for both.
X2. Just picked up a new 9.1:1 Zillion and 7.1:1 1016 T3 C H E A P...
Brett's_daddy reply :
I know it's probably foolish but I'm a little hesitant to buy used equipment from people I don't know...sure, I'll pay more for new but for me to know I'm the first one to use the reel and have a warranty for it that just gives me a piece of mind .
Catt reply :
On 10/10/2015 at 2:57 AM, wnspain said:Never fished a Berkley Shock so I can't comment on it but have tried many rods in $40-60 range and most are just that IMO, junk. Glad you have experience that leads me to believe otherwise...
As per ww2farmer I bought a Berkley Shock 7' MH for $40 @ Wally World, put a Calcutta 50 on & use it for punching matted grass & lily pads
I've got an 9 yr old All Start Pro Series 6' 10" MH with an extra long handle & a Cardiff 100 that I throw spinner baits, traps, buzz baits, & swim jigs; cost $50 @ ACADEMY.
As for a reel I have a 12 yr old Citica with zero problems!
Jaw1 reply :
All the reels mentioned so far will do fine. I own or have owned tatulas,citicas,curado,lews,and I believe it comes down to personal preference, and the way the rod and reel combine to function and feel. I do stick by what I said previously. If I was starting over and knew what I do now, sticking to a budget it goes to lews and any of the $100 rods mentioned with me leaning towards ***. I have a rage rod and it does not balance out as well as the duckets, mojos, or the ***. That being said it's still a good rod and I actually owned 2 until recently. I think you will be happy with any combination of the rods and reels mentioned until you have to have the next one and the next just like most of us. My shop is a testimony to tackle addiction it gets us all
Rick Howard reply :
I can't advise anyone how to or not to spend their money. I fished with $50 combo setups for years. Never once did a fish complain about my elcheapo rig. Only recently have I spent any extra money on my rod and reel. Yup, things are a bit smoother and they may last longer, however, it has not yielded me any extra fish. I am not discounting those that spend the extra money on rods and reels. I have a rack full of nice equipment now. When I was younger and funds were tighter, I would rather spend my money on the expendables so I could keep fishing.
Jeff H reply :
On 10/9/2015 at 10:28 PM, roadwarrior said:I want reels that are VERY user friendly and perform
flawlessly.
Pinnacle, right? 
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