Rods 2024
PondBoss reply :
To spend or not to spend, that is the question.
In all seriousness though, is there really a huge difference in rods? I understand differences in flex and all that, but is there really a huge difference between a $25 rod and one that costs $100 or $200? I just don't see the difference. I know the difference between bites and when my bait bumps into cover, if that is the selling point for expensive rods then do I really need to spend the extra? I'm looking for someone to convince me that it is worth while, or someone to convince me it is smoke and mirrors.
BASSclary reply :
You can dicyfer (spelling?) between your cover, and tell exactly what your bait is touching/going over, etc, and feel the lighter biters.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
Is there a difference between a 25 dollar rod and a 100/200 dollar rod? Yes. You'll be getting a rod that has better components, one that should last far longer, and usually a far better warranty. Other benefits will be a rod that is more sensitive, generally they will have better blank actions. Most cheap rods are just that, cheap. They aren't made with serious fishing in mind. Part of the enjoyment of using nicer rods is just having them. They can be much more comfortable to use for longer periods. Plus tackle junkies like to collect rods.
That being said, if you're using a 25 dollar rod and catching fish, who cares. The fish can't tell whether you're using a cane pole or a 500 dollar rod. All that matters is that you enjoy what you're using.
Aluma-Bass reply :
maybe try FISHING with someone elses high end rods...i think you will def tell a difference!! You wont know till you fish one...not just hold one in the store. 
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
You get what you pay for up to a point, then hit the point of diminishing returns. On a production rod, that is at about $250. At this point, I suggest considering a custom build to maximize your investment. Higher grade components and materials make a rod lighter, stronger, and more sensitive. Sure you can catch fish with an inexpensive rod, but you don't know what you're not feeling because you're not feeling it.
Wammiee reply :
Really depends on your amount of fishing and how hardcore you intend to be. People who's main hobby is fishing tend to spend more just like in another sport of interest. If its just an activity you have when your bored than cheaper rods will do. All rods catch fish, but to increase enjoyability more expensive rods can do that for you. Hold something like a Cherrywood next to a Gloomis and you should notice an easy difference. A $75.00 St. Croix Triumph is kindof a taste of both.
boystcroix reply :
There is definetly a difference in a $25 rod compared to a $100 up rod. DVT is right though at a certain point the differences are subtle. Spend what you can afford and what you can justify for this pastime. I know alot of guys who catch alot of fish on cheap rods
Sam reply :
Yes.
And there are different types of rods for different applications.
However, a 6'6" medium heavy baitcaster or spinning rod will take care of 90% of your fishing activities. 
A-Rob reply :
On 4/7/2011 at 5:20 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:You get what you pay for up to a point, then hit the point of diminishing returns. On a production rod, that is at about $250. At this point, I suggest considering a custom build to maximize your investment. Higher grade components and materials make a rod lighter, stronger, and more sensitive. Sure you can catch fish with an inexpensive rod, but you don't know what you're not feeling because you're not feeling it.
I agree.
May I add....I feel b/c of competition you can get a solid rod for a reasonable price. Its shouldn't be so black and white with $25 or $500. Get a quality rod for $100 if you don't want to spend $200....my point is find the balance you are happy with. I fish ~$100 rods for the most part (with the odd splurge), for my budget and my fishing it is good enough. Would I go with a $250 rod if money was no factor? Hell ya.
WanderLust reply :
On 4/7/2011 at 6:25 AM, Sam said:Yes.
And there are different types of rods for different applications.
However, a 6'6" medium heavy baitcaster or spinning rod will take care of 90% of your fishing activities.
Big fan of the 6'8 MH fast action rods, I have (3) so far. 
Powell, Shimano and Abu make great products in the $100-150 range. I have a few Compre's, a Powell Max and a Verdict. The Verdict is still out on the Verdict. Maybe Dobyns Savy would have been a better choice.
G Loomis GLX BCR803 was worth every penny I paid for it. Of course I bought it used.
St. Croix Avid AVC70MHF was another great investment.
Next on the list is a Dobyns Champion for heavier jigs... Just have to see what all the fuss is about.
Chris at Tech reply :
You say that you "just don't see the difference". Does that mean you've fished more expensive rods, but you don't feel any difference over your $25 rod? If so, then good for you.
If not, you should try to get your hands on a higher-end rod to fish with to see how it feels to you. I think you'll be amazed.
PondBoss reply :
On 4/7/2011 at 8:02 AM, Chris at Tech said:You say that you "just don't see the difference". Does that mean you've fished more expensive rods, but you don't feel any difference over your $25 rod? If so, then good for you.
If not, you should try to get your hands on a higher-end rod to fish with to see how it feels to you. I think you'll be amazed.
I have not been able to try any "expensive" rods. Will be going on a guided trip though in a couple of weeks and should get to use some pretty high end stuff, so who knows. I tend to think it's more Indian than arrow though.
ChiCityBasser reply :
I've fished crankbaits for a year on a cheap Daiwa D-Force as my crankbait rod and yes I caught fish but I couldn't tell what the lure was hitting. This year I switched to a Cabelas Prodigy rod which normally retails for $100 but I got it on sale for $60 and there is a big difference in the sensitivy and being able to tell what my lure is doing and hitting.
Yes I caught fish before but now I can feel things I wasn't feeling before and I didn't break the bank on the rod and got better components, a better warranty and a more sensitive rod.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The difference is very noticeable if you get the chance to fish one. There's lots of really nice rods for around $100.
Grey Wolf reply :
On 4/7/2011 at 10:37 AM, Bluebasser86 said:The difference is very noticeable if you get the chance to fish one. There's lots of really nice rods for around $100.
X 2!!!!!!!!!!!
Fishohio reply :
I had the same take on (Better) rods as you do PB. I fished with Abu super 7's for years. Always made fun of my buddy's saying I don't need high dollar rods to catch fish! Then one trip I pick up his old falcon rod. It was lighter more comfortable, and like said before more sensative. So after addmitting that MAYBE there is something to owning a higher end rod I found a 6'9 MH F LTA for 100$.I was blown away my first trip. You can feel the lighter strikes, that spongy feeling BIG bass always tend to have on the strike. My hook up percetage went way up as did the amount of bites I noticed that you just don't feel on 25$ rods.(Expecially in deep water) So yes there is a difference. On your trip you will fell the differece yourself
scbassin reply :
I fish 175 to 250 days a year & use custom rods & light weight high end reels. There is a big difference in the sensitivity between a $25 & a higher end rod. The light weight helps me with fishing elbow & wrist. The more sensitive the rod the lighter bite you can feel. Now with that being said if you fish to just relax rods like a Shimano Compare would be fine. They are a good rod for $100.
FishinDaddy reply :
If you fish a couple times a year for a couple of hours, it makes no difference at all.
If you spend 20 hrs a week on the water like I do, it makes a world of difference.
A $25 dollar rod will catch fish.
A $100 dollar rod will detect way more light bites.
A $200 dollar rod lets you fish all day without fatigue setting in and causing you to miss the light bites.
Any rod over $200 is probably a waste of money for me and you unless you just want one.
PondBoss reply :
Fished today with a friends Tessera (spelling) Skeet Reece rod. It was nice, but nothing seriously more noticeable or better than my $23 Quantum Torsion from Wal-Mart. The main difference was length. My $23 rod is 6'6 and the Tessera is 7'2. It may have been a shade more sensitive, but I'm pretty sure that has to with the tip being longer and thinner. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me it seems like the reason people swear by expensive stuff is so they can justify the purchase.
WanderLust reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 11:36 AM, PondBoss said:It may have been a shade more sensitive, but I'm pretty sure that has to with the tip being longer and thinner. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me it seems like the reason people swear by expensive stuff is so they can justify the purchase.
LOL WUT? Quality of the blank is the reason it felt more sensitive. I'm not a huge fan of that rod but my friend has one and its quite sensitive especially when fished for its intended design.
In the case of rod quality, you get what you pay for up to a certain price point.
Compare your $23 stick with say, a $79 Vendetta or Compre... I would be surprised if you thought the same thing.
vapredhunter reply :
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hugh difference 
BassThumb reply :
One of the main advantages of using higher quality rods is that they are more crisp, and that allows for longer and more accurate casts. Better casts will always result in more and bigger fish.
PondBoss reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 11:49 AM, WanderLust said:LOL WUT? Quality of the blank is the reason it felt more sensitive. I'm not a huge fan of that rod but my friend has one and its quite sensitive especially when fished for its intended design.
In the case of rod quality, you get what you pay for up to a certain price point.
Compare your $23 stick with say, a $79 Vendetta or Compre... I would be surprised if you thought the same thing.
Like I said "MAYBE" my $23 rod has a IM6 blank, don't really know exactly what that means, but it says it. Also have a rod with an IM8 blank, bought as a combo 6 years ago for $50 now sells for $75. The $17 rods I use honestly feel very solid too, no idea on there blank make up.
SirSnookalot reply :
Only addressing the issue relating to how I fish. The vast majority of time I do not need super sensitive stick as I'm casting and the strikes are significant, however I do prefer a rod rather than a broom stick. I won't get into brands but with that said I do not break the bank, for me I see no reason to.
Not that this is the first time I've done this, as I speak I have purchased 3 rods for some offshore use from $50-$150, so far the $ 50 rod has gained favor over the other 2, in a few days I 'll make my final decision and the return the others, a good idea to leave the cellophane wrap on the handles.
Grey Wolf reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 12:33 PM, PondBoss said:Like I said "MAYBE" my $23 rod has a IM6 blank, don't really know exactly what that means, but it says it. Also have a rod with an IM8 blank, bought as a combo 6 years ago for $50 now sells for $75. The $17 rods I use honestly feel very solid too, no idea on there blank make up.
Ignorance is a blessing sometimes. 
bigbassctchr101 reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 11:36 AM, PondBoss said:Fished today with a friends Tessera (spelling) Skeet Reece rod. It was nice, but nothing seriously more noticeable or better than my $23 Quantum Torsion from Wal-Mart. The main difference was length. My $23 rod is 6'6 and the Tessera is 7'2. It may have been a shade more sensitive, but I'm pretty sure that has to with the tip being longer and thinner. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me it seems like the reason people swear by expensive stuff is so they can justify the purchase.
IMO i don't think these skeet reese rods should be labeled as a higher class rod. Yes they do cost more, and yes I do have a couple. But I do not believe they are extremely higher quality than a cheap rod. WAL MART sells these rods too (online), but if you take away the 25 dollar yellow paint job, you only have a rod that is about $65 dollars. Compare another "higher end" rod. I think you'll notice a difference in a rod that is, $25, $85, $105, and $150-$180. You'll find subtle differences each step you go up.
Chris at Tech reply :
Pondboss -- what are you fishing with? Bottom contact baits like jigs and worms, or moving baits? For moving baits you're likely to not notice the difference as much. But the different should REALLY become apparent for bottom contact baits.
SirSnookalot reply :
Generally speaking the more advanced fisherman uses a better, more sensitive rod, but imo those are the anglers that need it less, they know how to recognize bites. A less experienced fisherman in my mind who is serious about fishing should obtain a good midrange priced rod and reel. There is a lot to be said about fatigue using heavier cheaper gear, oldtimers like myself remember fishing all day long with heavy clumsy gear and never getting tired, but light is nice.
PondBoss reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 11:14 PM, Chris at Tech said:Pondboss -- what are you fishing with? Bottom contact baits like jigs and worms, or moving baits? For moving baits you're likely to not notice the difference as much. But the different should REALLY become apparent for bottom contact baits.
I fish mainly jigs and plastics.
Also to address some others, I fish almost everyday during the season.(almost 365 in OK) I can't remember one time that I've ever wondered if I was getting a bite or if I was hitting cover. I will say though that I grew up with a swimming pool and would spend hours flipping baits and bouncing them off chairs or whatever else I could throw in there so I could learn the difference.
WanderLust reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 11:48 PM, PondBoss said:I fish mainly jigs and plastics.
Also to address some others, I fish almost everyday during the season.(almost 365 in OK) I can't remember one time that I've ever wondered if I was getting a bite or if I was hitting cover. I will say though that I grew up with a swimming pool and would spend hours flipping baits and bouncing them off chairs or whatever else I could throw in there so I could learn the difference.
If it works for you that's great. That being said, I gotta go:
My new Dobyns Champion will be here soon! 
ChiCityBasser reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 11:48 PM, PondBoss said:I fish mainly jigs and plastics.
Also to address some others, I fish almost everyday during the season.(almost 365 in OK) I can't remember one time that I've ever wondered if I was getting a bite or if I was hitting cover. I will say though that I grew up with a swimming pool and would spend hours flipping baits and bouncing them off chairs or whatever else I could throw in there so I could learn the difference.
If it's working for you I wouldn't change and if it's putting fish on the hook you are ahead of the game. My most expensive rod is the Cabelas XMLTi which retails for $189 (last years model) but it is also my least used rod in my arsenal. My Xml, Prodigy and Magtouch rods spend more time on the water and are mid priced rods all caught on sale and all better than what I was previously using. I fish mainly moving baits like crankbaits and my prodigy rod is way ahead of my daiwa d force but I didn't break the bank and don't consider it high end either. There are always sales to get into a better rod and that's how I've taken advantage of getting the best rods for me to catch fish.
Grey Wolf reply :
After all is said and done you're still going to use the cheaper rods and that is great for you , so fish on dude. 
linehand reply :
I am in the minority here. I don't use high price rods. I have and went back to old faithful ugly sticks. My opinion they have the best feeling with a good backbone and are cheap. I was comparing one the other evening next to a 120 dollar rod in my garage ugly stick flex and sensitivity other rod broke in 3 pieces. I bought my first one in 1984. It is still intact but retired.
PondBoss reply :
On 4/8/2011 at 7:04 PM, Grey Wolf said:Ignorance is a blessing sometimes.
If I'm so ignorant. why don't you explain it. Otherwise you have made a completely "ignorant" post.
JacobK reply :
It's like getting to test drive a Ferrari and going back to a Geo Metro. They both can get you from point A to point B but the Ferrari will run circles around it.
If you're just fishing for fun then a $25 dollar rod will get the job done. If you want to fish tournaments or clubs where theres money on the line then of course you'd want the best you can get your hands on. Some people just do it because it's there hobby and they're enthusiasts who enjoy having nice stuff. Some might not be able to justify a Steez or Loomis set up but to each his own.
Grey Wolf reply :
On 4/9/2011 at 12:44 PM, PondBoss said:If I'm so ignorant. why don't you explain it. Otherwise you have made a completely "ignorant" post.
PM sent !!!!!!!! 
WanderLust reply :
On 4/9/2011 at 2:06 AM, linehand said:I am in the minority here. I don't use high price rods. I have and went back to old faithful ugly sticks. My opinion they have the best feeling with a good backbone and are cheap. I was comparing one the other evening next to a 120 dollar rod in my garage ugly stick flex and sensitivity other rod broke in 3 pieces. I bought my first one in 1984. It is still intact but retired.
Surely ye jest? I have (3) Ugly sticks... Trolling and my ultra-lite.
If you use technology correctly, it can make you a better fisherman.
The Rooster reply :
Dude, did you seriously break a $120 rod in a garage test?? An Ugly Stik is going to outbend any rod out there, I'd never test bend of a rod by what my Uglies will do.
That said, I love my Uglies and my Shimano Compres. I fish them side by side for different reasons.
jeb2 reply :
I had a lot of trouble spending $200 on my first high end stick. I was in the store for hours comparing rods, talking to sales folks, etc. I finally talked myself into it (Loomis Shakey Head spinning rod). My fishing success immediately took a big step up. I was fishing the same water, with the same baits, with the same partner in the back of the boat. Before buying that rod, we were about even in fish count at the end of the day. But I started to steadily blow him away with the new rod. Like 4 to 1 or more advantage. It was really that dramatic. I realized I was setting the hook on fish he was never even feeling, or feeling too late.
I had no problems at all spending more on higher end rods after that. I fish a lot of deeper, bottom contact baits. Shakey heads, jigs, rigs, etc. Usually in 20-40'. I personally think the added sensitivity is well worth it.
PondBoss reply :
Well, I ended up buying a Berkley Amp.($40) Does anyone have any info in this rod? 6'6 med, should be lighter and more sensitive than what I've been using. In theory it should be a slight upgrade. If there is a noticeable difference, I could see myself eventually wandering into a $100 rod.
Grey Wolf reply :
A decent cheaper crank bait rod. Too whippy for anything else.
lou304 reply :
my opinion is, buy the best rod, price wise, that you can afford. are the higher priced rods worth it? absolutely!. lighter so less fatiguing, more sensitive, better casting accuracy(which I honestly thought was bull@#$% until I experienced it) better warranty, and the satisfaction of owning and using a fine piece of equipment.
Like one of the other guys said, a Ferrari and a Geo will get you from point A to B, but which is more enjoyable and fun? Once I bought my first Loomis IMX I was sold. Up until that point I thought a good reel was more important.
jamarkwe reply :
Would you rather walk 5 miles in pair of prison shoes or a pair of New balance?
It is really all about what kind of fishing your doing and how much...Fish what you like and enjoy...
You only live once...now go live it
clayton86 reply :
I used to fish cheaper rods and caught fish. this year i baught a veritas and its like im actualy in the water feeling what my lure feels. it is crazy sensative and am in love with it im saving to buy a few more to boot all my other rods. i handed my veritas to my nephew to try and hes a walmart only guy so most of his stuff is cheaper and he was amazed how much you could feel. befor i could just tell either rock or grass now i can feel if that rock has a crack in it of if its just pea gravel etc.
senile1 reply :
On 4/9/2011 at 2:06 AM, linehand said:I am in the minority here. I don't use high price rods. I have and went back to old faithful ugly sticks. My opinion they have the best feeling with a good backbone and are cheap. I was comparing one the other evening next to a 120 dollar rod in my garage ugly stick flex and sensitivity other rod broke in 3 pieces. I bought my first one in 1984. It is still intact but retired.
You mention the flex and sensitivity of the Ugly Stick. An Ugly Stick is more flexible than anything else out there, but that is one of the reasons why they are much less sensitive. Stiffer fibers tend to transmit more vibrations to the anglers hand while a flexible rod tends to absorb more vibration.
linehand reply :
It's all about personal preference. I have used high and low end rods. I have been out fished by decent anglers with high end rods and have out fished decent anglers with lower end gear. If you spend too much time worrying about brands. You are not spending enough time wetting your line. I can miss just as many bass as the next guy.
PondBoss reply :
Just got my AMP and it's super cool. I'm really impressed at how light it is and the way it feels in my hand. Took it to a local pond to test it out for a few casts and caught fish on my first 2 casts. (Hopefully a sign of things to come) Also was really impressed how the rod loads up for casting, and noticed extra distance with less effort. If they just had a 7' heavy I think I'd have everything I needed. Good job Berkley on a pseudo high end rod at a low price.
OHIO reply :
On 4/7/2011 at 5:10 AM, SoFlaBassAddict said:That being said, if you're using a 25 dollar rod and catching fish, who cares. The fish can't tell whether you're using a cane pole or a 500 dollar rod. All that matters is that you enjoy what you're using.
Couldn't agree more. If you don't feel like you need them, don't buy them.
VolFan reply :
A $200 rod can't substitute for experience. If you or I have been fishing the same Quantum for a few years and know exactly what that rod feels like when X happens, then we're better off than someone with a $500 rod and 3 hours fishing it. I't more or less a moot point on most things except bottom contact baits, and even then experience will outweigh gear quality. Do what works for you, and what you enjoy. I've never had a fish check my equipment before.
PondBoss reply :
On 4/16/2011 at 10:12 PM, VolFan said:A $200 rod can't substitute for experience. If you or I have been fishing the same Quantum for a few years and know exactly what that rod feels like when X happens, then we're better off than someone with a $500 rod and 3 hours fishing it. I't more or less a moot point on most things except bottom contact baits, and even then experience will outweigh gear quality. Do what works for you, and what you enjoy. I've never had a fish check my equipment before.
I'm glad someone feels the same way I do. Where were you when I was being accosted by the rod snobs? lol To be honest it was hard for me to justify spending $40 on my AMP and $40 on the Lightning I got just yesterday. That being said, I'm glad I did. Just hard to believe that $ outweighs experience.
Grey Wolf reply :
:
On 4/17/2011 at 11:22 AM, PondBoss said:I'm glad someone feels the same way I do. Where were you when I was being accosted by the rod snobs? lol To be honest it was hard for me to justify spending $40 on my AMP and $40 on the Lightning I got just yesterday. That being said, I'm glad I did. Just hard to believe that $ outweighs experience.
Who accosted you ????????? 
PondBoss reply :
It was a joke, or did you not figure that out?
VolFan reply :
"Where were you when I was getting accosted by the rod snobs?"
I was getting more experience.
Don't get me wrong, I have a $300 Daiwa Ciello that I got for $100, and that thing is niiiiiiiice to fish, but I enjoy fishing with my 6 ft med shakespeare Platinum spinning rod just as much, and I'm not afraid to break it.
PondBoss reply :
On my trip to Table Rock this weekend I went to the Original Bass Pro Shops, sweet store! The even sweeter store though is next door. (The Bass Pro outlet store) Got 2 Vendetta rods for $40 each Now I have extra rods, lol
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