Rods Or Reels 2024

Fattygreens reply :

So which one is the worse addiction for you? Which are you willing to drop more money on? I know I can get the job done with wally world combos have been for years, but what fun is that?

new2BC4bass reply :

Reels by far. I've got 10 more reels than rods, and am considering adding another couple reels. This addiction is as bad as my sugar addiction.

rippin-lips reply :

My addiction can't be limited to just one choice. Usually when I order one the other isn't more then a few days behind it. I generally spend about $150 on a reel and about the same on a rod. My most recent addiction though is tungsten weights.

Ima Bass Ninja reply :

Reels for sure. I'll drop way more money on a nice shiny reel than a new rod

ww2farmer reply :

Neither, I am a deal and bargin shopper. I have assembled an arsenal of St Croix rods and Shimano reels mostly by buying used, or when stuff is on sale..

LgMouthGambler reply :

$200 for a reel, $100 for a rod. That seems to be the magic numbers for me.

Teal reply :

Agrees with WW2, (different brands tho).

BenBassmaster reply :

I'd spend way more on a reel than a rod.

kickerfish1 reply :

Probably reels although it depends on the outfit and intended application. I have alot of rods between $150-$330. My reels range from $100 to $500 for some pretty tricked out JDM Daiwa reels.

coak reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 9:50 AM, Teal said:
Agrees with WW2, (different brands tho).

deep reply :

Neither. Baits.

I'm doing fine chucking a $100 bait on a $100 reel clamped on a $100 rod...

Sodus Bay Scooter reply :

All of my rods are of the $100 caliber but I'd someday like to splurge on a $200-$300 one. I was reading something somewhere that most people drop more money on the reel when it actually should be the other way around. The idea being you get more advantages with a high quality rod than a high quality reel.

Do any of you feel that is the case? And do you know that and buy the reel anyway?

Quitlimpin reply :

My addiction does not discriminate....

Fattygreens reply :

While I am generally in the bargain shopper category I figured it would be interesting to see which one people preffered. Lately I have been looking into the custom rod stuff seems it would be of much more value in the long run and hold a little more sentimental/personal value as well.

Fattygreens reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 10:12 AM, deep said:
Neither. Baits.
I'm doing fine chucking a $100 bait on a $100 reel clamped on a $100 rod...

$100 bait!?!?

kickerfish1 reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 10:16 AM, Fattygreens said:
While I am generally in the bargain shopper category I figured it would be interesting to see which one people preffered. Lately I have been looking into the custom rod stuff seems it would be of much more value in the long run and hold a little more sentimental/personal value as well.

Custom rods are a good way to build you a VERY SPECIFIC rod to the exact specs you are looking for. I have priced custom rods but after getting some estimates of $350-525 I decided to pass. With the rod market full of many good choices for far less I decided to pass. Hopefully you can find what you want and at a reasonable price.

deep reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 10:20 AM, Fattygreens said:
$100 bait!?!?

Yeah, swimbaiting is kinda expensive...

kickerfish1 reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 10:13 AM, LAG ISSUEZ said:
All of my rods are of the $100 caliber but I'd someday like to splurge on a $200-$300 one. I was reading something somewhere that most people drop more money on the reel when it actually should be the other way around. The idea being you get more advantages with a high quality rod than a high quality reel.
Do any of you feel that is the case? And do you know that and buy the reel anyway?

Really it is going to depend. Here are a few examples...

1. A crankbait combo- take a BPS crankbait rod for say $80 and a good crankbait reel like a curado E5 or revo winch which both are going to be over $130+. This is an example of where a higher priced rod does not to be purchased and higher priced reel may be the better choice.

2. Jig outfit- While a good reel will be something most anglers look for you can do plenty with $100-$200 reel. However since this technique requires optimal sensitivity a better build and more sensitive rod would be a better buy to help maximize the success of this technique. As an example I use a curado 50e which I paid $160 for new on a dobyns dx 703 rod for jigs under 3/8oz.

Fattygreens reply :

I think it's great! It's all in fun, I have seen people give others a hard time for spending too much or too little for gear. That kind of attitude is ridiculous.

On 1/25/2013 at 10:33 AM, deep said:
Not impressed? How about a two-fifty bait then? Baits catch fish, as long as the rod can cast and fish the bait, and the reel can fight.and reel the bass in...

papajoe222 reply :

For me, it's reels. I'll dump $200 on a reel, but wouldn't consider looking at, let alone spending that much on a rod. Don't get me wrong, I have more rods (21) than reels (14), but the least expensive reel that I actually use cost me more than the majority of rods I use.

aavery2 reply :

For me it all depends on the technique that I am building the setup for. Moving techniques can be fished with a less sensitive rod than bottom contact techniques. My spending is based on what I enjoy and nothing else, I could care less what someone else uses or what they think about what I use. I have rods that cost 400-500 dollars and I have rods that cost a lot less, I have reels that cost 300 -400 dollars and I have reels that cost a lot less. This is a sport that anyone can enjoy and there are levels for everyone, get in where you fit in.

Arv reply :

Throw me in with the bargain hunters as well. I am, however, more inclined to drop a larger portion of my money on a rod though.

nwmike reply :

rods for sure and line.line is my spending addiction its the one thing I really like to play around with.

BassinB reply :

im kind of a reel guy too.. usually i go with a 200-250 reel and a 100-130 rod. I don't know why, maybe because I don't have that super specialized delicate feeling ability but I have a harder time noticing the difference in quality between a $125 rod and a $250 rod compared to noticing the difference in quality between a $125 reel and a $250 reel. Just my .02 though.

loodkop reply :

I like to think of my tackle addiction as a culling process. I am constantly trying to upgrade rods/reels/lines and lures to what I feel is the best for me. At this stage I feel I have found my spinnerbait combo but feel my main jig rod might benefit from an upgrade. I am only starting out on the jerkbait and square bill journeys ( accompanied by our trusted friend the bait monkey) and look forward to learning what will suit my needs and expectation the best. To the OP, at this stage I have more invested in reels but the rods are starting to catch up.

War Eagle 44 reply :

I have more high dollar reels than I do rods, I feel the point of diminishing returns is reached faster with rods. Having said that, the reels and rods I use the most are Citica E's and Powell Max series. Here the rods cost more than the reels, but the majority of the time my reel costs more than my rod. Case in point, one of my favorite crankbait combos is a GLoomis CBR 845 with a Calcutta TE DC mounted on it. Here the reel is double the price of the rod. The combo I have that has the biggest disparity between reel and rod is my "pond" combo (I call it that because it's the combo I always throw in the bed of my pickup and go pond hopping) which is a Chronarch B 101 mounted on a Shimano Carbomax rod. Both I bought brand new, the reel at full MSRP of $269.99 and the rod on clearance at $19.99. Even at full MSRP these rods were only $79.99 for the most expensive one but I still like fishing with the combo. I run 40# Power Pro on it so sensitivity is never a problem. Braid, to me, is a great way to make a cheaper rod better.

Here's a pic of the combo, I use it ALL the time. I've had a lot of fun with it and if I break the rod one day, no big loss.

bmlum415 reply :

I seem to be the opposite of most people then, I'll spend 200-400 on a rod but about 150-200 on a reel

SirSnookalot reply :

My addiction is catching fish, I don't care what I'm using to catch them. This is far from the largest of season and I'm catching them on a $30 spinning reel. I don't need anything else and yes I'm having fun.

rockchalk06 reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 9:32 AM, Fattygreens said:
So which one is the worse addiction for you? Which are you willing to drop more money on? I know I can get the job done with wally world combos have been for years, but what fun is that?

I would sink more money into a reel than a rod. You can buy a 50 dollar Ugly Stick that will last longer than you will and be happy. Not as you would with a high end rod but it works and won't mess up.

As for the reel. If you scrimp on it, it will make a bad day even worse. Expensive line can add up fast. Constant back lash will ruin your line.

Bankbeater reply :

I rarely look at rods and reels when I go to the store. Cranks and plastics are another story.

KYntucky Warmouth reply :

I have an addiction to trying out new gear period but I tend to spend around 150-200 for both but I do alot of clearance and bargain shopping for the biggest part. I am a little more adventurous when it comes to rods and have a variety of different makes and models but with reels, I tend to stick with what I like. I have reels from Shimano, Daiwa, Pflueger, Quantum, and Abu, but I fish mainly the Shimano and Daiwas. My rods are another story; Daiwa, Damiki, e21, Pinnacle, Dobyns, Abu, Quantum, Shimano, Berkley, Powell, Castaway, St.Croix, BPS, Field & Stream, Fenwick, Lucky Craft, Tackle Industries...I think thats it.

skeletor6 reply :

It used to be reels until I got my hands on $300+ retail rods. Casting, on any reel then becomes very easy and the amount of feel you get with just about any line is off the charts. Cast 5'' weightless senkos with a $50 H20 Mettle and a $600 NRX 893c and you will see what I mean.

Really though, I would say diminishing returns begins as you go over $200 for rods and reels.

Maico1 reply :

I like both....Then again I like "the hunt".

JunkYard814 reply :

I don't have a rod over $110 although I'm slowly building my way up to them. My reels are around $150-$180, but usually purchased for much less as I visit Cabela's, BPS's and TW's almost daily and wait until something gets put on sale.

I should also add that I spend almost half the amount on my spinning reels than I do on casting reels. I am planning on putting a finesse soft plastics set up together and looking at a reel between $60-$80 and a rod between $150-$200.

upnorthbassin reply :

I've always been sort of a bargain shopper but I don't limit myself to one certain price range. If I can get a $300 rod for $150, I'll probably buy it. If I can get a $60 rod for $20 I'll probably buy that too. I like nice things but I'm no gear snob....I'll use it all as long as I like it.

38 Super Fan reply :

Yet another bargain hunter here, the retail of the rods and reels I use tends to run right around $200, but I always buy rods on sale and reels usually on eBay.

Mikey reply :

reels .......... although I just ordered a Mega-Bass rod.

thehooligan reply :

Im also a bargain shopper, if i see a rod or reel that ive wanted for awhile on sale most likely im getting it, lol. But, im pretty much 50/50 on rods and reels, i enjoy both and think they both complete the combo, so i want to pair the best reel with the best rod i can.

I found a cumulus at a great price and jumped on it, then i thought, i really want a nice reel to go with it. So after much reserching the sustain was the reel to go with, and thats my most expensive combo i own.

But, reel shopping is much easier for me, im pretty much 99% shimano spinning reels, rods are a different story, i like getting my hands on all of them and trying them out.... Lately though, ive been paying more attention to shimano rods as well...

war-eagle reply :

I'D say reels. My range is 90.00 to 150.00

On reels,and 80.00 to 100.00 for rods.

mnbassman23 reply :

Bargin shopper here too.. the E, TW, and BTD are my friends when it comes to buying most of my gear. I plan ahead of time and try to order my big purchase items when I know there will be sales.

In general I purchase reels in the 100-160$ range and my rods usually range from 80-200$. I never pay retail price though, for example I picked up my last rod, 190 retail, for 100 brand new shipped to my door. Good sales are out there if your patient and do some looking.

Than again, I have a 60$ spinning combo that I catch bass on with no problem..

new2BC4bass reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 4:00 PM, War Eagle 44 said:
I have more high dollar reels than I do rods, I feel the point of diminishing returns is reached faster with rods. Having said that, the reels and rods I use the most are Citica E's and Powell Max series. Here the rods cost more than the reels, but the majority of the time my reel costs more than my rod. Case in point, one of my favorite crankbait combos is a GLoomis CBR 845 with a Calcutta TE DC mounted on it. Here the reel is double the price of the rod. The combo I have that has the biggest disparity between reel and rod is my "pond" combo (I call it that because it's the combo I always throw in the bed of my pickup and go pond hopping) which is a Chronarch B 101 mounted on a Shimano Carbomax rod. Both I bought brand new, the reel at full MSRP of $269.99 and the rod on clearance at $19.99. Even at full MSRP these rods were only $79.99 for the most expensive one but I still like fishing with the combo. I run 40# Power Pro on it so sensitivity is never a problem. Braid, to me, is a great way to make a cheaper rod better.

Here's a pic of the combo, I use it ALL the time. I've had a lot of fun with it and if I break the rod one day, no big loss.

That is a very nice pond fish.

This is not directed to you, War Eagle. The question was which do you spend more money on, not how much. I have limited funds. It goes without saying that I look for closeouts and follow the for sale ads.

In the spirit of disclosure, my current least expensive outfit is a 6' MH Lightning ($17) with a Procaster 100HN ($30) both purchased new. My most expensive is a Daiwa Flip and Pitch rod with a Daiwa TD-Z 103HL Type R totaling $440 not counting line which is 55# Daiwa Samurai. Both purchased used.

I am much more willing to drop $225 on a used reel whereas $175 on a used rod has been a one-time purchase.

B@ssCrzy reply :

I spend more on reels. Huge difference between a cheap real and one in the $150-$200 range. Normally try and spend around $100 for my rods.

Darren. reply :

Reels...

Knightiac reply :

Definitely depends on the application for me. Bottom contact, ill be spending a little more on a rod than usual. If its just cranking, flukes or topwater, I will spend a little less.

flippin and pitchin reply :

I have a penchant for new stuff, not more stuff. My problem is, as equipment became better and "newer" my pile grew.

Maico1 reply :

On 1/26/2013 at 4:42 AM, flippin and pitchin said:
I have a penchant for new stuff, not more stuff. My problem is, as equipment became better and "newer" my pile grew.

I agree, that is my problem too.... It is that d**n technology that just does not quit..

tracker01 reply :

Bottom junk, I spend more on the rod, moving baits, I spend more on the reel.

SudburyBasser reply :

Neither, I save my addiction for lures. If I had answer I'd say reels -- though my maximum for that would probably be $150 (though in practice more likely $100) and I would spend a max of $150 for rods. When (and if) the next promotion comes I'll probably up that but until then I'm satisfied with the quality of the gear I have.

LuckyHandsINC. reply :

My five most expensive pieces of equipment are

NRX 893

Shimano Cumulus 7'1 MH

Revo MGX

DX 744

DX745

Looks like rods win.

shootermcbob reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 9:47 AM, ww2farmer said:
Neither, I am a deal and bargin shopper. I have assembled an arsenal of St Croix rods and Shimano reels mostly by buying used, or when stuff is on sale..

X 2

Toeshots reply :

I'm another guy who likes to look for deals. This winter I bought two St. Croixs - a 6'6" MH/M Premier Crankbait and a 7' MH/F Avid which qualified me for the free Rage Rod. Before they sent out my Rage, I called and did the Trade-Up on the Rage and for $20 extra they sent me a 7' M/F Avid instead. So I ended up with 2 Avids and a Premier for $340 which I thought was a great deal.

There is a local guy that sells higher-end used stuff so I will probably look to him and/or ebay for the reels to pair up with the rods.

I just don't like paying full retail when there are plenty of deals to be had out there, especially now since it's winter here in Chicago and there's no rush to get rigs ready to go.

skeletor6 reply :

On 1/25/2013 at 10:28 AM, kickerfish1 said:
Really it is going to depend. Here are a few examples...

On 1/25/2013 at 10:37 AM, kickerfish1 said:

1. A crankbait combo- take a BPS crankbait rod for say $80 and a good crankbait reel like a curado E5 or revo winch which both are going to be over $130+. This is an example of where a higher priced rod does not to be purchased and higher priced reel may be the better choice.

2. Jig outfit- While a good reel will be something most anglers look for you can do plenty with $100-$200 reel. However since this technique requires optimal sensitivity a better build and more sensitive rod would be a better buy to help maximize the success of this technique. As an example I use a curado 50e which I paid $160 for new on a dobyns dx 703 rod for jigs under 3/8oz.

For reference, I said rods, but Kickerfish brings up a good point. When you get to your cranking sticks and rods intended for moving bait purposes you can do just fine with many cheaper rods. You do not need all that extra feel and sensitivity, but you do want excellent castability and cranking consistency. So this technique is really geared more towards the reel than the rod. Good reason to spend more for the reel than the rod in this scenario.

On the otherhand,when you are talking bottom contact techniques, I say spend as much as you can absolutely afford. I quickly progressed from berkley lightning shocks all the way up to G. Loomis NRX's when I realized at each jump I made offered me more performance and sensitivity. Is it necessary to go that far, no, but the idea here is that you are fishing a technique where sensitivity is key to feeling the surface you are on, detecting structure, finding anomalies, and not to mention detecting strikes. Therefore, since the technique is geared more towards the rod, I will spend more on my rod in this scenario.

I will say that when you start climbing the ladder with rods it is hard to go back down that ladder.

On 1/26/2013 at 7:55 AM, LuckyHandsINC. said:
My five most expensive pieces of equipment are
NRX 893

Shimano Cumulus 7'1 MH

Revo MGX

DX 744

DX745

Looks like rods win.

I see we have some similar interests

roadwarrior reply :

Reel performance is what makes "fishing" fun.

Rods may be a little more important in the "catching" department.

For "value" I look to our Flea Market. Many of my rods and most of

my reels were purchased from members, both NIB and gently used".

Jig Meister reply :

I like the Vendetta rods, most people don't care for them I personally love them, I prefer Lews reels, I like to keep my combos to the 200-250 max range.

I would rather spend my money on my Kayak

If I had a job, and wasnt in school full time spending loan money (dont tell the wife) on fishing gear I would probably have all St. C rods Wisconsin pride !

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