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whats more important? a good reel or a good rod? 2024


fishing user avatarNewAngler reply : 

i ran over my good set up about a month ago with my car. i'm dead *** broke and my anniversery is coming up and wanted to know which is more important to have? money is tight, and i truly dont want to spend more than $100, so my question is:

if you had UP TO $100 to spend on a rod, or a reel, and paired with a decent >$50 opposite.

if you have old stuff you wouldnt mind getting rid of for around this, please PM. NOTE:i am not asking to freebies: i will pay.


fishing user avatarbigtimfish reply : 

Reel


fishing user avatarDINK WHISPERER reply : 

IMO, it depends on what you are using it for. If you will mainly fish contact lures such as jigs, t-rigs etc where sensitivity is a must, than you really do want the best rod you can afford.


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

Since a reel is a mechanical device with many moving parts, some of which, the drag for instance, are critical, I'd put my priority on the reel.

The best rod in the world is worthless if teamed with a troublesome reel.

A rod will be pretty much consistant.  It may not be as light, or be as sensitive, but it will perform the same, under the same conditions.

A troublesome reel will not.


fishing user avatarStasher1 reply : 

If money is tight, I'd be looking for a spinning setup and not a baitcaster. You'll get better performance out of a spinning reel in the $50-$60 range than a similarly priced baitcaster IMHO, which would leave you more money to put into the rod.

I've never used either one, but I believe $150 would get you a Pflueger President and a St. Croix Mojo spinning rod. Good looking reliable gear that gets pretty good reviews. Spool it up with the 30# braid of your choice and you'd be ready for just about anything.


fishing user avatarNBR reply : 

If you are talking a spinning outfit then I'd go with the rod. If it is a baitcaster question I think a lot is your skill level. If your skill level is high I'd still go with the rod but if the bait caster skill level is average to low then I'd go with the reel.

Both the above are affected by what you want to do with the rig!


fishing user avatarislandbass reply : 

None of the above. Take that $100 and spend it on your wife. That's just me.  Now if this $100 is on top of the $$ you have allotted for your anniversary, then if it's a technique that demands sensitivity, spend more on the rod.

If not, then put more on the reel.  I think you can get more spinning reel for the buck than a casting reel. For example, a $79 sahara is a whole lot of reel for the money but a $79 baitcaster, forget it for an LP.


fishing user avatarskunked_again reply : 

rod.

all the way.


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 

HEY: Spend the 100 on your wife the

PM MEMBER SHARKBITE; your rod and reel is packaged all he needs is your Address to send it to you 8-)


fishing user avatarEKYbasser reply : 

Depends on what you're using it for, like others have said. Crankbaits/spinnerbaits = Reel. Worms, jigs = Rod.

Also, the advice about your wife was right on!


fishing user avatarBass Pro reply : 
  Quote
IMO, it depends on what you are using it for. If you will mainly fish contact lures such as jigs, t-rigs etc where sensitivity is a must, than you really do want the best rod you can afford.

^What he said


fishing user avatarFishing Rhino reply : 

One more thought, rod vs. reel.

How many casts do you make per fish hooked, on average?

Which will you notice more on the retrieve, the feel of the rod, or the feel of the reel?


fishing user avatarSharkbite reply : 
  Quote
HEY: Spend the 100 on your wife the

PM MEMBER SHARKBITE; your rod and reel is packaged all he needs is your Address to send it to you 8-)

Yes PM sent Mooks


fishing user avatarGeorgia Jeff reply : 

I would rather have a nice rod, especially for fishing worms, jigs, etc. where feeling the pickup is important.  You can get a decent Bass Pro Shops reel for $50 or so that will last you a few years.  They won't last as long as a more expensive reel but they will do.


fishing user avatarcart7t reply : 

PM sent.  


fishing user avatarsteezy reply : 

The ROD !

I can put a $99 (or less) reel on either my steez or loomis glx rods and it would be awesome but if I put my steez or shimano core 50 reels on a $99 (or less) rod it would just be ok (or so so).


fishing user avatarBig Tom reply : 

Personally, I think the rod is a tad more important but a good reel really completes the package and makes the setup very enjoyable.


fishing user avatarThe_Natural reply : 

Rod....it's not even close really.  Give me $400 to spend on a combo, and I'll mount a Citica E on a GLX.  


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

I have a different take. The rod is more important for "catching",

but the reel is what makes "fishing" fun! Trouble free casting ,

smooth retrieve and a drag you can always depend on is the

ticket. On average, reels are 2/3 the cost of my combinations.

8-)


fishing user avatarsteezy reply : 
  Quote
I have a different take. The rod is more important for "catching",

but the reel is what makes "fishing" fun! Trouble free casting ,

smooth retrieve and a drag you can always depend on is the

ticket. On average, reels are 2/3 the cost of my combinations.

8-)

Thats an excellent point RW, if it doesn't feel good in your hand and function properly the fishing experience will not be fun no matter what the rod.  However, a good rod is hard to beat. 8-)


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 

Wow: this kid is struggeling to put a 100 bucks together and we have folks talking Steetz and Loomis, a big help to this young man :-?


fishing user avatarMitchIsFishin reply : 
  Quote
Wow: this kid is struggeling to put a 100 bucks together and we have folks talking Steetz and Loomis, a big help to this young man

x2.

Don't understand it either, but you know what happens when 'brands' are mentioned................


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 
  Quote
Wow: this kid is struggeling to put a 100 bucks together and we have folks talking Steetz and Loomis, a big help to this young man :-?

The question is "What's more important, rod or reel?"

Steezy was illustrating the point, that's all. If the question

were "What should I get for $100?" we have a few current

threads running, but my standard answer is ALWAYS:

Buy a house brand combination, ON SALE, from one of

the major retailers. My suggestion is to buy the best reel and

whatever rod comes with it. For an "all-around" set-up, that

would be 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action rod, baitcasting

or spinning rig.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1250565409

8-)


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 

Wasn't directed yur way. The young man has a rod and reel out in this mornings mail all is good in the hood 8-)


fishing user avatar.ghoti. reply : 

NewAngler, I have a deal for you.

I have a BPS Rick Clunn model rod. 7' Medium, worm/dropshot casting rod. And a Energy Pt reel. 6.3:1 2007 year model.

I don't use either one.

Send me 30 bucks to cover the shipping costs, and they're yours.

The only hangup will be my work schedule. I'm very busy right now, and may not be able to get to the post office until next weekend.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

WOW!

You guys are great...That's REALLY nice.

-Kent


fishing user avatarSirSnookalot reply : 

Especially spinning ......THE ROD

A person can use a $100 or less reel and have as much worry free fun as someone using a Van Staal, the real fun comes from catching.


fishing user avatarSPEEDBEAD. reply : 
  Quote
Wasn't directed yur way. 8-)

I'm there with ya Muddy.  I know it wasnt toward Kent.

Some on here just can't pass up the opportunity to tell you what they own.... ::)


fishing user avatarStasher1 reply : 
  Quote
WOW!

You guys are great...That's REALLY nice.

-Kent

x2

The information contained on this site is great, but it's the people that really make this site shine. There are some really great folks here.  :)


fishing user avatarMitchIsFishin reply : 

Muddy, you are the MAN!

:)


fishing user avatarNewAngler reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
WOW!

You guys are great...That's REALLY nice.

-Kent

x2

The information contained on this site is great, but it's the people that really make this site shine. There are some really great folks here. :)

i couldnt agree more. you guys are truly amazing!! i hope work turns around and i can make it to pickwick. i owe you guys a round of drinks or your choice! thanks again, muddy and sharkbite!


fishing user avatarDOVERANGLER reply : 

the reel is more important than a rod. if you spend 50 60 bucks on a reel you can pick a rod up at walmart for like 15 bucks that works very well. the rod i get is the shakesphere ecursion it works very well i pair it with a bass pro reel and the set up works very well


fishing user avatarsteezy reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
Wasn't directed yur way. 8-)

I'm there with ya Muddy. I know it wasnt toward Kent.

Some on here just can't pass up the opportunity to tell you what they own.... ::)

Excuse me if I offended anyone, but I don't understand the problem with using the gear I own to illustrate a point. Its what I own and what I have experience using.

I never knock anyone for the gear they own and it doesnt affect my opinion of anyone. I'm not bragging but I am proud that I studied hard in school and worked my tail off throughout my career so I could earn a good income and be able to buy what I what. Everyone should be proud of their accomplishments and never feel the need to apologize for their success.

I know this is off topic but felt it necessary.


fishing user avatarNewAngler reply : 

apologies not needy, steezy. i'm grateful for everything i have, and hopefully can have a house on a lake with a boat and all the tackle and gear i shall choose. no offense taken here.


fishing user avatarSharkbite reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
  Quote
WOW!

You guys are great...That's REALLY nice.

-Kent

x2

The information contained on this site is great, but it's the people that really make this site shine. There are some really great folks here. :)

i couldnt agree more. you guys are truly amazing!! i hope work turns around and i can make it to pickwick. i owe you guys a round of drinks or your choice! thanks again, muddy and sharkbite!

Hey dude your welcome.  I don't drink but I would love to fish with ya some time.  Hopefully   We can fish at Pickwic if not maybe next year we can work another trip out to come near you.  I hope you enjoy the combo.


fishing user avatarskunked_again reply : 

this thread is like a handbook of this forum.


fishing user avatarsteezy reply : 
  Quote
apologies not needy, steezy. i'm grateful for everything i have, and hopefully can have a house on a lake with a boat and all the tackle and gear i shall choose. no offense taken here.

Keep working hard and you will get what you want!

PM Sent and happy anniversary to you and your wife !


fishing user avatarRoLo reply : 

The ROD is more important

With only a reel in your hand, you cannot cast a lure; but with only a rod in your hand, you can still retrieve the lure.

The flyrodder only needs a reel to store his line, and the canepole fishermen doesn't even have a reel.

For many decades, commercial fisherman pitched lures using a strong rod without any reel,

then heaved each fish over the gunwale directly into the hull box.

Roger


fishing user avatarGrey Wolf reply : 

I've got to go with the rod also. JMHO


fishing user avatarNewAngler reply : 

thanks for all your info and input guys. this site has really been truly a blessing for me!! thanks to you guys i will soon be back on the water with a respectable setup! you guys are truly amazing, i cannot stress that enough.


fishing user avatarSharkbite reply : 
  Quote
thanks for all your info and input guys. this site has really been truly a blessing for me!! thanks to you guys i will soon be back on the water with a respectable setup! you guys are truly amazing, i cannot stress that enough.

Thats rite Bass Resource Rocks!!!! :) 8-)


fishing user avatarThe_Natural reply : 
  Quote
I have a different take. The rod is more important for "catching",

but the reel is what makes "fishing" fun! Trouble free casting ,

smooth retrieve and a drag you can always depend on is the

ticket. On average, reels are 2/3 the cost of my combinations.

8-)

A nice reel definitely increases the pleasure of fishing....like a find automobile. However, a sensitive rod can actually improve your fishing....especially in deeper water. My first high end rod, an mbr844 IMX, improved my Carolina rig fishing 3 fold or more. All my deep water fishing improved with highly sensitive rods, including drop shot, deep jigs, etc. I can say with certainty that I catch more fish with higher-end rods.  


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

I agree, but I still REALLY like reels... ::)


fishing user avatarThe_Natural reply : 
  Quote
I agree, but I still REALLY like reels... ::)

Quit looking up my shorts!


fishing user avatarNewAngler reply : 

This thread turned out to be pretty nice.


fishing user avatarSharkbite reply : 

Personally I like rods better.  I have Trions and a president on a few rods that are worth more then the reels but I can use the reels and thats what counts.  Untimatley I think that it's a equal balance upon the anglers desgretion.  A rod and reel are a machine and to have a balanced machine you need parts that work well together.

Example:  You couldn't put V8 5.0 L engine on a little hondas tranny.  It would destroy it and will never hold the power that the motor is built for.   Just like putting a Micro Light reel on a offshore fishing rod and hooking up with a Tuna. It would never work.

That is how I feel about my rods and reels.  My new fav is 7' Med Hevy Johnny Morris with My President.  Its a beautiful combo.  I have so much distance and acuracy it unbeleivible


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
I have a different take. The rod is more important for "catching",

but the reel is what makes "fishing" fun! Trouble free casting ,

smooth retrieve and a drag you can always depend on is the

ticket. On average, reels are 2/3 the cost of my combinations.

8-)

A nice reel definitely increases the pleasure of fishing....like a find automobile. However, a sensitive rod can actually improve your fishing....especially in deeper water. My first high end rod, an mbr844 IMX, improved my Carolina rig fishing 3 fold or more. All my deep water fishing improved with highly sensitive rods, including drop shot, deep jigs, etc. I can say with certainty that I catch more fish with higher-end rods.  

Do you think that is possible, because you expect to. You pay attention more with eqipment you trust. There are a few fellas here who have many double digit bass and quite a few checks who do not use very high end rods

 How did Linder,Dance and Mann catch all those fish with basically cue stick old ABU and Fenwick Fibergalss Lunker Sticks?


fishing user avatarCatt reply : 

The Reel

I buy a reel expecting it to last a life time :)

I've won tournaments with Berkley Lighting Rods and I've won tournaments with G. Loomis GLXs.


fishing user avatarluz2blaze reply : 
  Quote
Rod....it's not even close really. Give me $400 to spend on a combo, and I'll mount a Citica E on a GLX.

Thats what I have, well two really! the rod  :)


fishing user avatarThe_Natural reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
  Quote
I have a different take. The rod is more important for "catching",

but the reel is what makes "fishing" fun! Trouble free casting ,

smooth retrieve and a drag you can always depend on is the

ticket. On average, reels are 2/3 the cost of my combinations.

8-)

A nice reel definitely increases the pleasure of fishing....like a find automobile. However, a sensitive rod can actually improve your fishing....especially in deeper water. My first high end rod, an mbr844 IMX, improved my Carolina rig fishing 3 fold or more. All my deep water fishing improved with highly sensitive rods, including drop shot, deep jigs, etc. I can say with certainty that I catch more fish with higher-end rods.

Do you think that is possible, because you expect to. You pay attention more with eqipment you trust. There are a few fellas here who have many double digit bass and quite a few checks who do not use very high end rods

How did Linder,Dance and Mann catch all those fish with basically cue stick old ABU and Fenwick Fibergalss Lunker Sticks?

Experience and talent overrides an expensive rod.  Sensing bites almost becomes a sixth sense after years and years of fishing, and you rely less and less on the rod.   A nice rod at this point is just a luxury.   I feel Elite series pros are good enough and experienced enough to use whatever their sponsor gives them.  However, I'm not as good as them.  I have my days, but at this point in my angling I will take all the help I can get  :)


fishing user avatarMuddy reply : 

Thanks, I was curious as to what your take was going to be. I saw that pic of your rod racks and wonered if you ever used any of the lesser rods ;D


fishing user avatarThe_Natural reply : 
  Quote
Thanks, I was curious as to what your take was going to be. I saw that pic of your rod racks and wonered if you ever used any of the lesser rods ;D

I always fear when I post any pics of my stuff that I will be looked at as a snob.  Honestly, the reason I think this hobby is so great is that money can't buy success in it.   Back in 2004, I owned all Shimano Compre's paired with BPS Prolight finesse reels.  I was very proud of them, and took great care of them as if they were $1000 combos.  I was in college, and I worked hard for every buck I had.  The Carolina rig is the only thing that my Loomis rods helped immediately, but I had just struggled with that rig in the past.  




2448

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