Just my point of view 2024

Catt reply :

In recent months there has been posts asking to compare high dollar tackle to economically priced tackle; so this is my opinion on that subject.

The most common response for why high dollar tackle is superior is because You get what you pay for and this is a true statement.

Let me give y'all some insight on about this theory of You get what you pay for!

Being member of the ole school crowd I've witnessed many innovations come along that revolutionized this sport. As part of the ole school crowd I learned early on "People in life who are the happiest don't have the best of everything; they make the best of everything they have". In the mid to late 70s the sport of tournament bass fishing exploded across the entire nation with every weekend warrior believing they could compete. I've witnessed many friends lose wife, kids, jobs, house just to keep a truck, boat and tackle; all the while having just enough ability to run mid-pack.

I've caught bass up to 10 pounds and won a half a dozen tournaments with Lighting Rods.

What I try to instill in my students is to build confidence in your abilities first then you can determine what techniques are your strong suit and then buy accordingly. You will definitely get what you pay for and it really hurts when you buy a rod for a specific technique only to realize you don't like it.

Buy tackle that will get you on the water; Berkley, CastAway, American Rodsmith, All Star, Falcon Abu Garcia, Pflueger, or Quantum all have economically priced products capable of detecting, hooking, fighting, and landing bass.

When asked to make suggestions to students on tackle investments I have but one answer; invest in 2 mid-range depth finders 1 having GPS.

You can't catch em if you can't find em

mi_basser reply :

I totally agree with your view on this topic, I think that if you have the ability to find fish then the tackle to catch them is way over-rated. Don't get me wrong, quality is important, just buy quality that you can afford, don't go overboard charging a 500 dollar rod and reel set to a credit card, you can catch the same fish on a lot cheaper set up. A perfect example is my favorite rod and reel, a 7 foot BPS Graphite Series rod matched up with a Shimano Cariolis, all together a 100 dollar set-up.

Crestliner2008 reply :

Great post! I totally agree. And you know, sometimes the lower priced items are actually better suited - in some cases.

I really liked your "tackle investment" strategy. I've been saying that to folks around here for years. But I go one step further and tell them to "learn" their sonar above all else. Spend time with it and know what it is you are looking at. A truly invaluable tool.

Thanks again!

D4u2s0t reply :

in any industry, hobby, etc. I agree you get what you pay for. But I also feel like it's more about the person using the equipment than the actual equipment itself. Granted someone will do better with better equipment, but they will not do better simply because of the equipment if that makes sense. As an example, I do video for a living. I have a very expensive video camera and top notch equipment for my industry. But, I can take my parents $200 video camera and still make a great video out of it. If I gave my $15,000 setup to someone, it doesn't mean they'll make a nice video.

that being said, like anything, get the best you can afford. but you don't have to take out a 2nd mortgage to go fishing. I still use my broken $18 fishing pole,(it's not my main pole of course lol) and catch alot of fish on it. Learn the fundementals and practice the skills involved with what you're doing, and that's more important than what equipment you're using imo. You can have the best setup in the world, the nicest bass boat, the best fish finders, if you don't use them properly you won't be any better off than the person who is fishing off the dock with their crappy lil setup.

what it comes down to, is it's all about fun!

Fishing Rhino reply :

In the end, when all is said and done, the main factor in the equation boils down to the fisherman, himself, or herself.

I suspect that Catt has more expensive, and better gear than I do. I have no doubt that were we to switch gear, he'd still outfish me.

As he said, "People in life who are the happiest don't have the best of everything; they make the best of everything they have".

A "great" fisherman with mediocre equipment would still be a great fisherman.

The thing you can improve most, at no cost to you, is ............. you.

edit: I have no doubt that were we to switch gear, he'd still outfish me. Except when it comes to catching lobsters.

Dwight Hottle reply :

Fishing Rhino well said.

Catt reply :

The #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet.

I'm not saying that buying quality tackle would not help but buy according to your abilities. On a scale of 1 to10 I'm an absolute a 10 with plastics having mastered Texas Rigs, Carolina Rigs, Drop Shot Rigs, Wacky Rigs ECT. With crank baits I'm absolutely a 5 so it would not help my productivity to invest tackle specifically designed for crank baits; basic crank bait tackle is all I need. I understand the value of being versatile but I also understand I will never compete with David Fritts when it comes to crank baits.

Keep your tackle simple, functional, durable & dependable

WRB reply :

Fishing tackle is a lot like everyhing else; you pay for current state of the art. The question should be; do you need this years state of the art to catch bass? The answer is obvious; no! Will the state of the art tackle give me an edge over my competition? the answer to that lies more with your fishing skills, not your tackle. If you have equal skills, state of the art tackle may help a little, but keep in mind it's only state of the art top $$$ tackle for one year, until the next generation comes out.

The newest rod I own for example is 3 years old and I bought it this year as a close out item, new with full lifetime warranty, for 1/4th the original price, which was over $300. My reels are the same vintage and bought 5 of those 1/2 price when they were 1 year old.

I don't use the rod/reels that I caught nearly all my giant bass on anymore, they have been replaced with newer out dated state of the art tackle.

My advice; check out your local tackle shop for bargains on outdated state of the art tackle. With the economy being depressed there are a lots of excellent deals available at nearly the price you pay for mid range new tackle.

WRB

bhos reply :

Quote
"People in life who are the happiest don't have the best of everything; they make the best of everything they have".

This... and I only buy fishing gear/tackle if it's used or on sale. But, fishing is a hobby for me, not a profession. If you're fishing for money and already have skill, the monetary return on investment in the best/newest equipment and tackle is probably worth it, and so it is justified. Or if you're one of those who has the money and would not be happy with anything but the best regardless of functionality or cost/benefit, the expense might be worth it to you and that is all that matters (your happiness.) No one gets hurt if you pay more for nicer stuff.

Raul reply :

The newest hottest most modern most expensive state of the art tackle won 't make you a better angler if you are not, it ain 't magical.

You are an average angler ? you get the newest hottest most modern most expensive state of the art tackle then you 'll be an average angler with the newest hottest most modern most expensive state of the art tackle and that 's about how good it will get.

George Welcome reply :

I don't agree: buy the absolute best - Hummer to tow with: best Ranger, most expensive rods and reels, etc.

Once purchased I can absolutely guarantee that the best thing that you could do with all this new stuff is to send it to me to test out. ;D

Raul reply :

Quote
buy the absolute best - Hummer to tow with: best Ranger, most expensive rods and reels, etc.

That would be Redlinerorbert 's gear. ( s*t you not )

Fishing Rhino reply :

Quote
I don't agree: buy the absolute best - Hummer to tow with: best Ranger, most expensive rods and reels, etc.
Once purchased I can absolutely guarantee that the best thing that you could do with all this new stuff is to send it to me to test out. ;D

LOL. Another philanthropic mendicant.

I'm sure you'd "welcome" the opportunity to do just that.

Fishing Rhino reply :

It's funny how things pop into your mind when you're not thinking about them.

The topic of this thread, and the relative importance of better equipment prompted the following for your consideration.

This may be off topic slightly, but one area where technology has made the fishermen, particularly the less skilled, better, is the technology of lures, and their action in the water.

Back in the day, it took a lot of practice to impart the desired action to lures and plugs.

Today, with very little effort and practice, just about anyone can successfully fish baits like the Rage Tails. You can name countless others as well.

The "frog of choice" fifty years ago was an Uncle Josh pork rind, with a chunk of the pork left on for the body, and the tail filleted, leaving only the skin.

There was an art to rigging them and an even more difficult art of working them properly.

Today, you have Spro, Scum and a long list of froggy baits that make the process easier for all, with a lot less effort and study.

Uncle Josh had probably been around prior to the advent of the spinning reel, and baitcasters back then had to be cave man material compared to today's computerized stuff.

While the cream still rises to the top, the rest of us have been elevated in our "ability" to catch fish simply because of the technological advances.

I for one, am thankful for it.

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

i love my revos and they cost more then my c3,s but i can what i do best with my 70 doller c-3,s 25 yrs ago a c-3 was 40 bucks brand new now they have changed um. I dont catch anymore or less with my revos or c-3s its all about "MINDSET"

DINK WHISPERER reply :

I have a buddy who trys to fish with his wallet! He has a $40,000 boat and $35,000 truck, $1000 rod/reel set-ups etc, but can't catch a bass if his life depended on it! I have tried to help but of course, he knows everything about bass fishing already, LOL! I think serious anglers should strive to buy the best tackle they can afford and no more. But first take the time to learn to fish. GREAT POST

Blue Streak reply :

Expensive tackle will not make you a great fisherman. It takes time on the water and hard work. You can't buy experience.

cart7t reply :

If going out and spending $950 on a brand new rod and reel makes you feel like you'll catch more fish than I say have at it.

The reality is, you'll catch no more fish with it than an outfit costing a quarter that amount if you don't have the skills nor the ability to adapt and catch fish.

BenoBreath reply :

Catt: Great article !

Too bad I didn't read it, 20yrs. ago. ;D

Mottfia reply :

haha I have yet to be able to afford the good equipment but I agree with everyone else.

I'll be honest with you. I use the good ole Ambasseduer 5500 with a lightning rod that had its tip broken off a year back as my spinnerbait rod.

Why do I use it? I tell most people that I can't afford another one while in college but the truth is that I have been catching bass on that rod and reel for years and I'm just as accurate and soft as anyone I know with the blade. Its honestly all about time and practice with the equipment that makes the difference.

I believe you're right Catt. A depthfinder will take you much father than a $400 rod and reel combo

Mottfia

skunked_again reply :

i agree with Catt 100% i went through a faze of wanting top end reels but now im to the point id rather have good reels and the best rods i can buy.

in the end i think its more importain to be out there fishing than adding more crap to our bags of tricks.

Marshfisher reply :

I will agree that the "best" equipment isn't what catches the fish. On the other hand, if you're not careful, buying a lower end setup can be a discouraging experience. There is a point where tackle becomes pretty much junk and it's that area where it can make fishing more of a chore than fun. When people ask me, I just tell them get the best for what you can afford to spend and also look at how much you will us it. Mo use throwing down $100=$200 for a setup you'll only use once or twice a year. I have rigs that were relatively cheap and some that were (to me) pretty expensive.

Learn the basics first with less cost and once you learn that is when the bells and whistles make for a little of an advantage.

Fish Chris reply :

Well Catt, I agree on the part about rods and reels. Of course most of mine were from my sponsor at the time (Okuma) but even so, I don't need the most expensive stuff they make. Middle, or upper middle range is fine for me.

So, I'm talking about $70 to $100 rods, and $75 to $125 reels. Whether or not a guy thinks that is cheap or expensive, would be up to him. But that's what I use.

About fish finders though.....

I have 1 cheap ($125) portable Fish Eagle. Works fine for what it is. I pretty much always use it for Sturgeon fishing, because I like to watch them swim under my boat, while I'm anchored.

But for bass, I can find them just fine with my own two eyes. Sometimes I just come up on a spot, and they are already there. Other times they will follow a lure (especially swimbaits and wake baits) up to the boat.

And of course I almost never just blind fish down a bank trying to cover water. I jump from spot, to spot, on a map in my brain, which I develop over many trips, and sometimes, over many years of fishing that lake.

As for the cost of a fishing boat; Most of you have probably heard me say, my 14 ft aluminum is my "dream boat" for nearly all of my freshwater fishing. And "I'm not saying > it's good enough..... What I'm saying is, "It's absolutely "the best" boat at any cost, for my style of fishing, and it allows me to fish a LOT.... compared to a high-per bass boat which I could not afford to fish 1/4 as much + which is too big and bulky for me. With a boat like that, I'd feel like I was constantly getting into my own way ;-)

Peace,

Fish

Hammer 4 reply :

I do the best I can with what I have, my stuff isn't the best, nor the cheapest, but it's mine and I'm happy to be able to still fish.

I agree, what counts is between your ears, not the size of your wallet.

chief71 reply :

Quote
It's funny how things pop into your mind when you're not thinking about them.
The topic of this thread, and the relative importance of better equipment prompted the following for your consideration.

This may be off topic slightly, but one area where technology has made the fishermen, particularly the less skilled, better, is the technology of lures, and their action in the water.

Back in the day, it took a lot of practice to impart the desired action to lures and plugs.

Today, with very little effort and practice, just about anyone can successfully fish baits like the Rage Tails. You can name countless others as well.

The "frog of choice" fifty years ago was an Uncle Josh pork rind, with a chunk of the pork left on for the body, and the tail filleted, leaving only the skin.

There was an art to rigging them and an even more difficult art of working them properly.

Today, you have Spro, Scum and a long list of froggy baits that make the process easier for all, with a lot less effort and study.

Uncle Josh had probably been around prior to the advent of the spinning reel, and baitcasters back then had to be cave man material compared to today's computerized stuff.

While the cream still rises to the top, the rest of us have been elevated in our "ability" to catch fish simply because of the technological advances.

I for one, am thankful for it.

I totaly agree with this...I used to put a worm on a hook and throw it out, hoping to catch something. Then on a whim I purchase some newer soft plastics to play with (always wanted to learn how to fish plastics and swimbaits). I think because to level of the technology was increased it game me a little more confidence to practice and better my skills. JMO

Blue Streak reply :

If you look at the topic on the general forum about going back in time and giving up your modern equipment, You will see that a big choice is the knowledge each has gained. I caught as many fish on the old Fenwick graphite rods and round reels with mono line as I do now with more expensive, modern gear.

Eddie Munster reply :

Quote
"People in life who are the happiest don't have the best of everything; they make the best of everything they have".

The older I get, the more this statement resounds with me. I'm a basically content person. I don't *** what's on someone else's plate, or parked in their driveway or how big their house is. I also don't care who makes what money or who is married to who. I'm happy with my lot in life and know I'm living a blessed life even if it started out bad.

I'm more willing these days to shell out a few more bucks for quality and resisting the urge to go cheap. Chances are if I spend a little more, I'll take care of it better than I would if I went the cheap route. Growing up poor may make you frugal but it also makes you appreciate what you've spent your money on.

MitchIsFishin reply :

Catt, I agree completely. To me, there is a difference between really cheap gear, i.e. gear not worth buying and inexpensive, but quality rods and reels. I have lower end stuff, but it all works well & catches fish. I need no more. Often we have a problem defining need & want. I'd love a Zillion or a Calcutta 100 GTE, but I'm too cheap and I don't need it.

done reply :

Agree completely with ya here. I started out buying the lower end rod/reel combos (think my first one was from walmart). I have a Eagle Cuda 168 on what was originally an OOB 1446 jon.

I have been steadily moving up here and there. Pickinging up a reel and replacing that on the Walmart combo. Grabbing a decent rod, modified the jon w casting deck and electronics.

I have really been building my gear as a build experience. The cheap fish finder is fine though. I can see enough of the bottom to gauge depth and structure, then I just need to pay attention above water to find Bass.

I actually get entertained when I come in with my <$4k modified jon, and my cheaper gear with a full livewell and a daily catch total much higher than the guys with the high end boats and gear.

Don't get me wrong, I still have more left to learn than I have learned to date but experience, reading some books/articles, and sharing on this board have taken me farther than better gear ever did.

Muddy reply :

Thanks Catt; "between my ears" has become my mantra!

I found that I love a certain rod and reel combo, and that is all I own now. 2 in MH and 2 in Med, I stopped the constant upgrade fever, it was getting me no where. I learned how to use jigs last 2 seasons, and have read every post about structure and cover you and Matt have put up, among the most useful here'

Me and Bruce just purchased a Garmin 160 and my next few seasons will be spent using this in correlation to Perry's book. Just because it is older info,does not mean it is useless.I have made arrangements for a couple of members here that I fish with, to spend boat time getting some hands on experience with this unit.

Busy reply :

I'm a young guy. I got a lot more things to save up for than fishing equipment. That being said, I'd really feel like a moron if it cost more than $200 in one season to catch fish. I let myself spend ~$500 a year for all my outdoor sporting hobbies. This includes shotgun shells, lures, bait, rods, tents, camping supplies, etc. It can be done. I don't have tons and tons of tackle, but I've learned what works where. You can fish the same lure with a different technique instead of changing it out and trying to buy out Cabela's. Next year may be rough tho, my hunting dog is getting old at almost 10

Gear can't replace knowledge or experience. People have been catching fish since before graphite was discovered.

Sfritr reply :

You mean to tell me that I DIDN'T have to BUY all that stuff?????? Oh christ, my wife is gonna kill me......... I told her it was essential gear..... LOL

Great topic

D4u2s0t reply :

let me say this... friday i was out on the dock, fishing off the shore. 3 guys came down with their expensive rods, and fancy reels, and tackle boxes that looked like they could stock a store. I outfished all 3 of them combined on my broken $18 dollar rod/reel combo. I dropped my other pole in the lake a few days before, so I had to take out the "good one" lol. So that says something, and like it's been said before, the equipment does not make the person. Someone with a $200 dollar set of dunlop golf clubs can outdrive someone with their $1,000 custom made driver. Just like someone with their crappy little boat and mediocre fishing gear can outfish someone with the best there is. Moral of the story is having more money than someone else absolutely does not mean you're more skilled. just means you have more money.

hjerk24 reply :

Here's one for ya:

Buy 5 Barbie Rods at Walmart, put the line of your choice on each.

Fish a tourney, and see how you do....

If bet you could have a fun day, and get a lot of looks in the process.

InLikeFinz reply :

Saweet topic! This is why I visit every night.....and day. HeHe.

Paul Roberts reply :

OK this isn't bass but it's the same story...

Talk about the "magazine look"...when I fished for steelhead, a lot of guys would dress the part -so important to look like something they saw in a magazine: high tech waders, wading jacket, pocketed vest, fingerless gloves (cold or not), overly expensive graphite rod and the latest 'cool' looking reel. If the stuff was brand new you could bet they could read magazines better than water. (What was really something were the guys decked out the same way, but were snaggers -the guys that couldn't catch 'em so they snagged 'em!)

Anyway, I just had to get goofy sometimes amidst all that self indulgent SERIOUSNESS

During good conditions I used to like to take Snoopy for a float:

One day a guy came over after he saw ol Snoop go down for the 10th time and said in all seriousness: "I gotta try one of those. Where'd you get it?"

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

Quote
let me say this... friday i was out on the dock, fishing off the shore. 3 guys came down with their expensive rods, and fancy reels, and tackle boxes that looked like they could stock a store. I outfished all 3 of them combined on my broken $18 dollar rod/reel combo. I dropped my other pole in the lake a few days before, so I had to take out the "good one" lol. So that says something, and like it's been said before, the equipment does not make the person. Someone with a $200 dollar set of dunlop golf clubs can outdrive someone with their $1,000 custom made driver. Just like someone with their crappy little boat and mediocre fishing gear can outfish someone with the best there is. Moral of the story is having more money than someone else absolutely does not mean you're more skilled. just means you have more money.

More money then brains i always say .its still fun after all these yrs to outfish dudes with 100 thousand dollar setups ...Boat 50,000 ,truck 50,000 ASKING ME what im using::: PRICELESS

D4u2s0t reply :

I agree. I'm fairly new to bass fishing, but have already done a ton of research, and am learning lots about their behavior, what makes them strike, what works, etc. I think that approach make much more sense than the angler who goes to the store, buys expensive equipment, and then catches nothing or a few small fish.

11275

Just my point of view 2024

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