What Will You Pay For Gear? Why? 2024
Hooligan reply :
I have zero issue spending the money asked for on the highest price rods, be they custom, production, or otherwise. The same goes for reels. Why? In general they're lighter, more sensitive, and allow me to better fish a particular technique. Part of that is the confidence in my gear, and the ability to tune into it, part of it is that the fatigue of fishing at the end of 14 hours isn't the same as if I were fishing a 10 ounce reel and a 9 ounce rod. One wouldn't think it makes any difference, but it does.
There will be those that argue an Ugly Stick is completely sufficient for all techniques in bass fishing, and that may be, but it is not as sensitive as graphite rods, it's simply not. I don't want to get into the science of it, but glass is simply not as sensitive as graphite, plain and simple. You cannot tell the difference in bottom content on low end rods, you can't tell the difference on many things, a leaf, a twig, a fish lightly mouthing a jig.
When I fish for fun, I want to maximize my learning on the water, the higher end rods allow that; before the advent of side imaging and down imaging, how did we figure out what was down there? That's right, a 2D sonar, a big jig, and a sensitive rod. When I fish for fun, I'm usually fishing a future tournament lake or fishing a technique that I enjoy and want to get the most out of. When I am fishing tournaments, I'm willing to put it all on the line and that's all there is to it. I want the best of the best to put every tool o the highest caliber to work for me.
I guess that's the way I look at it, they're tools. I don't buy cheap tools. They break, and often don't do the job as well their slightly more expensive more well built counterparts. That comes true in fishing too, and not just rods and reels, but line and tackle as well.
I guess, it makes me wonder why people would go about it half way. In some ways it falls to the mentality of "If you're going to do it, do it right. If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all." Its not simply about having the best just to have it, but to maximize my enjoyment and experience on the water. In the end, it's about catching fish, and if I have the gear that allows me to catch one more fish than the other guy, well, then it's worth all the money I could possibly pay. I can't, for half a second, believe I'm alone on this.
ww2farmer reply :
This has the potential to get ugly. I buy the best I can afford, non of it full price, some of it used. Like my most expensive rods, St. Croix Legend Tournaments. Never paid full price for one, the most I spent was $180 when the 7'10" Magnum Cranker was on sale last year when the came out with the new LT's.
Alot of people catch fish on lower cost stuff. It's great you love your expensive things, it's not for everyone.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Well, all I can say is that I go fishing for one reason and one reason only - to catch fish. There is no one that can convince me that you can buy success. I know several fishermen who only use top end equipment. They are decent fishermen, true. But in many cases, I outfish them consistently, with my run-of-the-mill, medium cost rods & reels. Besides, I just cannot afford to toss money around; and anyway, fishing is suppose to be one of the few sports that most people can actually afford to partake in.
K_Mac reply :
Because of ongoing medical expenses my disposable income is limited. For this reason I have to carefully weigh the benefits of quality verses price. Most of my gear is in the lower to mid-range on the price continuum. It is, I believe, a reasonable compromise that is "good enough".
With that said, I have used enough high-end gear to know there is a difference. If I could afford to invest in better equipment, or made a living fishing I would have the best available. There are those who will argue that all that matters is talent and skill, and cheap gear is as good as any. It is not. There are others who will argue that high-end gear is necessary to be a good fisherman. It is not. At the extremes one camp says, "My Ugly stick is as good as your NRX, and spending that much on a rod is silly". The other camp says, "Fishing with an Ugly Stick is foolish and no serious bass fisherman uses anything but the best". Both of these views are egocentric. For most of us fishing is about having a good time. We come to this site to learn what's the latest and greatest in the world of bass fishing; what we do with that information is a personal choice...
shady oaks reply :
I generally buy the best that I can afford. With that, I allow the dutch in my wife to come out of me and generally buy closeouts and sale items only. It's usually a discontinued model, but it's new to me. I agree with the comparison to buying cheap tools, and although they do work, you usually won't see those tools used by people who do it for a living and use them hard and daily.
Does this mean I'm automatically a better fisherman, absolutely not! I still struggle to learn how to piece together the puzzle, but when I figure it out, I can feel confident my "tools" will be ready for the grind when I do.
One last thing. Several years ago I went to Race Tech, a high end motorcycle suspension company, and the owner Paul Thede said "the best you've ridden is the best you know". This applies to everything in life. The best you've fished is the best you know.
loodkop reply :
I really love fishing. I guess this means that I would rather be fishing with a cheap rod and reel than not fish at all. That doesn't mean that higher end gear doesn't improve the experience in many ways. At this stage I own a range of tackle collected over 20 something years covering most of the techniques I like to fish. This allows me to be selective in the new tackle I buy. I would rather wait a while longer to buy the rod or reel I really want than be satisfied with the lower end alternative as I'm already covered in whatever I want it for. To people who raise their eyebrows at what I'm willing to pay for equipment I can only point out that there are worse things to spend money on than a healthy outdoors sport I can enjoy with my sons (wife to if they are biting).
Lund Explorer reply :
My question to Hooligan would be what the return on his investment yielded?
I can fully understand the tournament fishing aspect of the sport. Has prize money won using high end gear, exceeded the money spent?
Dwight Hottle reply :
Hooligan's point is well taken. Ever since I was a teenager I saved to buy cash what I could afford. I'm a big believer that quality tackle is worth the price & holds up long term. Buy the best you can afford & enjoy it. There is proven quality at many different price points.
tomustang reply :
On 4/7/2012 at 8:43 PM, Lund Explorer said:My question to Hooligan would be what the return on his investment yielded?
I can fully understand the tournament fishing aspect of the sport. Has prize money won using high end gear, exceeded the money spent?
Well since he fishes for fun too, the point of buying high end gear returning an investment, doesn't matter since he's enjoying them outside the 'job' aspect
Hooked_On_Bass reply :
Hooligan, you`re not alone. I’m one for quality gear as well. I just can`t convince myself to do it any other way.
To answer your question: if I like something enough and it suits my intended application, I will buy it, regardless of cost (within reason, of course).
Catt reply :
How beneficial is "high end" equipment depends solely on the individual 
I know guys with $70,000 bass boats, dozens of $1,000 rod & reels, 1,000s of dollars worth of lures and yet they can not catch an 8 bass daily limit on Toledo Bend!
Do you think KVD would be any less of an angler using Lighting rods or fishing out of an aluminum boat?
grimlin reply :
Buying the best with what you can afford same applies for me.
I usually spend $100-$150 on a rod,$150 for baitcasters and anywhere from $75-$150 on spinning reels...so my limit is usually $150. Could I spend more? Probably,but there's so many great options in that price range that I rarely find anything junk(lucky I haven't).
Somebody mentioned Investment,I don't tournament fish.....but I'm pretty sure I'd be spending money on a therapist because I probably would have gone insane from boredom. Sanity is my investment....lol
deep reply :
On 4/7/2012 at 8:55 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Buy the best you can afford & enjoy it.
X2
I spend what I can, and it's usually less than most. Living on a grad student's stipend sometimes sucks. The only two $150+ rods I have are my Powells. Why? Because I feel I need what sensitivity I can get when bottom bumping. If I could afford a GLoomis, would I get one? Probably.
I like to hunt big bass, and when fishing for them, I don't skimp on bait selection. Seriously, I have thrown $200 baits (one single bait cost me that) on my $100 rod and $75 reel 
I have also swam, more than a few times, to save $15 lucky crafts.
In the end, I guess it's what makes you happy. If you are a recreational fisherman, as am I, and happy fishing with Ugly Sticks, I'm stoked for ya.
Jim_M reply :
It is entirely, completely and utterly subjective.
Lund Explorer reply :
On 4/7/2012 at 9:00 PM, Tom D. said:Well since he fishes for fun too, the point of buying high end gear returning an investment, doesn't matter since he's enjoying them outside the 'job' aspect
Hooligan's quote: "When I fish for fun, I'm usually fishing a future tournament lake or fishing a technique that I enjoy and want to get the most out of." leads me to believe that the act of FUN fishing is only an extension of tournament angling. Hence, it is part of the job.
Michael DiNardo reply :
Someone must be buying those cheap $150 Curados, they sure have been making them for a long time.
Mike
Raul reply :
Well, I´ve owned $350+ rods and reels, shure $350+ are very nice .... don´t have any of those left, $350+ rods ? man I can´t tell the difference between a 350 dollars rod and a 250 dollars rod, so after a while I ended up selling both and with the money I got more not that expensive, yeah I still have my TDZs and Pixies, Alphas, Scorpions & Chrnarchs but I didn´t pay full price for any of them, $250 or less, now I´m in a point where around $250 rod and/or reel seems a good price for an upper mid range item, won´t pay more because I´ve had them and there´s very little difference in performance between a $350+ rod/reel and an around $250 one.
Funny, but I haven´t purchased rods or reels in a good couple of years even on sale, I don´t see any "need" to get more.
new2BC4bass reply :
I have to agree with K_Mac, shadyoaks and quite a few others. I buy the best I can afford. That isn't an NRX (or Evergreen, Megabass, etc.) rod or $600 JDM reel....no matter how much I would love to have both. Luckily my wife has no idea how much I've spent the past 3 years since getting back into fishing. 
Although I got some of my loss back in 2010, I still make 13% less than I did 5 years ago. I'm paying about $500 a month in gas whereas I was paying about $160 a month back then. I'm sure everyone is aware of how much more it costs today for any item we purchase or activity we partake of compared to a few years ago.
I like Mr. Hooligan, but take exception to his remark "I guess, it makes me wonder why people would go about it half way. In some ways it falls to the mentality of "If you're going to do it, do it right. If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all."" If I'm going to do a job, then I do the very best I can. Fishing isn't a JOB to me. I fish to relax and enjoy myself. I love catching fish, but If I spend all day on the water without a single bite, I can honestly say I still enjoyed myself. Just not as much as when I catch a lot. 
Part of that enjoyment is using good gear. I take pride in my equipment and take care to maintain it in 'like new' condition as much as possible. Much of my gear was purchased on closeout or used. I am not going to stop fishing simply because I can't afford the quality of gear some can. Now if I had to fish an Ugly Stick and discount store reels, I might consider it......but then I'd grab them and go 
anyway!
I can remember the time when I thought Ugly Sticks were top-of-the-line.
Bassn Blvd reply :
On 4/7/2012 at 7:16 PM, Crestliner2008 said:Well, all I can say is that I go fishing for one reason and one reason only - to catch fish. There is no one that can convince me that you can buy success. I know several fishermen who only use top end equipment. They are decent fishermen, true. But in many cases, I outfish them consistently, with my run-of-the-mill, medium cost rods & reels. Besides, I just cannot afford to toss money around; and anyway, fishing is suppose to be one of the few sports that most people can actually afford to partake in.
New York Yankees come to mind.
SirSnookalot reply :
Matter of personal priorities and one's own budget. Lund remarks about ROI, I agree and would be surprised if many amateur fisherman came close to breaking even. I'm retired and I fish every day, luckily I do not have to watch my expenditures too closely, I can buy pretty much whatever I want. My boats are doing just fine back in Michigan with new owners, I choose to do my freshwater fishing from shore now, and my offshore fishing is done being a member of Freedom Boat club, a 27' twin engine Sailfish for $100 mo dues, and they even clean it, gas & go, I love it. Would I spend 50k for a bass boat, in a heartbeat if I enjoyed it, but I enjoy other types of fishing more. I'm not interested in trailering a boat or having a truck to pull it, been there with 4 tractors and a 6 axle trailer for each, lol.
I'm perfectly content using middle of the road equipment.
I don't really care if some one else catches more or bigger, if I'm happy that's all that matters.
Stasher1 reply :
I'm not a tournament fisherman, and really have no interest in it. For me, fishing is kinda like meditation. While I enjoy catching fish, it's not the main reason I'm out there.
I've never owned any rods or reels that cost over $200, and the majority of my more expensive gear has been sold/traded in favor of $100 rods and $100 reels. For me, that's where I find the best balance of cost vs performance. I don't own any of the latest or greatest gear, but what I have is pretty solid and doesn't seem to be hampering my fishing experience. 
preach4bass reply :
Well, if you have to spend a lot of money to catch fish, or to make fishing enjoyable, that's your problem. My grandaddy taught me to fish using a cane pole, fishing "string", homemade corks, and old rusted hooks. We'd dig worms behind the chicken coop, then catch bream and bass in the pond out in the cow pasture. I'd pay as much money as your have invested in fishing gear to go sit on the bank and catch a bucket full of bream with him again. (He died 5 years ago).
I own some high dollar rods and reels, and they're fun to use. But, I had an even bigger blast when I took my 2 year old daughter fishing with her $20 Barbie fishing pole the other day.
I don't need high end fishing equipment to catch fish or to make it pleasurable. I get my enjoyment from the company I keep and the memories we make. Can't put a price on those!
JoePhish reply :
Back in the Fifties while my father was courting my mother, he went on a fishing trip with my maternal grandfather who was an old salt Navy vet from WWI.
My father, having not fished much and thus having no gear, rushed out to the store and purchased the latest and greatest; whatever that was back then. He really wanted to impress his future father-in-law. When they met at the boat my grandfather was armed with no more than a hand line. Sure enough he outfished my father silly.
As a result of this family story I grew up with the attitude that it's not the gear that makes a good fisherman good.
....but over the years I have realized that high quality gear can make a good fisherman better.
While I don't own any top of the line combos, as time passes I find myself upgrading the quality of my gear with every next purchase.
I've noticed a big difference between what I had and what I fish now in all aspects. I'm pretty much a bang for your buck kind of guy, so I don't really see myself ever spending top dollar for gear. However, I won't fish crappy rods and reels anymore.
Catt reply :
What will you pay for gear?
I agree with Raul, I've owned G. Loomis rods until I tried Crucial which in my hands are just as sensitive.
I fish Calcuttas because I like the way a round reels feel in my hands and they are extremely dependable. My wife bought me a Chronarch which I used once before returning for another Calcutta.
I seldom pay $6-8 for 3 tungsten weights when I can buy 100 lead weights for $15 including shipping and handling. Plus very few people I know who use tungsten can out fish me.
I refuse to pay $2 a piece for hooks when ratio of bites landed is in the upper 90%.
I love Down Imaging but I don't need to spend $2,000 when my 570DI works fine at $300.
billsarima reply :
When I was younger I would buy cheaper gear but found as I got older to purchase quality gear as it would last longer. Now I'm not saying go buy hundreds of dollars in equipment but buy some gear with good reviews!!
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
I'm single. I get to buy what I want unlike you married suckers!!
All joking aside, buy what you want to buy. I never will or have looked down on somebody because they use less expensive gear than me. I've got a handful of 300 dollar plus rods. Do I enjoy using them more than my cheaper rods? Yes and no. I enjoy fishing period. I could be using a Cuban hand line spool and be perfectly happy. That being said, I can certainly tell the difference between my higher end gear and my lower end gear. Use what you want to use and what you can afford. Each person is different. That's why there is such a huge range of choices in equipment to buy. Instead of worrying about the price of something, invest in its quality.
To directly answer the question from the thread title, I'll pay whatever I feel comfortable paying for a certain product.
Hooligan reply :
Thanks for the replies, just some general things I'd been wondering, and figured a lot of the responses would be pretty close to what they are. In direct response to Lund- I break even at the very least, typically I'll make a pretty reasonable profit; enough that I have to declare it as income on taxes and can then utilize it as tax write offs.
I like Mr. Hooligan, but take exception to his remark "I guess, it makes me wonder why people would go about it half way. In some ways it falls to the mentality of "If you're going to do it, do it right. If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all."" If I'm going to do a job, then I do the very best I can. Fishing isn't a JOB to me. I fish to relax and enjoy myself. I love catching fish, but If I spend all day on the water without a single bite, I can honestly say I still enjoyed myself. Just not as much as when I catch a lot.
I didn't actually get what I'd intended to across here. It pertains more to tournament angling than anything else, really. Not necessarily just fishing to fish. In some cases it may apply to fun fishing, but it's in pretty specific circumstances. I could honestly see where one might take offense to that statement, I worded it poorly and I apologize for doing so.
Lastly, don't get me wrong, I'm not thrashing anyone or anyone's level of where they are in terms of spending or enjoyment. It's just curious to me that there's such a double standard for spending on one hobby versus another, and how arbitrary those reasons can be. While I'm not really surprised at the responses, I did want to throw it out there, however poorly worded, to see if my thoughts did mesh with what might be said. There's a few things that did throw me for a loop, but then, I guess you'd expect that with a bunch of bass fisherman, wouldn't you?
Dave P reply :
If fishing (or any hobby for that matter), gets to be like a job...Quit.
slonezp reply :
Tools of the trade. Any quality of tool may work. Some work better than others. For my job, I purchase high end tools. They make my work easier and in turn make me more money. For fishing, I'm at the middle of the road. I used to buy cheap but I'm amazed at the difference between a $40 rod and a $125 rod, or a $50 reel and a $200 reel. I really don't see myself purchasing more expensive equipment because it will not make me a better fisherman. If money was no object, I'd buy a nicer boat. As far as gear, I'll stick with what I've got.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
I don't fish enough or in enough tournaments to justify the cost associated with the high end equipment. I also don't believe it's necessary to be a good fisherman. I do believe that the higher end stuff is priced that way for a reason. The advantages may be slight or great, but the manufacturing may take twice as much to get it that way, therefore the cost would be increased. If that's what helps anyone enjoy the sport more then thats great, it's all about enjoying yourself. Although 1 thing I would like to point out is that those that truly depend on equipment for a living don't necessarily use the best high end equipment. How many of us have seen a $99 veritas rod in the hands of Iconelli and how much has KVD won with his $140 cranking rod or for that matter EE 's pro qualifiers.
jbsoonerfan reply :
This thread makes me think.......I just recently joined a tournament trail. My partner and I showed up the first tournament and I was embarassed to say the least. I have a 1998 Champion boat that is 17' long and a 115 Merc. We were the 5 th team to take off and were passed by 15 other boats before we made it to the main body of water. We had the smallest boat with the smallest motor. We had the cheapest graph and smallest TM. I just knew we were about to get our butts handed to us.
At the end of the day we placed second and those guys with $70K + rigs went home with their tails tucked.
Since then we have managed a 3rd and 7th place finish out of about 22 teams and each time we have been the guys fishing with "cheap" stuff.
I have owned Steez rods, Loomis rods, Cumara rods etc......but I don't know that any of them made me a better fisherman than I actually am.
A 15+ handicap golfer won't all the sudden become a scratch golfer simply because he buys the best clubs available, same can be said for fishing.
I'm not dissing anyone who chooses to use high-end gear (I have been there myself) but don't stick your nose to high in the air. The guy with the Ugly Stick may just put it to you.
scrutch reply :
For me it ain't fishing, it's LIVING. When I'm on the lake with my son, it doesn't matter to me if I'm holding an uglystik or an NRX, I'm still LIVING.
For the record, I enjoy fishing with good equipment. Thank the good Lord I have been fortunate enough to be able to buy most anything I want. I CHOOSE to buy the cheapest rod that will do a great job. I have everything from a cheapo Shakespeare Axiom loaner on a Walmart special Abu Garcia Conolon rod to Chronarchs and Revos on Dobyn's rods (some bought new, most bought used). There is a huge difference between my low end stuff and my higher end stuff. I choose not to buy the NRX, Evergreen, Megabass, and Stellas only because I am comfortable with the price point I'm at. I would try some of that stuff if I could find it used at the prices that I'm used to paying for my other gear. I don't see the advantage of going up to the "enthusiast" level of gear. For me it isn't worth the money.
It ain't how much you make, it's how much you KEEP.
tomustang reply :
For me, I prefer the middle ground. The intermediate level is good enough to be lighter/sensative/stronger/feels better in your hands than the most of the cheaper end equipment. It's tougher for me though since I have to use different tools to make me more comfortable to fish. It ain't easy being disabled, one heavy or rough feeling setup can wear me out faster holding it and disrupt my focus on what's going on with my line.
I have a cheapo quantum UL rod that I can't use anymore due to the handle bothering me, the contour just doesn't deliver the comfort to hold long in my hand. So every time i go out to look at new gear I have to play with in store more than anyone just so I can enjoy my time on the water better. Some times it feel like the selection gets smaller, for example st croix's new legend tournament handles, they are uncomfortable to me but I'm sure people like them.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I will pay whatever I need to pay to get what I want. If I can't afford what I want at the moment, then I won't settle for something less. I'll save until I have enough.
shimmy reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 8:41 AM, jbdaiwafan said:This thread makes me think.......I just recently joined a tournament trail. My partner and I showed up the first tournament and I was embarassed to say the least. I have a 1998 Champion boat that is 17' long and a 115 Merc. We were the 5 th team to take off and were passed by 15 other boats before we made it to the main body of water. We had the smallest boat with the smallest motor. We had the cheapest graph and smallest TM. I just knew we were about to get our butts handed to us.
At the end of the day we placed second and those guys with $70K + rigs went home with their tails tucked.
Since then we have managed a 3rd and 7th place finish out of about 22 teams and each time we have been the guys fishing with "cheap" stuff.
I have owned Steez rods, Loomis rods, Cumara rods etc......but I don't know that any of them made me a better fisherman than I actually am.
A 15+ handicap golfer won't all the sudden become a scratch golfer simply because he buys the best clubs available, same can be said for fishing.
I'm not dissing anyone who chooses to use high-end gear (I have been there myself) but don't stick your nose to high in the air. The guy with the Ugly Stick may just put it to you.
This seems to be the common quote from people who do not hold the top end gear. There is always the exclamation "we didn't have the nicer equipment and still overcame the odds!" As a side note and something i have noticed most of the time, anytime there is a really nice boat with top gear and another angler with older gear, it is always the the one with the less expensive equipment that exclaims "we did better and we didn't even have the nicer stuff". This isn't to completely place this whole rebuttal on you jbdaiwafan, but there is this weird tendency to really try and make ourselves feel better by saying these types of things when an angler with nicer equipment isn't thinking ANYTHING of it and not throwing out these judgments. This whole resiliency thing of the angler with cheaper equipment stuff "overcoming the greatest odds to beat the angler with nicer equipment" just gets old. I don't even own any nice equipment and this gets obnoxious. We get it, its fun to get the warm and fuzzies to compliment yourselves with this by saying it but i bet those with nicer equipment who win are not immediately judging you after a win.
If people want nicer equipment then who cares. Just stop patting yourself on the back each time you catch a fish with a $50 dollar rod.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I agree Shimmy.
tomustang reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 11:40 AM, shimmy said:This seems to be the common quote from people who do not hold the top end gear. There is always the exclamation "we didn't have the nicer equipment and still overcame the odds!" As a side note and something i have noticed most of the time, anytime there is a really nice boat with top gear and another angler with older gear, it is always the the one with the less expensive equipment that exclaims "we did better and we didn't even have the nicer stuff". This isn't to completely place this whole rebuttal on you jbdaiwafan, but there is this weird tendency to really try and make ourselves feel better by saying these types of things when an angler with nicer equipment isn't thinking ANYTHING of it and not throwing out these judgments.
The door swings both ways, for every guy with lower end gear that says that, there's a guy with higher end gear that things less about the other guys.
grimlin reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 11:40 AM, shimmy said:This seems to be the common quote from people who do not hold the top end gear. There is always the exclamation "we didn't have the nicer equipment and still overcame the odds!" As a side note and something i have noticed most of the time, anytime there is a really nice boat with top gear and another angler with older gear, it is always the the one with the less expensive equipment that exclaims "we did better and we didn't even have the nicer stuff". This isn't to completely place this whole rebuttal on you jbdaiwafan, but there is this weird tendency to really try and make ourselves feel better by saying these types of things when an angler with nicer equipment isn't thinking ANYTHING of it and not throwing out these judgments. This whole resiliency thing of the angler with cheaper equipment stuff "overcoming the greatest odds to beat the angler with nicer equipment" just gets old. I don't even own any nice equipment and this gets obnoxious. We get it, its fun to get the warm and fuzzies to compliment yourselves with this by saying it but i bet those with nicer equipment who win are not immediately judging you after a win.
If people want nicer equipment then who cares. Just stop patting yourself on the back each time you catch a fish with a $50 dollar rod.
I don't entirely agree with you. jbdaiwafan is just saying it's the angler not the equipment that catches fish. I don't see it as he is mocking the guys who can afford all those fancy equipment.
I'll take the knowledge over gear any day of the week.
I've always said,buy what you can afford and have fun with it.
On 4/8/2012 at 12:21 PM, Tom D. said:The door swings both ways, for every guy with lower end gear that says that, there's a guy with higher end gear that things less about the other guys.
EXACTLY!
Michael DiNardo reply :
Shimmy, did you read the original post? It was said that if we can't afford the best most expensive equipment why bother? And you get mad when people with lesser equipment are happy when they win? I don't get it. If you can afford 10 Core /NRX combos and that is what you choose to fish with, that is great. More power to you. But please don't try and tell me I am wasting my time if I choose "only" to use a Curado that I bought on clearance with an Avid rod. I see the same thing with friends who golf. They stink, but instead of practicing they buy a new/better club that is going to put them on Tour. To paraphrase a famous saying, Amateurs talk equipment, pros talk tactics. I am happy for everyone that can afford the best and most expensive equipment, but don't make it seem like the people that are satisfied at a certain level of equipment don't belong on the same water.
Mike
shimmy reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 12:39 PM, Michael DiNardo said:Shimmy, did you read the original post? It was said that if we can't afford the best most expensive equipment why bother? And you get mad when people with lesser equipment are happy when they win? I don't get it. If you can afford 10 Core /NRX combos and that is what you choose to fish with, that is great. More power to you. But please don't try and tell me I am wasting my time if I choose "only" to use a Curado that I bought on clearance with an Avid rod. I see the same thing with friends who golf. They stink, but instead of practicing they buy a new/better club that is going to put them on Tour. To paraphrase a famous saying, Amateurs talk equipment, pros talk tactics. I am happy for everyone that can afford the best and most expensive equipment, but don't make it seem like the people that are satisfied at a certain level of equipment don't belong on the same water.
Mike
It was written poorly by Hooligan and that is not what he meant and if you kept reading he later clarifies it was miswritten. Otherwise, yes i would completely be against what he said as well. The issue wasn't someone shouldn't be happy about catching a fish with less expensive equipment. The point was people throw too much judgment around and love to subtly compliment themselves by this David and Goliath comparison. Gets old.
NorcalBassin reply :
Interesting topic... mine just sways based on what I "need" at the time and how much recent OT I've worked (that's my spending money). I've had times where I drew the line at a Lightning Rod, Mojo, Lamiglas Excel, and Veritas, and then I've had other times that I've bought NRX's, GLX's, Legend Elites, and Dobyns DX's. Now that my collection is just about complete, I do wish I had a rewind button where I could have made myself a little more patient and just waited until I could get the rod I wanted as opposed to what I could afford and be satisfied with at the moment. Do I need NRX's to catch fish... no ... but man they sure are nice to fish with.
As far as the guys doing well with entry level equipment... I will always admire that but I cannot explain how much nicer it is throwing a Ci4 for hours on end instead of an FX or Sienna level reel like I used to use.
msolorio reply :
ive fished high end loomis, dobyns, st. croix, and others. ive also fished powell, irod, abu, berkely, shimano, you name it, ive tried it.... and sold it. i honestly, honestly didnt feel that an nrx, champion, champion extreme, legend, etc. were any more sensitive or strong than a powell max, endurance, irod, or other in that price range. were they lighter, a little bit but that was really all i really noticed. i put them all through the gauntlet so it wasnt just a quick test. i stick with middle of the road ($100-$200ish) gear because it works for me. its all really sensitive, light, and powerful. i love my gear and imo its everybit as good as everything else. thats the probelm i have with bass fishing. people get judged a ton based off of what rod, reel, and line one uses and its ridiculous. that shouldnt happen. just because someone can afford a 450 dollar rod and a 300 dollar reel doesnt make them gods gift to bass fishing, theyre simply a person who can afford high end gear, woopdy doo! im by no means knockin anyone, just want to throw that out there. idk, i feel if a low to middle end rod and reel work for someone, by all means stick with it, nothin wrong with that. i think at times a lot of bass anglers really place too much emphasis on what rods and reels they use and forget about how fun and great this sport is.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 5:59 AM, Hooligan said:I didn't actually get what I'd intended to across here.
I can totally relate to that. It is why my posts are usually pretty long. Hard to say what I really mean in just a few words. Always afraid I am not getting my true meaning across.
On 4/8/2012 at 5:59 AM, Hooligan said:It pertains more to tournament angling than anything else, really. Not necessarily just fishing to fish. In some cases it may apply to fun fishing, but it's in pretty specific circumstances. I could honestly see where one might take offense to that statement, I worded it poorly and I apologize for doing so.Lastly, don't get me wrong, I'm not thrashing anyone or anyone's level of where they are in terms of spending or enjoyment.
I felt like you were telling me I shouldn't be on the water because I can't afford the best. Glad to know that wasn't so. I've always enjoyed reading your posts.
My "bass boat" is a 12'6" Porta-Bote. Would I like a regular bass boat? Darn tootin' I would!!!! It isn't in the cards, tho. Don't have any kind of fish finder either. Have considered getting one, but if I did it definitely wouldn't be the latest greatest. Where would I mount it? Would have to be removed before folding the boat. Might be more trouble than it is worth in my case.
Fishing is pretty much like any hobby. Way too easy to spend more on than you should. Always more you would love to have.
I admit to not being much of a fisherman. Get little time on the water, and don't approach it scientifically when I do. I am one of those guys who does a lot of casting and hopes for the best. Sure, I try to keep my eyes open, but I don't try to map the bottom of the lake by dragging something like a Carolina rig along the bottom. However, I wouldn't mind having a contour map of my lake.
I love to fish, and love to catch fish, but guess I am just not a serious enough fisherman. The simple act of casting a decent outfit is enough to bring me pleasure and a smile to my face. Being able to do that with my daughter, grandsons, or another relative or friend is icing on the cake.
hatrix reply :
I think every one would buy the absolute best gear possible if they could afford it. But at a point it sort of becomes diminishing returns for buying the next level up. For example is a Curado twice as good as a $75 BPS reel? Probably so. But is a Core twice as good as the Curado? Probably not IMO. Some people might disagree but once you reach a certain level you don't really gain as much as you did from the previous levels of equipment. I look at it like would you rather have 1 really really good combo for $1,000 or would you rather have 3 really good combos for the same price? I think most people would choose the 3 over the 1. Some things you can't skimp on and have to buy the best but for the most part you can get a really quality product at a good price and not be selling your self short by buying cheaper. In a way its like electronics. You never buy the T.V. that came out last week for twice the price of the one that came out 2 months ago. Maybe some of you do but its just silly and you don't gain as much as you put into it.
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 11:40 AM, shimmy said:This seems to be the common quote from people who do not hold the top end gear. There is always the exclamation "we didn't have the nicer equipment and still overcame the odds!" As a side note and something i have noticed most of the time, anytime there is a really nice boat with top gear and another angler with older gear, it is always the the one with the less expensive equipment that exclaims "we did better and we didn't even have the nicer stuff". This isn't to completely place this whole rebuttal on you jbdaiwafan, but there is this weird tendency to really try and make ourselves feel better by saying these types of things when an angler with nicer equipment isn't thinking ANYTHING of it and not throwing out these judgments. This whole resiliency thing of the angler with cheaper equipment stuff "overcoming the greatest odds to beat the angler with nicer equipment" just gets old. I don't even own any nice equipment and this gets obnoxious. We get it, its fun to get the warm and fuzzies to compliment yourselves with this by saying it but i bet those with nicer equipment who win are not immediately judging you after a win.
If people want nicer equipment then who cares. Just stop patting yourself on the back each time you catch a fish with a $50 dollar rod.
Sorry, but I wasn't patting myself on the back at all. I use Cores, Curados, and CIticas on Crucials, Falcons and Daimikis. I don't use cheap stuff at all. I think the weird tendency is people thinking they are better than others simply because they buy expensive gear. And if you or anyone else thinks that there aren't those types of fishermen out there, then you are blind. Never once did I claim to be better than ALL anglers who spend good money on high end gear. Just saying that doesn't always equate to catching fish.
Trust me, I have had my butt handed to me plenty of times on the golf course by guys swinging sticks made 15 years ago while I was hitting the "latest and greatest"
My point was, having nice "expensive" gear is great, but it doesn't always make you a better angler.
I apologize if my post somehow seemed as though I was trying to pat myself on the back. I certainly don't get my jollys off on an internet forum trying to brag on myself.
WookieeJedi reply :
I tend to fish with whatever suits my technique. You bet I'm using Ugly Sticks when I'm throwing that A-rig or targeting stipers. I have seen those fish splinter too many high-dollar graphite rods to risk my good stuff on them. For my graphite rods, I still like the Lightning Rod. I have been using them since they came out, I just spend less for them now, and they are better than the originals. Also, fishing from a kayak like I do can be rough on rods. I'm less likely to teach my son colorful language when I break a LR as opposed to a nice Duckett, so I mostly use stuff like the LR. I do own some really nice stuff, but I'll tell you right now, I did not pay retail for any of it. I buy stuff at pawn shops, I started doing it in college when money was tight. Go pawn-shopping somettime, you will be shocked at what is in there and how cheaply it can be had. The economy in decline has made for excellent pawn-shopping for high-end tackle.
"BRB" reply :
I went from the low end to the middle ground and could tell a huge difference. And I know the higher end rods and reels will probably be the same. But the way I look at it is I pay $150 on a good rod rather then 250+ I can take that $100 and put it in gas for my boat or truck and spend more time on the water. I think time on the water more valuable then the rod.
marinetech reply :
I read all the posts and was not going to respond but then I couldn't resist. All my tools at the boatyard are snap-on , I think I'm part owner of the company now. I learned fast that no other tool manufacturer came close to the qaulity. When u step on to a million dollar plus yacht you better be ready. I do not think the same way towards fishing gear. I have spent some good money on gear and now have what I am very happy with from BPS to high end Qauntum. When I go to Cabelas and see those steez rods for $500. plus I laugh to myself. I suppose if money where not a problem I would try one but no one can convince me that rod is going to catch me 1 more fish than my JM sig series or veritas rods , sorry !
Bassn Blvd reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 5:23 AM, 123brad said:I went from the low end to the middle ground and could tell a huge difference. And I know the higher end rods and reels will probably be the same. But the way I look at it is I pay $150 on a good rod rather then 250+ I can take that $100 and put it in gas for my boat or truck and spend more time on the water. I think time on the water more valuable then the rod.
Then why did you go from low end to medium range? You could have saved even more for gas.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I buy what I considere to be expensive equipment beacause I can, not because I think it will catch me more fish. I don't knock the less fortunate ones who can't afford expensive gear and don't judge those who can afford more expensive gear than me. It's all relative. What I considere expensive may or may not be considered expensive to others.
These type of conversations should not be . IMO, they only cause hate.
Will a Loomis rod give you an edge over a generic WalMart rod? To some people, absolutely. Can I go out and win touraments with "inexpensive," "inferior" equipment? Heck yes I can. I'll catch bass and excell at bass fishing no matter what kind of rod/reel you give me. But as long as I'm able to afford "expensive" gear, then I'm going to buy "expensive" gear and if someone has a problem with that then they can kiss my 
BASSclary reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 11:30 AM, Bassn Blvd said:I will pay whatever I need to pay to get what I want. If I can't afford what I want at the moment, then I won't settle for something less. I'll save until I have enough.
These are my feelings exactly.
"BRB" reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 6:29 AM, Bassn Blvd said:Then why did you go from low end to medium range? You could have saved even more for gas.
Well when I really got in bass fishing I thought I needed the high dollar suft and at the time I bought what I could. Which was in the middle. And you can't go backward lol. But one of this days I will upgrade. I do believe you get what you pay for. And you better believe when I hit that power ball nothing but the best will go on my deck!!
tugsandpulls reply :
after all the bills are paid rent food gas kids all i have for myself i buy the best i can wether it be used or new my most expensive set up is 200$ if i could afford more i would but i do very good with what i have
Bassn Blvd reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 7:49 AM, 123brad said:Well when I really got in bass fishing I thought I needed the high dollar suft and at the time I bought what I could. Which was in the middle. And you can't go backward lol. But one of this days I will upgrade. I do believe you get what you pay for. And you better believe when I hit that power ball nothing but the best will go on my deck!!
I hear ya about not going backward. It's like drinking your same favorite drink for years and then someone changes the ingredient to some nast tasting sht.
Diablos reply :
I will buy anything that I think will give the most enjoyment for the money.
The only things I don't put too much value on is very expensive electronics 1K+ and very expensive swim baits $40+
K_Mac reply :
I continue to read comments about saving until the exact combo wanted can be purchased. While this is a fine practice in all aspects of life, sometimes it is an ego driven comment implying that those of us who have several "inferior" combos are not as enlightened. I enjoy having several combos. Yes I could have a couple high-end rigs instead, but I have made my choice based on cost, how I fish and the benefits of having different combos for specific purposes. I have made an informed decision to use lower priced gear. Having one combo as half of my investment in gear is not something I choose to do.
I do not have contempt for the guy with guy $100K or more in boat and gear. I do not look down on the guy with a Zebco fishing from the bank. If I out-fish a friend with a new glass boat or win a tourney from my tin boat all that means is I had a better day. It tickles me that Bassn Blvd can afford to buy nice stuff and is unapologetic about it. That is the way it should be. I am unapologetic about using lower-end stuff. Judge me by what I say and do, not what I own.
Bassn Blvd reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 8:56 AM, K_Mac said:I continue to read comments about saving until the exact combo wanted can be purchased. While this is a fine practice in all aspects of life, sometimes it is an ego driven comment implying that those of us who have several "inferior" combos are not as enlightened. I enjoy having several combos. Yes I could have a couple high-end rigs instead, but I have made my choice based on cost, how I fish and the benefits of having different combos for specific purposes. I have made an informed decision to use lower priced gear. Having one combo as half of my investment in gear is not something I choose to do.
I do not have contempt for the guy with guy $100K or more in boat and gear. I do not look down on the guy with a Zebco fishing from the bank. If I out-fish a friend with a new glass boat or win a tourney from my tin boat all that means is I had a better day. It tickles me that Bassn Blvd can afford to buy nice stuff and is unapologetic about it. That is the way it should be. I am unapologetic about using lower-end stuff. Judge me by what I say and do, not what I own.
How do you come to that conclusion? And hopefully it's not from anything I have said.
Unfortunately, a BIG part of the population can't do that.
K_Mac reply :
BB it was not from anything you said. I have been reading posts on this board for a long time, and that sentiment is often thinly veiled. PM me if you wish.
wisconsin heat reply :
about 80 bucks per rod or reel each, its what i can afford and i usually wait for good stuff to drop down to those prices.
examples:
Fenwick HMG orig $130 i got for $70
Shimano Citica $120 - $80
daiwa smallmouth vip $125 - $60
ima sucker for a good deal
tomustang reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 8:56 AM, K_Mac said:Judge me by what I say and do, not what I own.
On 4/9/2012 at 9:11 AM, Bassn Blvd said:Unfortunately, a BIG part of the population can't do that.
What you do is an extension what you own. What you choose to have makes who you are.
Catt reply :
The hardest thing for a bass angler to admit is where they fit in the scheme of things
One can spend thousands of dollars and still only be average at best!
In my classes I teach locating structure, understanding structure, and how bass relate to structure. Next I teach understanding prey, how that pray relates to structure and how the bass relates to the prey.
This is what will make you a better angler regardless of what tackle you own and all it cost is time.
Lund Explorer reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 5:59 AM, Hooligan said:Thanks for the replies, just some general things I'd been wondering, and figured a lot of the responses would be pretty close to what they are. In direct response to Lund- I break even at the very least, typically I'll make a pretty reasonable profit; enough that I have to declare it as income on taxes and can then utilize it as tax write offs.
I like Mr. Hooligan, but take exception to his remark "I guess, it makes me wonder why people would go about it half way. In some ways it falls to the mentality of "If you're going to do it, do it right. If you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all."" If I'm going to do a job, then I do the very best I can. Fishing isn't a JOB to me. I fish to relax and enjoy myself. I love catching fish, but If I spend all day on the water without a single bite, I can honestly say I still enjoyed myself. Just not as much as when I catch a lot.
I didn't actually get what I'd intended to across here. It pertains more to tournament angling than anything else, really. Not necessarily just fishing to fish. In some cases it may apply to fun fishing, but it's in pretty specific circumstances. I could honestly see where one might take offense to that statement, I worded it poorly and I apologize for doing so.
Lastly, don't get me wrong, I'm not thrashing anyone or anyone's level of where they are in terms of spending or enjoyment. It's just curious to me that there's such a double standard for spending on one hobby versus another, and how arbitrary those reasons can be. While I'm not really surprised at the responses, I did want to throw it out there, however poorly worded, to see if my thoughts did mesh with what might be said. There's a few things that did throw me for a loop, but then, I guess you'd expect that with a bunch of bass fisherman, wouldn't you?
Congrats, its very rare that a tournament angler can cover all of his/her costs. You obviously must fish a higher quality tournament trail than I ever had the chance to. My really good years got me to the break even point for entry fees and travel costs. That meant the boat and tackle I decided to use couldn't be figured as part of the investment into tournament cash. Those items had to be justified by chunks of plastic, a narrow boost in reputation, and comfort while I was on the water.
I'm happy to see that you came back with that second highlighted comment about your post aimed at tournament fishing. After reading your original post (several times), there were parts that made WW2Farmer's comment in the very next post was going to be almost prophetic. I'll bet you are into the tournament phase that I was in 15-20 years ago. If I hadn't lost my fishing partner I would probably still be there myself. It's a vicious cycle of having to keep buying the next great everything to try to stay on top of the game.
Here's hoping to your continuing success, the bait monkey needs you!
Quillback reply :
In all this discussion, no one has mentioned technique. I finesse t-rig and c-rig quite a bit on rocky, timbered, relatively weed free lakes. I could use an Ugly Stick, cheap reel, mono, and lead weights and catch fish. But I do much better with a light, sensitive rod, light reel, floro and tungsten. If there was a tourney going on with 2 pros with equal skills fishing bottom contact techniques and with equal knowledge of the lake, one with the Ugly Stick set up, the other with the more sensitive (and probably more expensive stuff), I'd bet on the guy with the more sensitive stuff every time.
I'm happy with my stuff (not that I won't buy more), and when buying tackle I try to find stuff that will make me a better fisherman and put more bass in the boat. When I find something I like, I then try and find the best deal on it I can. I don't really care what the other guys on the lake are using or what they paid for it. Back at the ramp, if I run into someone that has done well, I'll talk to them about what bait or technique they used, to me that's much more important than wondering if the tackle they own is more, or less expensive than what I have.
K_Mac reply :
QuoteWhat you do is an extension what you own. What you choose to have makes who you are.
Tom D. with all due respect, I completely disagree with this view. What I choose to buy may be a reflection of my values when comes to material things, or it may just be a reflection of my financial success or lack of success. In either case these are superficial issues in my opinion. Who I am as a person has very little to do with the content of my rod locker. What a person owns is a very poor indicator of who they are in my experience.
Catt reply :
Amen K_Mac
WookieeJedi reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 2:29 PM, Tom D. said:What you do is an extension what you own. What you choose to have makes who you are.
If you were just looking at my fishing tackle, you would probably come to certain conclusions about me, but if you were to look in my gun case, well, you should be so lucky...
tomustang reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 8:38 PM, K_Mac said:Tom D. with all due respect, I completely disagree with this view. What I choose to buy may be a reflection of my values when comes to material things, or it may just be a reflection of my financial success or lack of success. In either case these are superficial issues in my opinion. Who I am as a person has very little to do with the content of my rod locker. What a person owns is a very poor indicator of who they are in my experience.
Then you can't disagree. It's the simple science of things, what people add to it is their opinion (judgement) of a subject and makes it worse but still the simple facts remain, you like fishing or fish 
On 4/9/2012 at 10:33 PM, WookieeJedi said:If you were just looking at my fishing tackle, you would probably come to certain conclusions about me, but if you were to look in my gun case, well, you should be so lucky...
Your tackle tells me you like fishing, If you showed me your guns then I'd know you like guns enough to have a case.
Hyrule Bass reply :
i prefer to invest more in reels than in rods, but then again i dont own any super expensive reels either. but the ones i have are decent working reels and i feel they will last me, and not easily fail mechanically. but rods have nothing mechanical about them, and i dont feel $150 rod is gonna serve me any better than a $30-$40 ugly stick. i just dont think the difference is enough to justify spending another $110-120 bucks on a rod. sure the $150 rod might be better all around, but still i am convinced its not that much better. for me its not all about the costs, but i would be lying if i said it didnt factor in somewhat. If you can afford to drop a bunch of money on top end gear, then thats great for you, i wont hate on someones financial position. while there are times i have the extra cash to spend on top end gear if i wanted, i just cant justify it to myself. what gets me is when people throw out thoughts like "your gear sucks, you cant catch fish with that" or "you have to have this or that to catch fish". i dont go around calling people snobby for buying top notch gear, and i dont expect to be criticized for my lower to mid level gear. bottom line is, no matter what gear we own, how much it costs, etc etc etc; we all own our equipment for one reason, that is to fish, something we all enjoy.
Bassn Blvd reply :
On 4/9/2012 at 8:40 PM, Catt said:Amen K_Mac
X2
.ghoti. reply :
Looks like I'm like a lot of you. I like good gear, and I buy the best I can find for what I'm willing to spend. My comfort zone is in the $200 - $250 per item range. Any more than that, and I have to think very hard about it. I seem to be always willing to upgrade, but will do so only when I find a bargain. Above $250 is where I hit the point of diminishing returns. That simply means the increase in performance is not worth the increase in cost, to me. You may place the point either higher or lower than mine. You should. It's your money and your stuff. Place your own value on it, and if it makes you happy, who gives a rip what somebody else thinks about it.
Alpster reply :
I just wait for Ghoti to go to sleep and I take his stuff. He's got really nice stuff.
Ronnie
roadwarrior reply :
WOW!
I'm impressed, Whenever this topic pops up it usually gets ugly, fast.
My perspective is from the point of view of a recreational fisherman.
For me, fishing is a hobby, nothing more. My choice in gear is simply
based on additions to my "collection". Most of it, especially lures, is
stuff I never actually use.
Some of our members collect cars, some race them. Stamps, coins,
antiques, art or a variety of other collectibles and hobbies can be
VERY expensive. In the broader field of just "fishing", the equipment
used for most blue water is HUGE. Boats to get there and the fuel for
a 250 mile round trip is a load
So, I don't think our sport is expensive, even at the so called "high end".
If all you care about is "catching", the gear is not important. Buy any
combo, any line, terminal gear, a bag of 5" Senko knock-offs and some
Ika. I guarantee you will catch some bass.
I like better tackle as a "collector", High end gear makes the "fishing"
more fun for me. I really couldn't care less what YOU use, but I really
appreciate our members posting in detail there experience with their
gear. My favorite comment of all time was from Bassin Blvd, "The difference
between a NRX and a GLX is like comparing a GLX to a 2 X 4". I don't
own one yet, but I will!
SirSnookalot reply :
Quote"The differencebetween a NRX and a GLX is like comparing a GLX to a 2 X 4". I don't
own one yet, but I will!
You're buying a 2x4 ?
K_Mac reply :
Have you priced 2x4s lately?! And while I'm at it, I just returned from the grocery store where I paid $2.69 for a cantaloupe and $2.99 each for a couple of watermelons that were not much bigger than the cantaloupe! Kind of puts tackle prices in perspective... 
OK I feel a little better now.
tomustang reply :
QuoteSo, I don't think our sport is expensive, even at the so called "high end".
When you get down to the numbers, it really doesn't. Say for one high combo you spend a drop a grand and fish half the year you're at a little over $5 a day for your combo. Not as bad as it seems.
BassWhole! reply :
I'm trying REALLY hard to stay out of this.........
Daniel My Brother reply :
I'm happy for folks who have the finest things.
I'm happy with my gear.
Let's go fishing.
islandbass reply :
On 4/7/2012 at 10:16 PM, Jim_M said:It is entirely, completely and utterly subjective.
100% agree. My hands have the touch. I don't have one but I've used an ugly stik and I was able to get at least stereo quality feedback.
Do I use Ugly stiks? No.
Better rods can help,but they're no guarantee for success. If you had the lightest, fastest road bike, Lance Armstrong would probably still kick your **** with a Huffy. I could have a Loomis NRX rod and KVD would probably kick my phanny with a Snoopy rod.
If you can afford it, by all means go for it. That's cool with me.
The only "Bad" thing about using "higher" end gear is that it is very hard to go backward.
Bassn Blvd reply :
I believe RW pretty much summed it up. Good post RW.
Here's another way of looking at expensive gear. Have you tried dating a "high maintenance" girl? or for you girls, a guy. I'll bet you'll get more out of a high end combo.
Diablos reply :
At my tackle shop, we have customers who regularly buy Van Staal reels $800 with $400 surf rods to the tune of $1200/set up and some of these guys have 2-6 set ups.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 4/10/2012 at 10:37 PM, SirSnookalot said:You're buying a 2x4 ?
Priceless! No pun intended, but it does fit.
Fishing Rhino reply :
My parents taught me this when I was very young.
Do not be jealous/envious of those with more. Do not look down your nose at those with less.
senile1 reply :
On 4/11/2012 at 4:11 AM, Daniel My Brother said:I'm happy for folks who have the finest things.
I'm happy with my gear.
Let's go fishing.
On 4/11/2012 at 7:13 PM, Fishing Rhino said:My parents taught me this when I was very young.
Do not be jealous/envious of those with more. Do not look down your nose at those with less.
I've found that if I wait long enough someone will speak my mind for me.
Clash City Rocker reply :
All of my stuff is middle of the road. Why? I like quality and a little bit of performance, but I've still got mouths to feed and can't, in good conscience, drop $200 on a fishing rod. If a G. Loomis makes you happy though, God bless ya!
redboat reply :
On 4/7/2012 at 9:38 PM, Catt said:How beneficial is "high end" equipment depends solely on the individual
I agree 100%
On 4/7/2012 at 9:38 PM, Catt said:Do you think KVD would be any less of an angler using Lighting rods or fishing out of an aluminum boat?
I do, the gear helps him for sure - but he'd still be a LOT better than anyone else.
redboat reply :
On 4/11/2012 at 1:49 PM, Bassn Blvd said:Have you tried dating a "high maintenance" girl?
I dated an actress for a while and a few years later a model. The actress was really nice but boring - went to bed at 8 every night, hadda get up at 4 to go to work then worked till 6 that evening. The model would spend like, 4 hours putting on her makeup every morning. I got a lot of envious looks from guys when I was out with her but waiting 4 hours to run down to Taco Bell got old.
What has this got to do with fishing? Neither of them fished, by the way.
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 4/11/2012 at 12:32 AM, Tom D. said:When you get down to the numbers, it really doesn't. Say for one high combo you spend a drop a grand and fish half the year you're at a little over $5 a day for your combo. Not as bad as it seems.
i could eat or live a little better with that $5 a day which adds up to roughly $150 a month. thats also money i could use on another extra fishing trip using the gear i currently have and would enjoy myself much more than staying at home with a $1000 combo sitting in the corner...
tomustang reply :
On 4/12/2012 at 4:28 AM, Red Earth said:i could eat or live a little better with that $5 a day which adds up to roughly $150 a month. thats also money i could use on another extra fishing trip using the gear i currently have and would enjoy myself much more than staying at home with a $1000 combo sitting in the corner...
Well it would be half that a month. It's not about having a bunch of combos to begin with more as it being better going with a better combo. figure if you didn't have all the gear you own already.
I wouldn't doubt everyone spends more a month on other leisures of life than just $75. No matter what it always depends on what you want to spend on something.
prjavelin reply :
A couple weeks ago I went fishing and my mom decided to tag along. She used an old daiwa combo I had on my trunk. I bought it for 40 something a long time ago. I went with my new ugly stick(these are not that bad the reel sucks though), new plano box with around $150 worth of lures. She caugh a nice catfish and I got nothing. not even a bite with anything, lures, bait, NOTHING.
The equipment(boat not included in this statement) is not going to make you catch more fish. your knowledge should make you better.
right now I got around 300 worth of lures and not a single bass to show for it. Im here to learn though!!!
Bassn Blvd reply :
On 4/12/2012 at 4:21 AM, redboat said:I dated an actress for a while and a few years later a model. The actress was really nice but boring - went to bed at 8 every night, hadda get up at 4 to go to work then worked till 6 that evening. The model would spend like, 4 hours putting on her makeup every morning. I got a lot of envious looks from guys when I was out with her but waiting 4 hours to run down to Taco Bell got old.
What has this got to do with fishing? Neither of them fished, by the way.
I don't know where I was going with this, LMAO. I guess high maintenance girls cost a whole lot more to date than buying high end gear. And in the long run you probably get more out of the gear.
And I don't believe just because your girls were a model and actress that they were necessarily high maintenance.
redboat reply :
On 4/12/2012 at 1:08 PM, Bassn Blvd said:And I don't believe just because your girls were a model and actress that they were necessarily high maintenance.
Model was, actress wasn't.
Bass23 reply :
I personally fish for fun. Not as a job or for consumption. So the equipment i use is going to be different then someone else who requires the better stuff. There is no doubt the high end gear is better but you use what you can afford. In the end its suppose to be fun.
redboat reply :
Good thread.
Price is totally subjective in my opinion. A $200 rod may be relatively cheaper to somebody who makes $100K a year than a $100 rod is to a guy making $30K. And you have to watch out, higher price does not equate with higher value - although most people believe it does.
Story from a buddy who years ago (60's) worked in a TV repair shop. They also rebuilt TV tubes, sold the reconditioned tubes. So, every tube they put a blue sticker on the front right corner, one of those little round stick on dots about a half inch in diameter. Every fifth tube they put a gold dot on instead of blue.
The ones with blue dots sold for $25; the gold dot ones $50. Now remember they were THE EXACT SAME TUBES. When a customer would ask the difference they'd say, "Well, thats a gold dot tube, the other is a blue dot tube."
They sold out of gold dot tv tubes all the time but had pleanty of blue dot ones around all the time..
So, is that $500 rod REALLY better than the $100 model? Or do people just believe deep down that more expensive MUST be better?
outdoorsman110 reply :
I've caught more on cheap rods then my expensive rigs.
roadwarrior reply :
Okay....
We have had some fun and I hope everyone has had "The Last Word".
Good night Irene.
-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior
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