FS Digest

What is your take on the difference in pricing for fishing products? Reels ? Rods? Are you somebody who doesn’t care about high tech gear as long as you’re catching fish? Or are you somebody who looks at fine tuning details that elevate your fishing ? Or does it really come down to the level of fishing you are doing? Weekend angler or tournament fisherman? What factors come into play in purchasing your bass fishing gear?

Happy Friday y’all!

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by jasonsreviews

FS Digest

Personally, I have tried both pricey and cheap rods, reels, and line. I am a very casual weekend angler and can tell the difference between reels more than anything else. There are very good options for for equipment around the $100 point for rods that make me comfortable enough to never think about spending more than that again. I can't justify spending tons of money on equipment because I am not fishing tournaments. My $100 combo catches just as many fish as my $600 set up. I also understand how someone that fishes tournaments would want to be way more picky though.

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by f311000h

FS Digest

I hear you. I guess it really depends on what level of fishing you are doing. I wouldn’t see the reason to spend big dollars on products unless you can afford to and because the product offers details and features the less expensive product does not.

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by jasonsreviews

FS Digest

I just feel more guilty about spending a bunch of money on something that isn't going to be used to it's full potential but that's just me and I would say that I am not experienced enough to appreciate all the crazy features.

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by f311000h

FS Digest

I personally have had cheaper fishing reels WAY out perform some of my more expensive reels. I think sometimes money does not equate to quality .

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by jasonsreviews

FS Digest

Ya I feel like if you found stuff you like, there is no reason to explore more expensive options.

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by f311000h

FS Digest

The price of a rod and reel whether it be a $500 combo vs a $50 combo does not make you a better fisherman. It's personal preference. You see pics on this sub of rods and reels next to small fish and straight up giants. Some of those are cheap and inexpensive and some a very expensive. If your having fun and catching fish it really doesn't matter how much you spent.

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by hawgslayer77

Raw Dawg Ron Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

When you start breaking stuff and have saltwater damage you will find a better set up! Wise idea to start with a middle of the road set up, cheep stuff is just cheep stuff and will work for a while. Do you want to loose a fine fish because of cheep setup? We do get what we pay for, good eqpt. will last longer. How about that.

oldgundoc

I 'm still useing my first fly rod ; purchased with paper route money in 1956. I changed to a fancier reel 20 years later. It still catches my fair share of fish. Expensive is not necessary; experience helps.

MrT Loc: Delaware Shore

I think that's the eternal source of the newbie's search. How much to get into the MOR set up, but not frivolously waste your money in your attempt? In this thread, one of the other posters mentioned $100 being their starting point of diminishing return for a rod. This was particularly helpful to me, as I was recently scoping out prices for a surf cast rod, and had found one the I really like the feel of for $140. And now I feel comfortable to have that be my top end in my choices, and the $150-$500 range can be ignored for the time being.

But then there's always the counterargument that the $40 special that needs to be replaced by the next season is worth it's weight in gold, if it gets an angler hooked for life and buying a better replacement.

BILLBYRD1 Loc: Prattville Al

Stay within what your wallet can afford. Even if you casually fish tournaments (once a month. etc) you don't want to get in over your head. Bills come first and then fun money. I would set aside $100 for my fun money. If I spent it on one set up that was it. If I spent it all of lures etc. that was it. As I begin to gather a good amount of equipment I begin to invest in my trips. Going X number of miles and camping or staying in a hotel. I really enjoyed myself because I didn't feel guilty about spending the house money. (Power bill, groceries, house payment. I never used my house money so it never crossed my mind and I focused on having a great time.wintin

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I like my expensive rigs for the reliability (particularly reels), but I will never claim they 'catch' better. My only 10lb+ bass was caught on a $9.99 rod from Western Auto and a Zebco 202 w/12lb line that came with the reel ($3.99, if I recall !) Granted that was 55 yrs ago, so don't look down on the $30-60 combo. As long as it has a decent drag and casts well, the reel is there for line management solely. The rod, on the other hand, is responsible for the cast and the retrieval action, and of course the ability to 'fight' the fish, so I give the rod my priority when $$ matter. Having said that, don't just go to Dick's or Walmart or your tackle shop....hit those yard sales, check out the pawn shops, check out Craigslist. Most of my really expensive gear came from those sources, including a bitchin' Lamiglas/Pflueger 8wt fly combo from Goodwill for $25 !! Estate sales are the best, rarely do the relatives know what the deceased spent on his fishin' gear ! LOL !!
Don't think $$$ equates to smart buys..... otherwise the Yeti cooler guys would have all the fun and never have to buy a bag of ice again !!!