FS Digest

New angler... do I buy a $200 rod knowing I'm probably going to want to upgrade or do I just spend the money now?

Is there that much extra value in a $400+ rod or am I overlooking this and I should go with my two choices right now Redington Vice or Orvis Clearwater (not combos just the rods). I have a cheap 50 dollar rod I’ve been learning on, it does the job but I’m looking for another rod. Thanks in advance.

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by mbgeo

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Mbgeo: Well, you didn't give us much to go on, like are you thinking of fly fishing, bass, or something else. From the mention of Orvis, I am guessing you are thinking about fly fishing tackle.

I personally would not jump into more expensive tackle, regardless of type, before i was more familiar with whether I really wanted to be serious.

There will be others along with different ideas perhaps, so hang on. Just Sayin...RJS

GaryH Loc: Northern Pa.

In all honesty if your new and just getting started, you won’t notice the difference in a $200 rod and a $400 rod. Learn the subtle feel of fish and bottom bumps before going crazy on high dollar rods. There’s plenty of great fishermen on this site that use rods for less than $200.

GaryH Loc: Northern Pa.

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Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

I’m not a fly fisher . But by experience in bass fishing is this
You have a nice rod. Say a $200 rod.
You are really enjoying it and feel comfortable every time you go out
Then you try or even buy a better quality rod.
Suddenly you like the original rod less. You don’t use it as much as you once did.
Then you happen upon an even more refined rod , and the cycle continues.

If you are serious about your fishing and have the means, this will likely happen.
The question becomes, where do you start. More importantly , where does it end.
My advice, get the best you can afford.

Jay-P Loc: Conway, SC

I would agree with others who have already responded, however, if you are talking fly fishing, the dollar amount is only one thing you have to consider. All fly rod/reels are have a weight factor. These are related to species you are fishing for. They determine the type of line you need as well. Now for just fresh water only, again you have a variety of options. Ultralight to heavy ratings, again determined by what you are planning on doing. Saltwater is another story, but again all depends on what you’re planning. So the question is a $400 rod better than a $200 one. Simple answer is yes, but will a new angler notice the difference, probably not. At the same time you mostly wouldn’t see any difference between a $100 or less rod to the $200 one. Here again you considering spinning or bait caster? Here is something to consider, if you have friends who fish a lot, ask them if you could try using one of there rods. That might help in your decision options. Good luck,

Salesrep Loc: Maryland

You can buy a great rod for $400.00 but will it catch more fish than the $200.00 rod, probably not.
Will be be lighter, probably, will it have better graphite ,probably,better components, probably....All these extras add up to more money.
Bottom line is your pocketbook.Are all the extras worth an extra $200.00 bucks.Only you can make that answer.
Salesrep

MSHohman Loc: Nebraska

If you are talking fly fishing, before you leap what’s your target fish that determines rod weight. Example for trout a 9’ 5wt combo would work. Largemouth and or smallmouth a 9’ 6 or 7 wt. A cheap combo for starters and if you grow to like fly fishing then you can go nuts and start investing in 4pc rods ranging from 3 wt up to 10wt all for a specific purpose ranging from $600 to a $1000 in cost on set up.
Just don’t till your wife.

Kelley King Loc: NC

Not a fly fisherman but for casting and other types I think money is better spent on good fishing line and even replacing that from time to time. Cheap or old line that looks like a slinky when you cast will hurt your catch worse than a $10 rod any day.