Rod Or Reel, Where Should You Put Your Money?

[retiredbosn]

There really is no wrong answer. Where one puts their money may depend on the level of enthusiasm, budget, target species, conditions that will promote more wear and tear, and so on. It really isn't about catching fish, you're going to do that with whatever you are using. For some it's about value and for others it's about personal self esteem.

There is some truth here

[TNBassin']

For bait casting, the Reel. You can buy a decent rod for under 50 dollars. Buying a cheap reel will give you nothing but trouble. Turn you away from bait casting.

Agreed. I've gotten away with cheapo rods for years, but never have been able to keep a cheapo reel going for more than 2 seasons. That being said, my Revo S is on a veritas, and my STX will be on a Villain as soon as they micro guide version hits.

[steezy]

The rod is #1, the reel is a luxury. It's like power windows on a car, the hand crank works great but the electric makes it nice.

[Jim_M]

I'm in the 2/3 reel, 1/3 rod camp. You can boat/land great fish with a simple rod for years. That is IF your technique is solid.

Wont happen with a bozo reel.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Rod IMO.

I don't skimp on my gear for either. No matter which you choose to spend more money on, you can get some very good quality gear around the 100 dollar mark.

[piscicidal]

Moving bait setups, I favor the reel. Finesse/vertical setups requiring more feel I favor the rod.

[dam0007]

One thing a lot of people don't realize is with how fast technology advances, what's "cheap, junk or average" was just top of the line 3-4 years ago.

On that note I'll be willing to pay more for Made in USA/Japan, Better warranty, etc. Then buy something equal in quality for $20 less made in a sweatshop with a 30 day warranty, but according to marketing dollars its still good quality.

[dam0007]

Sorry steered off topic but my point was whatever works and works good I have a $300 rod $200 reel setup then I have a $200 reel $40 rod set up. Several rods in the $80-150 range and several reels in the $50-400 range. Really depends what your trying to achieve but if you only fished once in a while and just wanted a all around good combo that is reliable then I'd have to say pick a price point and go 50/50.

[LgMouthGambler]

$150-200 on a reel, and $50-100 for the rod would be a fair setup.

[piscicidal]

$100-$350 for the rod, $100-$400 for the reel, $79 for the handle...that's the way to go.

Jus sayin'!

[SirSnookalot]

IMO money spent on gear is directly related to to species and their potential size, techniques, level of enthusiasm and most important ones own budget.

If I were a b/c user, heaven forbid, I'd look into those handles. I have swapped my handle on my soron 20 for a soron 4000 handle which fits perfect and is a power handle. I could never count the number of double digit fish I've caught with this reel, the handle makes a big difference.

[LgMouthGambler]

$100-$350 for the rod, $100-$400 for the reel, $79 for the handle...that's the way to go.

Jus sayin'!

Good golly Ms Molly!

[rockchalk06]

$100-$350 for the rod, $100-$400 for the reel, $79 for the handle...that's the way to go.

Jus sayin'!

Seriously? No offense but that about the worst amount of info I have ever heard for a newbie. You want a guy just starting out to spend over 800 dollars on one combo?

[J Francho]

Seriously? No offense but that about the worst amount of info I have ever heard for a newbie. You want a guy just starting out to spend over 800 dollars on one combo?

Yeah seriously. By my math, that's $280 to $830. Minus the handle, $200 is pretty easy to rack up on a decent rod and reel.

[rockchalk06]

Yeah seriously. By my math, that's $280 to $830. Minus the handle, $200 is pretty easy to rack up on a decent rod and reel.

True but for someone starting out to spend 200 dollars is kinda high IMO. If they decide they don't like the combo its going to be hard to bring that money back out of it

[J Francho]

Spend $200, and you're going to get used to it, you'll learn to like it. You resell it immediately, you'll easily get 2/3 back out of it. Try that with a cheap, dept. store combo that you'll probably never learn to love.

[K_Mac]

$100-$350 for the rod, $100-$400 for the reel, $79 for the handle...that's the way to go.

Jus sayin'!

Going back to the original post, the question is where do you spend the most money-rod or reel? While my income doesn't allow for high-end combos Piscicidal's answer makes good sense to me, and shows the common price range for decent rods or reels. Yes, you can spend less than $100 for either, but you risk buying an inferior product that will lessen your enjoyment, limit your success, and cost more in the long term IMO. And yes, spending $800 or more for a combo is entirely reasonable to many if you want a high end combo that will be a pleasure to fish for a lifetime.

FWIW the $79 for the handle is a judgement call just like everything else related to tackle. Over the life of a reel it isn't much money as far as I'm concerned if it increases the joy of using it.

[J Francho]

FWIW the $79 for the handle is a judgement call just like everything else related to tackle. Over the life of a reel it isn't much money as far as I'm concerned if it increases the joy of using it.

I have a Hawgtech handle. Paid retail for it, too - so you know I'm not shilling. As my budget allows, I will be adding more, along with replacing knobs where I don't want the bigger handle. It's that well made. A relative bargain in the world of reel upgrade parts.

[K_Mac]

Good to know J Franco. If I can save enough nickles I want to try one!

It is interesting that as a confirmed budget fisherman I find myself defending spending a little more for rods and reels. As most know, I use BPS PQ reels that can be bought on sale for $80. They have held up to tough use for several years now without any problems. I have had other experiences with inexpensive gear (rods, reels, and other tackle) that just turned out to be "cheap". I would not advise a new fisherman to buy cheap gear. One good combo is worth more than several cheap ones. My opinion, based on my experience...

[dam0007]

Hate to just barge into convo... Again... But if you HAVE to spend $800+... On 1 combo... You either A) suck at catching fish, are in the wrong sport or C) have recently hit the lottery. Lmao yup that just about sums it up.

[dam0007]

^ keywords are HAVE TO, before any Stella/Van Staal owners blast me

[J Francho]

Or,

D. You have the means, and enjoy fishing with high end equipment.

I have a friend with a centrepin setup for trout where the rod was $600 and the reel around $400 used. Some of the handmade reels sell for $1K or more, and might only have one bearing. He could out fish me 5:1, even if we switched gear. I doubt he'd go back to my low rent, $400 setup, though.

[SirSnookalot]

^ keywords are HAVE TO, before any Stella/Van Staal owners blast me

They don't get anymore strikes, but in the case of the Van Staal it is supposed to be impervious to sand entering the reel, a real big plus for beach fishing. The Long Island guys coming to Florida for the winter seem to be always packing one. In the medium and larger sizes of offshore spinning the 8000 stella has a whopping 55# of drag, which actually is the same drag as their 20,000 reel. My comparable sized soron 60 and penn conquer have 30 and 32# which is darn good but no where near the stella...........you bet it makes a difference out there. I fished with a 5000 stradic fj yesterday, that's my next one.

On the fly equipment, I have friends down here that probably are not rich but very devoted to fly fishing and they wouldn't touch a rod and reel under $1000.

[AndyTN]

I am always one to recite the "buy once, cry once" mantra when it comes to quality gear, but $800.00 for a combo to start? I realize that's an accurate price range for an avid fisherman with that kind of budget, but not for a beginner. I have been at this for forty plus years and yes have rod/reels at that price point and they can be an advantage. I also have a friend who can only be described as a true hillbilly. He 340lbs hands with catchers mitts for hands. He's never bought a rod/reel combo that went for much over $100.00 because he could just not afford to. With that, I've never seen someone who can cast so consistently accurate as him with a baitcaster. He can just drop a lure anywhere he's aiming with minimal splash when it gets there. Over and over and over again. He has brought in more large bass then anyone I know including two >10lb's. I've never managed even one. The point being local knowledge and skill are a better initial investment than top of the line gear.

$100 for a Rod, and $150 for a reel for starters will put a lot of fish in the boat.

[LgMouthGambler]

The difference in price is going to be how well the equipment is going to hold up to abuse, and how long they will last you. I dont care what anyone says, a $60 Abu Black Max combo is not going to last as long, or is built as well as a (and just using this as an example) Shimano Chronarch on a Veritas rod for $300. Yes it will get fish in the boat, but you will be needing a new reel after a while. With reels that are around $200 like the Chronarch, STX, Lews Pro Speed Spool, etc, they will give you 10-20-30 years of use, and more with proper maint. Of course the Shimano is gonna be the one to last closer to the 30 year mark.