Rod Or Reel

[bassslayer4life]

I'm am looking to start upgrading my rods and reels, but am wondering whether to upgrade to a nicer rod first or a nicer reel. Also I would appreciate suggestions of what to get for both.

[pbizzle]

As long as reels aren't on their last leg, I would get a nicer rod. All the reel does is hold line, but you're rod is working the bait and letting you feel what the fish is doing.

[bassslayer4life]

As long as reels aren't on their last leg, I would get a nicer rod. All the reel does is hold line, but you're rod is working the bait and letting you feel what the fish is doing.

Any suggestions as to a good rod? not looking to spend a ton but give me a reasonable suggestion.

[LMB ANGLER]

basspro shops rods are good rods and cheap compare to other manufactures 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

For "feel" techniques like jigs/plastics invest in the highest quality rod you can afford. For a cranking set up, lean your budget toward a smooth power (low IPT) reel.

[pbizzle]

Any suggestions as to a good rod? not looking to spend a ton but give me a reasonable suggestion.

How much? For $60 I love the H2O Ethos rods and the Abu vengeance rods but for a little more I like the All Star Team rods. I've only felt the Bass Pro extreme rod, but it feels like a very nice rod. For a $100 I've heard great things about the *** *** rods, but I've also been surprised by the All Star Nano and Micro rods that I've used. I think that All Star has really become an overlooked brand. I would stay away from Carrot Stix because of how brittle the blank is (and how crappy the warranty is). The Veritas is a great rod but I've had a lot of friends break them as well.

[NEjitterbugger]

Rods are more important.. Upgrade the rod first...

[ww2farmer]

I have had a lot............A LOT of different rods. From $250+ St Croix Legend Tournaments to $40 Berkley Lightning rods. If you want  good performing rods that won't break the bank, look at Abu Garcia, Fenwick, or St Croix. They all make quality gear at various price points, Pure Fishing (Berkley,Abu, Fenwick) and St Croix are two of the best in the business in customer support/warranty as well. You don't have to spend $200+ dollars on a good rod for "feel" techniques. I "feel" things just fine with $50-$100 Abu Vengeance's, Vendetta's, and Veritas's.

[jignfule]

Given a choice, I would put my money into a rod.

[ClackerBuzz]

rod 1st.  and upgrade to braid.  braid to fluoro leader helps with a world of sensitivity no matter what rod you choose

[Arv]

Any suggestions as to a good rod? not looking to spend a ton but give me a reasonable suggestion.

I agree on the rod. What is reasonable for you price wise? Are you looking to do everything at once? Or save up and replace little by little?

All this stuff will help us make better recommendations.

[bigbill]

I upgraded my line and purchased better quality reels first my biggest mistake I did change out the rods too. I think we have to do all three. If your reels are decent I'd go for the rod upgrade. You know Christmas in coming.

The correct action / power to the lure equals hook setting power.

[ClackerBuzz]

don't be afraid of the search bar at the top.  it works better than google.

type anything from:

best rod under $100

BPS carbonlite

jig rod

worm rod

powell vs abu

you'll get tons of great reading info

[roadwarrior]

Better reels make the "fishing" more fun. I would get a great reel in your price range and match it

up with a new rod later.

[JWOA]

  Id get the H20 Ethos...thts a nice rod for under 100 bucks...Upgrade a rod first over reel...if the reels can manage it.

[bassasaurus]

Depends on what you like to fish. As already mentioned, if you primarily throw bottom contact baits like jigs, t-rigs etc then invest in a rod. If you're a moving bait guy then get a reel. Regardless, you'll probably end up upgrading your gear later on...

[jiggz125]

I have had a lot............A LOT of different rods. From $250+ St Croix Legend Tournaments to $40 Berkley Lightning rods. If you want  good performing rods that won't break the bank, look at Abu Garcia, Fenwick, or St Croix. They all make quality gear at various price points, Pure Fishing (Berkley,Abu, Fenwick) and St Croix are two of the best in the business in customer support/warranty as well. You don't have to spend $200+ dollars on a good rod for "feel" techniques. I "feel" things just fine with $50-$100 Abu Vengeance's, Vendetta's, and Veritas's.

+1 I have St Croix and Abu Garcia great quality and affordable.

[SirSnookalot]

If it were a choice between the 2, I'd go with the rod.  I believe the rod has more to do with casting distance than the reel, the rod fights the fish in open water and pulls them out of cover.  If sensitivity is an issue, the feed back comes from the rod not the reel.

If I thought an $600 reel to pull in an 8-10# fish with a battle that was measured in seconds rather than minutes or hours, would more fun than a $300 reel I'd be hallucinating.  As long as the reel was smooth on retrieve with a good functioning drag, my fun and pleasure comes from the rod.

[aavery2]

For myself it is either or. I would upgrade the reels first if it were a combo that fish primarily moving baits with. I would upgrade rod first for contact bait fishing. I Dont think it is fair to say that one is always more important than the other. JMO