Sell Me A New Rod?

[BuckMaxx]

I have a hard time spending over $60 for rod. I have a vast selection of rods in my boat. Most of which have new eyelets on the tips from me snapping them. I see constantly guys talking about the top of the line rods they own. I think to myself why are these $300-$400 rods needed. Do they make an average fisherman better? Are they a status thing to impress your buddies?

Now I know most times you get what you pay. need some convincing that I need to go drop 2-3 grand on new rods.

[lmbfisherman]

I have a hard time spending over $60 for rod. I have a vast selection of rods in my boat. Most of which have new eyelets on the tips from me snapping them. I see constantly guys talking about the top of the line rods they own. I think to myself why are these $300-$400 rods needed. Do they make an average fisherman better? Are they a status thing to impress your buddies?

Now I know most times you get what you pay. need some convincing that I need to go drop 2-3 grand on new rods.

For the most part I think you can make do with the cheaper rods and catch fish.  I do however noticed that at the 100 dollar price point is where you will feel a difference in how a rod fishes, regarding comfort - sensitivity - quality - lighter rods.  I wouldn't say that a 300-400 rod will make you a better fisherman, I think it enhances your fishing experience and can benefit you in the end.  Of course this is all subjective. 

 

I will say that it is amazing how much sensitivity increased for me when I used my first Cumara.  (250+ rod)  When someone says you can feel the fish swim by or near it, I know what they mean now.  When I first fished with it I was setting the hook on everything because I wasn't used to the extra sensitivity.  The best experience was the first time i caught a fish... I was able to feel when I was drop shotting, I just felt the fish just swallow.  No tap no line movement, I just could tell..set the hook and up came a 2lb bass.  On the next cast in the same spot, I felt something and set the hook and what was on my hook was a fish scale.  I don't know how to explain, but I guess you can feel the water move around it when fishing around it. 

[Preytorien]

You and I think a lot alike. I sometimes find myself questioning my *** of such high end rods. I really have to persuade myself to justify spending more than about $100 for a rod.

 

There are discussions back and forth of what would be a virtual point of diminishing returns considering rods and reels. Us fisherman can usually always self-justify a nicer rod/reel or one that's not quite so beat up, but when you're talking $300-400 bucks, that takes a lot of justifying and convincing of my wife!

 

I think when it comes down to rods, there are a few different things that they factor into the price. Of course sensitivity. I just dropped $150 on a new Crucial (Shimano) that replaced a much less expensive casting rod, and I can tell you without a doubt this thing is significantly more sensitive. I can feel things I normally didn't. In fact I find myself setting the hook on everything I feel since I keep thinking they're fish, only to haul up weeds or a stick. Higher priced rods are more sensitive. Now, I don't own any $400 rods, so I can't say if they're $250 more sensitive. If they were, you could feel the fish's gill pulses through the rod! Another thing is that the higher end rods seem to be lighter. Of course some rods don't follow that rule, but in my experience the higher end rods are lighter but still maintain the same length, taper, action, power, etc. That'll be a big help when you're fishing all day. The lighter the rod, the longer it'll take your arms to tire. A 10-hour day can be felt in your forearms with a less expensive/heavier rod. Then really the last thing lies in the quality. Better guides, better cork, better blanks, better warranty, etc. are all things that play into the premium pricetag. Again, is the quality really $300 more than a $100? Perhaps marginally, but then again, they put a ton of research into things like that (usually), so it bears some merit.

 

I'm also a cyclist, with a bike that would cost about $11K to replace. I'm always having guys ask is an $11K bike that much better than a $800 bike? Really it comes down to the rider, just like anything, it's who's behind the bike/reel/rod/car/whatever that makes it perform to it's potential. But there are what are considered in the cycling industry to be "marginal gains"

For example, over 20 miles maybe a frame that's 150g lighter only gives you a 10sec advantage over the other guy. Maybe your wheels that are 200g lighter are 15sec faster. Maybe your aerodynamic helmet is 20sec faster than another guys. Maybe your stiffer crankarms give you a constant 25sec advantage on the same course over the other guy. But look, you add them up and that's over a minute. It's the little gains, all compounded that start making a difference in the big picture.

 

So the rod's a bit more sensitive, more comfortable, has great casting action, add to that a reel that's butter smooth and performs great, then you add a premium quality line, all these slight gains translate into a more effective presentation (more accuracy, distance, sensitivity, etc) and therefore can facilitate the probability of better fishing performance. It's not a guarantee, just like an $11K bike doesn't buy you a Tour De France win, but in both worlds, better equipment gives you the tools to perform at your best day in and day out.

 

As for me, I'd have a hard time to plop down $300-400 on just a rod, but that's mostly due to my financial picture. Unlimited funds? It'd probably be more.

[John G]

 need some convincing that I need to go drop 2-3 grand on new rods.

I have a feeling that you would never drop 2-3 grand on new rods. My question to you is..............................why does it bother you if others drop 2-3 grand on new rods?

[Master Bait'r]

Meh, it's different for everyone.  For some, it's enough just to be fishing and it could be on an Ugly Stick/ Zebco and they wouldn't notice.  Some others will obsess about the tiniest of details and smallest of considerations and can't even help it no matter what the sport, be it bowling, fishing or curling.  It will be different for everyone though.  The important thing for me is that there are more than one option so everybody gets to be happy in their own "zone" so to speak.  Each person will find their comfort zone on their own, no sense in worrying about what other guys do.

 

 

 

 

For me, I'd rather have a small stable of ridiculously high end rods.  Some guys on her have 30+ setups but I really just want probably 5 or 6 PRIMO combos that I can concentrate on mastering rather than having dozens of rods I might use a few times each.  I like to get really comfortable and familiar with my tools- to get in tune so to speak with everything about them.  To truly understand how they function and feel with different baits...  I love that.     

 

 

 

So yeah, I would really rather have a handful of Champion Extreme and NRX rods than a huge assortment of less expensive stuff but for me, less is actually more since I can really gain a high level of understanding within each application.  I myself am a skilled craftsman and therefore I do tent to take a huge amount of pride in owning a handmade product that was assembled by artisans and not just machines as well.  

[Cgrinder]

I would start with a couple $100 rods from different brands and maybe a nice $150 that's on sale or a discounted rep sample. I wouldn't jump to spending a few grand based on the opinions of internet fisherman. 

[Drewski73]

The final determining factor for me is this. I like nice stuff. I work my tail off. My wife lets me buy nice stuff.

 

Is there a big difference between a $60 rod and a $300 rod? Heck yeah there is! A massive difference in weight, balance, and sensitivity. Does that mean I catch more fish?

 

Ill tell you this, since Ive upgraded my bottom contact rods to Dobyns DX's, I almost never get hung up. Why you ask? Because I know exactly what my bait is doing at all times. I can feel it coming into a pinch point before it gets pinched. Does that mean I catch more fish?   I spend less time NOT FISHING because of it, and I do believe it is easier to hook a bass when you are fishing, and not re-tying, or trying to shake your jig out of a tree.

I also believe I feel jig strikes that I used to miss, and set the hook before it gets spit out. THAT means I catch more fish!

[ClackerBuzz]

buy all ur rods brand new at full retail price....that way there's more 50% off rods in the flea market for me 

[bigbill]

I just moved up to a better rod from the cheaper ones to a lews speed stick spinning rod. I can feel the difference. I shopped around and found these at very affordable prices too. I own many of the lews spinning rods now.

I have some better quality bait caster rods too.

Shop around for the better deals

[Steveo-1969]

BuckMaxx - you are exactly where I was 4 years ago.  I saw a Carrot Stick in a tackle shop with a $100 price tag and thought "There's no way I would spend $100 on a fishing rod!  My Ugly Stik works just fine!".  And I caught fish with it.  But fast forward to 4 years later, I just spent $430 on a Loomis GLX.  I justified it because it's used for bottom contact presentations and this rod is in my hands 95% of the time with where and how I fish.  Other posters have already mentioned how much more sensitive a high-end rod is and being able to feel everything, and it's 100% true.  So for me, my only regret is I didn't buy this rod years ago.

[Gaerith]

If you think about it, people spend 10s of thousands of dollars on a boat, gas for it and your vehicle to get there, insurance, and then skimp on rods. You're paying more on gas for 1 trip than that ugly stick costs. It adds up to a lot of money spent on a hobby, most of which people don't take into account, so in the grand scheme of it, that 300 dollar rod isn't all that bad.

If you can afford it, go for it. If you can't, don't. That's what it ultimately boils down to. IMO it does improve your fishing experience, especially if you are bad at detecting bites like me.

[ww2farmer]

You don't need fancy rods..........I do all my catching on $80-$130 Abu's and Fenwicks, I have put a few fish in the boat. I May be the only person on here who went from $250 St Croix Legend Tournaments to what I have now and am happier.

[Crookedneck]

It is going to come down to what you feel is reasonable for you own budget.

 

I also look at it like this.  Any time I need to be in contact with bottom or drop shotting I want a sensative rod.  In cases like this then yes spend the money and find a rod that you like.  And the deeper you are fishing the more this becomes important along with the type of line you are using.

 

If I am dead sticking a senko what do I need a sensative rod for?  It is falling on slack line so constant contact is not necessary. 

[F14A-B]

Buy what you're happy with.... The advice above

Is sound from all view points being covered.

It is still up to you and you're budget..love of the sport,etc...

[mjseverson24]

I am with ww2farmer on this one, rods in the 100 dollar range are more than adequate rods to be able to be competitive on any tournament trails in the country. The best bass fisherman on the elite series in 2012 (Brent Chapman) uses the W&M skeet reese rods. Most guys one here will not take you serious if you suggest a skeet rod, because they are "dead", "cheap", "ugly", "gimicky", "break on the first cast" rods... I used the skeet rods as just as an example, there are many other in its price range that get the same treatment. if you cant consistently catch good fish with 100 dollar rods the 400 dollar rods wont help out your situation, because the problem is your ability to locate and get your lure in front of actively feeding fish, but if you catch lights out every time you go out, well maybe the top end gear will take your game to the next level... just my thoughts... The Cumara is pretty tempting though...

 

Mitch

[TrippyJai]

There are many 100 dollar range rods that are plenty sensitive and if you buy them used, you can get them for even cheaper.

[BuckMaxx]

 Thanks for all the input. I ask this because in todays world it is all about good marketing hype and over seas crap. We often get tangled up in whats the best and not  whats a priority. I will be purchasing new rods starting this summer thanks!