Hot Combo Out Of The Rack...finally

[*Hootie]

I have been fishing my NRX and Shimano Core 100mg7 for the past few days. It has set most of the season in my rod rack. I don't know if it's just me, but something about using a $900.00 rig just gives me the heebee jeebees. I just have never used a combo that expensive before. Guess I'm afraid of breaking something. But I got it out all this week. Every fish I have caught in the last three days has come on that rig. I think I am beginning to get over my fears. Does using expensive stuff make you feel apprehensive?

Hootie

[UKCats55]

If I had it, I would fish it!! I suppose I would be worried about damaging it, but the fun would outweigh my fear. I have 2 daughters, one in college and a 2 year old. So if anything, fish it for guys like me that think spending $50 on a rod is a lot!!

[Master Bait'r]

Yes absolutely! I finally ponied up and put together a similar combo this year and although I use it every time I'm out I am constantly aware of it. I am always concerned about something happening. It's too much to invest to not use, but for me it's impossible to forget about.

[IAY]

I am always cautious about using my high end set ups (IMX with SS SV, F7-72X4 with Chronarch E, F4-68X7 with Metanium 13), but I trust in the product and expect myself to be able to keep it safe.

[*Hootie]

The one upside is that the NRX did come with a wild card. I have more concerns about breaking the rod, than damaging the reel.

Hootie

[Goose52]

Does using expensive stuff make you feel apprehensive?

 

I've got a bunch of expensive rigs now - I don't take them in the boat too often (afraid they'll end up at the bottom of the lake), I often leave them home if it's raining or in really cold weather, and I keep a death grip on them when fishing from the bank. Many of them get to live in the "Princess Rack" in my den, instead of the garage.  So, I guess I'm apprehensive somewhat.

 

OTOH, on good days, I take them out, use them quite a bit, lay them down on the bank while I weigh/measure fish, take care of them but not baby them, generally get the use out of them.  Then, occasionally, they get to take a boat ride.  After some time passes, they'll all end up in the boat I expect. I've already got two GLX rods that I only use in the boat, and a Calais 100A/St. Croix Extreme combo that is becoming a boat regular. 

 

I guess since I have so much gear now, I can be selective about when I use the expensive stuff.  When it's pouring down rain, snowing, sleeting, etc., I've got cheaper tackle to use on those occasions...

[Dwight Hottle]

I know the value of a dollar so I'm very careful with my stuff. Funny thing is I treat them all the same regardless of price. 

[Grantman83]

I get the apprehension. When I go fun fishing or on the Reservoirs, I use beater gear just because I don't wanna risk breaking it lololol

[Master Bait'r]

The one upside is that the NRX did come with a wild card. I have more concerns about breaking the rod, than damaging the reel.

Hootie

Agreed, that card is nice to have but I'm still afraid if knocking it into the water or having it stolen. I keep a bobber in my kit just in case... I'd come back and dive for it!

[roadwarrior]

Fish it like you stole it!

 

 

 

 

[*Hootie]

knocking it into the water or having it stolen.

 

 

Thanks a lot. Now you have given me something else to worry about....lol.

 

Hootie

[Goose52]

This is the PQ 5-Year Challenge test reel on a St. Croix Premier rod - just another day in the office.  BUT, for some reason, I haven't been able to convince myself that I NEED to fish NRX and Antares, Calais, Conquest, et al under these conditions...

 

[OntarioFishingGuy]

I treat all my combos the same, I am careful, but I use them, because that's what they are meant to do.

[Jeff H]

Does using expensive stuff make you feel apprehensive?

Hootie

Yes sir, it certainly would.   $900 combo is double eggshell territory for me, not going there!

Nice rig Hootie!  You deserve every exhilarating moment with it, enjoy!

[BassinLou]

I actually fish my expensive gear, or better yet what I feel is my expensive gear, lol.... harder. That's what that gear is for I believe. If it was designed to just look pretty sitting on a rack to be admired, I wouldn't have bought it. I bought it because if its the best, then it should endure anything I throw at it. 

[ThatZX14Fella]

I'd rather break a $900 rod and reel setup instead of letting it sit around.

[K_Mac]

I know the value of a dollar so I'm very careful with my stuff. Funny thing is I treat them all the same regardless of price.

My budget doesn't allow for anything high-end, so a $300 combo represents a significant investment to me. I also treat everything pretty much the same. They are all tools. I enjoy them for what they are. I would not have a tool that I was afraid to use or lose. I have fished with guys who are so worried about their gear that it becomes their central focus. Life is too short. Buy what you can afford and enjoy!

[Arv]

I guess for me, it's just fishing gear at the end of the day. I buy it to use it. I don't really worry about breaking it, though I am definitely cautious and responsible with it (making sure it doesn't get slammed in a car door). I trust the gear I buy to be quality and to improve my fishing experience. Though my most expensive set up is only around 700. Maybe it would be different if it was 900

[Missourifishin]

I have 2 expensive (to me) setups. They didn't cost anywhere near 900 though. But I use my expensive gear regularly, and enjoy it. I try to be smart and careful with my gear. But I don't think I would ever really worry or stress about it. It's all about having fun.

[Raul]

Does using expensive stuff make you feel apprehensive?

Hootie

Nope, it makes feel warm all over.

[flyfisher]

I don't have any conventional set ups in that range but i do have a few fly rod set ups that are in the 1k range and i fish the the same as anything else.  Am i more ticked when i break them and send them in for warranty replacement, nope.  that $50 feels a whole lot better on a rod that costs 700 as opposed to one that costs 150  

 

not to mention i just like they way they fish which is more important than the cost....

[FishTank]

I have one rod and reel that use to scare me and now it is my go to set up.  I have a Core and G.Loomis 803C GLX  Jig and Worm Rod.  I have caught tons of fish on this set up.  I look at it and go, there's $750+ sitting there.  What was I thinking?  But truth be told, it does everything I can ask of it.  I love it and use it more than anything else.

 

So my two cents, forget how much it costs and fish it for the fun of it.  We ain't getting any younger......

[new2BC4bass]

I know the value of a dollar so I'm very careful with my stuff. Funny thing is I treat them all the same regardless of price. 

X2  I don't care if the rod cost me $175 or $17.  I try my best to keep them looking like new.  This doesn't mean they sit in the house.  Only that I watch how I use them.....being careful not to jam the tips in the ceiling or door frame, sitting them down carefully, etc. 

 

BTW, those are my 2 extreme prices.  As you can see, expensive gear like that isn't in my budget.  However, I would use it if I had it.  Otherwise why buy it?  I am not a collector.....although my wife might think so. 

[Master Bait'r]

I have one rod and reel that use to scare me and now it is my go to set up. I have a Core and G.Loomis 803C GLX Jig and Worm Rod. I have caught tons of fish on this set up. I look at it and go, there's $750+ sitting there. What was I thinking? But truth be told, it does everything I can ask of it. I love it and use it more than anything else.

So my two cents, forget how much it costs and fish it for the fun of it. We ain't getting any younger......

Oh, agreed- if you spent the money it's only "worth it" if you're catching fish with it. As afraid as I am to break my NRX there's no way I'm leaving it home haha

[Tywithay]

I always just go for it. I have some $1000+ combos, and I have no more problem wading a river using those, than I do using my $200 rigs.