Why Change If Whatever Work's For Whoever?

[Squirmin Wormin]

This has to do with a little something that happens while fishing, or did me anyway .First i use a 6'6mh graphite rod ,a shimino spirex reel ,and 8lb mono for around here . Well the 15th fri, while fishing i happened to hook a bass and well was bout 17incher . Now before i finish the rest of this little story and a question, whatever you use is ok,so back to this ,we all talk our opinion's here and help every one we can here ,thats good .but when catching that bass did i think if i had different line ,or reel or pole for that matter was it gonna make a difference . So after that being stated, you could have whatever it it gonna cost and mine being bout 120.00 or like even a zebco 202 like a first combo kit that goes for 29.00 . if you believe in what you have, why change?

[aavery2]

There are levels of fishing equipment that are appropriate for the newest beginner to the most hardcore enthusiast.  Get in where you fit in. 

[Fish_Whisperer]

It is all a matter of opinion and how you approach fishing.  So many dynamics.  As aavery2 said, get in where you fit in.

 

I have a mindset similar to the auto mechanic who believes in purchasing quality hand tools.  Fishing rods, reels, line, lures, and terminal tackle are tools to me.  I buy the best performing tools that I can afford to aid my pursuit of fish.  I enjoy the refined feel of a quality rod and reel in my hand.  

 

 I say buy what makes you feel comfortable; buy what gives you enjoyment.

[Catch and Grease]

Another great post by the one and only squirmin wormin!

If it works for you don't change it...

[BiteFiend]

Yes. Don't change if you are comfortable with what you have. You have to figure, there's a reason why there are so many different rod, reel, line, and takle manufacturers. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[WIGuide]

If you believe in what you have, then there's no reason to change. However, remember there are other anglers out there who like to experiment and try something different that works better, or works better for them. If they find something, they then believe in it and are in the same boat as you. Honestly, you could go out and catch fish with a cane pole and a pill box full of tackle and if that's your thing, more power to ya! If you want to spend over a thousand dollars on 1 rod and reel combo go for it! (and toss me a few bucks on the side since we know you can afford it haha) It's fishing and that's what makes it so great. You can make it what you want and however you do it, it's not wrong. 

[SirSnookalot]

This has to do with a little something that happens while fishing, or did me anyway .First i use a 6'6mh graphite rod ,a shimino spirex reel ,and 8lb mono for around here . Well the 15th fri, while fishing i happened to hook a bass and well was bout 17incher . Now before i finish the rest of this little story and a question, whatever you use is ok,so back to this ,we all talk our opinion's here and help every one we can here ,thats good .but when catching that bass did i think if i had different line ,or reel or pole for that matter was it gonna make a difference . So after that being stated, you could have whatever it it gonna cost and mine being bout 120.00 or like even a zebco 202 like a first combo kit that goes for 29.00 . if you believe in what you have, why change?

Probably very little difference.  The difference in a upgrade is weight, balance and aesthetics, which does not equate to more and better fish, only more comfort which can be less tiring.

[J Francho]

I don't get caught up in the butterfly effect. When something fails, that's when I examine the limiting factors. Every success is preceded by many failures, most you probably won't even recognize. I prefer to celebrate the success. Good job catching!

[Felix77]

If it works for you and you can catch fish then it's your call.

[tracker01]

Spending a few more bucks just adds to my fishing pleasure. More fish, I can not answer that, but I do like a more sensitive rod and a lighter reel.

[bigbill]

I didn't have snap on tools when I worked for one of the top ten engineering groups in the country I purchased craftsman tools for all my workers.

I started out using zebco 202 $5 reels when I was a kid over 50+ years ago. We used it in freshwater and In saltwater. We wore one reel out per year. That's a lot of miles on the bicycle fishing too

As I got older we still fished for trout every opening season. I had cheap spinning reels with $2 rod if that. The spinning reel was on clearance for $5. I toasted a few of these cheap trout reels while catching averaging 3# bass. I realized the Wal-Mart quantum bubble pack spinning reels were affordable and held up bass fishing.

My Wal-Mart quantum and my Shakespeare black beauty 6' spinning rod using 8# Excalibur fishing line caught and landed my PB 10# which still stands years later.

I don't have expensive fishing equipment even today. I'm happy to still be out there fishing. Enjoying nature at its finest.

[einscodek]

I've pulled several 4 pounders out of the waters using the $25 shakespeare ultralight setup I originally bought for my kid..  they sell at Walmart. (most fun I've had fishin)

Whenever I needed to use an ultralight, I just grab it.. its a tool it works.

I have an expensive Phenix rod but whenever I can get away with it, I use my IM6 Daiwa flippin rod which I bought for less than $60 at walmart.

I'm lookin to catch fish .. aint lookin to impress people and well if it works.. sure stick with it til it breaks.

I've out golfed folks with expensive golf clubs with my el cheapo set.. I destroy tennis opponents with $300 racquets with my budget racquet.

These are tools..

 

But theres a difference between cheap and cheaply made.. I wont tolerate failure of equipment but if its cheap and fault-tolerant and robust, its gonna get used!

[rippin-lips]

The answer is don't change.

I used a $15 Shakespeare excursion rod with a $25 Shimano Sienna reel for a long time. I don't catch any less fish now than I did then. Granted with today's technology in blanks and line. I probably catch a few more fish detecting bites I wouldn't have before but I'd say it's minimal. For me I enjoy owning 'nicer' gear. I stay within my means and all my bills get paid. It's nowhere near what some people spend but it works for me and I enjoy using it. You won't catch me with a $400-500 rod. I can't justify that kind of money on a rod when my $150-200 rod makes me happy.

[EmersonFish]

You can catch fish with lower priced equipment. Over time, will higher quality equipment get a few more in the boat? Probably. If you are fishing competitively, that few more could mean a lot. If you are fishing recreationally, one of those few more could be the fish of a lifetime.

I like having full confidence in my equipment. Some people wax nostalgic about wearing out one reel after another. Personally, that would drive me crazy; wondering when my equipment would fail.

Most people who invest a GREAT deal of money (I'm talking big bucks) in fishing equipment do it as much for the enjoyment of owning something of such quality as they the actual performance of it. It's like a custom car. My boring Toyota Avalon will get me down the road just as well as my employer's Mercedes, but he enjoys his car, and he earned it. It's probably a little more comfortable than my car, and I'm sure it handles a little better... like a nice fishing rod, I guess.

In any case, I'm a middle of the road guy. I like rock solid, reliable stuff. St. Croix Avid rods are not cheap, but they are not glamour rods by any means. I will likely be spending between $250 and $300 on a Drop Shot rod this Fall. Is that crazy to some people? I guess. But for that style of fishing, I need the confidence that my equipment is allowing to feel as much of what is happening as possible. Maybe I'll catch a few more fish this Fall. Those are expensive fish, but I deserve it.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Sport anglers are a vastly diverse group. Tackle, target species, location, socioeconomic position, age, gender and motivation... just scratching the surface. Add to this the advancements in technology, materials and techniques, and you have to come to the conclusion that 90% of the time there is no "right" or "wrong" answer to most fishing related questions. Sure there are situations where biology, physics or mechanics can give us concrete answers but for the most part everything boils down to personal preference and what's right for you. As a reel tech and rod builder I obviously like to tinker and experiment. I'm always looking for a better, or even different way to fish. That's just me. If some else enjoys just quiet time on the water with modest equipment, I'll be the last one to judge, ridicule or try to "fix" them. 

[Capt.Bob]

I agree with most, if it works for you your in, I don't agree you can catch as many fish with a cane pole or a 50 dollar rod and reel kit,,,,,,unless your using a bobber, you ain't going to drop shot, or use weightless plastics and a few other applications where you probably wouldn't even notice you had a bite, or burn a buzz bait or a trap with a 202 zebco,,,,, But if that's, ok with you and your happy with those things, go for it, if you want to detect the slightest bites,,,or use the lightest line possible to tackle large fish, or any other advanced reason we get to do these things so well these day's,,,,,,you ain't going to be very productive with mediocre drags, and excessively slow speeds, heavy rods with little or no sensitivity and tapers that are so restrictive to many applications, and casting range or accuracy that is technique robbing, but can be lucky once in a while, whether you realize whats happening or not, that may work for you.

 

This is why we have the wide diversity in tackle today, there is something out there regardless how basic,,,or how advanced you want to be, if you decide you want to tame that 17" or even 24" bass on  4 pound test,,,you may have a little better chance with a little more expensive tackle, but only you know what your satisfied with. Like Avery2 said, many level's,,,,,,,fall in where you like!!

[Catt]

The #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears...not between the folds of your wallet!

[long island basser]

The #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears...not between the folds of your wallet!

Hallelujah !!!