tnt2671 Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 lately i've been rethinking my setups and let me start by saying i have always had higher end fever, i owned and still own a lot of the newer shimano jdm ( scorpions , ci4's , met's etc) but lately i've been leaning towards using my 70.00 diawa exceler's ( the new gen, taken apart cleaned up and properly lubed) and honestly i think i enjoy my fishing more than ever. they put fish on the boat and the bank just as well as my expensive stuff, gear ratio choice and casting ability honestly isn't all that far apart , brake adjustably and consistency is set it and forget it , drag is smooth w/ great hold ( no problem on a "38" northern today , pulling like a tractor) , palmability is perfect for me and lure limit's are not even a factor as i fish for bass , pike etc so never throw anywhere under 1/4 oz. i have just been fishing the heck out of them w/ out worrying about dropping , stepping on , soaking , scratching, breaking or servicing and all the other stuff thats in the back of my head when i'm fishing a higher end, now don't get me wrong it's nice to hold a feather light smooth as glass higher end reel and i like most people become gear heads when it comes to our equipment but i with out a doubt am having more fun and focusing more on my fishing than ever before using the everyday cheaper reels on a good rod. would i get rid of my "good stuff" , no, but don't think i'll ever spend the money i have in the past when i can buy a sub $100.00 reel that i'm just as happy with. Am i going crazy lol??
Super User kickerfish1 Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 With fishing you try things and experiment until you find where it is that you want to play at. Usually this is the intersection of where price and performance collide and you feel the gains beyond that are not justified by increased price. I know a guy that sold off lots of high end rods and reels that were as good as money could buy to settle on a rod company that makes $170 to $350 rods. He felt this was all he needed to be successful. Now back to reels if you throw lighter baits and ultra heavy or resistant baits speciality reels costing more than $100 will be needed. For fishing standard weights between 3/8 and 1 oz many reels like the BPS PQ, Lews Speed spool, Shimano Citica, Daiwa Exceller and Lexa can handle what we need them to. Same can be said for anything in life... Homes, cars, bikes, electronics, etc... 1
tnt2671 Posted November 9, 2014 Author Posted November 9, 2014 With fishing you try things and experiment until you find where it is that you want to play at. Usually this is the intersection of where price and performance collide and you feel the gains beyond that are not justified by increased price. I know a guy that sold off lots of high end rods and reels that were as good as money could buy to settle on a rod company that makes $170 to $350 rods. He felt this was all he needed to be successful. Now back to reels if you throw lighter baits and ultra heavy or resistant baits speciality reels costing more than $100 will be needed. For fishing standard weights between 3/8 and 1 oz many reels like the BPS PQ, Lews Speed spool, Shimano Citica, Daiwa Exceller and Lexa can handle what we need them to. Same can be said for anything in life... Homes, cars, bikes, electronics, etc... i think the price point reels have just gotten that much better , 100% agree on anything finesse or hd, thats money that needs to be spent , i'm talking daily drivers.
EvanT123 Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 Fish what you brought. That's my philosophy.
Josh Smith Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 I am currently enjoying a Cherrywood rod next to my more expensive stuff. It feels wrong but there it is. Josh
Super User *Hootie Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 I can throw 1/4 oz baits on my PQ's all day long. Hootie
Super User *Hootie Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 Hootie, How far do they go? Josh I can get easily 15 to 20 yds. on a cast, but seldom ever cast that far. I am a shoreline fisherman, and fish close quarters. Rarely make a cast over 30 ft. If I am fishing a spinnerbait parallel to the shoreline, then I'll go for the long cast, and find that 60 ft is plenty long enough for me. I don't fish deep diving crankbaits, so I never find it necessary to be able to cast from the launch ramp to the dam...lol. Hootie Hey Josh, thought you might like to see these. Part of my collection.
Super User HoosierHawgs Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 I always use cheaper rods. The most expensive rod I own is $50. I also really enjoy Berkley Rods. I fish all Lew's reels, but refuse to buy one that is more than $180. Most of them are $100 or less. I usually buy them used at half price for the more expensive ones. Never had the kinda money to throw at 6 Shimanos. Its just not worth it. 1
Super User roadwarrior Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 Am i going crazy lol?? Yes, you should seek professional help! Watch the video, it might cure you: http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/spinning/stella.html 1
Super User smalljaw67 Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 You aren't crazy, you're an angler plain and simple. I love mid-tier rods and reels even after having high end because of the the very same reason you stated, the worry that is in the back of your head every time you put your rod on the deck, you walk on egg shells being careful not to come close to the rod and you even put it down on the deck lightly to avoid a possible nick in the rod blank or road rash on the reel. Now that mid-tier rods and reel are lighter and better performing than they were in the past, fishing is a lot more enjoyable, the only difference would be if you have enough disposable income that a NRX or a Stella reel isn't really much of an investment, if you're in that income bracket then you can focus on fishing without worrying about equipment. 1
Super User new2BC4bass Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 Guess in this thread it is safe to admit that I enjoy using a $30 Procaster and $33 Black Max 1600 nearly as much as a $200 T3 1016. 1600 has a bit of handle wobble that I don't care for, but it sure does a fine job otherwise. The Procaster feels like a tank....like a cheaper rendition of a Zillion. I must admit, tho, that although it is a pleasure to be out with these lower cost reels, it brings even more joy when out with a Zillion, T3, Alphas, Chronarch, etc. just knowing they are of a higher quality.....even if they don't catch any more fish. However, if finances forced me to sell the majority of my gear, I could happily make do with those 2 cheaper reels until too old to fish anymore. 1
Super User *Hootie Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 You aren't crazy, you're an angler plain and simple. I love mid-tier rods and reels even after having high end because of the the very same reason you stated, the worry that is in the back of your head every time you put your rod on the deck, you walk on egg shells being careful not to come close to the rod and you even put it down on the deck lightly to avoid a possible nick in the rod blank or road rash on the reel. Now that mid-tier rods and reel are lighter and better performing than they were in the past, fishing is a lot more enjoyable, the only difference would be if you have enough disposable income that a NRX or a Stella reel isn't really much of an investment, if you're in that income bracket then you can focus on fishing without worrying about equipment. I hear that. I have an NRX with a Shimano Core 100mg7 mounted on it that got a lot of rack time this season, simply because I was afraid of damaging it. When I posted my situation, roadwarrior, Alonerankin, and a few others quickly talked me out of that mindset. Spent the last part of the season actually using that combo, and...WOW!! How AWESOME. Sure wish I had used it all year, but, oh well,.... LOOK OUT NEXT YEAR!! Hootie 4
paleus Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 I think one of the main benefits to more expensive reels is durability. My BlackMax and SilverMax are starting to act up.
Super User *Hootie Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 I do have a question for you super dedicated "high end" tackle guys, roadwarrior, and the rest. Concerning mid range G Loomis rods, GL3, Moosyback, Bronzeback etc. I have 3 GL3's That I really like that have been relegated to reaction bait rods, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits. lipless crankbaits, and such. If reaction baits don't require a sensitive rod, why spend $220.00 to $240 on these rods, when a $50 lightening rod, cherrywood, or BPS tourney special is sufficient. How does Loomis manage to sell these rods, what void do they fill that warrants that kind of price tag. If you wonder why I bought mine, it was for contact baits. That was before I tried the GLX and NRX series rods. Hootie
Super User new2BC4bass Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 Hootie, I am not a super dedicated "high end" tackle guy, but I know this....sensitivity may not be paramount for some techniques, but it never hurts. I'd much rather be feeling every wiggle of the crankbait than not even tho the end result might be the same. 1
Maico1 Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 I do have a question for you super dedicated "high end" tackle guys, roadwarrior, and the rest. Concerning mid range G Loomis rods, GL3, Moosyback, Bronzeback etc. I have 3 GL3's That I really like that have been relegated to reaction bait rods, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits. lipless crankbaits, and such. If reaction baits don't require a sensitive rod, why spend $220.00 to $240 on these rods, when a $50 lightening rod, cherrywood, or BPS tourney special is sufficient. How does Loomis manage to sell these rods, what void do they fill that warrants that kind of price tag. If you wonder why I bought mine, it was for contact baits. That was before I tried the GLX and NRX series rods. Hootie There are two rods I would recommend that are in the wheelhouse of your question that you should at least try provided that they are in the requirements of the lure weights you throw...... SMR 702C-TW 5' 10" A 1 10 - 17 1/4 - 3/4 Fast Med-Heavy $250.00 and the SBR 752 C 6' 3" A 1 10 - 17 3/8 - 1/2 Ex-Fast Medium $230.00 Both are smaller than most that would be normally recommended for their use but do not let that fool you. They will cast well beyond your expectations and with plenty of backbone as they will lock up to tame the larger ones you hook into. As for the price well that is list price but I never pay list price as I like to hunt for my investments....
Super User *Hootie Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 There are two rods I would recommend that are in the wheelhouse of your question that you should at least try provided that they are in the requirements of the lure weights you throw...... SMR 702C-TW 5' 10" A 1 10 - 17 1/4 - 3/4 Fast Med-Heavy $250.00 and the SBR 752 C 6' 3" A 1 10 - 17 3/8 - 1/2 Ex-Fast Medium $230.00 Both are smaller than most that would be normally recommended for their use but do not let that fool you. They will cast well beyond your expectations and with plenty of backbone as they will lock up to tame the larger ones you hook into. As for the price well that is list price but I never pay list price as I like to hunt for my investments.... I have the spinnerbait rod you mention. Didn't pay list price for it As for hunting for my investments, my NRX, Core 100mg7 combo, brand new, how's $160.00 out of pocket for that. Hootie 1
Hogsticker Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 It adds another level of enjoyment to something I already love, so why not. You said you wouldn't get rid of what you referred to as your good stuff, so that somewhat sums it up. Get in where you fit in. I would rather fish out of a 20,000 dollar boat than a Jon too, but I can't. I've tried enough 100 dollar reels to know the refinement simply isn't there. Different story if it was all I knew but I ventured to the dark side too long ago. Yes they work, and yes you may be going crazy. 3
Poolshark Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 I am rethinking high end rods and reels for a couple of reasons. Rods can get get bruised, nicked and can break rather easily if you aren't to careful. And even if you are... Sh** can and always will happen via, wife , gf, dog. Nothing you can do. It's Murphy's law. Now a days I'm finding that there are great performing rods and reels that are good values in which you won't be necessitating a three hundred dollar price tag and you won't be paranoid about damaging. I just picked up some carbonlites based on some good reviews and to my surprise.....they fish as well as my st croix... Less tip heavy and less than half the price. As far as durability goes. It doesn't matter when when the inevitable happens. Like when your better half makes a mistake...... Or wacks it on a tree limb... Or drops it into the water, let's go of the paddle board......lol.
Maico1 Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 I have the spinnerbait rod you mention. Didn't pay list price for it As for hunting for my investments, my NRX, Core 100mg7 combo, brand new, how's $160.00 out of pocket for that. Hootie A very sweet deal..... 2
Super User F14A-B Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 Lets see, using less expensive rods & reels has, brought less stress, more joy, contentment, etc.. I don't see a problem here, also no, I don't believe your going crazy. Now send me all your hi-end stuff! Then,I may think you are loosing it. ( not really) 1
Super User gulfcaptain Posted November 9, 2014 Super User Posted November 9, 2014 Reels, I think anything in the $100-180 range is going to preform as well as the higher dollar stuff....may weight a little more. It's a tool. Being I fish braid on everything, I feel the need for a $300 rod for sensitivity is not required. Can find a lot of rods in the same price point between $80-150 that will fit the bill. I can't see spending $900 on one set up for bass fishing. The few guys I know around here that consistantly catch fish don't fish $900 set ups, they simply know how to catch fish with the midrange equipment most fish. Now the ones that do have the high dollar Steez, core's ext.....you wouldn't believe the days they tell you about with all the 5+ lb fish they caught.....unfortunately some of those days they forgot to notice a few of us were there too and those 5+lb fish were all of 10-14inches. Reels and rods are a tool to be used. I can buy all the Snap On tools I want, but it's not going to make me a better mechanic if I have no idea how to work on an engine, where the guy that's been doing it for 20+ years with his midrange tools he's had for years has no problem fixing anything he works on. $$$$ doesn't = success. Experience and knowledge do though. 3
IAY Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 Reels, I think anything in the $100-180 range is going to preform as well as the higher dollar stuff....may weight a little more. It's a tool. Being I fish braid on everything, I feel the need for a $300 rod for sensitivity is not required. Can find a lot of rods in the same price point between $80-150 that will fit the bill. I can't see spending $900 on one set up for bass fishing. The few guys I know around here that consistantly catch fish don't fish $900 set ups, they simply know how to catch fish with the midrange equipment most fish. Now the ones that do have the high dollar Steez, core's ext.....you wouldn't believe the days they tell you about with all the 5+ lb fish they caught.....unfortunately some of those days they forgot to notice a few of us were there too and those 5+lb fish were all of 10-14inches. Reels and rods are a tool to be used. I can buy all the Snap On tools I want, but it's not going to make me a better mechanic if I have no idea how to work on an engine, where the guy that's been doing it for 20+ years with his midrange tools he's had for years has no problem fixing anything he works on. $$$$ doesn't = success. Experience and knowledge do though. Biggest misconception out there by far... To the OP, use what you feel comfortable with.
UKCats55 Posted November 9, 2014 Posted November 9, 2014 I always use cheaper rods. The most expensive rod I own is $50. I also really enjoy Berkley Rods. I fish all Lew's reels, but refuse to buy one that is more than $180. Most of them are $100 or less. I usually buy them used at half price for the more expensive ones. Never had the kinda money to throw at 6 Shimanos. Its just not worth it. I completely agree, the Berkley rods are a great value!! I have a Abu Garcia Silver Max on a Berkley Lightning Shock rod that is my favorite set up. I also have a couple Mitchell spinning reels on Berkley Amp rods for finesse baits. All three outfits cost me less than $250. With a daughter in college and a 2 year old, I can't afford to drop $500 on a fishing rod. But like everyone says, it is all personal preference. I know a guy that has caught several bass over 10 pounds using a Zebco 33 and an Ugly Stik!!
Recommended Posts