Paying Extra For Quality Equipment

[BassThumbAddict]

Rods and reels on a big scale. Small scale bait wise I feel the GYCB senko preforms so much better but it is significantly more.

[NorcalBassin]

Also agree with the rods and reels but with flyfishing it's more so just the rod (comparatively, by no means are the reels cheap!)

[War Eagle 44]

As with everyone else I too like to have quality reels and rods but I don't spend as much as I used to on either. Lately it's been "upgrading" the reels I already have that's been more interesting to me than buying new ones.

 

I never mind spending a little extra on hooks or other terminal tackle. I know this doesn't really seem like a big expense, and for the most part it really isn't, but I always like to change the stock hardware that comes on most hard baits. I'm very high on Owner split rings and trebles but I also use Mustad and Gamakatsu. Spro power split rings are nice as well. I've never tried any rings from Mustad. I started this practice a few years ago when I noticed a dramatic improvement in my bite to land ratio after upgrading the stock trebles on a KVD 1.5 to the KVD Mustad trebles.

 

Since that time I've had a couple bad experiences with stock hardware on a few baits so now I always upgrade every new hard bait.

 

This goes for "worm/plastic" hooks as well, I use an assortment from both Owner and Gamakatsu so that I have what I consider to be the best hook for a given lure or technique.    

[Grantman83]

High end customizing of reels is where I lose it. Hell, I have two on display that won't see the water.

Hawgtech handles, carbon handles, custom paint jobs, pixzilla 'ing equals way too much money spent lol

[lordpaxin]

I always get several bargain items

At first

Then once I've gotten comfortable I'll upgrade

For instance I've thrown Walmart lipless cranks all summer. And once I stopped losing and snagging them I ordered some megabass vibration x

[Hogsticker]

I've spent my money on worse things. Believe that!

[Bluebasser86]

I like to buy nice things, but I like finding values too. If I can buy a nice piece of equipment for less that I feel performs on a level with more expensive gear, I'm all for it. Even on higher priced stuff I have a cutoff of around $200. I just feel like the difference is very minor in rods and reels once you get above that ceiling in everything except the price. 

[Tywithay]

I've found good line has made my time more enjoyable. Cheaper stuff works just fine, but I've had less hassle with good line. I like a nice reel too.

[Hogsticker]

I agree, good line is critical. It's not pretty and flashy like a rod, reel, or hard bait, but I feel it's the most important piece of the puzzle. I know folks that will dish out good money on a rod, but expensive line.... Forget about it

[Master Bait'r]

I'm with Lou, rods n' reels.

 

More reels than rods, but...well there ya go.

 

 

See, I feel the opposite.  You can super tune a lazer speed spool to cast over the moon with some Abecs and light oil/flushing/dialing but if you buy the wrong rod, there's nothing you can do but get another one.  

[Choporoz]

I've slowly come around to spending more on line, hooks and plastics.  Line was easier transition -- break offs and slinkies can be tolerated only so long.  Hooks were harder for me...and maybe its more psychological, but I'm thinking better hooks really is making a difference.  As to plastics, again, maybe psychological, but I have so much more confidence with a Rage or Keitech or Senko than with any BPS, Yum, Zoom, etc.  I'm particularly cheap, so I've followed pretty much the same curve with every hobby I've had....start out with 'cheap is more than good enough for me'....and eventually get to 'only the best is really good enough for me'....lol

[Darren.]

See, I feel the opposite.  You can super tune a lazer speed spool to cast over the moon with some Abecs and light oil/flushing/dialing but if you buy the wrong rod, there's nothing you can do but get another one.  

 

That's cool, and entirely valid.

[Senko lover]

I'm on a budget, so I typically try to get quality stuff (on sale!).

I recently bought a baitcasting combo; was going to get a Black Maxx combo, but decided to get something a lot more pricey. Glad I did.

[War Eagle 44]

I've slowly come around to spending more on line, hooks and plastics.  Line was easier transition -- break offs and slinkies can be tolerated only so long.  Hooks were harder for me...and maybe its more psychological, but I'm thinking better hooks really is making a difference.  As to plastics, again, maybe psychological, but I have so much more confidence with a Rage or Keitech or Senko than with any BPS, Yum, Zoom, etc.  I'm particularly cheap, so I've followed pretty much the same curve with every hobby I've had....start out with 'cheap is more than good enough for me'....and eventually get to 'only the best is really good enough for me'....lol

 

I don't think it's in your head, I'm 100% sure that quality hooks (trebles or otherwise) make a big difference in your fishing. One thing I will add here though is that I think you're really missing out by dismissing Zoom plastics. I'm not saying that they are the absolute best there is but I can tell you that quite a few of their baits are very very effective eg. baby brush hog, lizard, super fluke, etc. I know that angler confidence in a lure is super important to that lures effectiveness for them but I've just had so much luck with Zoom plastics that I just thought I'd say that you might want to give them another shot.  

[rippin-lips]

The zoom trick and finesse worm should be in everyone's soft plastic lineup. Along with flukes and brush hogs.

[Choporoz]

I don't think it's in your head, I'm 100% sure that quality hooks (trebles or otherwise) make a big difference in your fishing. One thing I will add here though is that I think you're really missing out by dismissing Zoom plastics. I'm not saying that they are the absolute best there is but I can tell you that quite a few of their baits are very very effective eg. baby brush hog, lizard, super fluke, etc. I know that angler confidence in a lure is super important to that lures effectiveness for them but I've just had so much luck with Zoom plastics that I just thought I'd say that you might want to give them another shot.  

Thanks.  You (and RL) are right.  I still carry some Zoom stuff; lizards, super flukes and trick worms, mostly.  But, their usage rates are getting pushed down this year by sexier stuff. 

[War Eagle 44]

The zoom trick and finesse worm should be in everyone's soft plastic lineup. Along with flukes and brush hogs.

 

I can't believe I forgot the Trick worm, wow.

 

 

 

Thanks.  You (and RL) are right.  I still carry some Zoom stuff; lizards, super flukes and trick worms, mostly.  But, their usage rates are getting pushed down this year by sexier stuff. 

 

It could be a case of Zoom plastics not being quite as effective in the waters you fish as much as anything else.

 

I just want to state that this is totally my opinion and I have absolutely no facts to back this up. I want to like Rage products (and do especially the toad and the menace and craws as jig trailers) but I can't get nearly the number of bites flipping a Rage craw as I can with a Paca craw, Zoom speed craw, baby brush hog, or D Bomb. Therefore I've decided that different baits work better on different bodies of water. I came to this conclusion after giving the Rage craw plenty of opportunities to produce for me. So I'm not sure if this would hold true of anyone fishing on my home lake or if it's totally just me. I'd like to think it'd hold true for anyone but as I said I have no facts to support this theory.     

[rippin-lips]

I think that statement holds a lot of truth. I always see people throw senkos/stick worms around my area. Most are leisure fisherman and don't get really into it like myself. Even the select few that I know who are addicted to fishing don't stray too far away from them. For me a Tx rig rage craw is my 110% confidence bait. There is never a time where I don't have one rigged up with a 3/16 weight. I decide to get into swimbaits before the season ended. I've gotten nothing but strange looks and jokes being cracked about them. People telling me those things won't work around here ect ect. Well I can't wait to put the hurting on some fish this spring with my mattlures hardgill.

[JeziHogg]

Everything piece of fishing kit I own, why settle for less?

[Patrick Morrow]

In same ways I have experienced that the higher-end gear is over hyped, which is kinda obvious in same cases. 

[Sam]

John, two theories regarding fishing equipment.

 

1.  Purchase the highest quality you can afford.

2.  Purchase the lowest quality that will handle how you fish.

 

I like the first theory as I want to use the best equipment I can afford.

 

My ex-fishing partner (got married and moved to Ohio) used junk. His philosophy was that when a rod or reel broke just throw it away and get another $20 reel and a $30 rod.

 

With this in mind, my friend could catch a bass in a bathtub half full of water with the "cheap" equipment. It was amazing to watch him fish with reel brands I had never hear of and see him rig his inexpensive rods knowing that he was going to catch something sooner or later.

 

So which philosophy do you subscribe?

[roadwarrior]

A large portion of the fun for me is collecting gear. When it comes to rods & reels I expect to

keep them forever. 

 

 

 

[thehooligan]

Like any hobby, i want the best that i can afford. Im unfortunately on a pretty small budget so i find myself using the credit card more and more.

 

The td ito project has really set me back and ill most likely have to sell just so i can buy some christmas presents this year 

 

Anyway, once you step into the territory of high end gear theres no going back.... Its a vicious cycle 

[adam lancia]

Like any hobby, i want the best that i can afford. Im unfortunately on a pretty small budget so i find myself using the credit card more and more.

 

The td ito project has really set me back and ill most likely have to sell just so i can buy some christmas presents this year 

 

Anyway, once you step into the territory of high end gear theres no going back.... Its a vicious cycle 

That's exactly why my frugality outlasts my patience, it would kill me to save up for something then have to sell it, especially if I were to take a loss on it. Used is the way to go for me. When I have a monthly 4 figure disposable income, then I'll be buying high end stuff brand new. Until then, it's used for me :-D

[rippin-lips]

You don't have to buy it brand new. Most of my high end stuff is used but in great condition. You can find deals if you look around.