The Best Is Not A Requirement

[JT Bagwell]

Agreed JT!

Did you experience people pushing high dollar product or did you have an encounter with a new fisherman?

 

My black max combo has caught just as much fish as my other combos.  Does it cast as far as some others? No.  Has it failed me once when I've hooked into a fish?  Nope. 

Fishing equipment can be heavily marketed and just because someone spends $300 on a combo, doesn't mean you wouldn't enjoy a $70 combo and have success with it.

It's easy to buy into the hype of the new lures and rods and reels and the companies want you to dish our your dough. You just have to be reasonable and smart.

 

To add on to JT's point:  If you look for sales and deals and check out the fishing clearance sections, you can find quality equipment for affortable prices.

I pride myself on never paying full price for practically anything.  There's great deals in the Flea Market section of these forums, I've had a lot of success on Ebay, and even Craigslist can be useful.  Your local sports store usually has a weekly circular too.

 

Also, if you have experience under your belt, it's nice to pass along the knowledge to new fisherman to help them in their buying decisions, which is another reason Bass Resource rules.

 

 

There was no specific experience that made me think of posting this (I often just have random thoughts).

 

What was kind of the catalyst is I was looking at some new equipment online and I was looking at the cost.

For several years I was sponsored by Pflueger and All Star before they were bought out by Pure Fishing so I literally have a hundred

rod reel combos they sent me. As a result, I have never had any reason to buy a new one and I have never really looked at getting

a new sponsor.

 

When I was looking at the new equipment I kind of wondered if it was really any better than the 4 year old stuff I have now

or if the entry level stuff of today was the same as the "high end" older stuff I currently use.

 

It just kind of had me thinking.  lol

[Freak78]

The fish in my avatar were caught with a cane pole .

My wifes grandfather only used cane poles. And everytime we went he out fished me 2 to 1. He had them in all different lengths and sizes. He wasn't shy about bragging either. Always wanted to give one a try.

[Rhino68W]

I've been using a $60 Black Max combo for two years. Still serves me well in the rotation. None of my combos cost me more than $130.

If you like that one you should check out the H20 Xpress Mettle. You can get a combo with the camo Mettle for $100. Definitely competes with my higher end setups.

[Rhino68W]

I would actually recommend that if you're just starting, get something nice. Why? Most people start with a cheap baitcaster to "learn on." You're learning experience is going to be so much better if you use a nice reel. And plus, if you start out with a cheap combo, you'll eventually upgrade, and cost yourself more money than if you just bought a nice combo in the first place. Of course, it doesn't have to be a $300 combo, but you get what you pay for. 

I get your point. But think of it from an entry level fisherman's POV. How many people are going to go out and get a $250 rod and reel to learn how to fish? Not very many. If you can afford it then great! But realistically, people are going to be searching for cheaper options when they are starting out.

[the reel ess]

I get your point. But think of it from an entry level fisherman's POV. How many people are going to go out and get a $250 rod and reel to learn how to fish? Not very many. If you can afford it then great! But realistically, people are going to be searching for cheaper options when they are starting out.

I wouldn't even start with a BC as my first combo. If you do you have to learn to bass fish and cast a BC reel at the same time. Recognizing the usefulness of a MH and a M spinning combo, I'd start with those two to learn the basics of bassin'.

[NathanW]

True, its more about how you look than what gear you are throwing... I mean if your not wearing a jersey you probably aren't catching any fish. Don't leave the jersey at home guys.

[Catt]

I ain't got nuthin in either one of those places. Guess I'm screwed

Yea! Well I've been around this site to long to buy that one!

[Catch and Grease]

On easter my uncle gave me a old fish eagle rod that was stiff enough to use as a flipping stick and I caught more 4lb+ fish on that rod than any other rod I've owned in the short amount of time I had it... I recently broke it sadly and I wasn't even fishing when it happened! I loved that darn rod!

[Violinguy]

This is the same type of discussion as with photography (another hobby of mine). 

 

A $5000 camera with a $3000 lens does not make anyone a better photographer - just as a $400+ rig doesn't make anyone a better angler.  I take and sell some great photos with my consumer model DSLR, and I catch lots of fish with my $150-and-under combos.

 

The best advice I ever heard when it comes to gear (for whatever hobby) is, buy the best gear you can afford.  If you can afford top dollar gear, then go for it.  If not, you'll catch tons of fish with the less expensive stuff.  Either way, if fished properly, anyone can catch all the fish they want with anything on the shelf or in the catalog.

[RoLo]

I ain't got nuthin in either one of those places. Guess I'm screwed

 

That's what I've been trying to tellya.

 

Roger

[Djman72]

It's all relative.

 

The less you spend on your rod/reel is more the bait monkey will have to play with.......

 

[the reel ess]

True, its more about how you look than what gear you are throwing... I mean if your not wearing a jersey you probably aren't catching any fish. Don't leave the jersey at home guys.

I bought a sky blue Columbia PFG long sleeve jersey. I've never been skunked while wearing it. Coincidence?

 

But my daughter left Chap Stick in the pocket of her jeans and I dried them with the shirt. Now it has darker spots all over it. I wear it anyway. Still stops the sunburn and makes me look knowledgeable.

[bigbill]

JT, guys/gals,

That's my point buy what up can afford, hit the tag sales and flea markets. Remember to haggle the price. Make sure the reels work. Buy good decent line.

Just get out there and fish.

I started out with trout tackle. That didn't last long. I was using Garcia river mist line #4 $1 a spool. The bass killed the $7 spinning reel. I upgraded to a shakespear rod 6' and a Wal-Mart quantum reel and Excalibur silver thread line. This setup caught my PB.

[slonezp]

It's all relative.

 

The less you spend on your rod/reel is more the bait monkey will have to play with.......

 

It is all relative, but not for the reason you mentioned. 

[slonezp]

JT, while I tend to agree with you, I think the bass fishing newbies would be better off being schooled on matching rod with reel with line with presentation. Than just being told that cheap is ok.

 

WallyWorld, BPS and Cabelas all sell inexpensive combos. These combos matched with the incorrect line and/or used for the incorrect presentation could cause buyers remorse and now we want to go out and buy a Loomis and Shimano because we think the WallyWorld/BPS/Cabelas stuff is garbage.  

[hoosierbass07]

For you guys/gals that are newer to bass fishing, I want to give you a little input.

 

You absolutely do not need to have the best fishing equipment on the market to catch a bass.

 

Instead of spending beyond your means, just get the best that you can afford.

 

Most of the equipment made nowdays is pretty decent so you will be just fine.

 

 

 

  Not only do you not need the best, I would recommend instead of spending all your money on high end equipment, take that money and travel to new waters far away.  Traveling and fishing new waters a good distance from you will probably increase your big bass catch rate more than buying a $150 rod or $400 reel and fishing your same old bodies of water. 

 

 I started out using Ugly Sticks and still have them though don't use them now but I would not want to get rid of them.  Always have to have the dependable and affordable Ugly Stick in my collection just in case I need it.  

[AdamsEye]

JT, while I tend to agree with you, I think the bass fishing newbies would be better off being schooled on matching rod with reel with line with presentation. Than just being told that cheap is ok.

 

WallyWorld, BPS and Cabelas all sell inexpensive combos. These combos matched with the incorrect line and/or used for the incorrect presentation could cause buyers remorse and now we want to go out and buy a Loomis and Shimano because we think the WallyWorld/BPS/Cabelas stuff is garbage.  

Very good point, and I agree 100% present.

[Turkey sandwich]

Bingo, slonezp. A $10 hammer and a $50 hammer will both pound nails. A $10 screw driver or a $35 screw driver, the same. However, if you try to pound nails with a screw driver or turn screws with a hammer, you're in for a long day.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Its ok to use 100$ reels and 50$ rods im willing to bet that price range in combos catch more fish in 1 month than ppl buying 500$ rods and 400$ reels in 2 yrs.Sure you wil say buts its so nice using a 8 once combo..i use combos that are 10 onces the fish have no clue its all about balance.my round abus may look funny on a 5'6" pistol grip but they are all tip light and feel perfect and i havent broke a rod on a fish or cast in my life.

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Still use a silver max for frogging. 6.4.1 I beilve and haven't lost a fish because of the reel. I have better reels but the cheaper ones get the job done just fine.

[Big Bait Fishing]

For you guys/gals that are newer to bass fishing, I want to give you a little input.

 

You absolutely do not need to have the best fishing equipment on the market to catch a bass.

 

Instead of spending beyond your means, just get the best that you can afford.

 

Most of the equipment made nowdays is pretty decent so you will be just fine.

 

 

JT Bagwell

@BagwellFishing

the cardinal rule for buying rod and reel , buy the best you can afford ....

[SirSnookalot]

Bass or otherwise, nothing beats know how and location.  Expensive gear may be more fun to use, it does wonders bolstering one's ego leading them to a false sense fishing superiority.  But if those lures are casted in the wrong place, it's all for naught.  A $30 off the shelf combo can and will catch lots of fish, providing you put the bait or lure where it should be and work it properly.  The cheap outfit may be a better tool to learn on, catch fish with and them and fish should just jump all over an $800 rig.  The fact is they don't, you still have to find them and entice them, that's the fisherman not the gear.

[Balshy Fishing]

I Feel like it could be a confidence thing. If you're born and taught that cheap will work, than you'll have confidence in what you're using no matter what.

Some guys don't believe cheap stuff will work as well and don't have as much confidence.

I know that stands true with me and baseball. I buy pricey bats, but that's all, but the money gives me the confidence towards the product.

Gloves and what not I'll buy cheaper and have tons of confidence.

[LuckyGia]

If you are near a Gander Mountain, they have the Lew's Tournament SX combo on sale for $99 (was $149)

Great quality combo and doesn't break the bank.

Love my AG black max too!

I actually bought a 2nd Lews because I was so impressed with the reel. Price was a bonus.

Only combo I have purchased with regret was a Gander Mountain package.

It was my first attempt at baitcast and I am surpised I stayed with it after that package.

Lews and shimano are my go to.

[pbizzle]

I'm only 15 (16 in a week!), so I know I'm no expert, but I will say that I agree 100% with everything JT and Cat said. I'm the only one in my family who fishes, so I began by using a $20 Rapala combo I bought at Marshall's (yes the clothing store lol). Had a ton of fun with that so I saved up and bought what I thought was probably the greatest combo on Earth. A little $50 two piece Pflueger combo. I actually joined a bass club and fished my first 2 or 3 tournaments with just that reel, AND I HAD A TON OF FUN DOING IT! I probably had more fun with that then I do now with all my nice gear! Now I've got 6 or 7 combos, that I've put about $150 - $250 in. Not the nicest, but all good stuff (I find stuff on sale). I fish a lot of H2O Xpress rods, and they catch fish just fine. I actually won my club tournament last year against old guys fishing Loomis's and everything. So no I dont recommend getting the very best stuff to start fishing. I don't even think you have to get the best stuff once you're an experienced fisherman. I mean if Ike can make it to a Classic fishing with Veritas you can probably catch a fish on cheaper setup… just sayin'.