Reel Vs. Rod

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, I've been doing so much research and question asking on different rods and reels that my head is literally spinning. Is it wiser to get a really good reel and a decent rod (like maybe a Berkley Lightning Rod Shock) that doesn't cost too much and upgrade the rod later if necessary OR would it be wiser to start off with a good quality rod like a Duckett Ghost, Dobyn's Fury, Mjo Bass, *** Black etc. and get a lesser but still good reel in the $80ish dollar range? Thanks for being patient everyone and answering my million questions...lol.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel. 

[fishballer06]

If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel. 

 

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[bigbill]

Buy what you can afford, you can always upgrade down the road. A decent reel will fit any rod? But keep in mind we can fish with any setup but we need good quality line.

Good luck in your journey.

[Jaw1]

If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel.

This !

[MidwestF1sh]

My guess is its going to be a "do everything" rod and reel for the OP. I'd say decent rod and $80 reel. For 80 bucks you can get a decent reel.especially if you went used.

[PitchinJigz]

My guess is its going to be a "do everything" rod and reel for the OP. I'd say decent rod and $80 reel. For 80 bucks you can get a decent reel.especially if you went used.

You can find Tatula's online for $85-$90. That's what I'd go for.

[roadwarrior]

For me it would be all reel, the rod can wait.

 

 

 

[Jeff H]

For me it would be all reel, the rod can wait.

 

 

 

LOL...one ain't much good without the other.

[gulfcaptain]

Shop around for deals.  Right now depending on what you're looking for you can find great deals on E bay.  Think I've picked up 4 reels in the last couple months that would have ran me upwards of $1100 retail for about $400.  Rods can be had to if you look.  Also, about the same price as the Lightning Shock you can go to Academy and get one of the H20 brand  IM8 rods for $60.  Much better IMO as well and work well for both.  

[NathanW]

I strongly disagree with any advice that suggest buying a low quality reel. I understand it and they mean well but hear me out on this.

 

A decent reel could last a decade or two and has good used resale value. I am not saying you need a $300.00 reel but reels in the $100-$150.00 range will suit. I have seen used Curados sell on eBay for more than I bought them for new after Shimano discontinued making the reel. Same is probably true for a lot of the Diawas that tend to have a cult following.

 

Rods don't last that long anyhow and don't typically resale well if you find out its not something you like. I wouldn't advise against buying less expensive rods because its very difficult to know exactly what you like in a rod in your early years of fishing.

 

DVT is correct regarding bottom contact baits but I don't think its relevant to price the way it used to be. The last few years we have seen rod companies sneak $100.00 rods into the market that outperform many of the other companies best stick. Dobyns and Loomis aren't lowering their prices and improving their low end because they want to, the market is forcing them. 

[Retired@176]

I can understand your head spinning but is your question about a baitcaster or a spinning set up? Don't know about BC's but with spinning get a Pfleuger president and browse the deals on TW or where ever for a $150 or so rod.

[bigbill]

How much do you have to spend on a rod?

Then make a list of the rods in your price range.

The gurus here will help u pick.

[Brett's_daddy]

I am talking about a bait cast setup. I actually bought an Abu Garcia ProMax combo for $50 but it's a righty reel and even though I'm a right handed person I cast with my right and reel with my left so I'm selling the reel. Do any of you know anything about the rod that comes in this combo? It says Abu Garcia Pro Max on it, is 7ft. long, MH with a fast action. I'm wondering if I should replace right away even though there is only about a month left in the season where I live up here in Vermont OR if I should just get a decent reel like a Lew's Tournament Pro or Daiwa Tatula 100, mount it on the rod I have to get my feet wet so to speak? I'm thinking more along the lines of what NathanW is saying where a reel is more of an investment that if properly cared for could last me many years so maybe get one that I won't feel the need to upgrade in a year instead of settling for a lesser reel now so I can get a better rod...maybe get a good reel now and use the rod I have and then maybe for my Birthday in April ask the wife to get me a better rod. I also wouldn't mind replacing the rod I have now with something inexpensive but decent like the Lightning Rod Shock to use as a temporary rod which can be relegated to backup rod status when I get a better rod. As far as looking for good deals on used reels, I know there are some good deals out there but I generally prefer to buy new so I know how the item has been treated as i will be the first to use it...plus a good warranty gives me a piece of mind . If it was somebody I knew who had a good deal i might be a little more inclined to go the used route but I don't know of any friends with a good reel they're looking to get rid of. Decisions, decisions...I do appreciate any and all help you can give this bait cast noob...lol.

[deep]

You have a rod right? Buy an used reel for ~$100 and go fish.

[iabass8]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/158677-what-should-you-spend-more-on-a-rod-or-reel/?hl=%2Bspend+%2Bmore+%2Bon+%2Brod+%2Bor+%2Breel

[Further North]

I fly fish a fair amount...everything from brook trout to muskies...and the the experience I carried forward from that with baitcasting and spinning equipment is tha the rod makes more difference to me than the reel.

 

...that said...the least expensive reel I use regularly was about $180...so I might not be the best person to ask...

[VtSmallmouth]

The promax combo was the first bc combo I ever bought with the same mh rod, and I still use the rod everytime I'm out but the reel has been replaced. I use it for t rigs, jigs, heavier stuff ect. It honestly is a good rod I wouldn't replace it. Get a good reel for it and you'll be happy with it.

[Catt]

A quality reel will last a lifetime, a quality rod could break tomorrow!

[Big Bait Fishing]

definitely get a quality reel !!!!  a quality reel is an ivestment like a car , maintain it and it will last for years or more , getting a decent rod and using it for awhile will help you perceive what you will like later down the road . get the best reel you can afford and take care of it ...

[NathanW]

I would jump on ebay and grab a Tatula 100HSL for 98 bucks and be done. Great reel. 

[Brett's_daddy]

If I go the buy a better reel route I'm looking at the Tatula 100HL or the Lew's Tournament Pro (on sale for $129).

[Scarborough817]

If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel. 

can you explain why?

[PourMyOwn]

I think that if you can wait until the end of the season there will be deals, and you can get both. 

[Ohio Dave]

Brother I have been down this road:  My first BC was from Dicks and it was a junker:  i tried for a whole season to get that thing to cast without backlashing or knotting up and got nothing but frustration.  Why  well here is my list of shame:  

One I used the line that came with the reel (not so good)

 

Two:  I was too embarrassed to ask on a site like this telling that I had bought the Friday night blue light special;  

 

Three: I had no clue how to adjust the dumb thing to different weights and wind conditions:

 

Since then:  I have swallowed my pride and asked for help,  found a friend to fish with to help with fine tuning and invested in a much better reel for not that much more money.  All that made all the difference in the world

 

Honest to goodness, please buy the best you can afford right now and spool it with a quality braid or florocarbon:  save the pennies for a better rod later.  

 

Go out with someone experienced in their use to help you dial the reel in to suit you.

 

I bought my first Lews Tournament Pro two years ago and it so blew the doors off the high end Bass Pro shop models that you would not believe it.  You certainly don't have to spend that kind of money but there are certainly advantages to the higher price points for every brand.  I believe it is mostly true for both rods and reels.  

 

now go fish and have some fun!