How much do you gain with the better equipment?

[RO_Watkins]

As someone who has been fishing for a long time I understand how important it is to have the right stuff. A lot of days it's the difference between catching your limit and striking out completely, sometimes it's just the difference between a lot of headache and a relaxing day. 

 

For my bass setup I just have a Diawa Fuego and a 7ft. Med heavy Fenwick HMX. I usually keep it wrapped with 12lb P-Line Fluorocarbon. It's nothing special but I caught a lot of fish this year and I caught several good ones.

 

What I'm wondering is 1: is there any major change I need to make to that setup to be better off? 2: how much will I really gain by upgrading everything?

 

I appreciate all the help! Thanks!

[CTBassin860]

If what you have works for you then it works for you.Are you going to catch more fish on a Curado 70? Maybe maybe not.If your equipment is beat up replace it with what you can afford to replace it with.

[kickerfish1]

Better equipment won't directly translate into better results or make you a better angler. It may however enhance your fishing experience. Higher end equipment is usually lighter, more sensitive, casts easier and smoother. If you give a pro angler a $100 rod and and $100 reel and $10 line he would catch plenty of fish and probably notice little drop in his production. Give a new angler or an angler with less knowledge and experience a $500 rod and $500 reel and he may not notice a change in production. Have the battle of fishing is what info you have between your ears. Choosing the right locations, structure, presentations, etc. are for more valuable than a better piece of equipment.

 

I have been bass fishing for over 20 years. I find that nicer gear to me makes fishing more enjoyable especially when it is a tough day of fishing. Plus the lighter weight outfits lead to less fatigue meaning I can fish comfortably longer.

[RO_Watkins]

3 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said:

Better equipment won't directly translate into better results or make you a better angler. It may however enhance your fishing experience. Higher end equipment is usually lighter, more sensitive, casts easier and smoother. If you give a pro angler a $100 rod and and $100 reel and $10 line he would catch plenty of fish and probably notice little drop in his production. Give a new angler or an angler with less knowledge and experience a $500 rod and $500 reel and he may not notice a change in production. Have the battle of fishing is what info you have between your ears. Choosing the right locations, structure, presentations, etc. are for more valuable than a better piece of equipment.

 

I have been bass fishing for over 20 years. I find that nicer gear to me makes fishing more enjoyable especially when it is a tough day of fishing. Plus the lighter weight outfits lead to less fatigue meaning I can fish comfortably longer.

That makes sense. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't costing myself a ton of fish because I use middle of the road stuff.

[Jrob78]

4 minutes ago, RO_Watkins said:

That makes sense. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't costing myself a ton of fish because I use middle of the road stuff.

 

Middle of the road gear is really good these days.  I wouldn't worry about it.

[kickerfish1]

2 minutes ago, RO_Watkins said:

That makes sense. Thank you. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't costing myself a ton of fish because I use middle of the road stuff.

Sure thing. As with anything else your mileage may vary. I fish a lot of jigs and plastics for example so for me I value a light, balanced, and sensitive rod and am willing to fork over a few more bucks for that type of rod. I also fish a few places where casting distance is important, so having reels that can really sling a bait out there is useful. And finally, I don't have any other hobbies outside of fishing other than fitness and a monthly gym membership is pretty cheap.

 

One of the managers at a local tackle shop here once said "If I let a customer hold a NRX and Core 50 combo, it will ruin their day".

 

Some guys can do just find with budget level rods, reels, and line. Some feel they need better equipment especially rods for them to distinguish between a bite, or something like a weed, rock, or piece of wood.

[Cgolf]

I will chime in as a mostly lower end gear user. My best combo is a Daiwa Viento paired with a Cabela's prodigy rod. 

 

My best spinning rod set up is a St. Croix premier with an older Daiwa Regal Z (now retired) or a St. Croix Eyecon. 

 

What are my workhorse setups, older Quantam Accurists for BC with either one of those ugly blue Rick Clunn SB, 20 year old lightning rod, or a 20 year old Pinnacle rod. I do have 2 other prodigys but don't use them much. 

 

With the BC setups I really don't feel that I lose anything, especially cranking, as the glass rod may actually help me out there. Maybe jig fishing a higher end rod might get me a bit more feel, but I don't feel handicapped by my setups here. 

 

Spinning rod rod workhorse is a 2 piece 6'6" ugly stick with a 10plus year old Shakespeare Excursion reel. As for the reel, it works, drag is adequate for bass and the occasional toothy critter. Here I will say the St. Croix rods do give me more feel, and it is debatable on whether I lose fish due to this or not as I catch a bunch on both rigs. I will admit I may miss a light bite or two from time to time with the ugly.

 

The key for me is using braid on the BCs and Fireline on the spinning rods. That makes up for a less sensitive rod to a point. 

 

Will be be curious on others opinions, I have always thought that for bass fishing the gains in the higher end aren't worth the cost. If you want to talk fly rods, that is where a better stick makes a huge difference, but that is because the rod does all the work casting. 

 

Typing on an iPad is glacial lol, a bunch of you guys snuck in while I was typing lol

[RO_Watkins]

5 minutes ago, kickerfish1 said:

Sure thing. As with anything else your mileage may vary. I fish a lot of jigs and plastics for example so for me I value a light, balanced, and sensitive rod and am willing to fork over a few more bucks for that type of rod. I also fish a few places where casting distance is important, so having reels that can really sling a bait out there is useful. And finally, I don't have any other hobbies outside of fishing other than fitness and a monthly gym membership is pretty cheap.

 

One of the managers at a local tackle shop here once said "If I let a customer hold a NRX and Core 50 combo, it will ruin their day".

 

Some guys can do just find with budget level rods, reels, and line. Some feel they need better equipment especially rods for them to distinguish between a bite, or something like a weed, rock, or piece of wood.

Just out of curiosity is there something you would recommend for someone who fishes mostly ponds but wants to fish lakes in the future? I fish almost exclusively soft plastics with some jerk baits and the occasional buzz bait or spinner thrown in. I like to be able to cast a decent distance but nothing crazy.

[fvogel67]

I started off years ago using low end rods and reels,I caught plenty and gained tons of knowledge.Fast forward years later,Better job more money.I bought a St Croix Premier and my mind was blown.Enter the Bait Monkey

[kickerfish1]

3 minutes ago, RO_Watkins said:

Just out of curiosity is there something you would recommend for someone who fishes mostly ponds but wants to fish lakes in the future? I fish almost exclusively soft plastics with some jerk baits and the occasional buzz bait or spinner thrown in. I like to be able to cast a decent distance but nothing crazy.

Assuming we are talking about a casting rod and reel? What do you have in mind for a budget for either or both? For what you have described a reel like the Shimano Curado 70 or a Daiwa reel like the Tatula CT would be a good choices. For rods their are a lot of great rods out there but I have been moving more to custom built rods. A lot of folks like St Croix due to the warranty.

[Kidflex]

There's been plenty of times I'm fishing with people with considerably less expensive gear than me and they end up catching more than me and I ask myself why do I spend so much money on this stuff?!....I don't think high end gear will make you a better angler but it is a joy to use and at the end of the day you have to be satisfied with what you have. 

[CTBassin860]

Expensive equipment will never be a substitute for knowledge,skill and common sense.But it sure looks good.

[NHBull]

I take a lot of novice fisherman out and over the yrs, and I have found that any spinning gear with braid and wacky rig will catch fish.  I think the biggest advantage of better gear is when it comes to jigs and any situations that call for long, accurate cast and sensitivity is a must.

I also can feel the difference after a day on the water when I use my better gear,,,,,, my wrist, hands, and arms and shoulders say "thank you"

[fishnkamp]

Today the quality of rods and reels that "retail" between $100 and $200 has improved immensely from the equipment available for the same price just 5 years ago.  If you are fishing with a Daiwa Fuego reel then you have a good reel and Fenwick has always made good rods.  At the point you are at you are not costing yourself many fish or handicapping yourself much. Yes a G Loomis NRX or Dobyns top of the line Champion would be really sensitive for bottom bouncing baits. Plenty of anglers do just fine with rods that do not cost over $250 though. A $400 reel is not necessary either.  Having said that I do suggest realizing what techniques your combo does well. Most likely jigs,texas rigs etc.  Make sure you complement it with a good spinning rod and reel combo that lets you handle lighter baits. For this maybe a 6'8 to 7'3 medium power fast action rod. Here is a rod I would recommend spending say $140 to $250.  The other combo worth looking at is a 7 foot to 7'3" medium power moderate action baitcaster to help catch fish on crankbaits, squarebills, spinnerbaits and even some topwaters or jerkbaits. These baits need some give to keep the fish buttoned up.  This can easily be a $100 to $160 rod. The suggestion of a Tatula CT is a good one.  

For years i fished with one rod and only a few type of baits, Heck back then I could fit them all in a Plano box, one of those with several drawers and an open bottom area. Today I need at least a 17 foot bass boat to carry all of my tackle!LOL  

[CrustyMono]

buy the gear that is nice enough to make a difference in your fishing, but not nice enough to make you bankrupt. You can get away with a spinning rod, a medium, medium heavy, and heavy casting combos just fine

[WRB]

Upgrade the equipment between your ears, learn bass behavior and everything you can about the prey they prefer to eat. Knowledge doesn't cost much and is priceless!

Tom

[RO_Watkins]

2 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

Sure thing. As with anything else your mileage may vary. I fish a lot of jigs and plastics for example so for me I value a light, balanced, and sensitive rod and am willing to fork over a few more bucks for that type of rod. I also fish a few places where casting distance is important, so having reels that can really sling a bait out there is useful. And finally, I don't have any other hobbies outside of fishing other than fitness and a monthly gym membership is pretty cheap.

 

One of the managers at a local tackle shop here once said "If I let a customer hold a NRX and Core 50 combo, it will ruin their day".

 

Some guys can do just find with budget level rods, reels, and line. Some feel they need better equipment especially rods for them to distinguish between a bite, or something like a weed, rock, or piece of wood.

Just out of curiosity is there something you would recommend for someone who fishes mostly ponds but wants to fish lakes in the future? I fish almost exclusively soft plastics with some jerk baits and the occasional buzz bait or spinner thrown in. I like to be able to cast a decent distance but nothing crazy.

I appreciate all of the comments and advice! I will definitely put it to use!

[A-Jay]

How much do you gain with the better equipment ? 

 

I'd like to respond with a question of my own ~ How much do you loose with worse equipment ?

 

May not matter as long as the angler knows where, why, when & how to use it.

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

[soflabasser]

Knowing how to bass fish well is much more important than how much your gear is worth,nothing will change this fact.I have a custom bass rod (was given to me as a gift over decade ago) which is very light and strong,but it hasn't caught me as many bass as my rods that cost me less than $50 each. In fact, almost every bass I have caught over 8 pounds has been on fishing rods under $50 each.I do spend more money on saltwater rods/reels, since saltwater fish put more stress on my fishing gear and saltwater is much more corrosive than freshwater.

[bigturtle]

Better equipment gives you more specialized options to make your life a lot easier, such as rods/reels for swimbaits, carolina rigs, jigs, frogs, punching, etc. A generic all-purpose rod may hold you back on learning the true ins and outs of certain techniques. Another thing is sensitivity. Ya sure, you may catch a lot, but how many more bites could you have gotten if you had a more sensitive rod to detect them? This is something you will never be able to find out unless you upgrade, as it is impossible to say how many bites you miss. Say for example you are trying to learn dropshot, or shakyhead or something of that nature, how would you know you are doing it right if the bites are very subtle? you may not feel the bite when you imitate a pro's method, which may lead you to believe you are doing something wrong, and force you to continuously change your methods, you simply can't tell. One final thing is weight/balance. Lighter/better balanced rods decreases fatigue, which will help in many ways, especially if you twitch your rod a lot. A sore wrist is not fun.

You should upgrade when you feel you want more fish, target specific fish, and/or when you feel you have gained enough knowledge and your current equipment is holding back your progress.

[TxHawgs]

Fishing high end gear won't make u a better angler. It will however allow u to differentiate the difference between the cover and structure your fishing, very important. It will also allow you to feel bites with certain techniques on days when the fish are just grabbing the bait and not moving. Flipping to suspended fish on timber, jerkbait fishing and while your bait is sitting the fish inhales it and comes straight to u ect. And being able to capitalize on these bites is what will make u be a better angler. Boom drops the mic and walks off stage.

[lonnie g]

3 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

Better equipment won't directly translate into better results or make you a better angler. It may however enhance your fishing experience. Higher end equipment is usually lighter, more sensitive, casts easier and smoother. If you give a pro angler a $100 rod and and $100 reel and $10 line he would catch plenty of fish and probably notice little drop in his production. Give a new angler or an angler with less knowledge and experience a $500 rod and $500 reel and he may not notice a change in production. Have the battle of fishing is what info you have between your ears. Choosing the right locations, structure, presentations, etc. are for more valuable than a better piece of equipment.

 

I have been bass fishing for over 20 years. I find that nicer gear to me makes fishing more enjoyable especially when it is a tough day of fishing. Plus the lighter weight outfits lead to less fatigue meaning I can fish comfortably longer.

great advice!!  read, listen, learn. one of reasons I like this forum. these guys seem to be more than willing to help and share knowlage   I appreciate it hope you do as well   keep learning and the more fun you will have  good luck this year tight lines my friend   lonnie

[crypt]

48 minutes ago, soflabasser said:

Knowing how to bass fish well is much more important than how much your gear is worth,nothing will change this fact.I have a custom bass rod (was given to me as a gift over decade ago) which is very light and strong,but it hasn't caught me as many bass as my rods that cost me less than $50 each. In fact, almost every bass I have caught over 8 pounds has been on fishing rods under $50 each.I do spend more money on saltwater rods/reels, since saltwater fish put more stress on my fishing gear and saltwater is much more corrosive than freshwater.

amen to the above. most of my reels are at least ten years old. have 4 that are newer but my older ambassadeurs are what I use most. as far as rods go what soflabasser said is perfect.

[iabass8]

350% more

[hawgenvy]

Once you get into the the level of quality of mid-range gear, most of the benefit of higher end stuff is psychological -- like having an expensive car to commute to work. But if the budget allows (it my case it doesn't) it may be really satisfying to have the smoothest and lightest reel, or the lightest and most sensitive rod. Even though you may not catch more fish, you may have a more satisfying experience with a rod that you can feel a fly landing on the tip, and with a reel that's as smooth as silk and light as a feather.  If it makes you feel good, and you get a sense of pride in owning the best, and you appreciate the beauty of the craftsmanship, and it doesn't hurt your budget -- then go for it.