Tackle upgrading

[SC53]

I’m curious how you guys go about making tackle upgrade decisions.  Specifically rods and reels. 

I have some rods that are at least 10 years old(some older?) and wanting to update them. My thought is to go with technique specific ( ie crankbait, spinnerbait...) as opposed to generic action rods. 

What say you?

At age 65, I’m hoping the newer technology will help in areas I’ve lost a step or two.  Being on a limited budget, hoping these will last me well into retirement.

[MN Fisher]

It all depends on what you already have, some older equipment lends itself to modern techniques.

 

Three of my rod/reel combos are 15+ years old, two of them twice that. I still use them for specific techniques without an issue. Last spring I bought two new combos for other techniques and this next spring I'll be buying a sixth setup specifically for flipping/pitching. I don't see a need to replace everything if the setups you have can still be used.

[Spankey]

Some of my stuff is older when it comes to Rods. St. Croix Premiere and Avid series have not changed that much. Some brands are just labeled usage specific. That is not etched in stone. My thought when it comes to Rods is that it has to feel the way I want. And even that is tough in the shop compared to being on the water. But in the shop you can get a good idea if it’s right. I’m anal when it comes to matching the right feel of the rod with the reel on it. But if you are in line for some new stuff there are some nice rods out there that don’t break the bank. Sounds like you have a fun project coming up. 

[Tennessee Boy]

27 minutes ago, SC53 said:

I’m curious how you guys go about making tackle upgrade decisions.

I upgrade when I need to solve a problem or think I can improve my fishing.   "Old" is not a problem and "new" never helped anyone catch a fish.  What specifically do you hope to gain with new combos?   I've got four identical combos that I use for jigs and carolina rigs.  The reels are 25 years old Diawas and are in need a serious refurbishing or need to be replaced.  That's a problem that I need to solve.  I purchased a two different reels (Diawa Zillion & KastKing Assassin) this year and tried them along side my old reels.  Neither performed as well as the old reels.  I haven't giving up on finding the right reel to replace these reels but I may end up just refurbishing the old ones.

[WRB]

The difference between today's rods and reels is lighter weight, more guides and better balanced making the combination of factors easier to fish with.

So do you plan on upgrading the rods only? Any idea of a ball park budget?

Tom

[Tizi]

I went through the same process after I decided to get back into the sport after a 20 year absense.   My think was this:  I plan to fish the rest of my life.  I am willing to invest in better more sensitive equipment.  I even upgraded some of my lures and terminal

tackle.  My plan was to get 2 casting set ups and a spinning to start (1 7’ MHF casting, 1 7’ MF casting and 1 MF spinning).  I shopped for $130 price range rods and reels.  Waiting for deals has helped a lot on price.  For example I just picked up a Lew’s Tournament MB today for $78.19.  That reel retails for $130.

[SC53]

I agree Tennboy, new is not always better, at least in reels.

 

WRB, you hit it, lighter weight and sensitivity are my main goals. A lot of my rods are old Shimano Claris and they are outdated and heavy, compared to today’s rods.  I find I get what I call “rod fatigue “ ,for lack of a better term, that I feel is related to the older, heavier rods. 

Goal is to keep rods below $150. 

I have a couple old green Curados that that are really tired that I plan on replacing but I still love my Citicas.

I’ve added a new Curado to my Crucial worm rod and have a new flipping stick with a new Curado as well. 

I have a number of spinners needing upgrading as well. Just took care of one with a Fenwick Tech Elite dropshot rod I found for $128.

 

I say my main goal right now  is a crankbait (and rattletrap if possible) a spinnerbait and Carolina rig rod. 

[WRB]

Take a look at Dobyns Fury line of rods, well balanced and excellent customer service.

Gary often has shop specials on rods mislabeled or unused and returned for upgrade.

Tom

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

What @WRB said. I’m 70 and anything that “lightens the load” saves wrists, shoulders, and fingers. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a Fury, but am delayed because I was thrilled to receive a new handmade rod and am now faced with the issue of finding a new reel so another rod will have to wait, but after doing a bunch of research I am convinced that Dobyns Fury Rods would give me the best bang for my buck.  May be awhile before I can confirm though.  

 

Just as as an afterthought, I have an old Shimano Bantom reel circa 1980 (actually might be late ‘70s) that is still going strong and if it wasn’t a right-handed reel, I’d still be using it.  Even has a Fighting Drag lever that works like a dream.  

[Columbia Craw]

Tackle warehouse has a very good discount on the Dobyns Sierra series right now.  They are actually less or same that Furys at 109.99-119.99.  That is an outstanding deal. Definitely worth a look.

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Take a look at Dobyns Fury line of rods, well balanced and excellent customer service.

Gary often has shop specials on rods mislabeled or unused and returned for upgrade.

Tom

I just picked up a 703 and 704 for Xmas presents, Santa may forget to deliver one of those. Not silly light, no tiny guides, not crazy fast. 

[SC53]

Why haven’t I heard of Dobyns Rods? Are they new?

[Heartland]

Dobyn's Rods been around for about 15 years or so now.  Gary Dobyn's  worked with Powell on their line of bass rods prior to that.  Been a household name for quite a while now.

 

[The Bassman]

I decide to upgrade because it's snowing outside and everybody's having sales.

[SC53]

Interesting Heartland. Never heard of them or seen any of their rods down here in Florida. Went to their website to see if they had any dealers down here but couldn’t get it to show anything...strange. 

Looking at them on their site, I’m not sure about the lack of fore grip and how that would feel.  Tough for me to buy a rod sight unseen.

[Deleted account]

2 hours ago, Heartland said:

Been a household name for quite a while now.

In the households of LMB junkies who hang out on bass fishing InterWeb® maybe. They only make bass rods, and only recently price point ones, so still quite the niche.

 

 

[Heartland]

10 hours ago, reason said:

In the households of LMB junkies who hang out on bass fishing InterWeb® maybe. They only make bass rods, and only recently price point ones, so still quite the niche.

 

 

Believe it or not the first ones that I purchased came from Academy Sports.    Can't remember the year for sure, but close to 2007.   Champions, 703C and a 734C.  Dobyn's Rods were crazy popular 8 -10 years ago.

[WRB]

Gary Dobyns was a west coast bass pro who started presentation specific bass rods with Lamiglas rods before comming out with his own Dobyns Rods Co. 

I understand the fore grip issue, they disappeared with the split grip rods to save weight. Short 2" fore grip via reel seat lock ring are becoming popular. Dobyns doesn't offer fore grips on his standard rods with the exception of swimbait rods.

Take a look at the Tackle Warehouse site, they offer nearly every rod maker, good discription with photos. 

St Croix Avid series have cork foregrip and a good choice with wide dealer distribution to touch and feel.

Tom

[Heartland]

12 hours ago, SC53 said:

Interesting Heartland. Never heard of them or seen any of their rods down here in Florida. Went to their website to see if they had any dealers down here but couldn’t get it to show anything...strange. 

Looking at them on their site, I’m not sure about the lack of fore grip and how that would feel.  Tough for me to buy a rod sight unseen.

Certainly tough without handling.  You do a little research and you will find no shortage of praise for Gary Dobyn's and his rods.   He has always been one of the nice guys in fishing, you can call his shop and most likely either He or his Son will talk with you.  They have always been very gracious to Military Members and Veterans and offer a discount if you contact them with your information.   A lot of great rods and companies to work with out there, but I would put these guys on my short list for sure.

[OnthePotomac]

Since you are in Florida, go into a BPS and handle a few rods.  I am over 80 and have settled on the BPS Carbonlite rods.  Very light and normally at $119, but go on sale during the year for $99.  Their next big sale is in March during which you can take in your old rods and reels and get a cash credit for an amount commensurate with the cost of what you want to buy.

[new2BC4bass]

On 12/15/2018 at 6:06 AM, SC53 said:

Why haven’t I heard of Dobyns Rods? Are they new?

When I got back into fishing in '09 you had better not mention anything bad about a Dobyns rod or you'd get flamed.  It wasn't until 2-3 years ago that a few people admitted there were better rods at the Savvy price point for sensitivity.  I currently have one of their older Champion crankbait rods, and thinking of getting a Sierra 7'3" MH of H ($60 off regular price).  They often aren't the lightest rods, but balance is good which makes them feel lighter than they are.  Love the one I have.

 

TackleWarehouse has the Lew's Tournament Pro G on sale for $120...a $200 reel...in 6.8:1 ratio in both LH and RH models.  I've a couple Lew's, but not this model.  Reviews are very good.  Absolutely don't need another reel, but may not be able to pass up this deal.

 

If you don't mind used, you can get some quality reels at a much lower price than new.  Often 50% or more less than regular price.  Quite a few of mine are used for that reason.

[Chance_Taker4]

If I see it and like it I buy it. Just kidding........kinda. Rods and reels only last 3 years in my possession then on to another owner. Some reason 3 years is my magic number (new vehicles, new tv, new gear, etc). However I buy during sales and ebay. I also buy a lot from the used forum here. I am probably an outlier as my disposable income is higher than average and I have a bad spending problem. However when it comes to tackle I have quite buying tackle and started selling about 80% of my stockpile.

[SC53]

Thanks for all the replies.

Called Dobyns and talked to one of the guys there. 

Decided to give them a try since they were on sale at TW. Got a Sierra 735 on the way. 

[new2BC4bass]

7 minutes ago, SC53 said:

Thanks for all the replies.

Called Dobyns and talked to one of the guys there. 

Decided to give them a try since they were on sale at TW. Got a Sierra 735 on the way. 

Nice!