How much do you spend on your reel vs your rod

[Kwoui]

So I've been doing a lot of shopping for my first baitcaster set up...  As of now I'm thinking of getting the fuego CT on a mojo bass medium fast 7'1. This means that my rod is twice as expensive as my reel. From what I read I think people prefer spending more on the reel than the rod but here is my problem: 

 

The fuego CT I can get for 75 dollars  (I've heard very good things about this reel and that's a good price considering they are 99 dollars + tax in store)

The mojobass is 150 dollars ( not on sale but since I need a 2 piece and they are IMPOSSIBLE to find in canada im thinking of paying full price) 

 

This is in my opinion the best I can get for my budget at the moment. I could go for a better reel and cheaper rod but here is the thing, I dont really see any reel that are "worth" spending the extra money. The only other contenders in that budget would be the curado. I know the curado is a very good reel, but people say the curado is very close to the tatula ct, and the tatula ct is very close to the fuego CT in terms of performance. I'm not convinced its worth spending twice as much for it.

 

All of the above plus the fact that st-croix has amazing customer service makes me want to "invest" in the st-croix

 

Anyways, sorry for rambling, let me know what you think the best ratio of money spent on rod vs reel is.

 

Also, feel free to give your opinion on my set-up situation situation!

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

You'll be great with that combo.

 

For me, my Stradics are more $ than my rods, exception being

one St. Croix Legend Tournament.

 

I find the sweet spot, price-wise, is in the $75-110 (ish) range

for a great quality rod. Of course that's my opinion  

[Loomis13]

Kind of subjective. For something where a sensitive rod is beneficial some will spend more on the rod. But for something else, like finesse baits, people might spend more on a reel. The mojo is a nice rod at that point. No experience on the reel.

[PAbasser927]

My brother has a Fuego CT on a Mojo Bass and loves it.  I have a Fuego CT on a Dobyns Champion XP and love it.  I tend to gravitate towards putting money into the rod.  Refinement in a reel is nice, but sensitivity in a rod is more of a priority for me.

[Kwoui]

Wow, I wasnt expecting so many answer so quickly! It's nice finding and active community!

 

 

 

13 minutes ago, Darren. said:

I find the sweet spot, price-wise, is in the $75-110 (ish) range

for a great quality rod. Of course that's my opinion  

 

That's how much I was thinking of spending at first, but as I said, its pretty much impossible to find a 2 piece baitcasting rod in Canada. Only other option was the veritas and all the topics I see about the veritas is about how it randomly breaks. I was also told the quantum smoke would fit my needs but I wasn't able to find much information about the rod

 

Glad to hear good things about the fuego ct and the mojo bass combo from all of you guys, makes me confident in pulling the trigger

 

[Jig Man]

My rods cost more than twice what my reels cost except for the rods that I buy from a major brand rod manufacturer.  Those I can get at least 3 for the price of a good reel.

[Hower08]

Why do you need a 2 piece rod? I'm a firm believer that  1 piece rod is way more sensitive than a 2 piece

[GeekOutdoors]

1 minute ago, Hower08 said:

Why do you need a 2 piece rod? I'm a firm believer that  1 piece rod is way more sensitive than a 2 piece

Feel the same here. I drive a sub-compact and can fit 7'11" rods in it. People tend to suggest spending more on reels usually do so regarding baitcasters btw... But its not as true today as it once was !

[LionHeart]

I tend to toil more over the rod than reel.  My reels are all Lews Tournament MB, or Diawa Tatulas and Fuegos.  The Fuego is an outstanding reel.

If a reel is reasonably smooth, has good braking system, and is fairly comfortable, it's good to go IMO.  Mojo Bass and Fuego would be a combo I'd be proud to own.

 

[Dens228]

My reels are usually between $150-200, My rods are usually around $200-220.

[Kwoui]

9 minutes ago, Hower08 said:

Why do you need a 2 piece rod? I'm a firm believer that  1 piece rod is way more sensitive than a 2 piece

I'm a motorcyclist and I love to join my two passions, ride and stop at nice spots to fish

[Tennessee Boy]

Welcome to  the forum.  I think you made a great choice on your combo. 

[fishwizzard]

The Fuego CT is an outstanding reel for the money but in any case it’s more important to match up rod/reel functionality then trying to match price level. 

[Hower08]

27 minutes ago, Kwoui said:

I'm a motorcyclist and I love to join my two passions, ride and stop at nice spots to fish

Well that makes sense then. You could do like I did when I was a kid and hold them across the handlebars

[JK Jake]

I usually just try to buy nice rods and reels when they are on sale, and I normally get equipment that is about $100-$150. Just remember that most of the time you get what you pay for, so don't buy a cheap baitcaster that will backlash a lot, or a cheap spinning rod that isn't sensitive enough to feel those light dropshot bights.

[Matt_3479]

I’m a little bit of both. I’d say on average my rods cost more now as I just finished upgrade.

 

most expensive spinning right now is stradic ci4+ at 319.99 canadian

most expensive casting right now is chronarch mgl at 379.99 Canadian but a bantam on the way 459.99 Canadian.

 

my rods average at 475. Most expensive being nrx 679.99 Canadian lowest being a dobyns or envy black at 300 

[Kwoui]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to answer! I pulled the trigger on the fuego ct and im going to get my rod tomorrow

 

 

p.s. I just noticed my thread got posted twice for some reason, sorry about that ! deleted the duplicated

[LionHeart]

Good choice.  Very solid combo

[NYWayfarer]

10 hours ago, Darren. said:

 

I find the sweet spot, price-wise, is in the $75-110 (ish) range

for a great quality rod. Of course that's my opinion  

We share the same opinion.

 

I keep my rods at the $110 price point and lower.

 

Rods, no matter what the price are fragile. I go through rods frequently as I am clumsy. Tips snapped off in doorways, tips pointed at the ground while walking, rods smacked into tree branches on casts, etc. I am bummed out when I break a rod. If it were a really expensive rod, i would rage!

[Josh Smith]

My reels are usually worth $100 to $150, with the rods being valued about the same (but usually bought on clearance, or something.)

 

The reels are Ambassadeurs and get super tuned. I demand mechanical precision.

 

Regards,

Josh

 

 

[Catt]

My personal opinion is to buy a higher priced reel first because with proper maintenance it will last a lifetime. A higher priced rod can break on any outstanding.

 

With that being said if you're just wanting to get on the water ASAP your choice is pretty good.

[d-camarena]

I use 50 dollar rods and reels, all good

[JustJames]

Those are two expensive hobbies you got there ?. I didn’t say it, but my wife did.

Anyway, what type bike? Small PVC tube in the back might help you regarding longer rod or even more rods.

[CrankFate]

As much as it takes to get what I need. Want is not a factor. Except my want to catch fish. I don’t like to collect gear. I get that some people like collecting. Or even enjoying the differences from one rod or reel to the next. I just want these things because I need to catch fish. 

[Glaucus]

Casting: Usually always between $100-$200 for the rod, and usually always between $100-$200 for the reel. I feel like this is a really good price range for both components.

 

Spinning: LOL @ spending more than $100 on the reel.