Fishing gear you think is worth the price, or not..?

[Kyle S]

As the title states I'm looking to start some conversation around all fishing gear that you've found to be worth spending your hard earned money on. This could be literally anything pertaining to fishing....Rods, reels, soft plastics, hard baits, fishing line, nets, boats, clothing, you name it! If you think something is worth the money, or not, let us know. For example, I personally find Yamamoto senkos to be superior to most other stick baits and am willing to spend the extra cash to use them. I've tried YUM dingers which are a fraction of the price and simply find myself always going back to the senko! Largemouth bass in my area seem to never be able to get enough of them! If you disagree, feel differently in any way, or think another stick bait is 'better' please share your opinion!

 

My reason for asking for your advice is simple, I want to try out new gear and techniques constantly. I'm always looking to expand my knowledge and experience as an angler, and what better way to do it than ask knowledgable and experienced anglers such as yourselves?

 

 We're beyond fortunate to have such a plethora of options when it comes to gear these days, and with a market so flooded with choices, it's often times quite challenging to make a decision on what to buy. Kind of a double edged sword really...

 

Please don't feel like something isn't worth sharing due to price or any other reason. Everyone's budget is different. If you think that a G Loomis NRX is worth the money, tell us why! If you think that a Berkley lightning Rod is worth the money, tell us why! 

 

 

- Things I think are worth the money or just enjoy using...

Cavitron Buzz baits

Abu Garcia Black Max bait casting reels

Lew's speed spool

Keitech swing impact fat swim baits

Booyah spinner baits

Rebel Pop R's

Strike King KVD square bill crank baits

Booyah hollow body frogs

Booyah 'Xcaliber' crank baits that I and a ton of others just picked up for $2.99 at BPS 2020 spring sale

Chatter bait customs exclusive to Tackle Warehouse

Yamamoto senkos

Zoom flukes

Shimano SLX bait casting reels

Daiwa Aird X rods, spinning and bait casting

Berkley choppo's

 

All of the above gear I like simply because it has served me well and has aided me in catching fish!

 

 

- Things I think aren't worth the money or have had a poor experience with...

Zoom horny toads ( I want to like them so bad, but the bass don't want them )

YUM dingers( I like yamamoto's better, and so do the bass where I live )

Full size Zoom Brush Hogs ( Love the Baby brush hog, nut can't buy a bite on the full size

Strike king Spinner baits ( I feel the hook doesn't extend far enough past the rear blade )

Nichols spinner baits ( I feel the hook doesn't extend far enough past the rear blade, also have problems with the blades not spinning on multiple baits )

 

 

 

- Things I'm curious about...

Any and all rods or reels from $1.00-$150.00

Zebco Omniflex line

store brand specific gear i.e. Academy sports, Bass pro/Cabelas...

 

 

Thanks!

[OnthePotomac]

I think the Shimano 200K is well worth $180 from dealers and less if you browse around.  An incredible reel. I also think my Curado 100B's I bought 15 years ago for $130 each were well worth the money.  That is $8.67 a year for a great reel  to date and they are still like new.  I am a BPS Carbonlite rod fan and always wait for the $20 off sale.  I have some 9 years old and  they still  are just fine.  Being retired I fish on a budget, but catch bass in the Potomac.  I finally retired my 8' bamboo pole and string with a bobber last year.....just kidding.

[soflabasser]

For me Berkley Big Game mono is one of the best fishing lines since it is reasonably priced, has very good knot strength, and very good abrasion resistance. 

[Kyle S]

32 minutes ago, soflabasser said:

For me Berkley Big Game mono is one of the best fishing lines since it is reasonably priced, has very good knot strength, and very good abrasion resistance. 

Picked up a bunch of Big game this winter and am deeply looking forward to trying it out!

[scaleface]

Keep that Big Game fresh and change it often . Mono degrades after a few years . I broke 15 lb Big Game several times last year on hooksets . Then it occured to me that the spool was several years old . I tossed it and got new .

[Kyle S]

59 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

  I finally retired my 8' bamboo pole and string with a bobber last year.....

Hahaha? Thats awesome

1 hour ago, OnthePotomac said:

I think the Shimano 200K is well worth $180 from dealers and less if you browse around.  An incredible reel. I also think my Curado 100B's I bought 15 years ago for $130 each were well worth the money.  That is $8.67 a year for a great reel  to date and they are still like new.  I am a BPS Carbonlite rod fan and always wait for the $20 off sale.  I have some 9 years old and  they still  are just fine.  Being retired I fish on a budget, but catch bass in the Potomac.

Breaking down the cost per year is an excellent way to approach quality gear, and something I never considered! I was looking pretty closely at those carbonlite rods while at BPS the other day too...now I'll have an excuse to go back and look even closer! Thanks @OnthePotomac

3 minutes ago, scaleface said:

Keep that Big Game fresh and change it often . Mono degrades after a few years . I broke 15 lb Big Game several times last year on hooksets . Then it occured to me that the spool was several years old . I tossed it and got new .

Will certainly keep that in mind @scaleface

[JediAmoeba]

Any floating topwater- just get the best.  You never lose them and they work better.  Never buy a cheap spook.

[Happybeerbuzz]

I have come to believe that Gammy and Owner hooks are worth the extra money.  They seem sharper.  Their points seem to hold up longer.  Last but not least, I feel like they have better barbs that hold on to the fish better, particularly Owner.

[Smells like fish]

I'm satisfied with the bass pro shops version of the whopper plopper both their double plopping model and the bubbling toad models. At $7-9 they have performed satisfactory for me.

[A-Jay]

Really been liking the new Mercury ProXS quite a bit.

They didn't give it away but so far, it's been worth every penny.

A-Jay

 

[Mobasser]

Some things that are a good value: Academy H20 line of rods, reels, and hardbaits. Zoom plastics, Big Game mono line. Shimano and Lews reels.

[kayaking_kev]

Daiwa Fuego CT ($75)

 

Ugly Stick GX2 ($40, Got 3 of mine for $9 each)

Lew's Hank Parker Speed Stick ($40, paid $35 for mine)

13 Defy Black Crankbait Rod 7'3 Heavy/Moderate/Composite ($60, paid $50 for mine)

 

$1 Walmart Spinner baits have caught me fish

Creme Plastic Worms ($1.25)

Yum Dingers ($1.99)

Gulp Minnows 1" ($6)

Whopper Ploppers ($13, not that cheap but worth every penny for me)

 

Eagle Claw Nail Weights ($0.88 for like 8 of them)

O-Rings for Wacky Rig

Treble Hook Bonnets

Reel Covers

Rod Sleeves

U-40 Cork Sealant

Digital Scales

Hawg Trough Measuring Board

Fish Grips

Line Cutter

Long Nose Pliers

Life Vest

Go Pro Hero 5 Black

Plano 3700 Waterproof Stowaways

Cal Coast Rod Mule

 

Kayak

 

[MN Fisher]

Yo-Zuri Hybrid - I'm using this on 4 of my rigs this year. Strong, very manageable with KVD and very affordable.

Diawa Aird-X rods - If you need Fast action, these are WAY undervalued. I just wish they came in Mod or Mod-Fast as well.

[Hook2Jaw]

A lot of things already listed, I am in love with.  I'll try to add a few things that haven't been covered so far and tell you guys what I'm unhappy with.

 

Plano KVD Speed Bags.  I used to carry all my plastics unorganized in a big plastic box, the bags have been absolutely amazing.

 

I'm still a huge fan of H2O Xpress squarebill cranks and jerkbaits.

 

My Daiwa Tatula 100 is a spectacularly smooth little reel.

 

The only Daiwa Tatula XT I own has been an amazing stick.  For the price you can find them for, they have few competitors.

 

Now, things I'm most unhappy with.  My 13 Fate Chrome rods sport guides too small for braid to leader.  I want to use braid to leader on them for sensitivity, but the guides are too small.  I am sick of regular Powerpro and Kastking 4-carrier braids.  They ruin the casting distance my spinning rods could be enjoying.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Used reels are underated ..

Nothing has to be new when it comes to reels and rods...

Only line has to be new ...

IMO a abu garcia 4600 and a shimano greenie from back in the day can do it all 

 

 

...

[gilkeybr]

The fishing purchase I made that I think has added the most value to my fishing is a trolling motor with spot lock.  Fishing predominantly off shore it is immensely helpful to be able to use that feature and not have to worry, "Have I drifted 100 yards away from my intended spot".  Really frees you up to focus more on the fishing.

 

 

[OnthePotomac]

7 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Really been liking the new Mercury ProXS quite a bit.

They didn't give it away but so far, it's been worth every penny.

A-Jay

 

I am lovin' that big engine A-Jay, but the trusty G3 could never handle it LOL

[PhishLI]

Daiwa Tatula 150 and 200. Both can be grabbed for 109$ from sportsmens outfitters or the auction site. Both have metal gear side sideplates The 200 is a nice entry level small swimbait reel. The braking is consistent and it'll cast as well and far as my Tranx 200. A steal. If you don't have baby's hands the 150 is a great all around reel. It's on a pitching stick right now. So nice. You get alot of reel for the money in both cases.

 

Mend-It. If you don't know what this is you should take a look. It's amazing how many times you can fix a soft plastic bait with it that's been torn by a fish, cover, or just from casting and retrieving. Gluing your soft plastics with super glue pretty much wrecks them, IMO. The repairs with Mend-It are undetectable as there is no hard residue left like you'll get with super glue gel. If you're put off by the price with shipping for a measly 1 oz bottle, think again. This stuff goes very far as a repair requires very little of it. 1 oz can fix hundreds of torn baits. Just don't expect it to work as quickly as super glue. It's best to let the bait rest a while and cure until you use it again. I've joined two separate pieces of 6" senkos and not had it come apart at the repair while fishing it hard. Once you've gotten a bottle and repaired a few baits, try not to think too hard about all of the plastics you've chucked in the past or super glued and ruined. You'll find it depressing. What a waste.

 

Lew's Carbon Fire Casting Rods. These are DSG specials as far as I know. They are light, tough, and quite fish-able. Sales will put them between $39-$59. The standout for me is the 7'3" Heavy Fast. I think it's a great frog rod for little $. It loads great with typical frogs, so I can launch them, and has a "just right" taper for hooksets.  Also, it hasn't blinked dragging fish out of dense pad fields during last season. No popped eyelets, no loose reel seat, no problems. My brother has one too without issues. I also like it for 1 oz baits like the Beast Coast Miyagi on a 1/4 oz 6/0 Beast hook and other medium sized single hook baits. A real bargain.

 

Owner TwistLock Light Weighted CPS hooks, 3/32oz . I fish a bunch slim bodied of 4"-6" paddle tail swimmers as they are my best producers by far. For me these are the ultimate hooks for those type of baits. The position of the weight keeps the swimming attitude of these baits right on the money, and it cuts through grass and muck remarkably well. They feature an unusually long shank which places the hook's point farther back on the bait which really helps with short strikes. Don't let the lack of gap when compared to a typical EWG hook scare you away. Just choose baits with the appropriate torpedo profile for it similar to the Berkley Champ swimmer. My hookup ratio has been fantastic once I switched over to these hooks. Baits like the Megabass 4.2" Hazedong Shad get fitted with the 5/0. The Champ Swimmer, 4.8 Fat Swing, J-Shad, and similar baits get fitted with the 6/0. Trust me on this recommendation.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, OnthePotomac said:

I am lovin' that big engine A-Jay, but the trusty G3 could never handle it LOL

Thanks ~

Are you sure ?

Just think of the hole shot ! 

Is that the New Boat Monkey I just heard ?

A-Jay

[Fishes in trees]

Perceived value is a tricky thing. In your own list you like senkos - so do I.   I think that they are unmatched as a wacky rig bait.   The same quality that makes them a high quality wacky rig bait makes them a bad option for tx rigging, IMO. The plastic is so soft, it often doesn't last for one fish.  I've slung off enough tx rigged senkos that I won't use them for that purpose.

 

You mention that you don't like Dingers.  In my opinion, the slightly firmer plastic that Dingers are made of makes them a great candidate for tx rigging.   They come in lots of different colors, each bait lasts for several fish (for me), what 's not to like.   That being written, IMO BPS Stick-os are better tx rig baits, if you can find Northland Slurpees, they're better I think.  Zoom magnum finesse worms might as well be a stick worm - hard to beat these for variety of colors available.  Culprit makes a decent stick worm, so does V & M, Berkley makes a stick worm in several different iterations, that all work good for tx rigging, AND don't even compare to the senko when used as a wacky rig.  The old Berkley Gulp sinking minnow sucks as a tx rig bait IMO and it sucks as a wacky rig bait IMO, BUT I get bit nose hooking the bait on my bubba drop shot rig - go figure.

 

Good luck in your pursuit of opinions of relative value.   It does make good reading.   Rant over . . 

[swhit140]

-Falcon V12 Speedbag/Tackle Bag, it has held up very well. I have changed majority of the original boxes to Flambeau so I can fit 6 of them in there and I use 2 of the original for terminal tackle & misc stuff on the side of them.

 

-Daiwa Fuego reels that were all purchased on sale.

-Falcon BuCoo SR rods that I picked up for half price.

[JediAmoeba]

2 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Daiwa Tatula 150 and 200. Both can be grabbed for 109$ from sportsmens outfitters or the auction site. Both have metal gear side sideplates The 200 is a nice entry level small swimbait reel. The braking is consistent and it'll cast as well and far as my Tranx 200. A steal. If you don't have baby's hands the 150 is a great all around reel. It's on a pitching stick right now. So nice. You get alot of reel for the money in both cases.

I would like to follow up that there are very few 5.1:1 gear casting reels these days - the Tatula 150 and 100 have this option which is great for cranking.  I got one of the 150's just for cranking.  It's a great deal.

[Mbirdsley]

Good hooks and line are worth the extra money. With hooks the Hook up rate goes up and they last longer with out bending when un-hooking or fighting  a fish .  I would buy the eagle claw laser sharps if they didn’t rust just looking at water. 
 

with rods and reels depending on what technique you are using. Sometimes the rod is more important and other time it is the reel. 

[MassYak85]

Omniflex is great... Cheapest backer I can find. 

[OnthePotomac]

3 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Thanks ~

Are you sure ?

Just think of the hole shot ! 

Is that the New Boat Monkey I just heard ?

A-Jay

I wish, but this old soldier will be 86 this fall and I am thinking of selling the boat and standing on the bank somewhere.  I am going to try one more summer on the mighty Potomac.