Something I've learned

[Glaucus]

Some of you know that my wife left me and destroyed the family after some medical hardships last year. I was probably more guilty than I have the ability to comprehend, but that's not the point of this post. I had to sell my fishing gear to gather the funds to start a new life after such devastation, and to get back into it, and with a new outlook on life, I opted for budget options. This post isn't a justification to make one feel better about cheaper gear, either, but I've learned something.

 

What I've learned is that the reel is A LOT less important than the rod. I have a highly educated thumb and a good casting technique. I can pick up a $50 reel or a $200+ reel and it's all the same to me as far as distance and accuracy. The difference is the feel in quality, that's it. Before I'd have spent more on the reel than the rod thinking that the reel, being the mechanical component, was more important and would result in better casts. That's just not true. An experienced angler should spend more on the rod because nothing that you can control will result in better feel and sensitivity. A lesser rod is a much bigger handicap than a lesser reel.

[jbsoonerfan]

I guess we will just have to agree to disagree on this one. 

[The Maestro]

Surprised you didn't figure this out sooner tbh.

[WRB]

State fo the art reels hold their value, state of the art rarely do.       

Example Fenwick Tecna AV rod in the 90's cost $300 with it's custom rod case. I sold this rod for $50 last week. The reel I used was a Daiwa TD -X HiA105 that cost $110 at hat time period. The reel is worth over $75 today. 

Tom

PS, both the rod & reel perform with high end rods and reels today at 2X the price. Should check out the after Flea Marrket forums gpfor bargains.

[Glaucus]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

State fo the art reels hold their value, state of the art rarely do.       

Example Fenwick Tecna AV rod in the 90's cost $300 with it's custom rod case. I sold this rod for $50 last week. The reel I used was a Daiwa TD -X HiA105 that cost $110 at hat time period. The reel is worth over $75 today. 

Tom

PS, both the rod & reel perform with high end rods and reels today at 2X the price. Should check out the after Flea Marrket forums gpfor bargains.

I'm not speaking about longevity or later value though.

[WRB]

I thought you were talking about value of rods ve reels comparing performance vs money spent. 

Tom

[Glaucus]

30 minutes ago, WRB said:

I thought you were talking about value of rods ve reels comparing performance vs money spent. 

Tom

No, sir. I was speaking about in the immediate; rod vs reel. I've learned that I'll take an expensive rod and an inexpensive reel over an inexpensive rod and an expensive reel for any given fishing trip any given time.

[jbsoonerfan]

I guess I misunderstood as well. That being said, if I am going to be throwing a lipless, spinnerbait, squarebill, or any other moving bait then I will take a high end reel over a high end rod everyday and twice on Sunday. On the flip side, if I am throwing a texas rig, shakey head, jig, or any slow presentation on the bottom then I will take a high end rod over a high end reel any day of the week. 

 

I'm still not going to compare a $50 reel to a $200+ reel and say they are equals. 

[Teal]

I can agree with the OP, as far as function and getting what I need outta of a lesser value reel.  But I agree also with Tom, the higher end reel will hold value for years to come...but if I'm on a budget and just need to get on the water, I'll buy value reel over a value rod... but I I have to buy the right value reel, they are not all created equal.  I can still find reels like Tom has been selling or old citcas or older daiwas.  I'd buy used older stuff that holds value over some of the 50 dollar doyos... but like the OP said, I have a good technique and a trained thumb, I could make it work.

[WRB]

I don't know what you consider higher end rod or reel price point?

Todays rods and reels in the $100-$150 price range are excellent.

Tom

[Linewinder]

12 hours ago, Glaucus said:

Some of you know that my wife left me and destroyed the family after some medical hardships last year. I was probably more guilty than I have the ability to comprehend, but that's not the point of this post. I had to sell my fishing gear to gather the funds to start a new life after such devastation, and to get back into it, and with a new outlook on life, I opted for budget options. This post isn't a justification to make one feel better about cheaper gear, either, but I've learned something.

 

What I've learned is that the reel is A LOT less important than the rod. I have a highly educated thumb and a good casting technique. I can pick up a $50 reel or a $200+ reel and it's all the same to me as far as distance and accuracy. The difference is the feel in quality, that's it. Before I'd have spent more on the reel than the rod thinking that the reel, being the mechanical component, was more important and would result in better casts. That's just not true. An experienced angler should spend more on the rod because nothing that you can control will result in better feel and sensitivity. A lesser rod is a much bigger handicap than a lesser reel.

I'm with you on this.  I don't disagree, but it goes to someone's perception of budget too.  So what price range do you start describing a good performing sturdy quality rod?  or brand specifics?  What have you found.  Just curious.

 

I hope things get better for you and your family -- I presume kids are involved given your profile pic.  I am glad that you are thoughtful to give up things of importance to you for the greater good, and that your personality includes the virtue to never give up and to persevere.