How much should I spend on a rod?

[senile1]

1 hour ago, Junk Fisherman said:

I spend quite a bit more on rods than reels.  I have a couple $4-$500 rods and have never spent much over $200 over for a reel.  

 

Same here.  It isn't that difficult to find reels under 200 dollars that match up well with high dollar rods.

 

17 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Not me...Buy the best and build your collection over time. To start with I would recommend

 a G. Loomis GLX 844C  for EVERYTHING!

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/G_Loomis_GLX_Casting_Rods/descpage-NGLX.html

 

Like RW, I am a big fan of the GLX 844C; however, I would lean toward purchasing multiple combos as recommended by @jbsoonerfan.  There are a lot of good rods in the 140 to 200 dollar range for sensitive applications, and even less expensive rods can be purchased for your moving baits.  That is, if being frugal is your goal.  Otherwise, research the rods that meet your needs and buy whatever pleases you.

[Dumbbassanglr]

Like others have said, get a glx 844 if you really only want one rod. I have a few  combos but I’ve always thought that if i could only have one it would be my met with the 844.

[roadwarrior]

8 hours ago, Dumbbassanglr said:

Like others have said, get a glx 844 if you really only want one rod. 

 

[the reel ess]

I am by no means a man who spends like a drunken sailor. But I do now own 5 serviceable baitcasting combos with a couple in reserve. I don't feel like I need to own 20. I started fishing with a guy who I knew caught a lot of big fish. I wanted to learn what he knew that I didn't. First thing I noticed is he had a slew of cheaper spinning combos. He was catching 6-7-8 lb bass on Mitchell 300 reels and Walmart $10-20 rods all spooled with Big Game 15# mono. I could hear some of his reels making noises. 

 

We both wore off on each other. He now owns a couple BC combos and higher quality spinning combos. But he still employs a couple of Durango rods for certain presentations. Now, I didn't sell all my BC combos and start fishing exactly as he does. I mean, I like to yank fish from heavy cover and you can't do that with a floppy Durango rod and el cheapo spinning reel. But I did take the lesson to heart. You could spend $800 on one combo or $160 on 5 more technique-specific combos. The latter would probably net you more fish.

[the reel ess]

nm

[Jmoney402]

While i agree with much said already, i would like to say there is nothing wrong with enjoying nice gear, IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. I work hard for my money and bass fishing is my thing, so i splurge. I enjoy a rod that is light, well balanced and sensitive because sometimes i fish 8 hour days and do think there is a confidence factor there. I do not own any reels that are $450, but I always had the philosophy to spend more on the rod than thw reel because there is less maintenance involed and thw longevity should be more if cared for.

[22RangerZ520R]

I've got ten of the 2020 Metaniums, all of which are paired with Shimano/G.Loomis Conquest rods. 

 

They're a pleasure to fish with and make my fishing experience that much more enjoyable.

 

I'd get the highest quality gear you can afford.

 

Good luck 

[roadwarrior]

35 minutes ago, 18RangerZ520L said:

I've got ten of the 2020 Metaniums, all of which are paired with Shimano/G.Loomis Conquest rods. 

That is quite a collection!

 

[soflabasser]

9 hours ago, the reel ess said:

I am by no means a man who spends like a drunken sailor. But I do now own 5 serviceable baitcasting combos with a couple in reserve. I don't feel like I need to own 20. I started fishing with a guy who I knew caught a lot of big fish. I wanted to learn what he knew that I didn't. First thing I noticed is he had a slew of cheaper spinning combos. He was catching 6-7-8 lb bass on Mitchell 300 reels and Walmart $10-20 rods all spooled with Big Game 15# mono. I could heAr some of his reels making noises. 

 

For over a decade my favorite bass combo was an Ugly Stik with a Shimano Spirex spinning reel. Many would look down on this combo but I caught hundreds of big bass on this combo. Lots of people like to brag about how much their fishing gear cost but all that bragging is just cheap talk since results is what matters most. The truth is a skilled bass fisherman will consistently catch more bass on cheap fishing tackle than someone that does not know how to bass fish well even if they own expensive fishing gear.

[LCG]

2 hours ago, soflabasser said:

 

For over a decade my favorite bass combo was an Ugly Stik with a Shimano Spirex spinning reel. Many would look down on this combo but I caught hundreds of big bass on this combo. Lots of people like to brag about how much their fishing gear cost but all that bragging is just cheap talk since results is what matters most. The truth is a skilled bass fisherman will consistently catch more bass on cheap fishing tackle than someone that does not know how to bass fish well even if they own expensive fishing gear.

I completely agree with this. Buy within your comfort zone. Yes higher end equipment is nice, but it won't make up for lack of skill. Fishing is my primary hobby so I don't mind spending some money, but still within reason for my budget. My reels are about $200, rods $120 ish. I would love to fish more expensive combos, but wants vs needs. 

[soflabasser]

On 3/3/2021 at 9:27 PM, LCG said:

I completely agree with this. Buy within your comfort zone. Yes higher end equipment is nice, but it won't make up for lack of skill. Fishing is my primary hobby so I don't mind spending some money, but still within reason for my budget. My reels are about $200, rods $120 ish. I would love to fish more expensive combos, but wants vs needs. 

I have expensive fishing gear since it is nice to fish but I do very well on cheap to moderately priced fishing gear. People put too much effort in purchasing expensive fishing gear and not enough effort into improving their bass fishing skills. Having fun should be the # 1 priority in fishing, followed by working on improving ones fishing skill. Beginners need to understand this and not worry so much about buying expensive gear and that buying expensive gear is not needed to have a good time bass fishing.