Super User Cgolf Posted June 19, 2021 Author Super User Posted June 19, 2021 11 minutes ago, Yuddzy said: I'm sorry if you took that as me being condescending. I just think the premise of that quote was a bit funny, but there's nothing wrong with being organized at all. You're into gear and preparation, that's understandable. Some days I think I like the equipment more than the fishing myself.   No worries. I just can’t wait till people stop buying boats like crazy so I can get my 17 or 18 foot wider beamed boat and carry a lot more gear than I do now. Trying to pack a small amount of baits and rod/reel combos to cover a lake that always sees one to three cold fronts in the week we go is extremely challenging and why I do the lists. Having seen pictures of folks bass boat storage compartments they carry more for an afternoon trip than I can for week! Also thinking about when and where you will fish stuff is nice to think about while sitting through a boring meeting at work ? 2
CrankFate Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 I love this topic. Thank god today the quality of gear has gotten so much better. I know there’s a lot of nostalgia for the past, but we are much better off today. I have a personal reason for being anti heavy older nostalgia gear. I fished since I was 2. And was told the proper way to hold a spinner is between the two middle fingers. It might be (I do not agree). I am 45 now and can tell you, the heavy old gear messed up the tendons in the palm of my right hand. I cannot write more than a sentence with a pen, after a lifetime of fishing. I’m just thankful my right hand doesn’t hurt unless I’m doing something like writing or holding a spinning rod.  There has never been a better time for fishing in terms of the quality of lightweight, inexpensive gear that we have today.  As much as I don’t like heavy older gear, I didn’t mean to offend anyone who has a special place for it in nostalgia in my previous posts. 1
QED Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 To use a concrete example, Shimano mid-range reels like the Vanford are in some respects even better than the high-end Stella (though the latter is impeccably built and smooth as butter). TLDR; mid-tier stuff doesn't suck!
Yuddzy Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 2 hours ago, CrankFate said: I love this topic. Thank god today the quality of gear has gotten so much better. I know there’s a lot of nostalgia for the past, but we are much better off today. I have a personal reason for being anti heavy older nostalgia gear. I fished since I was 2. And was told the proper way to hold a spinner is between the two middle fingers. It might be (I do not agree). I am 45 now and can tell you, the heavy old gear messed up the tendons in the palm of my right hand. I cannot write more than a sentence with a pen, after a lifetime of fishing. I’m just thankful my right hand doesn’t hurt unless I’m doing something like writing or holding a spinning rod.  There has never been a better time for fishing in terms of the quality of lightweight, inexpensive gear that we have today.  As much as I don’t like heavy older gear, I didn’t mean to offend anyone who has a special place for it in nostalgia in my previous posts. It's the same for bikes nowadays, Finding a groupset that's actually bad is very difficult. All of the budget options are totally functional in every way and can go head to head with the stuff 2-3x the price.  Despite how much nicer the modern reels are, I can't help but want an old baitcaster. I've been eyeing some of the alloy body Shimano Bantams on eBay. There's just something alluring about the "vintage" gear, and I grew up using the newer stuff myself. 2
Super User PhishLI Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 I'd be pleased if all of my reels weighed 5 ounces, and all of my rods weighed 3.5 ounces, but I'm not bothered in the least by 8oz reels and 5oz rods. Not even a little bit. I know what I like or dislike in a rod's taper/action, and have had the good fortune to fish with a few of the best. There's nothing not to like here. Still, I'm perfectly happy fishing with a $150 rod that suits my taste. Same goes for reels. I have a bunch in the $100-$200 range, and several north of that. I understand the differences between the price points, but I'm not suffering with the performance of my mid tier reels. They do more than just get me from point A to point B. The braking systems are all unique, and I use them within their respective wheelhouses.  Because my fishing buddy is a Loomis nut, and buys new Shimanos constantly, short of the Antares, I get to play with those too. Once again, there's nothing not to like here, but I'm not suffering one bit fishing with a $159 Quantum Vapor, or a $119 Quantum ICON, right alongside my JDM Daiwa Catalina or Shimano Chronarch.   My Loomis buddy's a gear junkie, but he's not a snob. He owns lots of models across all major brands. One night he focused in on my Vapor, then asked me about it. He had one a week later. Oddly, he doesn't talk much about gear, but he waxed on after I asked him a few months later if he'd gotten the Vapor dialed in. He said it was a breeze, and that he loved the reel, quite enthusiastically. I suppose one could conclude that he isn't that discerning, or it's possible that if you choose wisely, $159 could buy you something quite good these days.  Next up for me is the new Zillion, just because I want it, but I'll be fishing a Fuego or a Lew's Tournament Pro right next to it on any given outing. 1
Super User Catt Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021  #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet. 6 2
Super User Mobasser Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 14 minutes ago, Catt said:  #1 key to consistently catching bass is between your ears not between the folds of your wallet. Catt, very true! 1
Super User bulldog1935 Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 23 hours ago, A-Jay said: Has anyone found they are happy with non high end rods and reels ?  Interesting thread & read . . . It's more about product quality vs price point for me. I am a big fan of gear that does just a bit more than what I need it to.  That said, the following characteristics are always considered in advance of making any purchase; -Performance -Reliability & Reputation -Durability -Serviceability -Aesthetics (plays a lesser role but a role none the less)  -Perceived quality (only matters to me).  I am very willing to pay whatever is required to land right here. Always felt like quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten.  Once I know what I need, I can discover true happiness in that. I do not need to buy expensive things to prove to the world that I am happy. Fish Hard A-Jay     In a thread overloaded with platitudes, I think A-Jay did the best job of addressing what you get and what you pay for.  There should be targets in our outfitting.  It's a different chore to outfit oneself for a day in a kayak, shore fishing, hiking/busting creeks and loading up a bass boat arsenal.  1 1
Super User roadwarrior Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 Has anyone found they are happy with non high end rods and reels ? Â No. Â 3 1
Super User MN Fisher Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 9 minutes ago, roadwarrior said: Has anyone found they are happy with non high end rods and reels ? Â No. Â Oh stop being a grump, Kent. 2
evo2s197 Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 14 hours ago, CrankFate said: I am 45 now and can tell you, the heavy old gear messed up the tendons in the palm of my right hand. Underrated quote right here, and it's so true. 1
Super User Bankc Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 On 6/17/2021 at 12:23 PM, greentrout said: A few years ago I bought (50 dollars) a KK Perigee II 3 piece 7'rod. The rod comes with 2 tips med. and med. heavy. I couldn't ask for a more enjoyable and functional rod. Strong and sensitive. And is a multi species rod that can be used for light salt water which I do fish on occasion ...  Good fishing ...  I have one of these rods.  It's my least favorite.  But it's also my most used rod and the one I've caught the most fish on. Â
GetFishorDieTryin Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 On 6/18/2021 at 6:26 AM, DaubsNU1 said: All my rods are Cabela's branded, save one Berkeley MH bait-caster. Shimano spinning and bait-casting reels, one Cabela's branded spinning reel.  All but one were were purchased between 1991 and 2000. Have replaced a few tips and guides through the years.  They perform wonderfully...I have no desire to fish anything else. Cabelas made some quality products especially in the 90s. I never owned one of the Salt strikers, but I took a few casts with one my buddy had and it was comparable to my Tidemasters.Â
Super User Deleted account Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 1 hour ago, evo2s197 said: Underrated quote right here, and it's so true. I've heard of tennis elbow, but fishing finger is a new one. I find too small a reel actually is what causes hand fatigue for me when I fish long days in a row, specially as I get older.
throttleplate Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 1 hour ago, BassWhole! said: I've heard of tennis elbow, but fishing finger is a new one. I find too small a reel actually is what causes hand fatigue for me when I fish long days in a row, specially as I get older. do some finger stretches, bend back tuck forward easy to do when sittin and watchin tv.
waymont Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 What's high end to you? I find I enjoy myself much more with the best gear I have. Comfort, efficiency, weight, sensitivity, longevity all are on my list when I buy gear now. I learned the hard way I enjoy the best gear I can get, so now I won't buy the less expensive option. Instead I'll wait until I can get the gear I really want the most. 1
Super User TOXIC Posted June 19, 2021 Super User Posted June 19, 2021 We had dinner last night with a couple who the husband is a dedicated fly fisherman.  We both had a great laugh when comparing the costs of our 2 preferred methods of fishing.  Go check out the prices of fly fishing gear and you’ll see what expensive really is.  I have 2 fly fishing outfits and at last count over 70 freshwater bass.? 1
Super User Fishes in trees Posted June 20, 2021 Super User Posted June 20, 2021 In the past ten years or so I've upgraded the stuff that I use most of the time to lighter stuff.   That is generally more expensive when bought MSP retail.  I generally don't - I look around, I'm patient, so I have a decent selection of decent gear - with a few exceptions.  The very high end stuff ain't for my budget and I have a tendency to wear out lower end gear pretty quick.  So I try to strike a balance use wise versus economy wise with each purchase.  I find that with the lighter gear my wrists & for arms don't hurt as much at the end of the day.  Â
Brian14 Posted June 20, 2021 Posted June 20, 2021 I fly fish as well, and it’s the same thing with fly gear. Sure you can buy an $800 rod, and obviously some do, but there are probably at least a few dozen great rods in the $100-150 range. Same for reels. So as stated by many already I like to buy the best that my budget allows and usually on sale or even used if well cared for.
Super User Cgolf Posted June 20, 2021 Author Super User Posted June 20, 2021 3 hours ago, TOXIC said: We had dinner last night with a couple who the husband is a dedicated fly fisherman.  We both had a great laugh when comparing the costs of our 2 preferred methods of fishing.  Go check out the prices of fly fishing gear and you’ll see what expensive really is.  I have 2 fly fishing outfits and at last count over 70 freshwater bass.? i was lucky to able to get 3 sage fly rods rods a couple of other mid range fly rods and some a cabelas fly rod or 2 for 500 a5 an estate sale. I got a great deal and the rods are sweet but full price for a high end fly rod will never happen, they are insane compared to bass rods. On 6/18/2021 at 9:15 PM, CrankFate said: I am 45 now and can tell you, the heavy old gear messed up the tendons in the palm of my right hand. I cannot write more than a sentence with a pen, after a lifetime of fishing. I’m just thankful my right hand doesn’t hurt unless I’m doing something like writing or holding a spinning rod. I am 2 years older and golf got me. Right arm and shoulder is all messed up. Before I quit I could make it through six holes shooting good numbers and it would end on one swing and I would basically walk of the course. For me fishing doesn’t bother me, but all my combos are pretty balanced. It is surprising how hard golf can be on the body, not sure how the pros hold up. 1
Super User bulldog1935 Posted June 20, 2021 Super User Posted June 20, 2021 14 hours ago, Brian14 said: I fly fish as well, and it’s the same thing with fly gear. Sure you can buy an $800 rod, and obviously some do, but there are probably at least a few dozen great rods in the $100-150 range. Same for reels. So as stated by many already I like to buy the best that my budget allows and usually on sale or even used if well cared for. What often gets overlooked in fly rods are the venerable glass fly rods from the 60s and 70s.  They were the highest-tech in their day, tend to be 7-1/2' and shorter, exactly where glass fly rod tapers exceed graphite in just about everything.  They load quickly, so they launch a fly line with less start-up effort than graphite, and talk to you with sweet, deep-flexing progressive tapers. Old Phillipson rods shine in 6'6" and 7' lengths. Other great brands are St. Croix, Heddon, and some really outstanding rods made by Vince Cummings and Russ Peak - a few outstanding Fenwick models. Good shopping will find these for $100-200. (The Cummings and Peak rods are in the $500-600 range) Here's my Vince Cummings Water Witch, c. 1930 Medalist and pb sight-fished river bass.  1
ironbjorn Posted June 20, 2021 Posted June 20, 2021 22 hours ago, evo2s197 said: Underrated quote right here, and it's so true. If something weighing ounces can do that by 45 then humans couldn't possibly do real work with their hands. 1
Super User MN Fisher Posted June 20, 2021 Super User Posted June 20, 2021 16 minutes ago, ironbjorn said: If something weighing ounces can do that by 45 then humans couldn't possibly do real work with their hands. Even with my 'budget' rigs - I got nothing that weighs over 14oz total including line, and heaviest (MH/F spinning) to lightest (L/F spinning) has a difference of only 2oz...with my BCs falling in the middle of the range.  If I need to pay $300+ just to save 1-2oz on a rig...it's not worth it. If a 14oz rig is 'troublesome' but a 12oz rig is 'delightful'...there's something definitely wrong - and not with the rigs. 2
Super User Bankbeater Posted June 20, 2021 Super User Posted June 20, 2021 The fish don't care how much you've spent. 1
ironbjorn Posted June 20, 2021 Posted June 20, 2021 4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said: Even with my 'budget' rigs - I got nothing that weighs over 14oz total including line, and heaviest (MH/F spinning) to lightest (L/F spinning) has a difference of only 2oz...with my BCs falling in the middle of the range. Â If I need to pay $300+ just to save 1-2oz on a rig...it's not worth it. If a 14oz rig is 'troublesome' but a 12oz rig is 'delightful'...there's something definitely wrong - and not with the rigs. I would love to see the people who call ounces heavy and painful tell this to a room full of concrete guys and construction workers, carpenters and plumbers, warehouse and fulfillment center employees, farmers and farm hands, etc. It's definitely not the fishing gear causing you to fall apart, and it's definitely not literally heavy. Listening to bass angler gear snobs can paint a weak and grim picture for humanity. Nothing would have ever been built. 3
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