Rod/reel in person or online?

[new2BC4bass]

Handled 2 spinning reels (of those that I still have), 1 baitcast reel, no fly reels before buying.  Handled 1 spinning rod, 1 fly rod and 4 baitcast rods before buying.  Reason for having handled so many casting rods is because 3 were purchased locally in Florida where I keep them for visits.

 

I rely on reviews...and opinions on fishing forums.  Luckily I don't notice little things like many so I am not picky.  So far I've like all my reels and not too thrilled with only 2 of my casting rods.  Haven't met a casting reel yet that I don't like.    Add all 3 styles (baitcast, spinning & fly) and I have way to many of each (rods & reels) so as you can tell I have got no problem buying without first handling.

[NorthernBasser]

46 minutes ago, Mat_ski said:

Sometimes I order couple of rods, put reel on, make few casts in my yard and decide which one to keep. 

Well now I know why I get rods with bent guides sometimes. 

[Mat_ski]

1 minute ago, NorthernBasser said:

Well now I know why I get rods with bent guides sometimes. 

Sometimes I etch my initials too, look on the underside of the butt section. 

 

[Mobasser]

I always prefer to buy in person but have ordered online a couple of times. So far it's worked out well.

[Catt]

18 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

You can't cast a rod in a store

 

You don't know this Cajun to well!

 

I've been known to put a reel on the rod I'm looking at, string it up, & tie on a lure. If management doesn't like it I'll gladly take my business elsewhere!

 

Twice I was sent a rod to do a review on & both times instead of sending them back I bought them. 

 

Would I be willing to order a rod online sight unseen?

 

Yes sir but I would be just as willing to return it!

[TcRoc]

I’ve bought I one rod and one reel at a local shop.. and that was Dicks sporting good’s. They had a Slx Dc in stock .. There r no local shops to get my hands on anything.. Bass pro or Cabela’s but never really have in stock what I use. 

[gim]

I am kind of surprised to hear how many people say they have a retailer nearby but that retailer never has any stock.

 

The Cabelas, Dicks, and Scheels by me are loaded on rods, reels, and tackle right now.  Aisles and aisles of it.

[MN Fisher]

24 minutes ago, gimruis said:

The Cabelas, Dicks, and Scheels by me are loaded on rods, reels, and tackle right now.  Aisles and aisles of it.

Even the Carver Fleet Farm is loaded up...but not the brands/models of rods/reels I'm looking for.

[gim]

Just now, MN Fisher said:

Even the Carver Fleet Farm is loaded up...but not the brands/models of rods/reels I'm looking for.

Ya Fleet Farm is not known to carry higher end stuff.  They're more of an Ugly Stick kind of retailer.

[MN Fisher]

Just now, gimruis said:

Ya Fleet Farm is not known to carry higher end stuff.  They're more of an Ugly Stick kind of retailer.

Tell that to the rack of St Croix rods, or the case of Shimano and Daiwa reels - including Vanfords, Tatula SV and others in the 'mid-range'.

 

If you only hit the Brooklyn Park store - the Carver store will surprise you with the selection.

[gim]

11 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If you only hit the Brooklyn Park store - the Carver store will surprise you with the selection.

That definitely surprises me.  The two locations I visit are skimpy on inventory all the time.  Brooklyn Park and Blaine.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

That definitely surprises me.  The two locations I visit are skimpy on inventory all the time.  Brooklyn Park and Blaine.

Last time I was in Carver - about a month ago - I don't think there was a bare spot in the fishing section.

 

I would say the Carver Fleet Farm fishing section is around the same size as the Eden Prairie Scheels - maybe even a little bigger.

[FishTank]

I use to always say that I would only buy a rod and reel in store but now there are so many reviews and videos,  I am able to make an informed guess at what I am getting.

 

Rods though are tough. I feel like I have to go on a little faith with my favorite companies and hope they get it right. I have yet to order a rod from over seas though. I have kind of drawn the line there but on reels I have had great luck and would order again.