Is rod/reel aesthetics super important to you?

[Darth-Baiter]

There are some very good looking rods and reels out there.  It seems to be directly proportional to cost, but I’m relatively new,

 so I cannot be sure.   I fondle dine MegaBass rods and they have that ohhhh! factor for sure.  The Steez AGS are almost too good looking.  
 

my stuff gets kinda beaten on my kayak so I can’t put too much into how they look.  Plus I’m a poor public servant.  that’s my excuse anyways. 
 

you?

[newapti5]

It only matters to me during winter off season, when I have not much to do but pimp out my reels with cosmetic details/upgrades.

[WRB]

I keep my rods and reels clean avoiding damage from use.

1. Lay down your rods, don’t drop them on the deck.

2. Keep unused rods in a protective sleeve, helps to preserve the condition and protect guides.

3. Don’t put away your rods and reels wet, wipe them dry, and cut off the hooks, lures before putting the rod and reel away.

”Shine me bright so I work alright” a naval term for good reason.

Tom

 

[garroyo130]

Not really super important. I wonder if a Steez with Kastking printed on it would still make your heart skip a beat ... 

[PhishLI]

Nope. I can appreciate slick looking gear for a minute, but I fish in the dark, so I really don't think about it, hence, I don't care. As long as I'm not negatively distracted by something involving performance or comfort, I'm good.

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

I keep my rods and reels clean avoiding damage from use

X2. Reel covers and rod sleeves unless I'm swinging. I despise cosmetic damage. Even on my inexpensive stuff.

[Catt]

These are tools ?

 

I don't abuse my tools, I maintain my tools, but I don't baby them either. 

 

They do have battle scars & each scar has a memory!

[Vilas15]

I wish i could say it did not factor into my decision to put a Daiwa legalis on my new st croix legend tournament, but the blue just went so well together.

[MN Fisher]

The feel, balance and usability are the top reasons for purchasing - long as it's in my budget.

 

Matching rod&reel based on color? That's taking things to a new level....one I probably won't move to.

 

41 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

X2. Reel covers and rod sleeves unless I'm swinging.

 

36 minutes ago, Catt said:

I don't abuse my tools, I maintain my tools, but I don't baby them either. 

Yep to both of these - stored in sleeves and covers, but I'm not gonna treat them like Steuben Crystal either.

[ATA]

Not so important, But it is important for me if it is not effecting to the quality of my fishing.

So If I have green rod , I wouldn't buy a green reel if it is not performing as I wish with that rod or my fishing style.

[Cbump]

 I think the “show off your stuff” thread shows that it’s important to many. I do like good looking gear if it’s also functional. 

[Jrob78]

I wouldn't say it's super important but I would be lying if I said it didn't matter. I am function over form but I appreciate the sleek lines of a nice reel and the components, craftsmanship and design of a beautiful rod.

 

I take care of my stuff but I also use it and don't freak out if something gets scratched in normal use. All that said, 2 rods or reels created equal, I'm getting the one I find the most visually pleasing every time.

[Hammer 4]

They would have to be super Ugly for me not to buy them. I'll take performance over looks any day of the week.

[GreenPig]

Looks? Don't really care. But I do have a thing for twins ever since one particular school dance.?

[Bakablo1]

33 minutes ago, GreenPig said:

Looks? Don't really care. But I do have a thing for twins ever since one particular school dance.?

 

Perfection ?

[txchaser]

I don't care much about how they look as long as they aren't bright colors or white.

[Susky River Rat]

I like matching stuff. I guess it comes from my  motocross days. All the factory team bikes looked identical. Depending what team they had to run the same gear. So I like all my rods and reels to be certain things. 

[PourMyOwn]

Not really, but I do my best to take good care of my equipment. 

 

As for color matching, not really an issue-except for some red OG fuegos and some gaudy old fiberglass rods, all of my stuff is grey, black, or silver. 

[Mobasser]

I try to take good care of my tackle. Am not concerned about matching colors etc.  I keep reels clean, and spooled with good line. Give my rod a wipe down on occasion. 

[Manifestgtr]

Not at all…function, reliability, and comfort are my top priorities at all times. Sometimes I’ll see somebody reviewing a rod and lamenting the wrapping, etc. That goes completely over my head. I understand that fit and finish can sometimes be correlated to things like build quality and reliability but that would be the only scenario where it mattered to me, personally.

 

That being said, my lightweight frog combo looks like some sort of crazy, alien weapon:

 

It’s a pure coincidence…the engetsu is my favorite frogging reel and I wanted to try a zodias for light frogs. But it still makes me chuckle whenever I look at it because it’s almost TOO perfect…completely on accident.

 

[Cbump]

Tell me this isn’t sexy:

 

 

[bulldog1935]

Form follows function.  

 

But if you can get both, go for it.  

 

[Deleted account]

No.

[PhishLI]

24 minutes ago, Manifestgtr said:

function, reliability, and comfort are my top priorities at all times.

The reason this is true for me is not some high-minded thing, but that colors simply aren't on my radar. They never were. Shapes are my thing.

 

My wife picked out every stich of clothes I wear. She calls me her Ken doll. Before her it was my girlfriends going back to the first one. My mother came with me to pick out all of my suits for my first suit-and-tie job. I still can't pick out a tie. Left to my own devices I'd obliviously walk around looking like a poorly color coordinated lumber jack.

 

That's not to say I can't spot something slick looking, but if any of my combos happen to be jazzy, it was purely by accident.

[Cbump]

Aesthetically pleasing to me is being classy. Not just matching colors. I’ll never consider a bps carbonlite combo because of that stupid white. I’ll never touch a Revo rocket because it’s bright red. Concept reels. No thanks. 
 

I’m not snobby but if something is quality, in my price range, AND aesthetically pleasing why not?

[Catt]

I threw Calcuttas for yrs not because they were cute little reels but because they were solid as an anvil, versatile as a pair of Channellocks®, & dependable as a 30/30!