One brand for all applications?

[RobbyZ5001]

Would you reccomend using one brand/one style rod for every fishing application? Can you explain why you would or would not, and which brand you would use if you would?

[Koop]

Absolutely not.  

Certain companies make certain rods better than others, for example Kistler makes an amazing frog rod, GLoomis makes great light jig and worm rod but has a not so great frog rod (in my opinion).  Just like anything there are always going to be companies that make certain products a certain way, our preferences will never be the same as theirs in every instance.  Thus using multiple company rod selection to best meet our individual preferences.

[Muddy]

Hey Dawg; I always do this. I presently use 4 bc rigs; all 4 rods are Cabelas Fish eagle II's 6'6"

2med: one cranks/top water ( treble hooks) and one for trick sticks

2MH: one for jig. 2nd jigs or t rigs, depending on where and when I am fishing

I just got rid of the other reels I use, and am switching over to 4 X ABU rounds, eventually to 3 x c3,4600

and one c4

Why: I do not fish any lures outside of the range of use for these rods and reels. THEY ALL FEEL THE SAME IN MY HAND, the rods all load up alike and the reels cast in ways that are familiar to me. I think technique specific rods are a lot of BS and this idea has served me well for a long time

KISS

btw: I do not follow the pros or competitive fsihing but I understand the Van Dam guy has stated he does about the same, that explains whose been following me around the lake lately ;D

[skunked_again]

many brands of rods cover all applications of bass fishing, including spinning and casting. as far as sticking with one brand/style for me thats not so easy. theres so much new stuff coming out that it makes it impossible for me to be "brand loyal".

[RobbyZ5001]

Dom. I am thinking along the same lines as you with the KISS idea. I would have a tough time sticking to one reel though, because I use the LH models.

[flechero]

It's all preference. For example, I used to use all Loomis.  Like Muddy said, those rods fit all my preferences.  Even if the "frog rod" might not be perfect, the MBR845 or 785, will do the job great, as will a couple of the newer BCR's and a flipping rod or two.  Don't pigeonhole yourself into thinking that a technique specific rod label is anything close to all inclusive.  They never are.  These days, I carry several brands, all specifically built for different things...  that's my current preference.

[pk]

I get into different rods for different applications and then I don't.  I really can't make up my mind.  I know one thing and that is that I do not like cranking rods they are too flimsy feeling for me and I know that's what you're supposed to want for fishing cranks but I really like a strong back bone when fishing cranks.  Probably because that's how I did it when I started.

Rick Clunn says, "it's a fallacy that you have to have different rods and reels to be a bass fisherman."

That said I would never use the heavy action rod Clunn uses in Chicago because I rarely catch monster bass here.  

[Cigarlover 1]

The only way I'd ever fish one brand exclusively is if I'm paid/sponsored by a brand. Other than that there's too much new technology and ideas that comes out by all different brands that I like to try out.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I have two Kistlers and two Carrot Stix and then 6 other rods of different manufacturers. I tend to buy rods that are either on sale or that I find for a good price either here or on ebay

[Big Mike in Fl]

I have an assortment of rods, from different manufacturers, and I get by fine, however, I did hear an interview KVD gave on the subject, saying that if all of your rods are similar in size, weight (but still have different actions and powers for different applications)as if made by the same manufacturer, then it will take you less time to adjust when switching rods. so there is something to be said for keeping them within one brand/series of rods. I know when I switch form my topwater, to my stick(senko) rod, its a major change and takes some readjusting.

[islandbass]

My short answer is no. I can see the plausibility but we aren't dealing with golf clubs where such a strategy could be beneficial. Company A makes a rod that I like for application A and their crankbait rods are solely made with e glass.  Well, I might want to have a rod that has a blend of graphite and glass so my need and want in a crankbait ride cannot be met by them.

Same with reels. Until Shimano comes up with a left handed 5.x:1 curado, I have to look elsewhere.

I think I would have a hard time find one company to be a panacea for all of my fishing needs and others would probably concur. It would be nice to have them all come from one source, but it isn't going to happen for me any time soon.

[Bassn Blvd]

Yes, for freshwater. All my rods are Loomis and all my reels are Shimano, except two.

No and yes for saltwater. Most of my rods are custom built by me or someone else. All my reels are Shimano.

[roadwarrior]

Although I prefer "collecting" technique specific rods, this is the

simple answer:

You only need one rig to fish. I would recommend a 6 1/2' or 7'

spinning outfit; Medium Power/ Fast Action. If you prefer baitcasting,

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy/ Fast Action.

If you buy both of the rigs I have described, your next acquisition

should be Medium Power/ Moderate action rod for all treble hook

lures.

These three rods are all you really "need".

Regarding brands: Shimano reels, of course. My preference for rods

is G. Loomis for techniques requiring sensitivity (jigs and soft plastics);

St. Croix Avid for "moving lures".

8-)

[Raul]

I 've tried many brands of rods, I do have a mixed rod collection, couple of old Berkley Lightning rods, a couple of Shimano Clarus rods, a JDM Graphiteleader Bosco, but all my other rods are GLoomis, why ? because I like them, I like the way they feel, I like the way they look, I like how they perform and I know what can I expect to get based upon experience.

[Crestliner2008]

I know you all work hard for your money. I know I always have. Raising 4 kids and putting them through college, there is no way I could ever even begin to think about a Loomis rod! That's more for you white collar workers or those of you who have remained single all your lives. (More power to you!)

So I've made "do" with lesser costly brands, i.e.: BPS & Cabelas rods, all under (way under!) $80. each. Don't think I could fish with a more expensive one. I'd be afraid to scratch it! ;D But you know something, betcha I can catch just as many bass as a boat load of Loomis rods can and have just as much fun doing it! Which - isn't that the point of fishing in the first place? To have fun.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I don't think you need one brand for everything. If you have extra income and want to break into technique specific rods, I would recommend you buy what feels good to you. I personally own a lot of G Loomis rods, because I really like how they feel and they seem to be the only company left that offers a full rear grip, which I prefer. The bottom line is buy what feels best to you.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I have five G. Loomis purchased over the past 12 years.

These rods can be replaced for $50 if broken for any reason.

So, the cost spread over a lifetime doesn't seem that high to

me.

I also like to rationalize the relative cost of fishing gear. My light,

water & gas bill is hundreds of dollars a month. The family's total

gasoline charges are another couple of hundred a month. So, let's

say $5000 spent annually and I have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to

show for it!

8-)

[Catt]

I could easily have one brand for all applications but the problem is I will not buy a rod I have not personally put the reel I intend to use for that application on first and then string up a lure. Here's where the next problem falls in place; there are no tackle shops around my house that offer a large enough selection.

[ohioriverrat]

I'm not only cash limited, I have yet to figure out how to fish! Yeah, I've been "fishing" for forty five years, but not on any level that even warrants using this web site. However, since that has recently changed (my wife has gone gag-ga over fishing! Even made me buy a bass boat!), I (we) am a blank canvas.

I have many hobbies. Therefore, I cannot justify $200 dollar rods and reels. My trip to Cabela's last weekend netted me a St. Croix Triumph rod for about 70 bucks and a Quantum baitcaster for about 90. And I just purchased a couple of Flueger spincasters to go with one I already have (Used). A couple of lightning sticks later, and I'm like a pig in s***! I've never had anything close to this quality of stuff, so I wouldn't know if they were junk for a given purpose or not. Someday maybe, but not now.

Now would y'all kindly teach me how to use this stuff in yer spare time?!

[The Yankee Fist]

Hey, something I can help with ;D ;D ;D ;D

I wanted 3 rods/reels that would handle EVERYTHING I fish for here.

I have ONE bass spinning rod. It's a GLX Bronzeback and it does EVERYTHING in it's range and is a GREAT multi-species rod to boot. Medium, 6'10", fast and light, sustain FE 2500. This rod just WORKS.

I have one UL rod and reel, a 781-IMX Loomis with a Sahara 500 sized.

Next up is a GLX, Calcutta TE casting combo.

So, one brand? No, two that work VERY well together. I love the way Loomis rods feel and fish. Ditto for Shimano.