Rods

[PondBoss]

To spend or not to spend, that is the question.

In all seriousness though, is there really a huge difference in rods? I understand differences in flex and all that, but is there really a huge difference between a $25 rod and one that costs $100 or $200? I just don't see the difference. I know the difference between bites and when my bait bumps into cover, if that is the selling point for expensive rods then do I really need to spend the extra? I'm looking for someone to convince me that it is worth while, or someone to convince me it is smoke and mirrors.

[BASSclary]

You can dicyfer (spelling?) between your cover, and tell exactly what your bait is touching/going over, etc, and feel the lighter biters.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Is there a difference between a 25 dollar rod and a 100/200 dollar rod? Yes. You'll be getting a rod that has better components, one that should last far longer, and usually a far better warranty. Other benefits will be a rod that is more sensitive, generally they will have better blank actions. Most cheap rods are just that, cheap. They aren't made with serious fishing in mind. Part of the enjoyment of using nicer rods is just having them. They can be much more comfortable to use for longer periods. Plus tackle junkies like to collect rods.

That being said, if you're using a 25 dollar rod and catching fish, who cares. The fish can't tell whether you're using a cane pole or a 500 dollar rod. All that matters is that you enjoy what you're using.

[Aluma-Bass]

maybe try FISHING with someone elses high end rods...i think you will def tell a difference!! You wont know till you fish one...not just hold one in the store.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You get what you pay for up to a point, then hit the point of diminishing returns. On a production rod, that is at about $250. At this point, I suggest considering a custom build to maximize your investment. Higher grade components and materials make a rod lighter, stronger, and more sensitive. Sure you can catch fish with an inexpensive rod, but you don't know what you're not feeling because you're not feeling it.

[Wammiee]

Really depends on your amount of fishing and how hardcore you intend to be. People who's main hobby is fishing tend to spend more just like in another sport of interest. If its just an activity you have when your bored than cheaper rods will do. All rods catch fish, but to increase enjoyability more expensive rods can do that for you. Hold something like a Cherrywood next to a Gloomis and you should notice an easy difference. A $75.00 St. Croix Triumph is kindof a taste of both.

[boystcroix]

There is definetly a difference in a $25 rod compared to a $100 up rod. DVT is right though at a certain point the differences are subtle. Spend what you can afford and what you can justify for this pastime. I know alot of guys who catch alot of fish on cheap rods

[Sam]

Yes.

And there are different types of rods for different applications.

However, a 6'6" medium heavy baitcaster or spinning rod will take care of 90% of your fishing activities.

[A-Rob]

You get what you pay for up to a point, then hit the point of diminishing returns. On a production rod, that is at about $250. At this point, I suggest considering a custom build to maximize your investment. Higher grade components and materials make a rod lighter, stronger, and more sensitive. Sure you can catch fish with an inexpensive rod, but you don't know what you're not feeling because you're not feeling it.

I agree.

May I add....I feel b/c of competition you can get a solid rod for a reasonable price. Its shouldn't be so black and white with $25 or $500. Get a quality rod for $100 if you don't want to spend $200....my point is find the balance you are happy with. I fish ~$100 rods for the most part (with the odd splurge), for my budget and my fishing it is good enough. Would I go with a $250 rod if money was no factor? Hell ya.

[WanderLust]

Yes.

And there are different types of rods for different applications.

However, a 6'6" medium heavy baitcaster or spinning rod will take care of 90% of your fishing activities.

Big fan of the 6'8 MH fast action rods, I have (3) so far.

Powell, Shimano and Abu make great products in the $100-150 range. I have a few Compre's, a Powell Max and a Verdict. The Verdict is still out on the Verdict. Maybe Dobyns Savy would have been a better choice.

G Loomis GLX BCR803 was worth every penny I paid for it. Of course I bought it used.

St. Croix Avid AVC70MHF was another great investment.

Next on the list is a Dobyns Champion for heavier jigs... Just have to see what all the fuss is about.

[Chris at Tech]

You say that you "just don't see the difference". Does that mean you've fished more expensive rods, but you don't feel any difference over your $25 rod? If so, then good for you.

If not, you should try to get your hands on a higher-end rod to fish with to see how it feels to you. I think you'll be amazed.

[PondBoss]

You say that you "just don't see the difference". Does that mean you've fished more expensive rods, but you don't feel any difference over your $25 rod? If so, then good for you.

If not, you should try to get your hands on a higher-end rod to fish with to see how it feels to you. I think you'll be amazed.

I have not been able to try any "expensive" rods. Will be going on a guided trip though in a couple of weeks and should get to use some pretty high end stuff, so who knows. I tend to think it's more Indian than arrow though.

[ChiCityBasser]

I've fished crankbaits for a year on a cheap Daiwa D-Force as my crankbait rod and yes I caught fish but I couldn't tell what the lure was hitting. This year I switched to a Cabelas Prodigy rod which normally retails for $100 but I got it on sale for $60 and there is a big difference in the sensitivy and being able to tell what my lure is doing and hitting.

Yes I caught fish before but now I can feel things I wasn't feeling before and I didn't break the bank on the rod and got better components, a better warranty and a more sensitive rod.

[Bluebasser86]

The difference is very noticeable if you get the chance to fish one. There's lots of really nice rods for around $100.

[Grey Wolf]

The difference is very noticeable if you get the chance to fish one. There's lots of really nice rods for around $100.

X 2!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fishohio]

I had the same take on (Better) rods as you do PB. I fished with Abu super 7's for years. Always made fun of my buddy's saying I don't need high dollar rods to catch fish! Then one trip I pick up his old falcon rod. It was lighter more comfortable, and like said before more sensative. So after addmitting that MAYBE there is something to owning a higher end rod I found a 6'9 MH F LTA for 100$.I was blown away my first trip. You can feel the lighter strikes, that spongy feeling BIG bass always tend to have on the strike. My hook up percetage went way up as did the amount of bites I noticed that you just don't feel on 25$ rods.(Expecially in deep water) So yes there is a difference. On your trip you will fell the differece yourself

[scbassin]

I fish 175 to 250 days a year & use custom rods & light weight high end reels. There is a big difference in the sensitivity between a $25 & a higher end rod. The light weight helps me with fishing elbow & wrist. The more sensitive the rod the lighter bite you can feel. Now with that being said if you fish to just relax rods like a Shimano Compare would be fine. They are a good rod for $100.

[FD.]

If you fish a couple times a year for a couple of hours, it makes no difference at all.

If you spend 20 hrs a week on the water like I do, it makes a world of difference.

A $25 dollar rod will catch fish.

A $100 dollar rod will detect way more light bites.

A $200 dollar rod lets you fish all day without fatigue setting in and causing you to miss the light bites.

Any rod over $200 is probably a waste of money for me and you unless you just want one.

[PondBoss]

Fished today with a friends Tessera (spelling) Skeet Reece rod. It was nice, but nothing seriously more noticeable or better than my $23 Quantum Torsion from Wal-Mart. The main difference was length. My $23 rod is 6'6 and the Tessera is 7'2. It may have been a shade more sensitive, but I'm pretty sure that has to with the tip being longer and thinner. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me it seems like the reason people swear by expensive stuff is so they can justify the purchase.

[WanderLust]

It may have been a shade more sensitive, but I'm pretty sure that has to with the tip being longer and thinner. Maybe I'm wrong, but to me it seems like the reason people swear by expensive stuff is so they can justify the purchase.

LOL WUT? Quality of the blank is the reason it felt more sensitive. I'm not a huge fan of that rod but my friend has one and its quite sensitive especially when fished for its intended design.

In the case of rod quality, you get what you pay for up to a certain price point.

Compare your $23 stick with say, a $79 Vendetta or Compre... I would be surprised if you thought the same thing.

[vapredhunter]

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hugh difference

[BassThumb]

One of the main advantages of using higher quality rods is that they are more crisp, and that allows for longer and more accurate casts. Better casts will always result in more and bigger fish.

[PondBoss]

LOL WUT? Quality of the blank is the reason it felt more sensitive. I'm not a huge fan of that rod but my friend has one and its quite sensitive especially when fished for its intended design.

In the case of rod quality, you get what you pay for up to a certain price point.

Compare your $23 stick with say, a $79 Vendetta or Compre... I would be surprised if you thought the same thing.

Like I said "MAYBE" my $23 rod has a IM6 blank, don't really know exactly what that means, but it says it. Also have a rod with an IM8 blank, bought as a combo 6 years ago for $50 now sells for $75. The $17 rods I use honestly feel very solid too, no idea on there blank make up.

[SirSnookalot]

Only addressing the issue relating to how I fish. The vast majority of time I do not need super sensitive stick as I'm casting and the strikes are significant, however I do prefer a rod rather than a broom stick. I won't get into brands but with that said I do not break the bank, for me I see no reason to.

Not that this is the first time I've done this, as I speak I have purchased 3 rods for some offshore use from $50-$150, so far the $ 50 rod has gained favor over the other 2, in a few days I 'll make my final decision and the return the others, a good idea to leave the cellophane wrap on the handles.

[Grey Wolf]

Like I said "MAYBE" my $23 rod has a IM6 blank, don't really know exactly what that means, but it says it. Also have a rod with an IM8 blank, bought as a combo 6 years ago for $50 now sells for $75. The $17 rods I use honestly feel very solid too, no idea on there blank make up.

Ignorance is a blessing sometimes.