19 replies to this topic

[bassmaster8100]

I've always been guilty of buying cheap rods and reels basically so I could buy more of them. Finally I've invested in my first quality rod, Quantum KVD cranking rod. It's made such a difference for me only had it a week and I've caught a lot of fish on a crankbait when I used to only occasionally get a crankbait bite. Gonna upgrade the reel on that rod next. Guess its time to start slowly upgrading all my combos. Quality is always better than quantity.

[BassinNY]

I agree. Buying quality the First Time is almost always cheaper in the long run. Plus they're made of better materials and tighter tolerances. Most people myself included don't get out as much as we would like. So I place a premium on reliability, and less headaches so that I can fish more. However I'm not saying that everyone needs to buy GLoomis rods, Megabass baits and Shimano Core reels, you don't have to. It's a buyers market these days. Most companies are making great rods and reels in the $100 mark. In hard baits there's plenty of value w/o buying Megabass. Buy the Best Quality that you can afford or save for. Keep a look out in the classifieds here and other places as well. I've seen plenty of barely used or new going for a fraction of the original prices.

[Marty]

I've always been guilty of buying cheap rods and reels basically so I could buy more of them. Finally I've invested in my first quality rod, Quantum KVD cranking rod. It's made such a difference for me only had it a week and I've caught a lot of fish on a crankbait when I used to only occasionally get a crankbait bite. Gonna upgrade the reel on that rod next. Guess its time to start slowly upgrading all my combos. Quality is always better than quantity.

"Cheap" can mean different things to different people. I've generally used rods and reels that many would consider to be cheap, but my equipment does what I ask it to do.

I'm having difficulty understanding how changing rods can get you from just an occasional crankbait bite to a lot of bites. Your new rod might have some qualities that make it a better rod than the old one, but a $10 rod can move a crankbait through the water at the same depth and speed than more expensive rods, even though the rod may lack other qualities that you want.

[bassmaster8100]

Don't know what else to credit it to only thing I've changed is the rod. A friend of mine says it helps the action of the bait maybe he's right. I would call cheap being I didn't own a combo I paid more than $50 for.

[Busy]

Sensitivity is pretty important in feeling bites and timing your hookset. I've always said I won't spend more than $200 for a rod/reel combo, but my god I've been looking around and that Okuma Helios is flat out SEXY. Not heard much about people using Okuma but I'm going to have to take a leap of faith for it at some point lol.

Congrats on your new rod and success!

[LgMouthGambler]

Yeah, I went to that route. I sold 5 reels and bought a Chronarch 200E to go with my other Shimano reels. Next is the Chronarch 50E to complete the Shimano E lineup. That will be a total of 5 Shimano reels and rods to complete my arsenol. Stick with quality!

[backwater4]

eBay and classifieds are great ways to upgrade. Quality is definitely better than quantity.

[bassmaster8100]

I'm not that familiar with Okuma but Scott Martin swears by it. That Shimano lineup sounds great. They definetely make some great stuff. I have a friend that's gonna sell me two Curados for a good deal.

[flippin Dan]

"Cheap" can mean different things to different people. I've generally used rods and reels that many would consider to be cheap, but my equipment does what I ask it to do.

I'm having difficulty understanding how changing rods can get you from just an occasional crankbait bite to a lot of bites. Your new rod might have some qualities that make it a better rod than the old one, but a $10 rod can move a crankbait through the water at the same depth and speed than more expensive rods, even though the rod may lack other qualities that you want.

I just purchased 3 new rods. 2 Veritas in 7'3" and 7'6" and a carbonlite in 7'. One thing I can say is they seem to allow me to throw about twice as far as a 7' lightning rod and I think that is an advantage with a crankbait.

[LgMouthGambler]

I'm not that familiar with Okuma but Scott Martin swears by it. That Shimano lineup sounds great. They definetely make some great stuff. I have a friend that's gonna sell me two Curados for a good deal.

I hope they are the E's, the new G series is not that good. Unfortunatly, Shimano has done a "downgrade" to their lineup.

[bassmaster8100]

I hope they are the E's, the new G series is not that good. Unfortunatly, Shimano has done a "downgrade" to their lineup.

I'm not sure I do know they are last years model.

[LgMouthGambler]

They should be E's then. Jump on those!

[Bluebasser86]

I'd much rather have my lineup over 10 or so quality rods over a couple dozen Wal Mart combos.

[smalljaw67]

This depends on the person but I feel like I'm good enough to catch fish with any tackle but I prefer quality set ups as it makes my fishing more enjoyable and in certain circumstances easier which results in more fish. I like a light rod, a light rod allows me to cast repeatedly over and over during the course of a day without getting tired to quick. The only rod I have that is heavy is my glass cranking rod but even though it is heavy the action makes up for it as it requires very little effort to sling a crank a long way. Reels are different for me, when it comes to reels I want them to be reliable first and smooth second, and normally a good reel is smooth but a value priced reel will also be smooth for a short time so in order to know what you're getting price is a factor that will tell you what to expect from a reel.

[DeBassin619]

"Cheap" can mean different things to different people. I've generally used rods and reels that many would consider to be cheap, but my equipment does what I ask it to do.

I'm having difficulty understanding how changing rods can get you from just an occasional crankbait bite to a lot of bites. Your new rod might have some qualities that make it a better rod than the old one, but a $10 rod can move a crankbait through the water at the same depth and speed than more expensive rods, even though the rod may lack other qualities that you want.

X2..... I think it's always nice to have some less expensive combos around. For one, if they break theres not much heartache and two, they can be used as "loner rods". Sure, some of the higher end models can feel great and work well mechanically but the question that needs to be asked is: How much better of a fisherman do they really make someone?

I'd rather make an investment in baits (bulk) than rods. Regardless, I think people should have a mixed assortment of each. I'd tell someone starting out to save up for 3-5 higher end models in each of the gear ratios and actions needed for each presentation. Which, would be about two quality bait casting combos and two spinning.

I think helping someone match the correct action,ratio, to the presentation they usually fish, is more important than anything.

Of course, If money wasn't an issue, I'd most often opt out for more of the higher end stuff.