Where do you think the best return is? If you could buy higher quality for only one, would it be in the reel or the rod?

Depends on the technique. Rod when sensitivity matters and reel for everything else.

Better reels make fishing more fun!

 

 

 

 

I don't really pay much attention to it, some rods more expensive, some reels more expensive.

I would buy a nice reel, just because I love the different technologies that gets incorporated into them.

It's all about what I can afford. As I get a chance to upgrade I do. Doesn't matter if it's a rod or reel.

I've always been partial to investing in the reels myself. I have reels that have been through many rods. Though it's pointless spending money on a reel if the rod isn't good enough to enjoy the combo.

For worms and jigs, I like a nice rod. But for crankbaits and reaction strikes, get a good slow action reel.

For worms and jigs, I like a nice rod. But for crankbaits and reaction strikes, get a good slow action reel.

Ditto

Mike

I fish a lot of plastics so I'll put more money into the rod. That being said, you don't want a crap reel either.

I enjoy using a nice reel. Plus I can tinker with them and upgrade stuff on it. You get to feel the mechanical aspect of a reel. You just hold the rod.

Fairly even; to me, for bass fishing, the rod may have a slight edge. Any technological/mechanical item of exceptional high quality and durability gives to the user a great and lasting pleasure that is hard to put into words. The sublime pleasure of lightweight power and smoothness. The beauty of perfect fit and finish. The pride of ownership. Admittedly, the mere perception of quality greatly enhances the effect, and such pleasing effect often exceeds the utilitarian effectiveness of the device. So, go for it.

LOL at people who use the word "investment" to describe fishing gear. Other than super high end JDM collectables and antique tackle, fishing stuff is a money pit that only goes down in value with use..................including the fancy $70K boats. The word you looking for is "spend" not invest.

50/50 on the 2 depending upon what I want to spend or can spend for a given technique. Alot of my reels have upgrades and rods vary across the board. I try to balance things out with quality reels, rods, and line.

LOL at people who use the word "investment" to describe fishing gear. Other than super high end JDM collectables and antique tackle, fishing stuff is a money pit that only goes down in value with use..................including the fancy $70K boats. The word you looking for is "spend" not invest.

You got that right farmer. When you go to trade up, and you get 50% to 60% of what you paid? That's not investing, that's spending.

Hootie

I don't really pay much attention to it, some rods more expensive, some reels more expensive.

Same here, just depends on what I want, when I'm wanting.

Hootie

You got that right farmer. When you go to trade up, and you get 50% to 60% of what you paid? That's not investing, that's spending.

Hootie

Exactly why I just hang on to things for the most part.

If I were forced to only have one "nice" piece of equipment it would definitely be the reel. There's tons of good quality $100 rods now so IMHO it would be easier and more enjoyable to fish one of them with a higher quality reel as opposed to the other way around. Of course I've always been partial to reels, started as soon as I picked up the hobby.  

LOL at people who use the word "investment" to describe fishing gear. Other than super high end JDM collectables and antique tackle, fishing stuff is a money pit that only goes down in value with use..................including the fancy $70K boats. The word you looking for is "spend" not invest.

The term was never meant to be an "investment" like in the stock market. It was meant to be used as where do you put your money and get the most return for it in the usefullness and enjoyment factor. I don't know of many hobbies people get into to invest money for a monetary investment. You still must invest money into golf clubs, hunting equipment, and so on. Just wanting to know if its better to put that into the rod or reel if a choice was made.

It's funny because I recall this question coming up about a year ago and at that time I was completely satisfied with using < $100 reels with the best quality rod I could afford.  Now I'm all about the reels.  I really like daiwa reels in particular and enjoy tuning and upgrading spools, gears and bearings.  Don't get me wrong because I still have my share of megabass rods, but my last couple of rod purchases were under $125 each and one was $60.  I still have a budget in mind for reels though which is why I love finding used reels at huge discounts.

All of the above.  I buy the best equipment I CAN COMFORTABLY AFFORD for the skill level  and the water access I have right now.  That includes quality line and terminal tackle.  It would make no sense for me to have a $800 reel on a $600 rod but a $150 reel on a $100 rod?  Yep..and I'm happy as a clam with what I got.  Buy the best you can afford.  No more...no less.

Reel any day for me. I have found many $100-150 rods that are strong and sensitive enough without breaking the bank.

I enjoy using nice combos period. The reel is my favorite part though. Especially with Daiwa because you get the option to tinker and swap parts. I also like that you feel the mechanical aspect of a reel. You just hold the rod but I generally pair my reels with decent rods.

Depends on the technique. Rod when sensitivity matters and reel for everything else.

This.

LOL at people who use the word "investment" to describe fishing gear. Other than super high end JDM collectables and antique tackle, fishing stuff is a money pit that only goes down in value with use..................including the fancy $70K boats. The word you looking for is "spend" not invest.

Spending for sure brother.