Would you rather use high end expensive tackle(rods, reels, line) and use sub $4 lures, or use sub $50 rods and reels and high end baits? I'd like to hear what you guys would pick if you had to choose.

Unfortunately sub $4 lures basically eliminates certain techniques altogether so I'd go with the cheaper rods and reels. 50 isn't terrible there are still some perfectly good rods and reels in that category. 

As long as my tackle is functional, I don't have to have high end anything. So no.

This is theoretical, and obviously you don't have to have anything high end. Also, this isn't a yes or no question.

If I could compromise, I get high dollar reels, cheap rods, and sub $5 rackle

If I had to go by your scenario, I'd use the high dollar rods and reels and sub $4 tackle.  Lotsa great tackle under $4 (Yum, Zoom, Havoc) 

I'd rather use the cheap rod with better quality reaction lures because the sensitivity wouldn't matter as much. But I really don't want to use any more cheap reels unless it's for panfish. Some cheap rods can hold up to big fish, but cheap reels will break your heart.

 

But cheap is a relative term.

I'm cool with using both. 

I would use a lower rod and higher tackle. 

Doesn't matter to me.  I can make both work.

 

I actually tried answering this question, but the cultural bias prevents me from offering a rationale response.

Before I buy anything, I always create a list of desired features. For this reason, I rarely find what I'm looking for

and usually end up settling. As a result, unless the price is out of the ballpark, it's rarely a deal-breaker.

 

Roger

3 hours ago, mbtharp1 said:

This is theoretical, and obviously you don't have to have anything high end. Also, this isn't a yes or no question.

 

The question poses a false binary choice which indicates a misunderstanding of the system, so I'll stick with no.

You're given two options in the question, neither of which are "no".  I understand you're trying to complicate things and say that I'm presenting a false dilemma but this wasn't posted for philosophical purposes. If you're not willing to contribute to the conversation, why even participate? I bet you're really fun at parties. 

I don't know what comprises "high end" for you.  For me it is Gloomis and Falcon rods with Shimano Curado and Chronarch reels which is what I use.  I also use good quality Seaguar fluorocarbon line.  I have very few baits that cost more than $1 because I make all of my own stuff except for jerks and cranks which I seldom use.

For fun purposes nice gear is relaxing to fish and just enjoyable.  I could fish plastics all day at 4 bucks and be fine.  The heart breaker is a 4 dollar frog

I started fishing with a cedar pole and a can of worms, I will take the high dollar rod and reels and a can of worms

Simple answer for me.  I'd get the expensive rod/reel combo and the cheap lures, sell the combo, toss the cheap stuff and use the money for decent all around gear.

I'd go with the high end rods and reels and cheaper baits. I tend to lean towards cheap baits anyways, so it wouldn't be a big change for me except I couldn't fish my big swimbaits

 

I don't use many high end lures...matter of fact I've given some a boat ride for many years.....just don't want to risk loosing...especially in muskie and toothy fish waters.  I do like the performance of high end rods and reels and was and am blessed to have several.  Have kept them clean and serviced and they have lasted a long time.  Prices now kind of scare me so I'm hoping to get some more years out of them.