Ice out is within 3 weeks here and I'm selecting and cleaning gear I'll be using this year.  As in other years I'm finding that my most expensive rods AREN'T necessarily making their way into the quiver.  Higher end spinning rods are finding favor, but middle cost casting rods are being chosen for their over-all comfort to grip and ease to cast.  I suspect there are other nit-wits who have bought higher priced equipment only to decide it doesn't fish as well as more moderately priced pieces already in the boat.

 

oe

As long as that newly acquired Fenwick small mouth rod makes its way in the quiver your good? I understand exactly what you mean ...I've got a st Croix mojo spinnerbait rod that often gets passed by in favor of the old lightning rod shock for spinnerbait and bladed jigs. I've also got a dobyns Sierra and a 13 fishing omen for Ned rigs that sometimes get passed by for a cheap old shakespeare. I like refined gear but there is something nice about budget gear that functions well.

The subtle point of my 1st post above is that "higher end" rods don't always translate to the most appreciated rods by me.  Balance, comfort of grip, easy loading of the cast seem more and more to trump higher modulus blanks, and more technical guide trains... at least to my fishing.  Often an "old friend" will catch more fish just because I'm used to how it feels and performs.  Your mileage may vary...

 

oe

 

 

6 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

Ice out is within 3 weeks here and I'm selecting and cleaning gear I'll be using this year.  As in other years I'm finding that my most expensive rods AREN'T necessarily making their way into the quiver.  Higher end spinning rods are finding favor, but middle cost casting rods are being chosen for their over-all comfort to grip and ease to cast.  I suspect there are other nit-wits who have bought higher priced equipment only to decide it doesn't fish as well as more moderately priced pieces already in the boat.

 

oe

Guilty as charged.