1 hour ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

The only high end products I care to invest in are rods made by Gary Loomis. 
 

As for reels, I am satisfied with midline.

 

I only own one Gary Loomis rod and I wish I owned more. Mine is a low-end Loomis, the Bronzeback model. I wonder how much better the high end Loomis rods are. I'll likely never know, but I sure do enjoy my cheapo Loomis! 

4 hours ago, Swamp Girl said:

 

I only own one Gary Loomis rod and I wish I owned more. Mine is a low-end Loomis, the Bronzeback model. I wonder how much better the high end Loomis rods are. I'll likely never know, but I sure do enjoy my cheapo Loomis! 

 

I have a Bronzeback spinning rod that I found floating in the lake with a Stella 1000 reel attached. I have tried unsuccessfully for over two years to locate the owner.

Easy.. Buy expensive rods and bourbon.. 

28 minutes ago, Gera said:

Easy.. Buy expensive rods and bourbon.. 

On my current budget - expensive would be an Okuma Celilo rod and Evan Williams burbon

On 10/7/2025 at 3:15 PM, Big Hands said:

 

I have a Bronzeback spinning rod that I found floating in the lake with a Stella 1000 reel attached. I have tried unsuccessfully for over two years to locate the owner.

 

Whoa! I have a Stella 1000 on my Bronzeback! I love that combo. Do you use it?

17 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

On my current budget - expensive would be an Okuma Celilo rod and Evan Williams burbon

 

Those are excellent choices.. 

Just now, Gera said:

 

Those are excellent choices.. 

I know about the Celilos - I've got two of them in my panfish arsenal. The Williams - haven't tried yet.

4 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I've got two of them in my panfish arsenal

So do I, its a good one for a great price.. The bourbon I have not tried either, but as long as it on the budget it will be good. 

On 9/25/2025 at 6:05 PM, HawkeyeSmallie said:

You can still have a heck of a ride with expensive gear with not a lot of dings on it.

 

I’ve ingrained the following into my children, they could all repeat it probably word for word:

 

Work hard

Save your money

Buy nice things

Take good care of them

 

I enjoy fishing with expensive gear. You better believe I’m going to treat it very well.    

Same here