Are fish smart enough to tell if you are using a $$$.$$ reel and rod setup as compared to a $$.$$ reel and rod setup.

I was wondering the same thing today, as I watched these 3 guys getting skunked with their cheap-o spincast and push button reels, while I was slaying them on my nice  stradic/ St. croix rod.  Then my brand new rod broke.... Maybe its karma

For the most part, no. A quality rod cannot find and catch bass, but it may help with subtleties that help you make the bass bite and land it.

 LOVE my Bionic Blades (I know not high end ) with either the Citica or the Symetre. But, I caught an awful lot of Bass on a Lew's Speed Stick and Zebco 33 ...

                                     As Ever,

                                      skillet

For the most part, no. A quality rod cannot find and catch bass, but it may help with subtleties that help you make the bass bite and land it.

+1.  Very well put

I believe that higher-end gear improves confidence which can improve your lure/bait presentation.

higher end gear is for us to enjoy and has little to do with the fish - however there are advantages which are too many to list of owning and fishing with higher end gear.

Are fish smart enough to tell if you are using a $$$.$$ reel and rod setup as compared to a $$.$$ reel and rod setup.

no, not at all....  

Are fish smart enough to tell if you are using a $$$.$$ reel and rod setup as compared to a $$.$$ reel and rod setup.

Why would you ask ?

definitely not because my pb of 8lbs was caught on a 5'6" light (maybe ultra, not sure) action rod made of plastic, well it seemed like it with the way it creaked. I have used this rod in saltwater for some little fish and never changed the line! lol It was probably worth like $5 and it broke finally not too long ago. It was a miracle, and i have no idea how that rod handled it...