I realize getting a new bass rod, reel, or bait is exciting, and I urge you to snap a pic and show it off....regardless of the cost. I love looking at tackle, as does everyone else. However, when you ask for reviews of an item you have already purchased....you aren't really looking for objective answers....only 'high fives'. Most of us aren't going to share a bad experiences we've had with that particular product, because we don't want to hurt your feelings. If you really want honest reviews...ask before you buy it. Otherwise....just post up that you bought an 'XXX', and it rocks!....any other owners out there?

Welcome to the world of Liberal exchange policies of tackle stores.

Rather than finding out about a product before they buy it,  some seem to make a irresponsible decision to buy on impulse and then try and find out if it's the right tackle for them.  Including gathering the opinions of those on internet forums which are often biased.

If I really want something, I'll most likely buy it if it's not too expensive. If it is expensive or if I'm wishy washy on it, I'll research it and possibly get some opinions from guys here that I trust will give me an unbiased view.

Everyone fishes differently and someone's 'can't miss lure' may not boat anything for someone else.  

If I really want something, I'll most likely buy it if it's not too expensive. If it is expensive or if I'm wishy washy on it, I'll research it and possibly get some opinions from guys here that I trust will give me an unbiased view.

Everyone fishes differently and someone's 'can't miss lure' may not boat anything for someone else.

Truer words were never spoken.

Some on here swear by brand X.  Others swear at it.  

There is no, "One size fits all" when it comes to fishing.

Some are not happy unless they are holding a piece of equipment that costs a thou' or more.  Others are perfectly happy with a 79 dollar combo.

Reviews are nothing more than opinions.  One bad, or one good experience does not a valid review make.

You may like a telephone pole for a rod, while another may prefer something akin to a piece of well cooked spaghetti.

I was told by a poster to toss all my Stike King finesse worms in the trash and replace them with Zooms.

I'm glad I did not.  They catch fish, and they are indestructible.  Not nearly indestructible, but indestructible, period.

The only time I have had to break out a new worm is when the jig gets irretrievably hung on the bottom.  They do not tear, even when grabbed by the likes of a pickerel.  

They come back with nothing more than a few scuffs to show for the encounter.

People who buy now and ask later deserve what they end up with.

I agree.   Someone who buys something and then asks for reviews is really looking for compliments on his choice.

One thing I have learned over the years is that people should buy what their friends buy.  If all your buddies use Shimano reels and you buy a Daiwa, your gonna get chit.

I once read a marketing study in which the researcher's found that MOST people read advertisements about products AFTER they'd already purchased them. Looks like a lot of purchases are impulse purchases based on hopes and dreams rather than research and reality. This R&R comes a bit too late for many -including me at times lol.

If it's important, and/or expensive, I research it. Lots of info out there on most things at the tips of our fingers. The internet has become truly useful.

People who buy now and ask later deserve what they end up with.

Thats why I have an ex wife

I take my time buying rods and reels( as far as lures go I'd try anything whether I read or heard about it).  I want to see what other fisherman are using and I ask questions.  My local tackle shop is manned by an experienced staff of 2 or 3 that really know what they are talking about.

I usually do my homework on a piece of fishing tackle before i buy it.

As a person who has done something sort of like what you describe, I would put this as an alternative.

You go out and buy something (say a reel), get out on the water and it sucks, sucks royally. You just cannot get it to work. So BR being the great spot for information you post a question on it asking to others opinions trying to figure out if the product sucks or your use of it does.

I mean you can take the best casting reel on the market, put it in my hands, and I will out catch it every time with my worst spinning reel. So you can jump in here talk about how you bought this reel, and ask folks here how they use it, how it works, etc. I know with jigs, I went out grabbed some Booyahs, and was totally ticked at how they worked or didn't.

Asked here, and got some great feedback that I was really not using them right.

Anyhoo, just an alternative to why some folks would do this, besides they are just bragging. The other thing would be, they are just flat out excited and want to share. I know we all do that when we get a new boat.

Semi-Guilty as charged. Bought 2 different Revo's recently but before I received them I had a chance to buy another one or the other at a rock bottom price from a friend of mine and wanted some honest feedback and got it. Guess I know why P.M. went unanswered.

Ended up buying both.

I did this very thing with my first new rod and reel setup this year.  Luckily it was semi cheap (quantum incyte reel and shimano scimitar rod).  Turned out to be a good investment.  Its a super smooth easy to use reel that works great for my girlfriend and for dropshotting.  Its my go to trout tackle setup now as well.  Since then I have done research and picked up a shimano symetre 3000fj, shimano curado 201dpv, nd curado 201e7.  Love em all!

Research and a lot of google paid off on the last 2 cars I bought.  By the time I bought them I knew what I was getting and had no suprises.  Same with tackle and gear.