I've just been getting into fishing the past couple years. Mostly ponds. Anyway, looking at all the rods and reels with so many choices and prices, which is more important. A quality rod or a quality reel?

The reels are more fun to play with, but when it comes down to business, the rod is the vital tool. Especially for bottom contact baits, a higher quality rod will make a huge difference. The general rule of thumb is 1/3 of money goes to reel and 2/3 to rod.

The reels are more fun to play with, but when it comes down to business, the rod is the vital tool. Especially for bottom contact baits, a higher quality rod will make a huge difference. The general rule of thumb is 1/3 of money goes to reel and 2/3 to rod.

100%, right on the money. If you do not feel that "TAP" the reel just sits there.

For jig and plastic fishing where sensitivity is most important, I suggest the highest quality rod you can afford with reliable, manageable reel. For moving baits like deep cranks that have resistance during retrieve, you may want to scew the budget a little more toward the reel. As stated above, all in all, the rod is what hooks and fights the fish.

As stated earlier if you're fishing plastics on the bottom , buy the best rod you can afford and for search baits (cranks, spinnerbaits)invest in a good reel.

I fish a lot of waters that don't allow motorized boats so I tend to do a lot of bank fishing. Because of this, a reel is extremely important to me so that I can cast to locations far from the bank, and to locations that other bank fisherman wouldn't normally be able to reach. Also, the farther I can cast down the bank, the less likely I am to spook a fish that is hugging the bank. If you can see them, they can see you. So for me, the budget heavily favors the reel, sometimes 3-4 times as much as it does for a rod.

However, now that I am quickly approaching the point of having a saturated reel supply, my play money will probably shift toward rods. I guess it's a "fill the needs" type of approach, and once the need is fulfilled, the wants can then follow suit.

Most everyone will say rod, due to sensitivity. However, at about $150-$175 you are getting an awesome rod. it takes a little more than $200 to get an awesome reel. Reels are just more expensive. My advice, buy a brand new rod with a solid replacement plan, like Saint Croix, and look for an excellent condition used reel, and have it professionally serviced by DVT or similar.

I disagree & would spend at least $100+ on a quality reel which in all likelihood will last a lifetime. There are numerous rods that are plenty sensitive enough for under $100 and believe me you will be replacing rods long before you ever replace a quality reel.

Shimano:

Cardiff $109.99

Citica $99.99 (on sale ***)

Curado $139.99 (on sale ***)

Abu Garcia:

Pro Max &79.99

Revo S $129.99

I aint gonna name all of them but that 5 right there

I'm not on the bandwagon for the most sensitive freshwater gear, I do not have any problem in feeling the slightest bump from a fish when using any type of artificial bait. Here is where I do find sensitivity very important, fishing cut bait. There are many species and I'm talking large fish that can surgical strip a bait without you ever feeling a thing, you may not even see your line tighten up either. A good quality rod with braided line will serve you far better.