basscrazy Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Do you believe, better rod- reel, more bites? More hook ups? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakfish Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 More bites...maybe. Better hookups...absolutely! With a more sensitive rod you will feel what the lure is doing and will have a much better chance of hooking into the fish. I "better" rod will also be lighter and more comfortable to hold for a long day on the water. A better rod will have lighter and smoother guides which can increase casting distance which would allow you to cover more water and have a smaller chance of spooking fish by having to get too close to present a bait to them. In this case you would get more bites than with a cheaper or lower quality rod. When it comes to reels a "better" reel will be lighter, stronger, smoother and will last longer than a "cheap" reel. This is good for all the reasons listed above. I higher quality reel will also have a smooth drag system which would increase your success rate when fighting larger fish. If you really want to increase your rod/reels effectiveness you need to add line to the equation. I high quality fishing line will do as much for you as a high quality rod/reel. The technology in the new braided lines is pretty impressive. I am a huge fan of Berkeley Nanofill This question though is quite vague. Would you care to share some more specifics with us? What do you want out of your rod/reel? what type of fish will you be targeting? where will you be fishing: shore or from a boat/canoe/kayak? what type of lures will you be using? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordanl Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Maybe not more, I think an angler with a crappy tire set up can outfish a guy with top of the line combo as long as his presentation and technique is better, that being said, the better rod and reel combo will probably create a better hit and miss to hit and landed ratio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floatman Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Better rod/reel can affect your bite ratio in the sense that they may allow you a longer or more accurate cast, which can get your presentation to where the fish are holding. Stiff rod, heavy line, light lures, are a recipe for frustration. A better combo suited to the fish you are targeting, will certainly assist in setting hooks and playing the fish. A bad drag set too tightly has lost many a fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splotch Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 When we were kids,a buddy of mine watched a trout rising on the Grand. A short search later he had found a hook,a few feet of old line and some hair along the shore line,and soon after he has the trout hooked. I do however agree with the points about the performance of good equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ron4blues Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Will a good set-up make things better for the average angler? Yes! But there are some anglers out there who just have "it" and can succeed regardless of what his gear is: consider Lee Wulff who more than once was seen fly-casting with just a line. . . no rod or reel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOE FISHIN Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Rod and reel? Meh... Get good hooks and swivels plus a few good knots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted July 8, 2013 Report Share Posted July 8, 2013 Maybe not more, I think an angler with a crappy tire set up can outfish a guy with top of the line combo as long as his presentation and technique is better, that being said, the better rod and reel combo will probably create a better hit and miss to hit and landed ratio Yeah, probably not. Chances are the guy with the high end gear has it for a reason. Just sayin. However, a "proper" rod for the type of fishing will make more difference than a reel. The size of the reel does make a difference for casting, line capacity and fighting fish. Like already stated, you have a better hookup ratio...which in my books should land you more fish, hence making a better fisherman. Also, different rod action will help with your presentation as well. Go ahead and try to get the right action out of a jerkbaits with a 10' noodle rod. The weight and material will also make it more sensitive and to better impart action on a lure and also for the ability to fight and control your fish. It has been stated a million times before on this forum, your rods are your tools. A hammer isn't a screwdriver, a saw isn't a drill. You guys aren't helping him with his question, instead you use it as a platform to say how great a fishermen you are with a $40 combo. Not sure what is with the guys on this forum and thinking that their Ugly Stick combo is as good as a $400 combo. Plain and simple it's not...but that doesn't mean that it isn't just as much fun. Fishing is different for everyone, so who cares...and if you we're really that much better than the "pro's" as you so like to refer to them, put your money where your mouth is and man up, enter a tourney and let me know how you made out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_b Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 More bites........No!!! More hookups....yes....as mentioned above, a more sensitive rod would allow you to detect bites faster/easier... A better rod and reel does not necessarily mean a more expensive rod and reel...it would be more specific to the type of fishing that you are doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordanl Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Yeah, probably not. Chances are the guy with the high end gear has it for a reason. Just sayin. However, a "proper" rod for the type of fishing will make more difference than a reel. The size of the reel does make a difference for casting, line capacity and fighting fish. Like already stated, you have a better hookup ratio...which in my books should land you more fish, hence making a better fisherman. Also, different rod action will help with your presentation as well. Go ahead and try to get the right action out of a jerkbaits with a 10' noodle rod. The weight and material will also make it more sensitive and to better impart action on a lure and also for the ability to fight and control your fish. It has been stated a million times before on this forum, your rods are your tools. A hammer isn't a screwdriver, a saw isn't a drill. You guys aren't helping him with his question, instead you use it as a platform to say how great a fishermen you are with a $40 combo. Not sure what is with the guys on this forum and thinking that their Ugly Stick combo is as good as a $400 combo. Plain and simple it's not...but that doesn't mean that it isn't just as much fun. Fishing is different for everyone, so who cares...and if you we're really that much better than the "pro's" as you so like to refer to them, put your money where your mouth is and man up, enter a tourney and let me know how you made out. all i was trying to say was that if you give someone whos never fished a 400$ combo and tell them to fish next to a guy with 40 years fishing experience fishing a canadian tire rod with the same spec, the guy fishing the canadian tire rod wi bring in more fish, money cant buy experience and skill, yes money can help you out a lot, but its not necessary. that what i tried to say when i posted earlier is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehut Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 To those who believe that gear makes no difference, I suggest you fish with your regular gear beside a European coarse fish specialist. They spend thousands on the rod alone... and they will outfish you ten to one. Seen it happen. Educational. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topwaterjoe Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I consider myself a thrifty weekend angler, but I have to agree you do get what you pay for. The more you pay, the better quality in materials and construction that feels and fights fish better. It is also a mental thing that if you have more confidence in your gear, you will land more fish. A productive fishing trip comes from confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank81 Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I use "Cheap" rods and reels, have been my whole life, I catch fish with my ugly sticks, zebcos and bass pro $24.99 bass combo poles, but after reading this thread I may look into investing into some "Better" gear, and see if I notice a difference, because it seems to make sense to me that better reels and lines will help with better casting and better poles for feel and sensitivity. What would you guys suggest I set myself up with? .would there be a brand/style of pole I could look into purchasing that I can use as an all around pole for catfish/carp still fishing, chucking lures for bass & pike, jigging for eyes or float for some trout? keep in mind I fish from shore and a canoe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jordanl Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I use "Cheap" rods and reels, have been my whole life, I catch fish with my ugly sticks, zebcos and bass pro $24.99 bass combo poles, but after reading this thread I may look into investing into some "Better" gear, and see if I notice a difference, because it seems to make sense to me that better reels and lines will help with better casting and better poles for feel and sensitivity. What would you guys suggest I set myself up with? .would there be a brand/style of pole I could look into purchasing that I can use as an all around pole for catfish/carp still fishing, chucking lures for bass & pike, jigging for eyes or float for some trout? keep in mind I fish from shore and a canoe. not expensive by any means but i like the black hawk eagle claw steelhead rod from dickssportinggoods, the ree is decent, but the rods great, its 8'6 and its the reason i got my first steelhead, i used it all through the winter and continue to use it now, i have fished for carp,cats,bass,pike,salmon,trout,steelhead with it from shore and got em all. i put a better abu garcia reel on it and the thing is my go to rod for anything, heres a link if your interested http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11905244&cp=4406646.4413993.4414792.4414799.12025199 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChefMick Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I'm pretty sure there is a reason why the pros don't shop for their gear at Walmart. Can you catch fish on Walmart gear? Of course you can. Would I enter a tournament where thousands of dollars are on the line and bring Walmart gear......no way. One of my biggest issues is sensitivity, and I'm not talking just bite indications. I want the rod to tell my if my bait is in weeds, dragging over gravel, hopping on rocks or sliding over sand. Would you trust a mechanic that changes your engines oil with canola? Or top of the line premium? It's all about performance......and how serious you are about fishing. If you want to have fun with a worm and bobber, buy your gear at a garage sale, but for someone like myself who eventually wants to go pro! I leave the canola at home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 all i was trying to say was that if you give someone whos never fished a 400$ combo and tell them to fish next to a guy with 40 years fishing experience fishing a canadian tire rod with the same spec, the guy fishing the canadian tire rod wi bring in more fish, money cant buy experioence and skill, yes money can help you out a lot, but its not necessary. that what i tried to say when i posted earlier is all. Be realistic. Of course that doesn't work. I out fish my 3 year old...she wants to use Daddy's gear and I get to use a Pink Ugly Stick and of course I outfish her...most days! In a realistic scenario, two anglers of the same skill level, be it 40 minutes or 40 years, one with a $25 combo and one with a realistically priced $100 combo, matched to the technique being fished and everything else is the same (lure, line, bait) I would put my money on the guy with the better gear. So if you are a weekend angler and have a desire to catch more fish, why would't you put the odds in your favour. Its like some gave you 4 aces for a poker game! ...and for the record, just cause you fished for 40 years doesn't mean you're good! Their are some pretty good young guns out there, I'm sure you're one too, so don't short change yourself! I have had old guys tell me "you can't catch perch that way!" Well, I can fill a bucket faster than they can, cause who the hell wants to sit in 20K winds in March all day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basscrazy Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 The question was ment to be vague, just a good convo I'd like to here the members thoughts on. And chef mick, even the pros started at walmart ahahaha. I use ugly sticks, why . My dad always used ugly sticks or mustangs. He's more of a just happy to sit out side and get his line wet angler him self. I have had great success with ugly sticks. However I don't think it's its better then a 400$ rod. I matched it with a shimano side stream . I think I paid 85$ for the rod and 65$ for the reel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChefMick Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 I'm sorry, but being a mod sometimes leads to the lack of attention to the original post. Do you believe, better rod- reel, more bites? More hook ups? Yes "I " believe in more hook ups, but not more bites .... That's a completely different topic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogliq2 Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 There is no substitute for knowlege, experience, and just plain old doing your homework. The high-end gear producers want you to believe that using their stuff will buy you more or bigger fish, so they supply the pros, (who already have the skills) with their stuff for nothing or next to nothing. This way they can say that their gear wins tournaments. Does it cost twice as much to build a 400 dollar rod as opposed to a 200 dollar one? It was discussed on here a few months ago, that the difference between a 150 dollar rod and a 400 dollar rod are marginal. None of the fishing show hosts use prohibitively priced equipment, yet earn a far better living by fishing than most tournament anglers. Sure, using good quality gear is a good idea for any serious angler, but I don't believe that dollars spent = more/bigger fish. There's simply more to it than that. I know a couple of serious tournamet anglers who use rods that most people on here probably never heard of. In the 100-150 dollar range, and I'm sure there are alot more. Just my $.02 ... PFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian_b Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 If you are or want to be a tournament angler, then yes; its probably worth it to put out as much as you can for "the best equipment" you can afford... But for the average guy who just wants to go out there and have fun like myself, average gear can get the job done effectively.... I've got low end, mid range and high end gear; the all get used at times.... I'm not a fan of the low end gear, but the mid range and the high end works well for me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyotehunter Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 So many variables to consider from the rod/reel combo to the line to the ability to read the conditions and make a winning presentation. Lure/bait selection, when to set the hook, are the hooks sharp, proper knot tying........you can go on forever. I guess what I'm trying to say is it really boils down to the angler and what they are trying to achieve. The big danger I see is fishing snobbery. There is no doubt better equipment or more focussed equipment can give you better results for your level of "competence". But never look down on someone who isn't using "pro" tackle. Not everyone can afford or care to invest that kind of time and money. I have the first shotgun I ever bought over 40 years ago. Cost me $100 with a case thrown in. I go to the club to trapshoot once in a while and see the guys with $5000 invested in a high quality trap gun and they are out there shooting a lot more often than me. But they are lucky to break 20 out of 25 clay birds in a round whereas I average 21 plus. I get a hoot out of doing that and placing my camo taped old smokepole beside their "Ferraris" after we tally up the score. I cannot be as serious as them in terms of money and time invested. And it is the same with a lot of people. This forum is noted for the help they give to other members. Keep up the good work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakfish Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 There is no substitute for knowlege, experience, and just plain old doing your homework. The high-end gear producers want you to believe that using their stuff will buy you more or bigger fish, so they supply the pros, (who already have the skills) with their stuff for nothing or next to nothing. This way they can say that their gear wins tournaments. Does it cost twice as much to build a 400 dollar rod as opposed to a 200 dollar one? It was discussed on here a few months ago, that the difference between a 150 dollar rod and a 400 dollar rod are marginal. None of the fishing show hosts use prohibitively priced equipment, yet earn a far better living by fishing than most tournament anglers. Sure, using good quality gear is a good idea for any serious angler, but I don't believe that dollars spent = more/bigger fish. There's simply more to it than that. I know a couple of serious tournamet anglers who use rods that most people on here probably never heard of. In the 100-150 dollar range, and I'm sure there are alot more. Just my $.02 ... PFG I'm going to partially agree with you. There really is nothing better than actual experience and time spent on the water to make you a better fisherman. But the right gear will most definitely make a difference. And in a tournament when 1/10ths of a pound will make a difference in the standings a pro is going to try to find every edge they can. I'm not a pro myself but I have competed in a few tournaments and the right gear does make a difference. Also, guys who are serious tournament anglers are some of the most picky guys you will meet. Especially when it come to their gear. Of course the high end tackle companies want to sell more product. That's why they're in business in the first place and you can't fault them for that. I have personally looked into starting a rod building company. The profit margin may not be quite as high as you think. If the profit margin was higher I would do it. Don't hate on companies or people just because they are successful. You get what you pay for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogliq2 Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 The big danger I see is fishing snobbery. I will agree with that statement 110% ... I don't think the price tag on your equipment is the biggest factor of your success ... Do you mean that if you spend 2X more than me you're going to catch fish that are 10-20% bigger ? that's rediculous. Knowing where the big boys are and how to make them bite is what is important. Case in point: I bottom bounce queenston frequently from shore with my $125 rod and $150 reel. If I catch 2-3 fish in a short time ALL the boats start drifting over my line. If they spent $30,000 on equipment, why can't they catch fish anywhere? Can you tell me the difference between my $120 Compre jigging rod and the $400+ GLoomis equivalent ? Does shimano use inferior materials? less durable? reduced sensitivity? why will the $400 rod make me catch more/bigger fish? This forum is noted for helping anglers as coyotehunter said, All you guys that say spend as much as you can on high-end equipment, explain yourselves other than.... "It makes a difference" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdog Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 First of all, this site is full of reverse snobbery. Show me a post where a guy with high end gear started off the debate. Its usually guys having to defend themselves and their choice of gear. No one is saying that high end gear is going to put fish in your boat...but it can help. I don't get it. You accuse guys of snobbery when this whole forum is about knocking tourney guys and bass guys. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall any "bass guys" calling steelhead garbage fish, or carp crap...its pretty ridiculous. A guy likes to fish bass tournies and he turns into a pariah! What the forum doesn't realize is you are turning off a great resource. These "bass guys" are avid fishermen with a lot of experience in other species as well as bass. They have guided, had shows, fished tournies, worked in the fishing industry and they get treated like crap because they fish for bass in tournies with high end gear. If someone offered you gear or sponsorships you wouldn't turn it down either. Because of the attitude, these guys get tired of the BS that is said about them and the poor attitudes towards their style of fishing, they don't come on here anymore. These are the guys with the 40 years of experience that you guys think you can catch more fish than with your Ugly Stiks. I have learned more about fishing being in tournies than anywhere else and it has been from these guys. So get a frickin clue and knock off the BS. Not to bring Smerch into it, but there is a guy with lots of good tips, reports and advice and he closed it down for a while because of the crap. Ridiculous! Ok, now that that's off my chest, back to my point! Is their a difference between a G-Loomins NRX and a Shimano Compre...you bet your ass there is. Do I buy NRX rods, no, but I'm also not going to knock a guy who does, cause chances are he can kick my ass in a tourney. Go to Pete's and take both rods in you hands and tell me you don't feel the difference. What you don't understand is how a light rod effects sensetivity. For something like drop shot fishing, shakey head and other finesse techniques, you want the most sensitive rod possible. A 7 pound fish may hit softer than a 2 pound dink and you want to feel that. Rod blank material, handle material, guide weight all can effect the ability to detect bites. Sorry for the rant...jut getting tired of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ogliq2 Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 First of all, this site is full of reverse snobbery. Show me a post where a guy with high end gear started off the debate. Its usually guys having to defend themselves and their choice of gear. No one is saying that high end gear is going to put fish in your boat...but it can help. I don't get it. You accuse guys of snobbery when this whole forum is about knocking tourney guys and bass guys. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't recall any "bass guys" calling steelhead garbage fish, or carp crap...its pretty ridiculous. A guy likes to fish bass tournies and he turns into a pariah! What the forum doesn't realize is you are turning off a great resource. These "bass guys" are avid fishermen with a lot of experience in other species as well as bass. They have guided, had shows, fished tournies, worked in the fishing industry and they get treated like crap because they fish for bass in tournies with high end gear. If someone offered you gear or sponsorships you wouldn't turn it down either. Because of the attitude, these guys get tired of the BS that is said about them and the poor attitudes towards their style of fishing, they don't come on here anymore. These are the guys with the 40 years of experience that you guys think you can catch more fish than with your Ugly Stiks. I have learned more about fishing being in tournies than anywhere else and it has been from these guys. So get a frickin clue and knock off the BS. Not to bring Smerch into it, but there is a guy with lots of good tips, reports and advice and he closed it down for a while because of the crap. Ridiculous! Ok, now that that's off my chest, back to my point! Is their a difference between a G-Loomins NRX and a Shimano Compre...you bet your ass there is. Do I buy NRX rods, no, but I'm also not going to knock a guy who does, cause chances are he can kick my ass in a tourney. Go to Pete's and take both rods in you hands and tell me you don't feel the difference. What you don't understand is how a light rod effects sensetivity. For something like drop shot fishing, shakey head and other finesse techniques, you want the most sensitive rod possible. A 7 pound fish may hit softer than a 2 pound dink and you want to feel that. Rod blank material, handle material, guide weight all can effect the ability to detect bites. Sorry for the rant...jut getting tired of it! You're mising the point. Also I am not reverse snobbery-ing, and I don't think bass tourney guys are pariahs. All I'm asking is, if you say a $400 rod CAN help catch more fish, tell me why or leave my Compre alone... Take it easy PFG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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