Just a quick question, and I wanted to get everyones thoughts on this. Is it better to invest in a higher quality rod, or higher quality reel?
What do you spend more on? Your rods or reels?
I would never recommend the extreme low end rods.
I would never recommend the extreme high end reels.
That said - I lean toward better reels.
Cheers,
OldTimer
I agree spend more on the reel.
Rad
I try not to spend much on any given setup.
I do not buy cheap gear but I like to by specific gear that is inexpesive. I shop a lot but only buy when the price is right. I have mental shopping list
That being said I have found most of my catfish gear (MH Rod and Reels) for under $50.... Just had to jump on the specials. I troll KIJIJI for deals.
I found a Medium Shimano Combo at CT for $35 this year when the reel alone sells for $45. The rod is not as good as what I am used too but the kids are OK with it.
I would spend more on reels as I am more likely to use them more. For example, I can string the same reel on different rods with a tailored combination of braid and fluro leader. My favourite work horse reel is the Shimano Sienna. Good, robust and versatile. I like avocet reels as well. I have good luck trolling KIJIJI; I have picked up some nice used shimano reels as well.
I find I tend to damage and were out rods so I tend to spend less on them; I would rather have a reasonable collection of different capability rods (UL, L, ML, M, MH) at different lengths than a couple of more expensive rods. I might think differently if I was fishing from a boat.
I love my shimano sienna! I'm pretty sure it's bulletproof!
FYI... Quantum and Shakespeare combos are on sale at CT. They seem to be having a clearance. Combos I saw were starting @ $25 for rod, reel and beginner tackle set.
There were some good utility 6'6" M rods. this is how I picked up my favorite MH combo.
I like Quantom reels & Ugly Sticks myself.
I pretty much stick to the mid-level gear.
I love fenwick (ultralight), uglystick (med-heavy) for rods.
I tend to go cheaper on the reel. I look for a decent drag and spool. If it's my ultralight, I look at weight/bulk since I am bushwhacking creeks in high grass.
CT had some Rapala rods on Sale for $14 yesterday.... The rod is OK the reel is weak but good for fish and kitting out the cottage with some new rods.
Invest on your fishing gear if you know you will be fishing regularly. If you're on a tight budget, there are great gears that will not burn a hole in your pocket. Take a look at the Okuma Celilo line. very cheap at amazon and very sturdy and light. Will get you almost every freshwater specie out there.Rapal type R is good reel and is inexpensive.