Rods and reels

[zippyFX]

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.