Rod Arsenal Opinions

[crappie66]

As you can see from Topwaters post you don't need to spend big dollars on good equipment. The fish really don't care how much you paid for your equipment. Most of those who use the $300 rods only purchase them for status symbols, you don't and won't notice that much of a difference over a $40 rod.

[hardestyeric]

I'm not going to tell you to rush out and buy a rod that costs 300 tomorrow. I agree with what Topwater said to an extent. I will give you my history and let you decide what you will.
I started out with a couple bait casters. One for cranking and one for jigs. The jig pole was a 40 or 50 dollar Shimano which I spooled with spider wire. After using it for almost a year I set the hook on a stump with my drag too tight and broke a couple guides. I then upgraded to an 80 All-Star rod. At the time I didn't think there was a better rod made. I felt things that I never had felt before and set the hook too often when nothing was there. From there I found a guy needing some money so I bought a Loomis from him that should have cost in the 300 neighborhood for 100. It has all went down hill from there. The 80 dollar All-star sits in the garage 99% of the time. There is a huge difference between a 40-50 dollar rod and one that costs 100-200. Learn to fish with what you have and grow as you get to be a better angler. Oh and by the way, I still use the same crankbait pole that cost 40 when I started.
Eric H.

[Topwater2004]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Feb-12-06 AT 08:54AM (EST)[/font][p]I fish with a couple of guys who use a Loomis. They swear they catch more fish because of it, but they don't catch more than me.

They also think when their crankbait hits a tree that it is a strike and set the hook, and then I have to back the boat up and try to save the lure, LOL.

I keep hinting that I want a Loomis for a gift, but my wife doesn't have a clue. If I bought one myself, another month watching tv in the garage.

She never will get over the $9500 I spent on a new bass boat, and guys on this board will say that boat is a piece of crap.

[hardestyeric]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Feb-14-06 AT 08:37AM (EST)[/font][p]I don't think that anyone said that they are a better fisherman that you because they have a Loomis. I think the point is that they are better than there were before they had a Loomis.
And your point about setting the hook into a tree, equipment doesn't make up for stupid. That is all about skill level, experience, and knowledge, not equipment. I can go and drop 100 grand on a new boat, new truck, all new tackle and that doesn't mean that I'm fishing the pro tour tomorrow, nobody said that.
All I'm saying is try one for a few days and see if you like it before you disagree with people spending their money on them. And don't buy a cheap GL2 or GL3, if your going to do it, buy a good one. Personally, I would save up my money, and go spend around 200 and get a Kistler. Best purchase I have ever made.
My .02
Eric H.

[Hoodaddy]

TW I agree with you on some of your veiws.It does'nt take $300 rods and $200 reels to catch fish.The one place I will disagree is on the feel of a good rod.I started about the same way as everyone else with less expensive equipment but was still having a ball and catching fish.You could right about more expensive being a status symbol. I used to think there was no difference between a 100 dollar rod and 300,but you're wrong there.The difference is like nite and day no matter if Loomis or Kistler or ???,also the weight makes a world of difference after a 12 hr. day of fishing.Most of the Loomis' I own came from winnings off of a few freinds and wintertime card games.My wife does'nt care either,she makes really good money...of course we've been divorced 17 yrs. Just keep on kickin ##### w/your less expensive equipment and tell your buddies maybe they should have invested in some fishin lessons (maybe you can make 'em a good deal...$300???).If status is why they bought them thier missing the whole point.

[Tackled]

To kind of get back to what Bemuum was asking, I would like to offer a couple of suggestions. One is to add a pistol grip rod 5'6" in length to your arsenal, matched with a baitcaster with decent magnetic braking. I use this set up for throwing spinnerbaits and topwater baits way back under those low hanging tree limbs.
My other suggestion is to buy sensitive rods for throwing plastics. Hard bait sensitivity is not nearly as important as feeling your soft baits, im my humble opinion.

Guys, take note - not one single brand name mentioned.

[bemuum3]

First, of all thank you to everyone who responded.

Second, Is it accurate to say that anglers tend to go w/ shorter rods for spinnerbaits?

Also, while i've heard sensitivity is not as important for hard baits from other people, then what is the advantage of using a glass rod?

Do you all tend to throw jerk baits and top water on same rod?

Thanks

[Topwater2004]

The sensitivity on my crankbait rods comes in when they hit the bait. A soft tip allowes them to get the bait in their mouth before you set the hook. I like to set the hook with a sidearm sweep of the rod.

On a worm rod, I set the hook with a violent upward swing from south Alabama. With a jaw breaking leg kick if necessary, Elvis Presley style.

[Topwater2004]

I have a few baitcasters with a pistol grip Ugly Stik. My wrist started to get like a carpel tunnel problem when throwing spinnerbaits.

I have them in my rod box, and still use them occassionally.

Speaking of carpel tunnel, I have developed soreness in both arms actually from fishing. I definetely have seen a great improvement since I have not fished since mid-November.

43 years old and breakin' down real fast.