Why do people use the same rod/reel combos fishing??

[cra97]

Thank you ALL very much for the insight, advice and ideas, these responses could not be gotten anywhere else in the world, and come with as much credibility. I apprecaite the time everyone has taken to help me understand, learn, and grasp a knowledge of the benefits and such of this approach to the waters. Take care and God Bless.

Rob

PS. HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!

[Col Forbin]

My rod and reel set ups look like a mix and match masterpiece. I can see the advantages of having the same set-ups, especially the same reels. However, I shop for a rod for a specific purpose. There is a big difference in the rod I will throw a finnesse jig on that one I would throw a 1 oz. football head for ledges. Some of my rods have slow actions and soft tips - like for crankbaits, some I want a extra fast tip - jigs and t-rig. All my rods, except a few are over seven feet. I like shorter rods for topwater and skipping, pitching.

My main point there are many rods that can pull double, triple duty, or even more. But when buying a rod you need to have in mind what it will be used for, and then go from there. I used to buy rods that were on sale and try to make a use for them. It is much better to have a specific use in mind then go shopping. I shopped for almost a 6 months for the perfect deep water/heavy jig rod. It took me that long because I knew exactly what I wanted in rod, and I had to compare and comprimise until I found one that suited my needs.

If you were buying new set-ups on a budget, especially still learning the art, I would put more money into the reel than the rod. Nothing will make your day miserable any quicker than using a cheap reel. In terms of casting reels, you really get what you pay for. A cheaper rod, for the time being will still get the job done. However, a cheaper reel will backlash easier, not cast as far, and not be as versatile as a higher quality one.