What's The Difference Between A Cheap Rod And A Decent Rod?

[swong]

I know im showing my ignorance here, but just wanted to know what specifically sets a cheap rod apart from a decent rod?

I guess why im asking is cos my wife is looking to come with me fishing every now and then since we both get mondays off. . .(tho I usually go my myself and if my wife comes we'll borrow a rod off a mate). . .so we just wanted to know what's worth getting for her. .

we'll stick to wharfs/shallows/small beaches. . and we'll only be going for bream/whiting/flatties using store bought bait (altho im keen to try and make a poddy mullet trap to see what happens!) - so nothing spectacular. . we just want to enjoy ourselves and arent really into achieving any records or anything . . .she wont be coming too often either, only on the occasions she wants to keep me company. . . we just want something that will do the job with no bells/whistles and yet wont snap in 1/2 after reeling in a couple of fish.

i always notice there are really cheap combos out there. . but I presume that as with everything else, the very cheapest really just makes life harder (tho i obviously dont know what that is with respect to fishing tackle). . .or am i wrong, would something really cheap suit our purpose for irregular casual fishing?

[cut_loose]

Ugly stick for the bait soaking, Cant break em and they have a great range for under 100 bucks

[cameldownunder]

Ugly stick for the bait soaking, Cant break em and they have a great range for under 100 bucks

Agree 100%

[slinkymalinky]

You're right... you do get what you pay for like with anything I guess.

It's a little hard to be specific but in a really broad sense, with increasing $$ for rods that are comparable in say length, line rating and so-on, you can expect to get:

- increased sensitivity (you'll feel a lot more through the rod... good when lure fishing particlarly)

- better casting distance and control

- better quality fittings (reel seats, guides)

- better construction (better bindings, better quality epoxy, etc)

- more specialised performance characteristics (rods that are designed to be REALLY good at a specialised task like lure casting, barramundi fishing, jigging, etc)

Now, along with all of that, you can also expect the 'law of diminishing returns' to apply. There's a bigger difference between a $50 rod and $150 rod, than there is between a $150 rod and $250 rod. And as you go up in $$ the difference per $ decreases. You can also expect to pay more for well known brands than lesser brands, like with anything.

For someone starting out fishing, I'd always advise getting the best gear practical... NOT the best you can afford. There's no point paying $1000 for a rod you'll only use once or twice a year, unless you really want to. A lot of fishos spend a lot on gear because they use it a whole lot, they like the satisfaction of knowing they're using the best... or even because they just like the look of it.

Fishing is meant to be something you do because you enjoy it... get whatever will most increase your enjoyment. Be that a $50 cheapie combo or a $1500 high end set up. They won't perform the same way but only you can say what value you place on what you get.

Cheers, Slinky

[abecedarian]

Depending on who you talk to it can be anywhere from $100-400. Thing is though, while the more expensive rods tend to be better it doesn't necessarily mean you'll catch more fish...

[steze]

I agree with Slinky. It also depends on how much you really want to spend. Even if its for casual fishing, ideally you would like something that will do the job and a bit more. There is no need for overkill for you to go and purchase a top of the range rod. I'd recommend the Ugly Stik's , they are very good quality and should be able to do whatever you need it to do. Make sure you purchase a rod that has "Fuji" guides as well.

I also agree with Abecedarian's statement as I know a few people who spend large amounts of money on expensive gear but don't really catch much in contrast to someone else I know who uses all dodgy cheap stuff and manages to catch everything.

[bluebottle18]

If you check out a good rod to a cheap one you will find more runners on an expensive one

and better quality. The binding is also of better quality as is the rod seat.If you read on some of the

cheap rods it will read " made for -------- " IMO that is not a genuine article. I have found that quality

of a rod with a persons name is not as good. Yes they will do the job for casual fisherman but like Slinky said

buy a good outfit. YOU will be amazed at the difference and the more fish you will catch. Get to know a good tackle shop

and enjoy the the talk and advice he will pass on to you.

[tide'n'knots]

whats the difference between a cheap rod and a more expensive rod?? someone has to state the obvious - one cost more than the other!

pete.

[jewgaffer]

"What's The Difference Between A Cheap Rod And A Decent Rod?"

Best Answer chosen by W.T. Googenheimer & Associates:-

"If the blank is the same and the guides and reel seat are the same the rod manufacturers have saved you up to $300 bucks and over on a rod off the rack by putting an unheard of brand name on the label having only dudded you with the colour combination of your choice if you happen to be colour blind"

Cheers

jewgaffer

[marley]

If you can get your hands on a good and bad rod - try them both out. You will find out pretty quickly what you do or don't like.

Also think about buying 2nd hand - let your local tackle shop know that your wife is starting out. They may know someone who wants to offload a rod or 2. You would be surprised, there a plenty of people out there who are happy to offload good gear just because they simply do not use it anymore.

I was given an old kilwell 13ft one piece luderick rod that needed some love - $80 later I have a great rod - (thanks Royce )

all the best

gav

[DerekD]

Hi Spoz,

Can I get a little bit of clarification, when you say what sets a cheap rod apart from an expensive rod are you talking about the rod or are you really asking about a "rod and reel combination"? When you say you want to take the wife fishing I assume you don't actually have a few spare reels sitting around to match up with a rod you want to buy for her.

I'd like to make a few points which I think you should think about before you purchase anything.

While others may argue with me I feel the biggest noticable difference between a cheap outfit and a better one will actually be the reel. The cheapest outfits generally have a really rough drag. From past experience you can land some surprisingly large fish if you have a smooth drag, have it set so it allows line to be taken off before the line breaking point is reached and use a "lift the rod then wind down" technique when fighting the fish. I have had beginners hooking and landing kingfish before on one of my cheap ($69) rod and reel outfits with 6lb line. The reel had and still has a smooth drag.

Fibreglass rods are generally considered to be more forgiving to taking knocks than a graphite rod and will have more bend in them (I believe one of the demonstrations with the Ugly stick is to bend the tip back on itself). Graphite rods are generally more sensitive and responsive.

To spread the line load across the rod I look for a reasonable amount of guides per length on the rod. A general rule I use for guides is 1 guide for every foot of rod length + one extra. On a seven foot rod I'll look for a minimum of 8 guides.

Make sure that the rod and reel combo feels balanced. No use in putting a huge reel on a light rod. It won't look or feel right.

Some people like a floppy tip as it is more forgiving when fighting soft mouthed fish like whiting. These days I prefer a stiffer tip as I do a lot of light soft plastic fishing but I use the same rod for bait fishing too.

I get more fun out of my 2 - 4 kg outfits then probably most of my other rods combined. I can use them for fresh water or salt water. I get more hits on the light gear and while pretty well anyone can muscle a fish on overly heavy line I think it is more challenging and as a result more enjoyable managing the same on lighter gear. Another thing to consider is how many regular fisherman are likely to hook the fish of a lifetime every time they go out - the heavy gear generally does not help. Most people I see out by the water have overly heavy outfits and can't work out why they are not catching a thing while I am pulling in fish right alongside them.

Hope the above helps,

Regards,

Derek

[Moro Mou]

Firstly i agree with both Slinky and DerekD. For my personal viewpoint i tend to buy towards the mid priced to upper end of the spectrum on reels and mid priced to lower end of the spectrum on rods. By saying this i do love using good quality rods however i tend to be extremely hard on gear and in particular rods. Whether it be car doors, or just bouncing around in a boat i find that i damage rods often. As a result when i bust 5 inches off a rod i paid $50 bucks for over a rod i paid $150 for it doesn't make me feel so bad.

Anyway like anything in life good quality equipment that is looked after will last a lifetime. I only wish i followed this advice myself sometimes.

[Koalaboi]

I've seen blokes show up with lots and lots of expensive gear and catch zip, while others fishing the same area with cheap homemade gear get plenty.

As long as the gear is comfortable, well put together, maintained regularly and suitable for the purpose you'll be right.

You can't buy the essential ingredients of nous and experience.

Have fun.

Koalaboi

[idolz]

Buy a Silstar, spend around a $100 or maybe a bit less and you'll be on the money....

[SuperWoofer]

another big difference is, when a big fish hits your bait, pull your rod and reel into the water, with a $50 unknown brand, you give few bad words blaming bad luck then turn your head to tackle store get a new one without hesitating, with a 300$ rod, it makes you sleepless...... Edited May 16, 2010 by SuperWoofer