Before I start this first topic, I want to say I own a few ST CROIX & FENWICKS and low-end rods, so I’m not bashing any manufacture, or the amount of money some people spend on fishing equipment.  You could read and hear, if you want better hook-ups and to land more fish, you need to buy the best equipment?  Why, because most articles you read in outdoor newspapers and magazines, along with fishing shows you see on TV say you need to.  Again, why, because most are professional tournament anglers that are promoting their sponsors’ products.  You might even hear, having the best equipment will make you a better angler.

Will these high dollar rods make the average angler catch more fish?  NO, THEY WON’T.  I have read you should never use a fiberglass rod while jigging, because this technique requires a graphite or carbon fiber rod for power and sensitivity.  I can’t even tell you the amount of Walleye I’ve caught over my lifetime on a fiberglass rod, so give me a break.  I have and held $30 to $50 rods with a sensitive tip that will work just as good as a $100 to $500 rod.  I have also read, when it comes to trolling, NEVER use a jigging rod.  Why not?  Isn’t that why they make different kinds of power and action rods?  For those who don’t know what I’m talking about, I’ll cover rods & reels the next two weeks.

To me, it all depends on what species you are fishing for, because you wouldn’t use an ultra-light rod if you’re going to target Muskies, right?  It’s all about matching the rod to the type and size of the lure you are using.  The same goes for reels.  You can spend $30 to $250 on some spinning & bait cast reels, but do you really need to break the bank for a good reel?  No.  Can you feel the difference between a $30 and a $75 reel?  YES, and that mostly has to do with the amount of ball bearings, and I’ll cover that in a couple weeks as well.

My point to all is this.  If you can afford high dollar equipment and that’s what you prefer to use, that’s awesome, but the average anglers do not have to spend a fortune on rods and reels because some tournament guy or gal says you do.  Trust me you can catch the same number of fish on lower end equipment as the big buck stuff.  Case in point, Monica and I have both caught good size Northern Pike and Muskies while fishing weed beds for Perch, and we were not using heavy rods and high-priced reels either.  Just say’n!