Rods and reels are personal, as they should be. No reel has the best feel and no rod gets the final nod. The best rods and reels are the ones that fill your needs physically, functionally and economically. The best set-up for you is going to be the one that brings fish to the boat no matter how much it cost, or whose name is on it.
Obviously, with so many styles of fishing and so many species, equipment will differ. Zeroing in on a rod and reel that will suit your needs can be daunting. Thankfully, there is plenty of information everywhere. Naturally the Internet and social media are great tools. Bait and tackles stores, outfitters, fishing guides and many fishermen will gladly help with gear suggestions.
Once you have narrowed down your rod and reel preference to the general type of fishing you plan to do, economics come into play. It doesn’t matter if you plan to fish salt or fresh water, big fish or small, you will run into good, better and best. Generally, you pay for what you get, and the higher end rods and reels will hold up longer. If you plan to fish in saltwater, you need equipment recommended for this environment, and be diligent in rinsing your equipment after every use.
One of the most important observations I have made when it comes to rods and reels, especially the rod, is the question of live vs. artificial. If you plan to use live or dead bait to capture your quarry, you have the luxury to be a little less choosy, making sure you are not under or over matched for the fish. When fishing artificial baits, a rod with high sensitivity will make a big difference. Often, when fishing with artificial, the bite is very subtle and this is where higher quality components make all the difference.
In your travels you may come across the age-old question of spinning reel vs. bait casting reel. While there is not a simple answer, spinning gear in general, is much easier to master, especially when wind and lighter line come into play. Both reels can handle most any type of fishing, and in the end it will be personal preference. Use what works best for you.
Like any product there will be debate on manufacturers. There are many quality companies that cover a wide range of reel applications. Rods have become a bit more diversified and specialized over the last 20 years with many new and old companies offering quality rods with high-quality components that will stand the rigors of saltwater.
As in any endeavor you will refine, rethink, advance and modify your equipment. You will find that different lengths, actions and grips all factor in. Reels will have different retrieve strokes, ratios, weights and line capacities. The important thing is to have an informed starting point and customize the outfit that works for you and your budget. If it still seems like sticks and strings, feel free to e-mail us at capt.timcutting@gmail.com to answer any questions you might have.
By Capt. Tim Cutting