Expensive rods vs Ugly Sticks

[The Reel Deal]

Originally Posted by fishnfoo

Personally, I think there is a sweet spot for both rods and reels at about $100 mark where you get 90% of the quality of the really expensive stuff at about one fifth of the cost. If you really want that extra 10% of the sensitivity or smoothness go for it. Ugly sticks (and I have one) just don't make the cut. To get value for the dollar but a Compre, HMG, eyecon, elitetech or comparable rod.

Can an ugly stick catch fish..... yes... so what that is meaningless. You can catch big fish with a hand line too. If you are going to spend a pile of money on gas, bait, boat etch to go fishing invest in some decent gear to really enjoy the experience.

That being said, if an ugly stick makes you happy..... enjoy. But please stop trying convert the rest of us. We know about them we have tried them and we have found then to be sub-standard for most applications.

X2
I spend $80-$130 on my rods. St croix or fenwicks. Although there's an eyecon out of my price the I want badly haha

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by fishnfoo

That being said, if an ugly stick makes you happy..... enjoy. But please stop trying convert the rest of us. We know about them we have tried them and we have found then to be sub-standard for most applications.

There are times when I purposely use a glass rod, and others when I will use one of my graphite or bamboo rods, but you won't catch me in the lower reaches of the Athabasca with a high dollar rod, nor will you find me fishing clear water conditions with a cheaper glass rod.
They all have their place.....
Cat

[Bobby B.]

My first walleye rod was a Loomis GL2 with a Shimano CI4 2500 attached. Went fishing to Slave last June with a bunch of seasoned walleye fishermen. I caught my first walleye on that trip.

A member of this forum whose name I won't mention (sns2), fished with me in my boat. I was having lots of bites plus was landing lots of fish. The other guy in the boat (sns2) was not faring nearly as well. Then, we switched rods. Immediately, he began getting bites and landing fish but I was much less successful.

The fact of the matter is that with his El Cheapo rod, it was difficult to feel the light bites due to the insensitivity of his rod. With the GL2, both of us could detect the tap tap tap of walleyes.

This spring, I ordered a Loomis WJR 751S GLX from TFH. I plan on attaching a Shimano Sustain 1000 reel to it. It has increased sensitivity over my GL2 and I look forward to fishing with it. If sns2 plays his card right, I MIGHT consider allowing him to fish with my GL2 when we're out catching walleye together. Provided he ensures I catch more walleye than he does.

Bobby B.

[fishnfoo]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

My first walleye rod was a Loomis GL2 with a Shimano CI4 2500 attached. Went fishing to Slave last June with a bunch of seasoned walleye fishermen. I caught my first walleye on that trip.

A member of this forum whose name I won't mention (sns2), fished with me in my boat. I was having lots of bites plus was landing lots of fish. The other guy in the boat (sns2) was not faring nearly as well. Then, we switched rods. Immediately, he began getting bites and landing fish but I was much less successful.

The fact of the matter is that with his El Cheapo rod, it was difficult to feel the light bites due to the insensitivity of his rod. With the GL2, both of us could detect the tap tap tap of walleyes.

This spring, I ordered a Loomis WJR 751S GLX from TFH. I plan on attaching a Shimano Sustain 1000 reel to it. It has increased sensitivity over my GL2 and I look forward to fishing with it. If sns2 plays his card right, I MIGHT consider allowing him to fish with my GL2 when we're out catching walleye together. Provided he ensures I catch more walleye than he does.

Bobby B.

And so the never ending debate continues. It is true that crap rods are crap but do you need to drop $600-$800 on a rod and reel to effectively catch walleye? If you are an avid angler you will want to have several rods for different techniques (jigging, rigging, bottom bouncing, cranks and spinners, slip bobbing). I usually fish with 4 to 6 pre rigged rods. If you are only going to buy high end gear that is a significant investment with little in the way of return when compared to the mid-range stuff. If the cost isn't a factor and you only want the best.... go for it. I like getting value for the dollar because I feel foolish if I overspend and I like taking those funds and spending them where I get more from it (maybe a better sonar or trolling motor).

If the bite it is really tough I usually just change tactics and it almost always works. If the don't like the jig maybe they want a Lindy rig. I think it is more about figureing out where they are and what they want to eat and not so much having the absolutely most sensitve gear to detect the light bites.

I think everyone has already made up their minds on this issue. So what ever you use.....enjoy!

[sns2]

Originally Posted by Bobby B.

My first walleye rod was a Loomis GL2 with a Shimano CI4 2500 attached. Went fishing to Slave last June with a bunch of seasoned walleye fishermen. I caught my first walleye on that trip.

A member of this forum whose name I won't mention (sns2), fished with me in my boat. I was having lots of bites plus was landing lots of fish. The other guy in the boat (sns2) was not faring nearly as well. Then, we switched rods. Immediately, he began getting bites and landing fish but I was much less successful.

The fact of the matter is that with his El Cheapo rod, it was difficult to feel the light bites due to the insensitivity of his rod. With the GL2, both of us could detect the tap tap tap of walleyes.

This spring, I ordered a Loomis WJR 751S GLX from TFH. I plan on attaching a Shimano Sustain 1000 reel to it. It has increased sensitivity over my GL2 and I look forward to fishing with it. If sns2 plays his card right, I MIGHT consider allowing him to fish with my GL2 when we're out catching walleye together. Provided he ensures I catch more walleye than he does.

Bobby B.

This is not one word of exaggeration. Not one. I have fished for a long, long time, but hunting is my passion. In keeping with this, I never saw the need for anything beyond my $100 Fishin Hole combo. I mean its says graphite on the side of it, so what more could I want? Right?

Well, here is the deal. If the walleye are biting lightly, there is absolutely no comparison. None. Anyone who has used both types, side by side, when the fish are biting lightly, would not be stupid enough to argue that there is not much difference. Bobby B, admittedly new to walleye fishing, boated at least 3x as many fish as I over the course of a weekend, using the same lures, bait, and presentation that I was. I am not the sharpest pencil in the pouch, but I don't drink, and I wasn't dreaming. I saw it with my disgruntled eyes, and felt it with my increasingly frustrated hands and fingers.

Now let's put some real life stats into the discussion. The cost difference between our ugly sticks (or equivalent crappy tire specials) and a GLoomis or St. Croix is roughly 1-2 tanks of gas or 10 packs of cigarettes. Does this not make sense to invest in a rod that is going to increase both your success and enjoyment for years and years and years?

If you want to fish with your ugly stick then fine. Have fun. But please, do not try and argue that they are in the same class as a top flight walleye rod. To do so is naive, if not stupid.

I'm out, as I gotta go find who has the best price on the two rods I mentioned.

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by fishnfoo

And so the never ending debate continues. It is true that crap rods are crap but do you need to drop $600-$800 on a rod and reel to effectively catch walleye? If you are an avid angler you will want to have several rods for different techniques (jigging, rigging, bottom bouncing, cranks and spinners, slip bobbing). I usually fish with 4 to 6 pre rigged rods. If you are only going to buy high end gear that is a significant investment with little in the way of return when compared to the mid-range stuff. If the cost isn't a factor and you only want the best.... go for it. I like getting value for the dollar because I feel foolish if I overspend and I like taking those funds and spending them where I get more from it (maybe a better sonar or trolling motor).

If the bite it is really tough I usually just change tactics and it almost always works. If the don't like the jig maybe they want a Lindy rig. I think it is more about figureing out where they are and what they want to eat and not so much having the absolutely most sensitve gear to detect the light bites.

I think everyone has already made up their minds on this issue. So what ever you use.....enjoy!

Graphite rods, even lower end models enjoy pretty awesome sensitivity. That $400.00 dollar rod will not offer much more "noticeable" sensitivity over an $80.00 - $150.00 rod.
I have picked up a $60.00 rod off the shelf and have been impressed with the sensitivity, had I bought that rod it would have fared well against a rod 4 or 5 times that price.

That said, if you have the money for a $300.00 - $500.00 dollar G Loomis then why not. They are excellent rods.

Most of my jigging/rigging rods are in the 60-150.00 range.

[fishnfoo]

Originally Posted by huntsfurfish

Graphite rods, even lower end models enjoy pretty awesome sensitivity. That $400.00 dollar rod will not offer much more "noticeable" sensitivity over an $80.00 - $150.00 rod.
I have picked up a $60.00 rod off the shelf and have been impressed with the sensitivity, had I bought that rod it would have fared well against a rod 4 or 5 times that price.

That said, if you have the money for a $300.00 - $500.00 dollar G Loomis then why not. They are excellent rods.

Most of my jigging/rigging rods are in the 60-150.00 range.

It would be interesting to have a side by side comparison with a good mid-range rod (like an elite-tech or eyecon) and a high end rod like a G.Loomis. To see what the extra $300 really buys you (other than bragging rights). From handling these rods in the store I am not seeing a huge difference. But there is no doubting the expensive rods are light and sensitive.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by fishnfoo

It would be interesting to have a side by side comparison with a good mid-range rod (like an elite-tech or eyecon) and a high end rod like a G.Loomis. To see what the extra $300 really buys you (other than bragging rights). From handling these rods in the store I am not seeing a huge difference. But there is no doubting the expensive rods are light and sensitive.

You are exaggerating the price difference.

[bobalong]

Originally Posted by fishnfoo

It would be interesting to have a side by side comparison with a good mid-range rod (like an elite-tech or eyecon) and a high end rod like a G.Loomis. To see what the extra $300 really buys you (other than bragging rights). From handling these rods in the store I am not seeing a huge difference. But there is no doubting the expensive rods are light and sensitive.

I was in a position (fishing retail) for 15 years and had a chance to use and play with lots of rods from almost every manufacturer. In the case of the G-Loomis I would agree with you.

I do believe though that you will notice the difference with a rod when you move from one in the 50 range to one in the 150-250 range. IMO the biggest difference you will "feel" will be in the finesse techniques like jigging, drop shotting and lindy rigging, although I can "feel" how a crankbait is running or if it is fowled better with them as well, but only the user can really determine that for him/her self. Also IMO using one of the superlines with a higher sensitivity rod will accentuate the sensitivity of the rod.

[fishnfoo]

Originally Posted by sns2

You are exaggerating the price difference.

At TFH G.Loomis GLX walleye is about $430 and the Fenwick Elite-tech walleye is about $130.

Looks like $300 to me.

I am just trying to tease out where the sweet spot is for value.

[Bobby B.]

This summer, I'll have plenty of opportunities to judge whether or not there is an appreciable difference between the sensitivity of my GL2 and my GLX. I doubt the difference will be huge, but I do believe it will be measurable. A number of side by side comparisons will test my assumptions. Certainly the "Law of Diminishing Returns" will enter the equation. Nonetheless, I know I will enjoy fishing with a great rod. It's in my nature. I'm a sucker for all things expensive.

Bobby B.

[sns2]

Originally Posted by fishnfoo

At TFH G.Loomis GLX walleye is about $430 and the Fenwick Elite-tech walleye is about $130.

Looks like $300 to me.

I am just trying to tease out where the sweet spot is for value.

Sorry. I was referring to GL2 or St. Croix Tournament Series (both about $300 isn).

[perchie15]

wow am i the only one that uses my rod and reel for all around fishing like jigging/trolling/casting?

I have a nice Shimano Volteaus 7' Fast action, and my reel is a Quantum Energy PTi, and love it, so i went all out on the reel but i guess not so much the rod. but i say its pretty sensitive..

[Poppa]

Interesting thread. I'm extremely cheap, but don't want to miss out on fish either. Heading to the TFH this week and hopefully can find a happy medium...

[The cooter]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

Friends don't let friends fish with an ugly stick.

Having said that........ I don't have any friends lol

[The cooter]

Originally Posted by Fishfinder

Bizzzump. I'm not done here. Need more enlightenment. Ez....don't tell me your fishing? How them lake fish biting? Googling still? I need to know what the masters fish sturgeon with on the SSR, please.

A Heavey action ugly stick. Honest that's my sturgeon rod. But hey I'm also not a master neither. Lol

[Eye'ee]

Ok,so over the last few years I have graduated from cheaper dollar rods and reels to more expensive setups. I have enjoyed the upgrades. This thanks to the factory rep that sold me the quantum setup by telling me the rod was sensitive enough to feel the fish lick the lure! I couldn't leave that rig in the store haha. I haven't gotten into the (reel) expensive stuff, in my books that's above $200-250 for rod and reel. But I sure break off a lot more rod tips now with mishandling and storage. That bothers me.
I haven't read any mention of the pros and cons of one piece vs two piece vs multi section vs collapsible rods. How does that fit into the equation?

[gnugen]

I have a 15yr. old 8ft. ugly and it is a beast! I love it. Take ocean fishing, dino hunting and the odd pike bite. Quality and usage is important. If you tournament fish or put in 100+ days a year I'd go higher end. Better balance, guides, handles and strength. Like golf and clubs you get what you pay for but value can be found in certain brands from their value lines.

[Speckle55]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishi...3Bcat104823180


vs

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishi...3Bcat104823180

To most is a simply a money issue

to say that you can't bring in a World Record with a cheaper rod is not true

but does the more expensive rod increase your odds the answer is yes

as always this is

Food for Thought

David

[wildwoods]

I haven't read many posts so hope this isn't overlapping. I own a fenwick ($90 6'6" rod) with a cheap cabelas reel. I also have an ugly stick. There is no comparison with the feel. The Fenwick by far is the better rod. My primary target is walleye and I find strikes I wouldn't feel with the ugly stick are way more discernible with the Fenwick. That being said, it is just a subtle difference that perhaps a novice wouldn't understand immediately. The ugly stick is good bang for buck and performs well enough.

[Tb_45]

Originally Posted by Junglefisher

Ugly sticks are much better*



















*At being used as tent poles.

easily the best post in here haha

[Saltmania]

My two spinning rods are an Ugly Stik and a Fenwick Walleye Class.
For subtle species like walleye that take light, nibble and tap the advantages of the Fenwick are hard to exaggerate it's just so much better night and day.

One thing I'd recommend for anyone "stiking" with their cheap rods is to at least put some good braid on your reel. On an Ugly Stik with mono you will miss many fish not even knowing they came and went with your bait.

For gregarious species like pike who like to come in and smash your terminal tackle, I don't find the advantages of the better rod quite as pronounced, but like others mentioned you can really feel them change direction, dive, thrash much more clearly with a better rod.

IMO it's worth going up into that $100-200 class of rod at the very least. I haven't had the privilege of using top tier high-end rods so I can't comment on them.

[NEWB]

To update I went to TFH last week to pick up a Ram mount for my depth finder.

While I was there it was the wall to wall sale...

I ended up not only picking up a Ram mount, however I ended up picking up a G.Loomis med-heavy moderate deep flex crank bait series rod and an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Bait Casting reel.

I also picked up a new fillet knife and some more hardware/crank baits. At 25% off the rods and reels it was hard to pass off. The G.Loomis reel felt very light and nimble for a rod that can take 10-20 lb fish.

I will test out the G.Loomis and Ambassadeur next weekend at Wab when I am going for the larger pike...

[Duramaximos]

Did you happen to notice if that GLoomis was available in a spinning version?