How Much Should You Spend On Your Spinning Rod Versus Your Reel?

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Does your rod cost more than your spinning reel?
Guess what??
Your rod does all of the work.
Truth be told, we used to think that the reel was way more important than the rod too!
But now we know better.
So in this new episode, you’ll learn exactly why your spinning rod should cost more than your reel and the one KEY to consistently catching more fish.
Listen in as we break down the reasons why your rod should always cost more than your reel!
Does your reel cost more than your rod?
Let me know in the comments on our Fishing Tips Blog: bit.ly/3nQ31W2

[@billwyatt1115]

You are right guys. Guide placement on a rod is a major key in casting. There is a science behind a rod build. I have been building rods since the early 70's and still learning. Love your vids.

[@LTZ_Z71]

I like to use a roughly 1:1 ratio. Whatever I spend on a reel I spend on the rod if not a little more. Best example I can give is I recently bought a Shimano Stradic FM for $219 and put it on a St. Croix Avid Inshore that was about $260. I've found this to be a good recipe for quality components all around.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing! Definitely go with what you feel comfortable with. However, we do encourage investing more into your fishing rod. It is our #1 tool as anglers to reel in our catch!

[@troutresource9343]

Have to disagree, it is more about buying the correct rod for how you plan on using it rather than price. I have rods ranging from $30 to over $300 and they all have their uses. I have cheap rods which massively over perform their price tags, and expensive rods which fail to live up to their price tag. Price is not a good indicator on rod performance. I have done side by side comparisons with my favourite lure casting spinning rods, the cheapest was around $80, the most expensive around $300. Accuracy, and distance wise they are about equal. The more expensive rod does have a much better warranty and has a nicer finish but the blanks share a very similar action. The crazy thing was, thinking back that $80 rod at that time was better in most situations than the more expensive rods in that companies line up. I still even reach for the $30 rod at times when I want to fish unweighted bait...

[@marioperera4829]

Thanks for the info, looking forward to your new rods!

[@RobVanDam1591]

Just got your bull bay salt strong rod in the mail. Can't wait to use it. I'll post an update on your Facebook page and on your app and let you know how I like it. Feels great. Love bull bay rods brand and your brand. Keep up the good work and tight lines.

[@joegrande4848]

Berkeley line is pretty descent for the price. I've tried fluorocarbon line an the cold hard truth is fluorocarbon line is not nearly abrasion resistant as monofilament. I ditched fluorocarbon completely an just use braid in covor an structure like brush piles grass an pads. Certain situations use monofilament tied to braid. Use half the strength of the braid you use. If you use 50lb braid ideally use in some circumstances 15 or 17lb monofilament if you're using treble hook lures. Like jerkbaits, squarebill lipless cranks use 15lb or 15 lb tied to braid. Braid will give backbone but the monofilament line has stretch so fish won't feel the resistance like straight braid. Using 30lb braid with 15lb monofilament on a jerkbait lipless crank top water or square bill is great. Especially if you're fishing near structure or covor that way when fish fights an the fish will an the fish will pull your line through covor like pads rock beds docks or brush or grass that's why if you fresh water fish to have 30 to 50lb braid with 15 to 17 lb monofilament.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your feedback Joe!

[@redhawksbreaks8410]

I never knew how important the rod was until this video. Thanks much guys!!!

[@georgemiserendino7385]

Insightful & fact based presentation! Thank you guys!👌

[@Sweetaccord]

I got two 1000 Stella's and say it is better than a Stradic 1000 FK but not a HUGE difference for the price but I don't regret the purchase. 😉 I agree get a nice rod with a Stradic more or less of a model or a Dawia and pair it with a NICE rod, I agree. I use Loomis and love them, just my preference. 😊

[@dirtyharry7616]

my go to inshore rod is a loomis ex6 7ft medium with a penn clash 2500 spooled with 200 yds of 10 lb spiderwire ultracast aqua braid you can throw 1/8 to1/4 no problem all day long wont tire you out but the trick is to go with a rod with a faster tip living in fla you get a lot of windy days and that faster tip will let you cast further and with more accuracy around docks

[@petermercado6182]

Hey guys - love what you are doing/teaching and have made me a believer, made myself an inside member this past year. That said, right after listening to this, I went straight to FishStrong and couldn’t find one available rod. Sup with that? Would love to continue to patronize - when is this new rod coming out?

[@Str8Flossin]

China produces most rod blanks you see in the States. Certain brands have been hard to find since mid 2020.

[@Charsept]

I've made this mistake many times. Thanks for this one.

[@chip6954]

I’m very thankful this was impressed upon me a long long time ago… Speaking of combos, I have to say that the SLX combos from American Legacy is an incredible deal, especially being able to choose from every SLX rod Shimano offers rather then being stuck with what they give you.

[@joegrande4848]

Lews has quality rod an reel combos the spinning reels have strong smooth drag with smooth retrieves. The rods are sensitive but equally strong with quality small guides to get great distance when casting. Important to feather line when casting. Also lews reels ensure line is tightly an securely wrapped around reel so you don't get any issues.

[@JamFlexx]

I freshwater bass fish. Finally upgrading from ugly stik combo and ordered a spin & casting mojo bass. Got em on a nice sale for about 100 each. Found slx mgl70 for 99 bucks & a plueger president at walmart today for 30 bucks. Happy camper

[@Noone765]

Most of my inshore rods are $300 each. What rod tip speed do you recommend for live shrimp under a popping cork and plastics under a cork? I’m using 1/8 oz Jigheads and 20 lb braid with Shimano Stradic spinning reels and Abu Garcia inshore salt casting reel.

[@maxcole3930]

To me it makes sense that the rod is most important because that's what determines the rest of your set up, what & how you fish with it, lure weight & line size. I also agree some rods & reels are crazy exspensive. If someone can afford them & want to buy them. That's great. But I cannot & don't think I would if I could. The 200 range gets you alot bang for the buck!!!

[@scotthaymen4927]

I can not wait to have a chance to get That rod! I just bought a Bull Bay Sniper to pair with the Saltist MQ I got off the site! I really can’t wait for the new rod to show up in the site! Awesome video with great information! Tight lines salt strong fam!

[@jordanrivera142]

how did this combo work out for you ? i’m thinking about getting the same setup

[@scotthaymen4927]

@@jordanrivera142 it’s my favorite setup

[@jordanrivera142]

@@scotthaymen4927 ooo that sounds sick i’m definitely excited to try it out ! What size real and rod do you have?

[@hugolopez2543]

What you guys think on the tsunami carbon shield 2 rod? I want to pair it with my shimano Stradic ?

[@darrenlong3437]

What are a few rods that you recommend for inshore fishing?

[@danielin1880]

Any thoughts on the Daiwa Isla Inshore rod?

[@PeterRanieriII]

if I only had $400 to spend on a rod and reel I would rather buy 1 reel at $200 and 2 different action rods at $100 than the reverse.

[@gabrieldelatrinidad4422]

The rody limited edition is good? is medium heavy 8f.

[@leomortimer2565]

This video is old so not sure if anyone will respond but I’ll ask it anyway. I have a Daiwa saltist MQ 3000 size that I want to fish zoom superflukes with. What rod would you recommend? The other reel is Daiwa BG MQ 4000 size that I want to fish the paddle tails and your shrimp plastic lures. Would use that around docks as well as inshore fishing, any rod suggestions for it? Appreciate anyone who would respond. Price range is in the $150-200 range, up to maximum of $300. Thank you for any help and suggestions

[@kekemg84]

Hello Guys, from my point, you are wrong to say that the reel is not important. i have a pe5 shimano ocea plugger with a 6000 saragosa on it, I swap it for the new twin power 6000 and i can say that the casting is smoother and it cast further. the braids are exactly the same on both, its Tasline 40 LB

[@LilDino808]

How does it compare to the century weapon jr?

[@goodcitizen1611]

I'd like to see a show on how to care for my spinning reel.

[@elijahshepley7434]

Same

[@rod_in_the_reel1678]

come to mobile and we'll try the white unicorn in November. see if its worth the money in your opinion.

[@staceymcdermott4954]

Just bought a Ron Thompson Refined Spin 7ft For £3.50 with £12 shipping to UK rod brand new

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback

[@rkw221]

always take your intended reel with you to test mount on the rod...you know incase the store doesn't have your model in stock.

[@jerrygutierrez9156]

So is it safe to say 60% rod and 40% reel?

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

I fully agree with what you are saying here. A rod makes success a lot more likely than a cheap rod with an expensive reel. Here in South Africa i can FEEL the bite a lot better on my expensive rods. I have to say though that i am liking my casting setups more.

[@UserUser-zm3fo]

Learning to load the tip during the cast is the hardest thing to teach people.

[@lewb860]

I was wondering if you can recommend a travel rod that would be a good buy. I saw the video when you where testing a few. Just wondering if you made a decision on one to buy.

[@tamalpias]

Hard to buy rods more expensive than my Shimano Stella and Calcutta conquest reels. 😒

[@drock5404]

rod

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/3nQ31W2

[@skyblazerrc7228]

I've had a great season with my legalises on some nicer rods

[@Nothing-gw2fb]

You have to shop for the rod because some rods at 100 are better than some rods at 500. You have to be smart. Do the research.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@michaelbandeko3519]

In 2023 you don't get much reel for $100

[@Saltstrong]

True story!