$$$ Which Should You Spend More On...Rod...or...Reel???

I received a great question from a subscriber the other day..."Where should you spend your money when purchasing a rod and reel combo, the rod, or the reel?" This is a great question, and one that I have definitely considered myself many times. Check out the video to see my input on where the best place to spend your money regarding rod and reel combos.
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#BassFishing #Rod #Reel

[@Altered76]

If you aren't in a buy it now mode you can easily get reels near the $300 retail price point at near $100 every year when the sales hit. I never pay close to list price. Sometimes its last years model but it is still a extremely nice reel. Reels with aluminum frames that retail over the $100 mark are almost always noticeable a decent reel mechanically imho. To me I like the feel of the Lew's and their outstanding customer service. As for rods like you I feel they are a little more important as well. You need durability along with the correct action and power for the application but when your not fishing moving baits sensitivity is a pretty important factor. Also I know some folks think balance is key but to me if you get a light weight rod, balance takes care of itself when you strap a 6.5 to 7 oz reel on it. I currently mainly use the Dobyns rods. But I will say there are many rods that fish great in the $100 range now days. Great video!

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate the comment, Steve! Thanks for watching, brother! 👊💪

[@DEBOSFishing]

Good points to bring up. I think folks ponder on a reel more. The rod is really the link to the line and the lure. You were right about that PQ2...hidden gem at $49!

[@TackleJunky81]

I'm glad you like that reel. Appreciate you watching, brother! 👊💪

[@danielbeavers8701]

Yea i love the bps rods and the lews . Its a really lightweight sensitive blank. I usely buy the lews just because i like the winn grips on the tp1 and tp1 black and i like the custom handles also. But i usually can get into the bps version a little cheaper. I love the Johnny moris and lews custom there great rods and light and sensitive.

[@DEBOSFishing]

@@danielbeavers8701 yeah, I haven't used any other BPS reels but this PQ2 has been a worker at $49! I love those Lew's winn knobs on their reels!

[@jefferyholland]

Pretty funny reading the comments below because it sounds like I am the opposite than almost everyone else. I use to think I needed to spend $200 on a reel to get anything that would hold up to daily use and pick up an $80 rod. After years of doing that I have started spending more on rods because of the difference on the feel of it and how much less effort I need to put in with a better rod. These days you can get a decent casting or spinning reel pretty cheap and although I can tell a little bit of a difference with them I would never go back to a cheaper rod. Any rod I buy anymore is either Okuma, St Croix or Fitzgerald.

[@TackleJunky81]

Agreed brother! Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching! 👊💪

[@glennbyrd1944]

Every rod and reel recommendation you've made and I've gotten has been spot on.Thanks !!!

[@TackleJunky81]

My pleasure, Glenn! 👊💪

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Great answer, Jim! I will rarely pay more than $200 on a reel, because there are great reels under this pricepoint, however I will spend more on a rod, if need be, to get the rod that really suites my needs.

[@TackleJunky81]

For sure, brother! I appreciate the comment and thanks for watching! 👊💪

[@blueboy1183]

I agree!! That is usually my case is I spend more on the reel than the rod..But I purchased 2 of the limited edition BP qualifier reels on sale this year and my rods cost more.. Enjoyed

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate you watching, brother! 💪👊

[@Roboworm99]

Another thing to keep in mind is what are you planning to throw on the rod. If you are dragging a worm. Spend extra on it to get the most sensitive rod you can get in my opinion

[@TackleJunky81]

Good point! 👊💪

[@nickcavazos5718]

Haven't watched the whole video writing this comment but I believe it depends on what technique your getting a setup for. Topwater I'd spend more on the reel, flipping/pitching/ punching the rod ( also a high quality reel also) anyone of heavy cover or feeling presentations I like a better rod and for topwater baits, crankbaits etc... u can get a good composite rod for less than 100 but u want a reel that easily cast with various size baits and smooth for precise casts.

[@Oldbasshole]

Mid range for both , if you spend in the $100 range on both you’ll be pretty happy from my experience. Great informative video

[@teammaroon1]

I’m going to say my rods are the most expensive. With that being said my reels aren’t cheap. I believe in buying the best equipment that you can afford so that way you cannot blame it on anything other than yourself. That’s just me though, everyone’s opinion will differ. But for years I caught fish on anything that I could afford, And I have caught a lot of fish in my time.

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@ryancadle5424]

Great video man I agree with u the rod does take more thinking cause it's the work horse of the setup. I normally spend more on the rod myself just cause I want to make sure if I hook a big one I land it. How about some lure comparison like less expensive lures vs more expensive which ones work better and does price matter on those lures, just an idea great job brother!! Keep it coming

[@TackleJunky81]

Ty, brother! Good idea for a video...👊💪

[@mattmerwin3842]

I tend to go more on the reel myself but I'm starting to put more thought into actions of the rods what they load at. Great video.

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate you watching, Matt! 👊💪

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

TJ81 you’re quite right with your explanation. Rod and reel go together, i don’t put a shitty reel on a top rod or vice versa. I just want the best combination for the purpose. A heavy 8ft6 rod does NOT carry a small reel or a short rod (with narrow blank) does NOT go together with a big (surf) casting reel.

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate you watching brother! 👊💪

[@Lional]

I personally spend quite a bit more on my reel than my rod. Not that I buy cheap rods, I just search around for good rods that aren't super expensive. But I really depend on my reels more than anything, because I feel that I use my reel for 75% of my fishing. Also, hi Jim! Been a while since I commented on a vid lol

[@TackleJunky81]

Lol, appreciate the comment brother! Hope all is well. 👊💪

[@fatguyrocks0094]

I’m the same way when buying a rod and reel. I love to punch heavy cover here in Florida, so I put way more thought into my rod choice. With that being said, the only time I really put a lot of thought into a reel was when I was trying to find what I liked best for the punching rig. Folks laugh at me all the time, but my favorite reel on my punch setups is a Abu Silver Max...crazy cheap ($60 or maybe a little less) and its only 6:4:1 , and not the faster reel , but I have caught so many fish off my $60 reel on a $220 Fitzgerald Heavy rod🤦🏻‍♂️🤷‍♂️. At the end of the day it comes down to what’s comfortable for you.

[@TackleJunky81]

Agreed brother! I love the power of a 6 speed reel as well. Appreciate you watching! 👊💪

[@silentassassin1108]

I put more towards the reel, every cast the reel is getting wear and tear whether you catch a fish or not. The rod is only being stressed fighting a fish or a stump depending on what you catch more of.

[@matthewhairell1456]

Reel over rod any day! Fishing importance: 1. Knot tying 2. Fishing line 3. Terminal tackle 4. Reel 5. Reel cover 6. Rod Cover 7. Rod

[@TackleJunky81]

Thanks for watching!

[@leehubbell9636]

I have to say that pro qualifier does seem like a good reel. I bought one on your recommendation. Unfortunately here in Canada it wasn’t $49, but $59. Still a sweet deal. I can’t wait for the seasons to open up here so I can get out on the water and try it out. I tend to think more about the rod as well

[@TackleJunky81]

You'll dig it for sure, Lee! 👊💪

[@billcoerver4583]

Great information , awesome job !

[@TackleJunky81]

Ty, Bill! 👊💪

[@jasonlopez4855]

For the average person like me I'll go with combo because you basically get the rod for pennies because I just got a Lew's classic combo for $69 and just the reel is $60 same Walmart store. The pole is $30; buy is salf. Im going combo for the price point then one piece at a time.

[@TackleJunky81]

Right on! 👊

[@fgor]

Also, depending on the kind of waters that you fish, you may want to consider sensitivity for the rods. If the bass on your home lake, or lakes, are super aggressive and you can power fish or throw reaction baits all year long, then a cheaper rod will do the trick no problem. But if you are like me and all the lakes around you have finicky bass that require finesse techniques, then sensitivity is a huge factor on the rod, and sensitivity comes with a price. So you better spend much more on the rod than the reel. Cheers.

[@benchilders1183]

These days I’m more of a middle grounder. I’d go with a $150 reel and $150 rod. I feel you can find excellent choices in that price range especially on sale. For instance the mega bass levante paired with a shimano citica for under 300 at TW

[@TackleJunky81]

Lots of great choices in that price range...👊💪

[@ChocoYGO]

I'm a bit of a snob so i try to spend about 50% or more on the reel than i do with the rod but i mainly fish with my metanium MGL/Dobyns Champion 734, Curado DC/Dobyns Champion DX 743, and my Fuego LT/Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 702 Spinning. However i am adding a 704CB XP, and 2 furys into the lineup when i get the rod mule to lug them around on the bank. I will say that for 100 bucks on the reel and 100 bucks on a rod you can't get a Shimano SLX combo for 200 bucks or less on sale. The SLX reel is money for 100 bucks and the rods aren't bad, just as good or better than the Furys.

[@PhantomFishing]

Lookin good in that Phantom Shirt❗️

[@joemitchell6753]

Nice informative video. Thanks Jim. Well done!

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate you watching, brother! 👊💪

[@danielbeavers8701]

That tcs is a very nice rod! I got mine for $88

[@slonefactor]

I see you got the top line lews reel and you will love it I have 8 of them now even tho the $350 price tag! Another good video Jim!

[@TackleJunky81]

No doubt I will, brother! Appreciate you watching! 👊💪

[@jzemet33]

To the gentlemen who asked this question, I’d suggest you get a Lew’s LFS or a Shimano SLX, both are $100. Spend the remainder on a nice multi-purpose rod, 7’0”-7’2” medium heavy rod. My preference there would be a favorite rod.

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@fatheroftheclyde]

I spend more on rods than reels for sure. But that's just me. Good question.

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate you watching, Nathaniel! 👊💪

[@humblelifeoutdoors4299]

TJ81 for President 🙌🏽✊🏽🎣💪🏽💯

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@geebav1]

What is your thoughts on lew's American hero combo's. Bought new bass boat, but never fished freshwater before. Live in bayou country (louisiana) and fished saltwater all my life. I can do both within 30 minutes of each other.

[@TackleJunky81]

I've never used or even held that combo, but I've been impressed with the Lews gear that I've used so far.

[@danielbeavers8701]

I say as long as you spend $100 on each youre usely good. I spend $100-$150 on rod. $150-$200 on reels. Honestly $200 you usely get top performance but just a few less features

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@janosczovek8524]

Really good video really good advice thanks 👍

[@TackleJunky81]

My pleasure!

[@nathanbarker4394]

Hello tackle junky 81: can you do a video on lures you never go without in your tackle box? What about some cheap combos like the Abu Garcia black max, silver mac, or pro max?

[@TackleJunky81]

Hey Nathan, I'm sure I can do a video like that for you. Appreciate you watching, brother! 👊💪

[@nathanbarker4394]

TackleJunky81 thanks keep it up can’t wait for my baitcaster! Coming tomorrow first baitcaster! Was wondering do you ever buy the reel without feeling it?

[@XXX-cn7gj]

I have a question: I am getting any Rod and Reel combo for free. ( gift from family ). First time fishing, should I get something pricier as a first time user or stick to something budget friendly then branch out ?

[@TackleJunky81]

I'd go middle of the road. You don't want to go to cheap and end up having headaches with your equipment. You can get a nice combo for under a couple hundred.

[@XXX-cn7gj]

@@TackleJunky81 sounds good, I was given a shimano curado dc reel, and just now looking for a rod. Wanted something that would last a while too, since I may not buy a new one for awhile.

[@5.7.0bassin2]

Thanks for the tip and on the scale does it take regular like AA batteries or watch batteries because im tired of spending money on those watch batteries and looking for a scale that dont have them

[@TackleJunky81]

It's takes 2 AAA I believe. It's a really nice scale...link in description.

[@brandonarseneau5646]

I have been spending almost the same on each. I use abu veritas rods and revo x reels most of the time these days. I get them generally for 100$ each so a 200$ combo that performs for me is allowing me to get more of them!!!!!!!

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@brandonarseneau5646]

Did I see a TJ81 cameo in the Dropper tv add this morning?

[@TackleJunky81]

@@brandonarseneau5646 I do believe I'm in a deeper commercial for literally 1 second lol

[@Eyesofthasouth]

Good video as always man. Was looking for a rod arsenal video you did awhile back with all Okuma. The tcs and evx. One model you used for spinnerbaits, one for cranks.. techniques etc. I’ve found the part 1 and 2 but don’t believe those are it. Seemed like you were taking the video around ur boat at home. Can you help me out? Thanks again. Blaine

[@TackleJunky81]

So what exactly are you looking for bud? An arsenal video or on a specific rod?

[@Eyesofthasouth]

TackleJunky81 in the video you were discussing the tcs 7’ medium plus for squarebills rattletrap and dt6’s. There was another model that you recommended for 1/4 to 3/8 ounce spinnerbaits. I was looking to purchase the best rod for that. Remembered your explanation of what you looked for in the action of those rods was what I was looking for. Sorry for the confusion dude.

[@Eyesofthasouth]

I believe you gave weight recommendations for each model in that video

[@Eyesofthasouth]

In search for a good spinnerbait rod, and learning squarebill / lipless. As for the squarebill, lipless and dt6 I was torn between the tcs and the Dobyns Sierra 705cb

[@TackleJunky81]

@@Eyesofthasouth kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJLTppyaprpmha8 Is that the video you're looking for? The EVX 6'8" MH Mod/Fast is a killer spinner bait rod as well...I like it for cranks too.

[@teammaroon1]

If you decide to part with your Dobyns Rods let a guy know...

[@TackleJunky81]

👊

[@Prostarter88]

Awesome video! Thanks for answering the question. My biggest fear is losing a good fish while losing my rod because it snapped lol. Thanks again!

[@TackleJunky81]

My pleasure, brother! 👊💪

[@shawnmoniz6617]

Welll said

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@reellifewithcinco7858]

How about an above average price for rod and reel, $200-$300 combos

[@TackleJunky81]

Could be another video... Thanks for watching, brother! 👊💪

[@MySpinner]

reel over rod on spending the $$$$. I think any rod over 200 is to much for fishing warranty plays a big part also in rods

[@TackleJunky81]

Appreciate you watching!

[@jinsu0504]

Same. My reels are more expensive than my rods...currently shimano stella fk vs. G loomis imx pro blue..

[@bobstigler]

This vid looks familiar

[@TackleJunky81]

🤔

[@questgaming8342]

🙀

[@TackleJunky81]

😜

[@solidrockoutdoors]

👊👊👊💪💪

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@wolverinex4243]

BC, you would do reel. Spinning? Rods. Simple. Learn to fish.