Rod vs. Reel

[wallter]

Which is more important??? In other words where would you guys spend the extra money?

[rosspj59]

For trolling cranks, 3 ways or other rigs the reel is more important. For jigging and rigging the rod seems to be more important to me. You will get many differnet opinions on this. I think it mostly comes down to what you feel comfortable with more than anything.

[PerchJerker]

I pretty much agree with rosspj59. My jigging and rigging rods are much more expensive than most of the rods I use for trolling. But for flatline trolling when I'll be holding the rod I have a pretty nice rod, which I use with super line on the reel for the utmost in senstivity. My other trolling rods serve their purpose but are not that expensive, under $50.

[Team Otter]

The rod.

[harvey lee]

I like to use a better rod for crappie,and eye fishing.When it comes to the bigger fish then I would rather have a medium rod and a very good reel.

[BFD]

I love cabelas classic IM-6 graphite rods w/ blank through handle and great cork handles!!!!! Awesome guides ultralight to medium heavy 5'-7' + they are only $20 ea!

Truely an incredible deal & I have yet to break one.

I love diawa casting reels and browning spinning reels..... my $0.02

[solbes]

I suppose it depends on what kind of fishing you're doing. I'd have to say that overall the rod would be money better spent. You should be able to get a decent enough spinning reel for $40-75 that has a nice drag, well balanced, etc.

It seems that the mid to higher end rods really do give added sensitivity to what's going on down below. St Croix Avid is what I use for most of my fishing. Plus it has a lifetime warranty, how can you go wrong with that?

[wallter]

For all/most fishing applications?

[BigWadeS]

I think it is the rod

[Team Otter]

Definitely the rod.

[Red Cabin]

The rod.

[basskid]

i would for sure say reel. i think that a good smooth reel is more important than a rod. I own a 5 dollar zebco baitcasting rod and also a 12 dollar cabelas e-glass spinning rod and both are fine. However i like to spend a little more on a reel because i think that they hold up better and are much more enjoyable to fish with.

[Northlander]

For jigging I will say the rod but for fighting steelhead/salmon I would say the reel. Rod dont matter if the reel dies out and you cant get the fish to the boat.

[PikeBayCommanche]

I would have to say that they are about equal in my book. On one hand your rod is very important because it is the part fighting the fish and a good rod will enable you to tire them out faster.

But, I have lost fish because a reel was not working correctly or not of good quality. In bass fishing a reel can be the diffrence alot of times in making those fish catching casts to difficult spots. So I guess I would try to find a happy medium between quality and price or keep your eyes open for great deals.

Good Luck!!

[MuskyBug85]

i have to go against the grain here and say reel, a reel with a great drag on it can put fish in the boat regardless of the rod its on. a great rod that you can feel every thing with isnt worth a penny if the reel doesnt perform and you have to go to a heaver line to compensate for a poor drag. if i were you i would invest in a great reel and put it on a rod like a shimano clarus or similair rod, $60 with a life time walk in warrenty and you can up grade when the money is available. Just my thoughts Jonah.

[traveler]

Easy....both! It's jst too complex a question. Jigging for walleyes is SO different than drifting for steelhead or trolling for big pike or slipbobbering... there's no way to answer the question with a blanket statement. Sometimes it's one, sometimes the other. It just depends. So...both:)