If you are new to fishing, you may be wondering if you need to invest in rods with expensive price tags.
In this article, you will find if you need an expensive fishing rod as a beginner, including how much you can spend on a fishing rod.
Here Is If You Need An Expensive Fishing Rod As A Beginner:
You do not need an expensive fishing rod if you are new to fishing. There won’t be much regret if you accidentally break a cheap rod. However, if you can afford expensive rods as a beginner and won’t mind if your rod breaks, they may be worth your money.
Is It Worth Buying An Expensive Fishing Rod?
Some fishing rods are pretty expensive, which may get you thinking if they are worth investing in.
Whether or not an expensive fishing rod is worth your extra dollars will depend on the reason you want to buy it in the first place.
Here is when it is worth buying an expensive fishing rod:
If you are looking for a rod that will last for a long time, then expensive rods are worth it.
High-end fishing rods are usually made from quality materials. They are more durable and will last longer.
Also, getting an expensive rod can be an excellent investment if you fish a lot.
Besides, expensive rods will make your fishing experience more fun. Compared to cheaper rods, expensive fishing rods have more sensitivity. You can easily detect small bites and cast better.
Here is when it is not worth buying an expensive rod:
Buying an expensive rod is not worth it if you plan to fish just a few times a year.
Also, if getting an expensive rod will significantly impact your bank account, it may not be worth buying.
The fact that the fishing rod is cheaper does not mean it won’t catch any fish. Although an expensive rod may give you a better fishing experience, skill and experience will help you catch more fish.
Should You Start Fishing With A Cheap Or Expensive Fishing Rod?
As a beginner, you should not start with an expensive fishing rod until you master it. You can always get a cheap yet durable rod that will not get beaten up so easily.
Also, many things can go wrong when fishing as a beginner, which can cause you to lose your fishing rod.
You could be high sticking and break your rod. High sticking occurs when you raise your fishing rod tip far too high when fighting fish.
Since rod tips are generally not designed to withstand a lot of pressure, the result of high sticking is that the tip, where you shift the pressure, breaks.
It is better to get a rod that you will not mind losing as a beginner. Over time, you can upgrade rods with better quality.
How Much Should I Spend On A Fishing Rod?
There is no fixed price that you should spend on a fishing rod. How much you choose to spend will depend on your budget.
If the rod you want to buy will take a serious toll on your budget, you may have to buy another rod that costs less.
Generally, as a beginner, you may want to spend about $30 to $50 on a fishing rod.
Does The Quality Of The Rod/Reel Matter?
The quality of the rod and reel will matter if you fish a lot of times. When it comes to a better fishing experience, you can get that in good-quality rods and reels.
Also, since good-quality rods are pretty strong and durable, they won’t break easily. This means that your rod will last longer, and you’ll lose fewer fish in the water.
The relevance of the quality of your reel and rod will depend on how you are fishing. If you are fishing in ponds and lakes, you may not have to worry about quality. However, if you are trolling and need more durable reels, then the quality of your reel matters.
What Is The Benefit Of An Expensive Rod?
Expensive rods are not pricey for no reason. They have some benefits that justify their prices. Some of these benefits are:
- Durability
Expensive rods are generally stronger and more durable than cheaper ones. They would last for a long time and give you value for your money.
Many experienced anglers often recommend that if you intend to fish many times in a year, then you should invest in an expensive rod.
- Quality material
The materials used to make these expensive rods are of good quality. Some expensive rods are made from carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is costly when compared to other materials like fiberglass.
Also, rods made from other rare materials will have a higher price. The good part of good quality rods is that the good quality will add up to the longevity of your rod. As long as you take good care of your rod, you will get the best from the quality materials.
Furthermore, the rods made from graphite are expensive, but you get a great rod sensitivity in return.
- Better rod sensitivity
Another benefit of expensive fishing rods is that they have better sensitivity than their cheaper counterparts. They do a great job in transmitting vibrations of the fish you hook. You will be able to feel slight bites.
The sensitivity of expensive rods will vary based on the model and price.
Regardless, one common thing you will find in most sensitive rods is that the material they are made from is graphite. Graphite is pretty sensitive but expensive.
- Better fishing experience
Expensive fishing rods cannot guarantee an increase in the number of fish that bite your bait, but they will give you an overall better fishing experience.
You will feel the difference when you switch from a cheap rod to an expensive one.
- Better casting
Although a longer rod will generally give you a longer cast, expensive lures can also improve casting. Expensive rods tend to have more guides which makes the rods cast better.
An expensive rod does come with a lot of benefits. Investing in a good fishing rod will give you a fun fishing experience.
However, if you do not intend to use them often, they are not worth investing in. Also, if you are new to fishing, you may want to refrain from buying expensive rods until you fully get the hang of fishing.
What’s The Difference Between A Cheap And Expensive Fishing Rod?
Here are some of the differences between a cheap and an expensive rod.
- A cheap rod is made from inferior and less expensive material like fiberglass. On the other hand, a costly rod is made from more costly materials like graphite or carbon glass.
- Expensive rods usually have grips crafted from cock wood, while a cheaper rod’s grip will be made from other more inexpensive materials like foam or rubber.
- The line guide of an expensive rod is made from high-quality materials. A cheap rod’s guide is made chiefly from low-quality materials.
- Also, compared to cheaper rods, expensive rods have more sensitivity and can transmit the sensation of smaller bites.
How Much Money Is A Good Fishing Rod?
The price of a good fishing rod is affected by various factors, like the manufacturer and the quality.
Nevertheless, a good fishing rod price can range from $50 to $150. An excellent quality rod will be more pricey, costing about $300.
However, there are still cheaper rods between $30 to $50 that are also good to an extent and perfect for beginners.
Takeaway
Many anglers will agree that beginners do not need expensive rods. However, what is expensive for one angler will vary from what is expensive for another angler. So the rod that may be considered expensive for beginners may not be expensive for you if you can afford it easier.
Nevertheless, beginners should practice with cheaper rods and later upgrade the rods to expensive ones to give them the experience they seek.
Sources
ultimatebass.com/bass-fishing-forum/index.php?topic=90142.0
bikehike.org/how-much-to-spend-on-fishing-rod/#How_much_does_a_beginner_fishing_rod_cost