Cost effectiveness

[CarlG]

Interesting topic.
I've got a mixed approach when it comes to gear. I like gear that isn't going let me down at the worst possible moment, which is a philosophy that comes from many years as a tradie.
But if something does a job, then great. My reels vary from humble charter specials for snaps and gummies in westernport, to a 2019 stella 14000xg for spinning with big stickbaits and poppers.
Rods are a sore point, broken stacks over the years, as Doug has mentioned, extended sessions spinning for Salmon just grinds gear down.

[Tim399]

For saltwater fishing from the kayak I tend to spend about $70 for combos, the reels typically being 2500 and 4000 siennas, also 4000 quantum smokes as they are all simple reels that cop a hiding from the salt water, and keep coming back for more. I do pull them apart every now and again for a regrease. I have thrown a couple of siennas away, one when I first started fishing, got sand in one and continued to fish which destroyed the insides. The other got a bit too clunky for my liking, so it got retired.

For freshwater I spent a little more and got nasci reel with black hole amped rods for trout, Redfin, etc. I figured these were worth spending a little more on as the fresh water is a lot easier on the gear, and the better gear is nicer for more “finesse” fishing (not sure I have much finesse myself, but what the hell)

Fly fishing I’m still rocking a combo I got second hand for $70, just put some good line on it. Until I stop catching more trees than trout, the cheap combo still gets the job done.

[DougieK]

Hours ,didn't ya get bored of catching salmon.

I don't think i'll ever get bored of watching salmon grab poppers.

[ben475]

there's normally a sweet spot somewhere where you get good quality at a reasonable price and generally that's what i'm looking, bang for buck!

the best of the best is great but you often pay so much for the last few % in quality. obviously styles of fishing will dictate what you really want.

sometimes you can have more fun with fairly inexpensive gear as your not afraid of damaging it. I also take satisfaction when I can do something just as well without having to have the best gear, sometimes we can get caught up in thinking we need all the specific gear when you really just need to get out and have a crack.

I broke a rod tip in a car door when I was a kid and fortunately haven't broken another since.

[DougieK]

Rods are a sore point, broken stacks over the years, as Doug has mentioned, extended sessions spinning for Salmon just grinds gear down.

Or spinning for anything really with long casts in salt water. That stretch of broken salmon rods you went on is probably historically significant.

[CarlG]

Rods are a sore point, broken stacks over the years, as Doug has mentioned, extended sessions spinning for Salmon just grinds gear down.

Or spinning for anything really with long casts in salt water. That stretch of broken salmon rods you went on is probably historically significant.

2 Pacific composites, a St Croix, a Majorcraft Evo, 2 Jewels, and 2 others I can't remember in 3 seasons.
That was when I was doing 3+ gunners sessions a week any time conditions allowed.

[DougieK]

Rods are a sore point, broken stacks over the years, as Doug has mentioned, extended sessions spinning for Salmon just grinds gear down.

Or spinning for anything really with long casts in salt water. That stretch of broken salmon rods you went on is probably historically significant.

2 Pacific composites, a St Croix, a Majorcraft Evo, 2 Jewels, and 2 others I can't remember in 3 seasons.
That was when I was doing 3+ gunners sessions a week any time conditions allowed.

I have no idea how you broke a majorcraft casting.

[4liters]

Rods are a sore point, broken stacks over the years, as Doug has mentioned, extended sessions spinning for Salmon just grinds gear down.

Or spinning for anything really with long casts in salt water. That stretch of broken salmon rods you went on is probably historically significant.

2 Pacific composites, a St Croix, a Majorcraft Evo, 2 Jewels, and 2 others I can't remember in 3 seasons.
That was when I was doing 3+ gunners sessions a week any time conditions allowed.

I have no idea how you broke a majorcraft casting.

Got casting lessons from Cam, clearly

[Andrews]

I think this thread is interesting, I have never even attempted to tackle a fish as powerful as a large kingfish or tuna and hearing about the experience gear required to effectively take them on is incredible. Fishing these smaller species, they can be pretty forgiving unlike those bigger models.

I am super protective of my rods and reels, just anything to help limit that wear and tear that eventually happens with use. You get attached to your fishing gear.

[purple5ive]

Rods are a sore point, broken stacks over the years, as Doug has mentioned, extended sessions spinning for Salmon just grinds gear down.

Or spinning for anything really with long casts in salt water. That stretch of broken salmon rods you went on is probably historically significant.

2 Pacific composites, a St Croix, a Majorcraft Evo, 2 Jewels, and 2 others I can't remember in 3 seasons.
That was when I was doing 3+ gunners sessions a week any time conditions allowed.

That would have put a dent in the wallet **** me !!!!