Test the good gear. Buy exceptional gear. There’s plenty of ok products but very few truely great ones, and even less of the same brand. So don’t be brand-loyal, be ruthlessly brutally objective in your search for quality, fit and function. Then enjoy it every minute you can.
I have tested conventional fishing gear for the past 20+ years for the industry at Wired2fish and FLW before that for a living. So felt like I could speak on the topic. My personal gear is a blend of brands, models, and makes because the company that makes the best flipping rod doesn’t make the best jerkbait rod. Although, in the conventional space, I do believe Shimano makes the best reels overall.
And I do have some $29 rods and $30 reels I use a lot for trout and panfish and crappie. So it’s not always the most expensive stuff.
Fly fishing I really studied and tried to go with good fly fishermen first. And got to test quite a bit before I got my own gear going.
I do as well. I'm on a fast paced mission to experience more fishing adventures in a short window before my health declines more. And I want to enjoy those experiences fully so I will spend a little to do that.
Test the good gear. Buy exceptional gear. There’s plenty of ok products but very few truely great ones, and even less of the same brand. So don’t be brand-loyal, be ruthlessly brutally objective in your search for quality, fit and function. Then enjoy it every minute you can.
Very well stated. This is exactly how I operate.
I have tested conventional fishing gear for the past 20+ years for the industry at Wired2fish and FLW before that for a living. So felt like I could speak on the topic. My personal gear is a blend of brands, models, and makes because the company that makes the best flipping rod doesn’t make the best jerkbait rod. Although, in the conventional space, I do believe Shimano makes the best reels overall.
And I do have some $29 rods and $30 reels I use a lot for trout and panfish and crappie. So it’s not always the most expensive stuff.
Fly fishing I really studied and tried to go with good fly fishermen first. And got to test quite a bit before I got my own gear going.
Good call on seeing what other anglers fishing similar or same water use first.
Randy Newberg has been quoted saying “you’ll run out of health before you run out of money.” And i identify with that.
I do as well. I'm on a fast paced mission to experience more fishing adventures in a short window before my health declines more. And I want to enjoy those experiences fully so I will spend a little to do that.