Yesterday, I found my way into Bass Pro because I had a gift card. As we all do, I knew I was going to spend more than my gift card was worth. The question was: what would I buy? I have a couple empty rods that need a reel. I started at the reel counter looking at the Shimano Curado K, which was on sale for $150. After ten minutes of searching, they told me every Cabelas and Bass Pro was out of stock of a right hand Curado K. Shucks. Next I made my way over to the gun counter to look at ammo. I decided that I wanted to spend money on something that I wouldn't normally buy, so I skipped on the ammo. Then I started looking at boots.
I have been rocking the same pair of Walmart Boots for the past six years. My uncle got those boots on sale for $5 at Walmart, and he gave them to me. You can't beat a pair of boots for five bucks. Well, this was finally the year where they stopped being waterproof.
After looking at several pairs of work cowboy boots, a pair of 5.11 combat boots caught my eye. The exact pair are the 5.11 Speed 4.0 8' Arid Boot in the Coyote color. This boot retails for $110 and can be found in many different stores.
I use my boots for many different things: work, fishing (of course), hunting, and hiking. I need a boot that can do everything and go anywhere. I'm not someone who cares about getting their boots dirty. I went out for a walk in the rain after picking up those boots. Immediately, after walking down the street, I could tell the difference. They're more comfortable, they have the zipper on the side to make putting them on and taking them off easier, and I can tell they are far more durable.
This lead me to think about the difference between buying quality gear versus buying more of less quality gear. I can tell you this, for $5, those Walmart boots were a hell of a deal. However, those 5.11 are far superior. When it comes to the quality of your gear, you get what you pay for in most instances. I look at rods I have, and there is a very large difference between my G Loomis rod and any other rod I've had under $150. In most instances the quality of your gear will greatly improve the experience you have out on the water. Especially with rods. reels, clothing, and other non lure products.
When it comes to lures, I feel slightly different. I have several Megabass jerkbaits, and I have caught many fish on them. I'd say I have caught an equal amount of fish on other jerkbaits that are half the cost. My opinion is that fishing lures are different than all your other gear such as rods, reels, and other equipment. I think hardbaits can be just as good when you get a middle of the road bait versus an expensive bait. I know other people will have different opinions, but to me hardbaits are just as good when they cost $10 and when they cost $20. Same with hand painted baits. I don't think many fish will be able to tell the difference between a mass produced bait and a hand painted one. Both of them will get beaten up either way.
Cheap hardbaits are often something people end up regret buying. They often don't run true and are more easily damaged. I have several baits I have had for years and don't throw because they lessen my experience. It's best you go with quality, but not overly pried baits.
Soft plastics to me are different, there aren't very many super expensive soft plastic bags. People have lots of different opinions on what works better and what doesn't. I typically fish the same five or six different baits, so I can't speak much to that.
Now, the amount of time you spend on the water should determine how much you spend on gear. If you're someone who is fishing every weekend, you should spend more money on your gear because you'll get better use out of it. If you only fish every once in a while, it doesn't make much sense to spend a ton of money on gear.
Also, you have to take your budget into account. I can remember being a kid and not having a lot of money to spend on gear. I would always ask for nice rods and reels for my birthday and Christmas. I'd also save up for a long time to get some of the gear I wanted. Obviously when you enter the labor force, you'll have more money to spend on better gear.
I hope this gave you some things to think about next time you go out and buy gear. As always, love the adventure!
- Paul Hoffman