Cheap Vs. Expensive Fishing Rods - Which Should You Buy?

Are expensive rods worth the money? Which rods are the best "Bang For The Buck?" Does spending more money really make a difference? What are the benefits? Which rod is right for you? Today we're comparing the advantages and disadvantages of high-end rods and budget-friendly rods. We're looking at the best of both worlds and giving recommendations on the most sensitive rods at every price point.

The primary benefit of an inexpensive or budget-friendly rod is cost. Its up to you to decide if the cost savings outweighs any potential performance issues. The downside of a cheaper rod are sensitivity, weight, and build quality. The primary benefit of an expensive or high-end rod is sensitivity, weight, balance, and overall experience. The downsides are cost and durability. Again, it is up to you as the angler to find the balance between sensitivity, durability, and budget.

Below we've provided links to all of the rods and reels in this video. We've gone a step further and linked the best "bang for the buck" rods that we've found at every price point and as an added bonus, will include "bang for the buck" reels as well. We hope this video helps you understand the benefits of each rod style as you choose the best option for you going forward.

Best "Bang For the Buck" Casting Rods...

-Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

-Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2bGvlVV

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Megabass Orochi XX: http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

-G Loomis GLX: http://bit.ly/2gqziwT

Best "Bang For the Buck" Spinning Rods...

-Shimano SLX: http://bit.ly/2AdvIC1

-Dobyns Fury: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF

-Shimano Expride: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q

-G Loomis GLX: http://bit.ly/2A6HH3O

Favorite Casting Reels...

-Shimano SLX 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

-Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

-Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

- Metanium DC: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Favorite Spinning Reels…

-Shimano Sahara FI Spinning: http://bit.ly/2XhhM43

-Shimano Ultregra Spinning: http://bit.ly/2nfApml

-Stradic Ci4+ Spinning: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

-Exsence Spinning: http://bit.ly/2iMtscV

Rods in thumbnail from left to right...

-North Fork Loomis Edge Rods: Source Locally

-Megabass Destroyer Rods: http://bit.ly/2wVOSbY

-Shimano SLX Rods: http://bit.ly/2L3wppO

-G Loomis NRX Rods: http://bit.ly/2dX9zjv

-Daiwa Aird X Rods: http://bit.ly/2P7Z3Vu

-Shimano Expride Rods: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Abu Garcia Veritas Rods: http://bit.ly/2RU5kWt

-13 Fishing Defy Black Rods: http://bit.ly/2Ak3F3M

Which Fishing Line? Braid vs Fluorocarbon vs Mono

When should you use Braid? When is fluorocarbon better than mono? What is each line for? Matt answers these questions and many more in today's in-depth look at fishing line. Even if you've made your mind up about your favorite line this video is worth a watch, some new technical lines have hit the market that are bridging the gap between line types.

This video goes in depth about all 3 fishing lines. We ignored copolymer for the sake of time as its really just an "in between" between fluorocarbon and monofilament. All of these different styles of line are important. Each one has a place and will increase your success while fishing. But use the wrong line for the wrong purpose and it will give you endless problems. This year we have the added bonus of "shock leader" which is essentially fluorocarbon that stretches like monofilament.

Because this video ran so long we did not include the portion on tying our favorite knots. We'll release a bonus video tomorrow that shows exactly how to tie a Palomar, double Palomar, San Diego Jam, Double San Diego Jam, and a Blood Knot.

Below is a break down of the different lines and types we use on a regular basis.

Braid...

-Power Pro Maxcuatro: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

-Power Pro Moss Green: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b

-Sufix 832: http://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

Monofilament...

-Maxima Ultragreen: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Fluorocarbon...

Sunline Assassin: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

Sunline Sniper: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Shock Leader...

FC-100 System Leader Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2O4UElB

Sonar Basics: How To Interpret Down Imaging Sonar

What is down imaging? Is it really going to help you see more fish? Do you need it? Tim walks us through the differences between sonar and down imaging, what the different frequencies are for, and when to use down imaging to your advantage. He shows on the water, real life examples of how it can be used to gain a clearer understanding of what your unit is reading.

Modern electronics are incredibly powerful. Gone are the days of flashers and fish symbols, here to stay is a picture so clear that you can count the fish amongst the branches of a tree. If you understand how to tune your down imaging unit between frequencies it is an incredible tool!

The purpose of today's video is to give you a clearer understanding of what down imaging is and a brief overview of when/how to use it. There is a lot more information on the subject that we'll cover down the road in a more in-depth video. The cost of down imaging units has come way down in recent years, if you're a typical angler getting out on the boat a few times a month, down imaging can improve your angling experience.

Below is a breakdown of Tim's equipment, links to our other electronics videos, and a list of budget-friendly down-imaging units.

Tim's equipment...

Unit #1- Humminbird Solix 15 G2: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej

Unit #2- Humminbird Solix 12 G2: http://bit.ly/2AE2YDB

Trolling Motor- Ultrex Mega DI I-Pilot Link: http://bit.ly/2RqrT4v

Budget-friendly Down Imaging Units...

Humminbird- Helix 5 G2 DI: http://bit.ly/2TNndFW

Lowrance- Hook 2 Series 5 Sonar: http://bit.ly/2Y2sjk2

Garmin- Striker Plus: http://bit.ly/2skseug

Related Electronics Videos...

-Interpretting Modern Electronics: https://youtu.be/KdISDEkf4eQ

-Sonar Basics: How To Find Fish: https://youtu.be/HJkfHsRy31o

-Fish Finder Tips: https://youtu.be/Dz78WTxBL3A

-How To Interpret Side Imaging Sonar: https://youtu.be/_TO8_j8wYFo

Summer Bass Fishing Buyer's Guide

There are a ton of new baits from Ned Worms to Swimbaits on the market this Summer and today we're going to review some of the best. Its easy to get overwhelmed by all the new tackle but Tim makes it easy by sharing some of his confidence baits as well as a few recent finds. If you're looking for something to try as we head in to Early Summer, give these baits a look.

Today's video samples baits from both ends of the spectrum. Tim has a lot of confidence in a new Ned Worm from Missile Baits, as well as a couple finesse hooks. But he's also developed a ton of confidence in a few swimbaits for Summer bass fishing. If you're heading shallow the Noisy Dachs by Evergreen was out of stock for nearly a year and is finally back on the market! If you're probing deep, the new colors of Baitsanity are a killer option (That Kokanee is hard to beat!)

No matter your style, there is something here worth looking at. Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment mentioned in the video.

Soft Baits and Hooks...

-Swagger Tungsten "Flanders" NED Heads - http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

-Missile Baits Ned Bomb (Goby Bite, Fishalicious , Super Bug) - http://bit.ly/2XCOGwd

-Keitech Swing Impact FAT- http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Owner Mosquito "Light" Hooks - http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3

Squarebill...

-Evergreen CH-1 Squarebill (Fire Craw, Ayu) - http://bit.ly/2MrsOCG

Squarebill Combo...

-G. Loomis IMX Pro Crankbait Casting Rods (845CBR) - http://bit.ly/2FQj6CZ

-Shimano Chronarch MGL Casting Reel (7.1:1) - http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Frogs...

-Stanford Baits Boom Boom Hollow Body Frog (Fred's Frog, Dirty Bird) - http://bit.ly/2K90m6U

-Spro Dean Rojas Bronzeye Spit Shad 60 (Spooky Shad, Blue Back Herring) - http://bit.ly/2MHu9pA

Frog Setup...

-Shimano Expride A Casting Rod 7'3" Extra Hvy - http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

-Shimano Curado 150 DC Casting Reel (7.4:1) - http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

-Sunline FX2 Braided Line Dark Green 60b (Froggin/Flippin) - http://bit.ly/31u57xA

Wakebaits and Swimbaits...

-Evergreen ND 180 Wooden Wakebaits (Oikawa, Black Bone) - http://bit.ly/2JbrbaM

-Gan Craft OSA 115 Wakebait (Nakahira Buna) - http://bit.ly/2IzGIOm

-Baitsanity Explorer Glide Bait (Kokanee) - http://bit.ly/2DcI1yM