New Rod?

Question
Marc,

I've fished my whole life, off and on, but never really thought about tackle.  I recently replaced my 30 year old spinning reel which finally quit working.  Now I'm thinking about the 30 year old rod (Eagle Claw fiberglass, 7' medium action) and wondering if I would notice an improvement using a new, possibly carbon fiber, rod.  The old rod seems fine and has stood up well to many fish and much packing around, but I can't help wondering if maybe a new rod would give a better "feel" or somehow otherwise improve my fishing experience.  

If I was to try out a new rod, do you have any general advice?  Is a $100 rod going to perform noticeably better or be more durable than a $30 rod?  Thanks in advance.

-- Mark --

Answer
Hi Mark,

There is probably nothing wrong with your old Eagle Claw.  In fact, if it one of those yellow-gold ones, they still make those.  If you are just using cast and reel lures like spinners, it's probably OK.

If you are using "feel" lures like jigs, plastic worms, or live bait rigs (ie.lindy rigs) then the difference will be like night and day.  The difference in feel between your glass rod and a new graphite will be incredible.  If you do this type of fishing, then I'd definitely change.

The newer rods have quicker actions, so they will cast farther and you will get a better hook set.  The old glass rods have pretty slow lazy actions.

The new graphites are so much lighter too.  It just make using them a little more comfortable on your wrist.

As far as picking out a rod, like everything else in life... you get what you pay for.  A more expensive rod will not necessarily be any more durable.  In fact your glass rod is probably more durable than a new graphite.  But it's give and take.  If you just want durability, there is nothing more durable than a Shakespeare Ugly Stick.  But a Shakespeare Ugly stick is about as sensitive as a tree branch.  On the other hand, a high end G.Loomis is as about as sensitive as you can get, but they wont take much abuse.  

For most people something in-between is best.  A good rod that will last for years is something like St. Croix Premier series ($80-$100).  They now have a rod that isn't made in the US now called the Triumph Series ($60-70) which looks pretty good.  The private label rods from Bass Pro and Cabelas are good choices for the money.  

All in all, if you get something in the $60-$100 range you will be getting a rod with better components.  Namely, a quality graphite blank, graphite reel seat, hardloy or better guides, and a cork handle.  Avoid foam grips, plastic reel seats, or clunky looking guides.

You are going to have to go to a real sporting goods store or tackle shop to get into the better rods.  Chain stores like wal-Mart are only going to carry low end stuff.

Good fishing!