quality,name,popularity?

[skiper]

hello everybody.when we choose reels,rods.line,lure are we choose name,
brand,popularity of that brand?
is brand important?or we prefer choose base on popularity?

lets make some example,like me i like penn torque but most people suggest
avet and tiagra.

anybody have any opinion about this?

[Jared D]

I buy stuff that will last. I measure durability vs cost and work out the math from there. For first time purchases (on items I have heard of, but not field tested personally) I use what I have heard good things about consistently from people who abuse their gear, or push it to the limits. I have about 5 guys I know of like that who arent trying to sell me anything, or trying to remain brand loyal... they just want their gear to work consistently so they can work around those consistent parameters.

For me, I prefer Tiagra reels, as the best bang for the buck.
Line... Suffix has worked well (I have 4 5# spools to go through yet), though there are a couple other brands getting some play recently on lighter gear.

Hooks.... I use specific hooks for specific fishing. My grouper hooks are always one style (I may be able to do better with another, but my confidence is in that hook thus it gets wet time). MY Big Game hooks are always another (Mustad 7691) again due to confidence, etc etc.

Lures.... well I make my own and I also buy em in bulk at the local fishing store (Strike Zone in Jax Florida). Clearance bins are my friend! I cant tell you how many Islanders I have bought for $7-8 a piece or Yozuri Bonitas for $10 (full size 16oz ones).

[skiper]

thanks jared for you opinion.its very good input.most of angler choose
based on name rather than quality.
in my place there are a lot reel that imitate famous brand like penn and
daiwa.for sure this reel made in china.
i dont know why they wasted their money.
just because it looks alike.what a waste....

[gradyfish265]

I agree, I go for the best tackle that my dollar can afford. Each and every application may have a different combo that may be better suited. It really comes down to what you the angler plans to use the combo for, how often you use it and what you expect from it. I like rugged reels that last, have a good durable drag and a decent rep for quality. For lines, I go with what has worked in the past and gained my confidence and approval. As for lures, I go for what ever works best, regardless of price. We spend all this money to get out there, so you need to put fish in the boat. I do all my own rigging, but SS hooks when trolling offshore are a must. There are some acceptions, but not many. For inshore reels, I like Avet SX reels or Shimano Calcuttas. For offshore Tiagras or Avet pro exw's. I choose the Avet's for my offshore spread because they were the best bang for my buck at the time. If I could have afforded Tiagras at the time I may have went that route, but in my mind for my use, either would have worked out well. For spinning reels I prefer Penn's. I've always fished them and they have been reliable for what I use them for. It is hard to pick one brand, there is a lot of good tackle out there, it really comes down to what you plan to do with the tackle and what you've had luck with in the past. As for line, offshore I either use Suffix or momoi. I've had great luck and I am sticking to it. I also use Jerry Brown Hollowcore on all my offshore setups, it is more expensive, but it has been proven to be reliable.

[fmoore]

Generally, the most popular items are the ones that work the best. Fishermen are a tough bunch and they will not buy and use an item if it doesn't work, and work well, for them.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that quality and popularity, at least in fishing, go hand in hand because of the abuse we as fishermen put our equipment through. If something works, people will find out and that item will become popular. If something doesn't work, people will find out and that item will become unpopular.

[paul708]

from a rod guy. i have asked guys why they spend money on famous "name" rods that cost alot more than a custom, sometimes.. i hear .well the guy catches giant tuna on the video, standup style really fast, the rods must be good, OR..they use them in austraila for big fish, and they say they are the best,at 1800.00 they should be good, right.......for highend rods i dont think the guys know that going custom can be alot cheaper than buying "name" rack rods...