I'm guessing Rods. I've seen and had lots of success with cheap versions of other tackle but Rods have to hold up especially if you use 6-16oz sinkers. Then hooks
It's hard to say. A failure in any component and you're going to lose fish IME. Now if you're going to ask me in what order to invest in "better" gear, I'm going to start closest to the fish then work my way backwards. Hooks, then line, then rod, then reel.
I guess it all has to work together, since its kinda all attached LOL.
It would really be hard for me to place one component ahead of the other in importance
I understand what your asking but...
First thing that came to my mind was location also, but you guys beat me to it. As to the options given; I can't weigh one higher than the others. I see the options as a chain (literally and figuratively). If any one component fails, you lose your fish. You can have the best rod, reel, drag and hooks; but if your line is frayed from rocks and a big fish bites, you will lose. If the hooks are cheap and fragile or just dull, you lose. If any 1 link in that chain fails, you fail. So I guess what I am saying is; don't buy the best rod or reel or whatever if it keeps you from affording decent hooks or line. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link. And a fishing setup is only as good as the weakest component. So, don't spurge on one component if it sacrifices another. JMO
Now of course this is all about after you hook into a big fish....not finding them or getting them to bite.
But to me, You can find them...if you can get them to bite...a crappy drag is going to cost you more fish than a crappy rod or crappy hooks. A lurchy-jerky drag is just bad. A good drag can make up for a crappy rod or crappy line or a crappy hook if it is set correctly and is super smooth.
I have brought in 30# fish on 8 pound test so....yeah...a good drag is the top of the list to me.
The poll goes to show a good fisherman has to factor in any number of supporting conditions. Big fish are not so easy as their smaller prey. It's work to get everything right, whether it's gear or location. Knots are what worry me when I've hooked something big.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Catfish Angler Forum at USCA
2.6M posts
49.9K members
Since 2003
A forum community dedicated to catfishers and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tackle, noodling, tips, tricks, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more!