Is an Expensive Fishing Rod Worth It?

Fishing is one of the oldest sports practiced all over the world. Over the centuries, people from all backgrounds have enjoyed its benefits. Succeeding in the sport can be done without having the most state-of-the-art gear. Even our ancestors could fish even with the crudest materials, including their bare hands. So, with that being said, is there a need for you or any angler to invest in an expensive fishing rod?

Spending on hobbies and passions will always be debatable. How much is too much, and when do you know if what you’re buying is worth the price tag? Would your Kauai fishing trips or bass fishing trips in Texas be more productive and memorable if you have the most expensive rod? Will your luxury fishing rod improve your chances of landing a tuna, wahoo, or any other big fish while deep-sea fishing in Daytona Beach? Or could you possibly have the same level of success with a mid-priced fishing rod?

In this article, we’ll look at the makings of an expensive fishing rod – what merits their hefty price tag, what you should look for in an expensive fishing rod, and if investing in one is the best decision for you.

Features That Make Fishing Rods Expensive

Some may say that there are certain aspects to pricing that can be arbitrary, like the brand name. But for the most part, expensive fishing rods merit their hefty price tags for the following features:

1. Extra sensitivity

Anglers shifting from an entry-level or cheap fishing rod to an expensive graphite rod often note the biggest difference between the two: sensitivity. An expensive rod is much more enjoyable to wield and use on the water because it lets you feel the slightest hint of a bite. It means more chances of landing fish and fewer chances of missing bites. 

Beginner fishing rods are typically made from fiberglass because fiberglass is on the less expensive side while still flexible and durable. However, they are less sensitive, so you can miss a lot of bites with a fiberglass rod. Fishing rods on the expensive side tend to be made from carbon fiber, graphite, or composite. Carbon fiber and graphite are known to be super sensitive and extra lightweight. Composite combines the benefits of graphite and fiberglass. Even more, state-of-the-art fishing rods will come with boron nanofiber. This material used for fishing rod blanks is the next generation of boron fiber. However, because it’s too expensive, it’s very rarely used as of now.

2. Weight and balance

The lightweight and great balance of expensive fishing rods can make all the difference in the fishing experience. Lugging a heavy fly fishing rod can weigh you down, affecting your performance. Graphic, carbon fiber, composite, and titanium fishing rods are always lightweight.

3. Craftsmanship

The craftsmanship of an expensive fishing rod is backed by years of research and development, executed through a manufacturing process that’s more time-consuming than the process used for mass-produced fishing rods. On top of that, there are levels of customization that you can get with expensive rods, too.

Some brands take craftsmanship to the heirloom level. The Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods, based in Blue Ridge, Georgia, start at $2,500. Their bamboo rods are handcrafted and made to order. They can get as expensive as $13,000, depending on the level of customization you want on your fishing gear.

4. Warranty

Most expensive fishing rods will come with a warranty — some for a year, like the Shimano spinning rod, and some for a lifetime, like G Loomis, casting rods. This layer of protection is placed on top of the price of the gear, adding even more to the cost of the fishing gear.

Is an Expensive Fishing Rod Worth It?

To answer this question, you first have to answer a different set of questions about your fishing activities:

1. Where are you at in your fishing?

Are you still testing the waters? Or are you now fully committed to this passion for life? If you’re still discovering if fishing is the right sport for you, then perhaps sticking to entry-level casting rods, fly rods, or even a dependable rod-and-reel combo and logging in more hours in the water should be your priority. A luxury fishing rod won’t help you become a good angler — only time and consistent practice can do that for you.

If you have plans to fish regularly and goals to join tournaments and derbies, consider upgrading. You don’t need a drastic upgrade. Going from a $50 fishing rod to a $150 fishing rod could be your first step.

2. What type of fishing do you intend to do?

Just because a rod is expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best fishing rod for your technique and the type of lure you’re fishing with. You need to know what it is in your expensive fishing rod that could improve your game.

An expensive fishing rod is worth it if you’re fully committed to the sport. Total commitment isn’t just taking your rod out for a spin every once in a while. It’s committing to improving your skills and techniques by putting time in the water, studying your target catch, and stepping out of your comfort zone — all in the name of the sport.

Book a Fishing Guide or Charter

Fly fishing for red drum or trout, saltwater fishing or offshore charter fishing in Louisiana, or ice fishing in one of the Great Lakes — bringing expensive rods for these trips is optional, but having a local fishing guide by your side is highly recommended. Fly fish for trout and bass in Georgia with Matt Dorsey Fly Fishing. Catch large fish like tuna, wahoo, and common dolphinfish on offshore trips with Size Matters Charters in Florida. Try bowfishing in Louisiana with Nock Em Dead Bowfishing Charters. Fish the Adirondacks with Battle Fish Charter. Investing in the services of a good fishing charter will always be worth it because it’s the safest way to explore a new fishing territory.