How Much Should You Really Spend On A Fishing Rod
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Tackle & Gear
Every angler faces the same question: How much should I really spend on a rod? From entry-level to full custom, not every jump in price gives you the performance you would expect.
Watch this entire video and you’ll get a clear look at what you gain (and what you don’t) at each price point.
Featured Rods Mentioned
- TFO Pro: Most popular choice among Insider Club Members in the $100–$150 range.
Lightweight, sensitive, and built with quality components that hold up to years of saltwater use. A great step-up rod for anglers ready to leave entry-level gear behind. - Slam Stick: Mid-range favorite in the $150–$299 category.
Designed by Salt Strong for all-day comfort and precision casting with artificials. Balanced sensitivity and strength make it ideal for serious weekend anglers. - Slot Machine: Premium performance in the $300+ range.
Our highest-tier rod built for anglers who want the lightest, most responsive setup possible. Ultra-sensitive, incredibly strong, and made to handle big fish with finesse.
Final Thoughts
The right fishing rod isn’t about the highest price tag – it’s about matching your gear to your budget, style of fishing, and needs. Whether you stick with an entry-level rod or invest in a full custom rod, focus on the features that will help you catch more fish and enjoy more time on the water.
Save Money With Your Insider Membership!
Salt Strong Insiders get 20% (or more) off of our gear on fishstrong.com!
Plus, we’ve partnered with some of the biggest names in fishing to bring exclusive savings to Salt Strong members; gear and everything in between.
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Great video Pat! Unfortunately my budget only allows me to be in the $100 rod category but I have found that Fenwick HMG rods are durable and sensitive. I have had some for over 5 years now and they have held up very well and I’m they guy that can find the ceiling fan when rigging for a trip lol Thanks for all the great videos!
I’ve heard good things about the Fenwick, they have a pretty good fan base. Appreciate you watching Chris!
Well said, Pat! Very informative video, thanks. I’ve figured much of this out over the years but it’s interesting to hear your explanation and you added some info I didn’t know. I’ve got some starter Ugly Stiks (purchased when I was less informed) that I still use at times (cut bait and for loaners) but also have three slot machines. I love them but I did break a tip on one. I also have a medium heavy TFO pro. My latest purchase was a Slam Stik Traveler that I haven’t used yet.
I really like that Slam Stick Traveler, I keep it together and use it as one of my dailies. I’m sure you will like it too. Thanks for watching!
Great information as always Pat. I used big box store rods for many years when I was drowning bait and thought $100 rod was pricy. When I started using artificials those $100 rods always seemed like fishing with a wet noodle when setting the hook. My first rod decent rod was the TFO Travel Rod I keep in my car for when I’m working near the coast. It has a decent action to fish a popping cork with a shrimp , spoons etc off the rocks. Started fishing with a buddy that was a G Loomis Bass guy he was up grading his E6X rods to the NRX rods so I ended up with 3 different weight E6X rods. The difference between the TFO and E6X in casting difference and bite feel was night and day! Still like the E6X and I have recently picked up a Slot Machine it’s a sweet tool in the box but as you mentioned in this clip it’s “The Law of Diminishing Returns”. Going from a $100 rod to a $200+ to a big noticeable difference not so much of a WOW factor when going from the $200 rod to the $300 yo $400 rod !
It’s always good to find something you like, as long as the manufacture doesn’t change it to your dismay. I can still remember that first nice $100 dollar rod and was so impressed with it. I probably will never have that feeling again on another rod.
Pat do you recommend the Medium Light or Medium Slam Stick?
Ray, I read your comment below this one. The Slam Stick, Traveler, and Otis 2500 reel are made in China too. The Slot Machine rod is made in USA.
Thanks Rob.
Depends on what lures you throw the most, or at least your intentions with this rod. Open flats with anything from a Ned Rig to a 2.0, and small plugs like a Hedon Tiny Torpedo or Flea Flicker, I like the Medium Light. Fishing around structure with Mulligan sized paddle tails and above, or hard lures like a Moonwalker or Skinny Lipper, I like the Medium.
Very good video, Pat. Learned a lot.
My favorite rod is the TFO Pro paired with a Fuego 2500. But after I bought it I found out it was made in China which turned me off personally from any future purchases. but is is a nice rod.
Which rods use the nano resins?
There’s quite a few manufactures that use the Nano Resin, but it’s mostly higher end rods for now. This will trickle down into other price ranges soon I’m sure as it saves on material and likely would cost less to manufacture.
It’s getting more and more difficult to find rods 100% build in the USA. I know of a few, Cashion and Cajun come to mind but even then they will use Japanese components a lot of the times.
Great video Pat. I have 4 rods I carry on my kayak. 2 Ugly Sticks for live shrimp, live bait and cut bait. Two more are TFO Pro’s that I have rigged up for artificials. Without really thinking it thru I probably ended in an ok spot. Next step is the “Intermediate” rod’s like a Slam Stick once I move to more artificials. Thanks for the video
Glad you liked it Jeff!
Great Video Pat! I fish both the Banana River and the surf here around central Brevard County. I use Ugly Sticks paired with Penn Fierce reels for me in the surf and Walmart specials for friends who throw stuff down in the sand. The Slam Stick paired with an Otis 2500 is my go to river combo. Cheaper rods and reels for guests there as well. I like others try to be careful with my stuff but going to the beach is never a fragile trip. Thanks again for a great video.
Thanks for watching and the comment Scott! That sand at the beach gets EVERYWHERE!
Pat, we can count on you for a balanced presentation, not solely focused on “positivity” but surfacing the cons too. Much appreciated!
Rod and reel weight is important but minor differences of an ounce or so is not going to fatigue an angler who is somewhat in shape. There were past times when these ultra light setups didn’t exist, and anglers got use to slightly heavier ones, and fished from sunrise to sunset. Setting aside corrosion resistance and beauty, that sorta leaves further casting distance and bite sensitivity as the objective points marketers stress. Perhaps a blind test about bite sensitivity between a $200 and $300 rod to see if a person could detect a meaningful difference might prove it rather than it be a talking point. Certainly the greater casting distance can be proven through testing, and whether it’s an extra foot, ten feet, or 40 ft. as one Insider claimed in a post, and I think you said this on your to do list. And understanding how much casting distance is lost by changing from a SM MF and SM MHF is other helpful info.
I don’t believe it’s accurate to call the SM a “custom” rod although many other marketers do the same thing with their “premium” rods. It was “custom” when the first one was produced but when mass produced they loose that distinction. Every production rod could be tagged as “custom”. The same issue arises with boats where a “custom” boat may at least have limited options one can choose versus no choices with most production rods. Most people would laugh if car manufacturers tried to market “custom” vehicles just because a person can select optional equipment. When I see this, it alerts me to think whether the potential buyer is being played for a fool if seller needs to do this to sell more merchandise rather sell it on objective merits.
Thanks Rob!
I haven’t been able to do any casting comparisons lately due to the winds but when I get some good days I’ll get back at it.
I’m also working on measuring sensitivity of rods through vibration transfers. I’m still on the planning stages but I think I can develop a repeatable, scientific way of seeing just how much you can feel with each rod and take human error out of the equation. That might be a bit but I’m hopeful I can get it done.
The vibration transfer is a creative idea, and perhaps a vibration sensor meter could be used. Beyond my pay grade, 😆 Look forward to learning more!
great video…Thank You.
Thanks William!
This is a good video, Pat! Thank you!!
It helped a bunch to answer some questions I have wondered about!
Glad it helped Larry!