Rod Length Vs Casting Distance - Does Quality Matter?

When looking at fishing rod length vs casting distance, what matters more - fishing rod quality or raw length on a generic fishing rod? Although I do the test using surf rods, the result is very interesting and may make you reconsider what you spend on a fishing rod. I think I solve the fishing rod quality vs quantity dilemma. $199 quality rod vs $70 Amazon.

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The bottom line is that you must make a judgment and not rely on the opinions expressed here.

[anotheronebitesthedust]

It depends on how you're fishing. Are you using multiple rods with bait? Or are you just throwing a plug or both? I would use the good rod with a plug and put out 2 cheap rods with bait. It keeps the price lower and if you aren't paying attention and something drags you pole in, it's not as big as a loss. But fishing with anything is better than nothing at all. I've even used just a spool on a pencil as a hand line and used an overhand throw to cast it while in the water and walked back to the beach and sat in the surf.

[reelyakrz]

That's a tough question. As far as brands, I have more Ugly Sticks than any other. I'd consider them a pretty reliable mid-range rod. For telescoping rods (we refer to them as "extend-a-poles"), most of ours are Plusinno -- they did the best in our tests, though I didn't find any telescoping rods which were as strong as single or 2-piece rods (especially with regards to high-sticking). Anyway, as far as casting and fishing experience, I get better results from ones with the most flexibility, which has to be balanced with the type and size of what I'm after. My general preference is medium-light as it gives me what (for me) is the best balance. I have some heavy rods - which are great for sharks, but horrible for speckled trout, whiting, drum, reds, and casting. I also have some light rods - which are great for brim, speakers, pinfish, and smaller fish, but have snapped when I hooked a muscle fish like a crevalle. So.... I'm going with - it depends 🤣. On a completely different note, was that your wife hiding behind the truck? 😂🤣😂

[racerxr]

Definitely an interesting result. In my opinion, (and it's just that, an opinion) I have always had really good luck with choosing my rods and some reels with the pricing right down the middle. Has always seemed to work for me.

[Black-March]

Thumbs up for a good test, that said I would rather like to see 12 vs 12 instead of 12 vs 13. My experience doesn't really match up with these results as I've done similar tests myself and I cast a whole lot further with my very expensive 12 ft rod than I do with my cheaper 15 ft rod.

[bookooc]

I normally like mid range gear. I like quality. But it depends on how often I would be able to use the gear. Since I can only get to the beach once or twice a year, the generic would probably be a smarter choice.

[jaybbuilder]

Quality always matters in my opinion. Just because a inexpensive rod can cast roughly the same distance, doesn’t necessarily mean it is equal in strength. I think I would stick with a name brand rod.

[team]

I have 3 ron berry rods 10' 11' n 12' three different models for different fishing situations. So far they have been great to me. Imo. To each his own

[carolinasurfcastersassociation]

The problem is that rod manufacturer ratings are not standardized. That 13'6" rod could have been a little softer or stiffer than the 12' in this video, even though both rods may have had the same lure rating. Most of the cost in surf rods comes from the amount of carbon/graphite used in the blank, so a less expensive surf rod will usually have thinner blank walls and less power.

That 13'6" rod might be perfect for firing out a 2 oz. sinker, whereas 2 oz. might not make the 12' rod bend enough to come close to the 13'6" rod's distances.

[YC-nqtb]

Having bought 40+ low- and mid- priced rods and having broken a few of these, I would say it really depends on how often I use the rod to be purchased. If I bring out the rod more than 3 times every year, it's probably a good idea to buy at least a mid-priced rod. Cheapest rods don't necessarily break tips more often, but they DO tend to have more issues with guides. And of course cheapest rods don't feel as great as mid-priced or higher end rods.

[thenextfishingadventure]

Very interesting results, on that alone I would go for the cheap rod, but I think the name brand rod would be better for fighting a fish, especially a big one.
Tight lines 🎣🤙🏾

[jimwhite]

While I don’t discount the “fish-ability” of some inexpensive rods and the “over-kill” quality of some high-end rods (who needs the super-dooper- pure-as-the-driven-snow” cork?) there are reasons to go with the higher end rods. They would tend to spend the extra 2 minutes to find the spline (aka spine) of the rod that will aid casting, they will use better line quality line guides that will be sturdier and their finish should be better to withstand the harsh elements. Some of them may even have a better warranty in case of breakage. Sometimes the angler has a third option which is to buy a mid-level rod that’s more expensive than the cheap rod but less expensive than the pricey one. Also, it will be interesting if you ever did a similar test on fly rods which can run between $42 (remember that one?) to over $1, 000- just for the rod. The expensive rods can be very demanding to cast well.

[ericdeissler]

If it’s for you and it’s a primary stick, spend the money.

If it’s a backup, a loaner, or a bait & wait surf rod when you primarily fish artificials, then I would save the money for the stick I use most.

[Mastermind]

The best fishing rod that I used is a fiberglass surf rod named DAM Aqua X. It's so fun to cast and it feels so good, much better than my carbon rods. It costs around 40 $.

[rayrutherford]

There's other factors to consider: weight, casting all day or soaking bait, fighting ability, idiot proof etc. What I struggle with is twice as much twice as good? I don't mind paying for quality but what's the cut off point? That goes for anything.

[peteroldroyd]

you need to compare rod lengths of the same make !!! ie 12ft v 14 ft... how much further will the 14ft rod cast ???

[pinefloatoutdoors]

I have 2 berry pro 11’ monster surf rods and I’ve caught some pretty big fish on them. Is there better rods out there? For what some rods cost, there had better be but for the money and all things considered well then I guess it’s a matter of opinion. I don’t cast lures with them. They just cast bait and sit in sand spikes. In short I like them

[wesleyhackney]

If you are fishing a lot with these rods spend money for better experience if just a casual or yearly vacation beach fisherman go cheap. I live in gulf breeze Fl near Pensacola and go out several times a week so I want good gear that lasts

[erikkolle]

I make the rod quality vs length argument to my wife all the time. She disagrees.

[commodore]

It would be good to compare if a good brand 14' rod, would cast further than the 12'. Compare apples with apples, not apples with onions.

[J.SFishing]

I think you should do at least 10 cast to be able to compare