G-Loomis so what?

Was wondering what the main value of such an expensive rod is?  Also, any comments on a Stella or stradic type reel?  Does this equip really create an advantage for the angler, or is it sushi versus caviar?    

This is of course from a kayak and primarily fresh water. 

SWEET, I can be first 

on rods (casting and spinning) I believe that the break point for $/Value is in the sub $100 range    but I'm a rod snob.

on reels, these poor things get beat to hell so you should look for durability first and price second.  but dont be fooled that more $ means more durable, there is a return for $ point in there as well, seems to be in the low $100's....again, I am a snob.


all that said...
Adam and I seem equally successful (or unsuccessful as it often is) despite a 3 fold or better price difference in our everyday set-up...

jim

Im an ugly stix, or under $50 rod whore, I also dont think I would spend more than $120 for reel.  I dont really know what Im doing, but I do catch a lot of fish, and they don't seem to know the brand of my equipment    I Do spend the $ on good hooks and baits tho   I know it can get quite technical on different species, different depths, actions, etc....But I have caught salmon, sturgeon, lings and rockfish, catfish on the same rod/reel with no problems (except for finding them  )  Good luck.

Sensitivity and feel.  High end rods like G-Loomis have great feel, are lightweight, and have precision power.  The reels you mentioned are super smooth casting and have excellent drag.  The type of rod you get all depends on the type of fishing you plan on doing.

HB

Since Shamino bought Loomis the prices went up and the Quality went down. You can get Gary Loomis designed rods for $100 Temple Fork Outfitters.
http://tforods.com/gary-loomis-freshwater-rods.html

Sensitivity and feel.  High end rods like G-Loomis have great feel, are lightweight, and have precision power.

AMEN!!! I'm a big fan of Loomis rods - try fishing with a loomis and you'll never go back. no doubt that they are over priced but dammmmmm they feel good all around.

My second choice would be the Shimano Clarus rods....

Just my 2 cents.

Good question - and it really comes down to what you need your equiptment to do. What FW fish/techniques are you planning to use this for?

Loomies got their "bling" factor, and as mentioned, in their higher end series are lightweight, sensitive, and have an excellent warranty. Do you actually need that? Thats subjective, and if you're a tournament angler plugging all day and ya just can't miss any bites, maybe. Will that extra sensitivity translate into more fish? Maybe. Again, just cause its more sensitive doesn't mean someone would recognize a subtle take, or won't farm it on the hookset. Just cause you're rocking a loomis doesn't necessarily scare off the f**kup fairy, or keep a guy from doin those p**ssy hooksets.

Reels...I tend to believe in quality reels as more vital than high end rods. You need a smooth, reliable drag to take big fish. And durability is a factor when I look at potential purchases. Stellas are really, really nice, but I have never fished one, or really see myself fishing one in the near future. Not necessarily because of its price point, but for other reasons such as its suitability for what I do. It may very well be the answer for a FW guy, but I primarily fish from shore in surf or bay situations. I've got my doubts to the durability of the stella in these situations, not to mention the aforementioned f**kup fairy, who will no doubt ensure I drop it on the rocks, get splashed, or drop it in the sand. There are other high end reels more suited to these purposes, completely sealed against water or sand intrusion. For that matter, my old 704 can be swished out in a wave, cranked a couple times to grind out the remaining sand, and keep on going, which would kill any modern spinner (minus the aforementioned sealed reels).

The answers are implied in the questions.  Not too many folks try the high price spread and decide it does nothing for them.

Borrow some high end gear and try it out only if you can afford to buy some for yourself.  If you cannot, wait and do not set yourself up to be unhappy with your current stuff.

Thanks - that's all good feedback.  Sometimes I feel my rod is a bit too stiff and I realyl want to "feel" what's going on under the water or in the water, but can't.  I thought a better rod and reel might help that.  For surf etc I also saw that Han Staal looked interesting, maybe that's what is being referred to above? 

At any rate, just trying to combine equip with time on the water, and technique.  Lots to learn

The answers are implied in the questions.  Not too many folks try the high price spread and decide it does nothing for them.

Borrow some high end gear and try it out only if you can afford to buy some for yourself.  If you cannot, wait and do not set yourself up to be unhappy with your current stuff.

Thanks dwest, I can indeed afford it and that it what is spurring the interest, as I tend toward the best available tools for a job, as opposed to buying lower end gear more often.  What is really, really driving it, is my desire to really "feel" more of what is going on. 

Yeah, a quality rod will give you a better read on whats down there. No doubt on that. If you can do it, and want that extra sensitivity, have no doubt it does make a difference. I personally don't feel it matters all that much for me to go all out - I'd rather go all out on my reels.

Yeah, Van Staals, ZeeBass, the old Mitchell Nautils, the Penn something that just came out, all sealed designs. Really interesting designs, might give em a shot one day when I need to upgrade. Big on the east coast, don't see too many on the beach over here.

I own about a dozen of G-Loomis rods in various lengths and colors.  Love the feel of these rods and their warranty.

Ya know, I fished my entire life with mediocre gear and had fun and did well with it. Last summer I upgraded to a nice Shimano rod and reel (for bass and stripers) and to be honest I can totally tell the difference. My new reel compared to my old one feels so smooth and is so convenient, I can't ever go back to my old one. Not saying it made me a better angler- lol, just saying I'm able to feel more, cast further, and detect bites/strikes differently, but more effectively than I did before with my cheap gear. I was skeptical at first, but now I'm a believer in quality gear. However, I say get what you can afford and get something that matches your skill level. For a novice angler like me, I feel that if I had the money to buy the top of the line gear (I don't) it would be overkill for my skill level and I wouldn't be able to utilize my equipment to it's capacity.

with a high end rod and reel, I would add on suffix braided line and top shot accordingly. Braided line on a nice high end loomis rod and you'll FEEL the fish staring at your lure 

For my bass fishing, I have an inshore revo loaded with 20# suffix braid and I top shot accordingly. If I'm froggin thick weeds and mats, I use straight braid. If I'm fishing away from any type of cover, I'll top shot 8 to 12 pound mono on to the braided line. (I usually put about 20 to 30 feet of mono). The beauty of this system is that you can change your top shot and not have to worry about having an extra spool - or another rod set up with heavier (or lighter) line on it.

I do have one loomis spinning rod that I use almost everytime I fresh water fish. Specifically for Bass, stripers and sometimes for light tackle rockfish. It's my most favorite fishing set-up.

I see all these Bass Pro guys using 80# braid. IMO, that's way overkill for a kayaker. (over kill for a 5 # fish as well)  If you get stuck on the weeds, you can always paddle to it and unsnag yourself.

For Rockfishing, I have the Revo Toro and a Calcutta 401. The Calcutta - paired with a 9 ft Clarus rod, is loaded with 40# braid with a top shot of 20# mono. The Revo Toro - paired with a Trevala, has 60 # braid with a 30 to 40 pound mono top shot.

That's just how I roll 
 

Hey, have fun, get what feels good.

For me, I know my skill level really won't take advantage of what higher end rods offer, so in fresh water I mostly fish with Ugly Stix, and a $12 Okuma ultra lite from eBay. The added benefit is if I drop one into the deep I won't cry too much. I have noticed that I'm starting to develop a desire for additional characteristics for specific situations, so this year, or next, I might start shopping to fill the desire, but I don't feel any urgency  .

Ben