If you live for “Taco Tuesdays” like I do, you probably judge a lot of things by what they cost, not by what you are getting. All things being equal, I’ll try just about anybody’s two-for-one taco deal–any day of the week.
But, when it comes to fishing tackle, the idea that one piece of equipment is just as good as another may not serve you well. True, there is a lot of serviceable gear available. But isn’t high performance relative to your expectations really the bargain you’re looking for?
I just talked to Bruce Holt, executive director for G. Loomis Rods (www.gloomis.com) and asked him his thoughts on the concept of value. Everyone knows the G. Loomis brand is the Escalade of bass rods, but I figured, in this economy, it was a question that needed to be asked.
Bruce, who used to write for me decades ago when I was the editor of U.S. Bass Magazine, was up to the task. “We understand how people think,” he told me. “We got our start based on anglers buying just one of our rods. We know they are noticeably more sensitive than most rods on the market today and we know they fish better because of our designs. But,” he admitted, “they are expensive and it’s difficult to justify the expense.”
At that point, we were about in the same place as when I started the conversation (waiting for 35 cent tacos), but Bruce made a great suggestion. “If I was going to recommend one rod for a bass angler, I’d first ask them what their everyday style of fishing is.
“We specialize in focusing on specific species or techniques with our rods,” he said. Bass anglers should probably try either our jig and worm rods or our crankbait rods. Those are probably two of the most common styles of bass fishing.”
Obviously, for comparison’s sake, it makes no sense to judge utility with some rod model you would likely only use on rare occasions. Yet, even though G. Loomis offers three basic levels in its product line (GLX being the best) Bruce didn’t flinch when he said, “If the customer can only buy one, I want that customer to be wowed!
“While price sensitivity may move a prospective customer down {to a lower level product}…the basic instinct of an avid angler is to want the very best. Bottom line,” says Bruce, “if you want to try a new rod, go with your favorite technique and buy the most technical rod you can afford.”
No tacos here. I think he’s recommending the sirloin.