You get what you pay for in life and fishing is no exception!
I have been reading quite a few blogs and sites lately promoting the virtues of cheap tackle as if to say that it is better of you don't pay much for tackle.
I have been thinking about this over the bank holiday weekend and decided to put pen-to-paper in a bid to put across the arguement for paying a fair price for your tackle.
Recently we have been talking to Cox & Rawle making Great British Kit for many years and are now relaunching their brand - you have to admire them for what they are doing in a bid to get fishermen what they want and wherever possible to get it made in Britain. To do this people have to be parepared to pay what its worth and to understand why.
We all know the tory of Hardy & Greys (and Chub) one great British brands made in China and now ripping of fishermen by selling at prices as if it were still made in the UK! That's nonsense and we won't support it in our shop.
But come on guys when you are buying your tackle you need to recognise companies with employees, in bricks and mortar with rent, rates and taxes over the mass of ebay ships in bed rooms operating below the radar! Cheap tackle means you are buying from someone you pays nothing for his business. When he goes, there is no one to complain to if your rod breaks and if it doesn't work. If it seems to good to be true it probably is!!
There are loads of products out there like Rovex Rods, Shakespeare and countless others that are made for the holiday makers that load up the car as the drive to M5 on their way to the coast loading up with rod, reel and line kits to enjoy during their fortnight of fun with the kids - used one week and left in the guest house or in the garage when they return home. No harm done - I call this means-to-an-end fishing and keeps this coastal shops in business! God bless them!!
Pause a moment though you serious fishermen .... if you buy a rod for thirty quid, what quality did you expect to get for it?? Let's talk it through. 20% VAT, Trade Price $12.00 or less, distribution costs £6.00 and so ex-China £3.00, yes that's three quid!! Don't forget the maunufacturer makes money for lets say you get a pounds worh of components to make a £30.00 rod! That's ALL. What on earth do you think you are getting for that?
On the other extreme hand-built in Japan rods are £500 and are still great value for money. Fists you need to understand that a Japanese built rod will be very special and the cosmetics will be nigh on perfect. You pay for that but shouldn't talk it down as nonsense. Hand built cane rods start at £1,500 - its amounts to the same thing. That money goes into research and development and top quality components! The bottom ring on my spinning rod cost more that a holiday makers complete outfit!
I urge you to pick up rods and feel the action and get someone to help you understand the differences, these guys are happy to share their knowledge even if you dont buy the best!
I am a self confessed tackle tart and am always looking for what's new and love trying out new tackle, but would be the first to say that copy, cheap tackle just doesn't cut it - sure its good enough, but these days with the pressure on fish and the irrefutable fact that catches are getting smaller finesse is all.
Cheap products generally have poor quality finish and little or no finesse. These days this isn't going to help you catch fish - when you bear in mind that the only thing that the fish actually sees why would you cut corners and buy cheap hooks? Buy the best terminal tackle you can afford and enjoy your fishing!!
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