How do you define your enthusiasm?

[cortman]

I'm still waiting on the counseling section of tackle tour!!

Lol it would be much needed.

[Cal]

I'm still waiting on the counseling section of tackle tour!!

You're already in it

[jmb27]

Voted wrong because I originally misread the question to be at what price point due you consider gear to be enthusiast. Me not so smart...

I don't have a ceiling per se if it is something that I really want. Never thought I would pay more than $500 for a rod, much less $1000.

However, I have been good about getting rid of tackle I'm not using and fishing with the stuff that I've spent good money on.

Paraphrasing a quote:... "I've spent good money on cigars, beer and fishing tackle and I've wasted the rest."

[shu-bfs]

For me, being an enthusiast has very little to do with the money I spend. It's more about the time spent researching, tweaking and enjoying the specialized equipment. The best part is seeing the efforts pay off by catching lots of big fish

[BigG]

I wonder how the voting would go if the poll was placed in the General thread. I've cut my spending since I retired, have it the used market more.

[Bass1980]

Either one of these.......

A. $300+ gears
B. $100 classic reel but adds $300+ worth of tuning and bling
C. When you wake up and on the shitter and have to check TT, BBC, eBay, and JDM auction sites of your watched items or new items listed.

[johnycipo]

For the amount of 400 is perfect Hundskola







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supersixxxxxx

[drift123]

$400-$500 is definitely where you get into big boy enthusiast status.

[Normware]

I don't consider a dollar amount as an indicator. I also do not include lures ,as I can never see myself launching a hundred dollar lure into our pike/musky infested waters. I balk at throwing 20-30 lures (but I do).

It is more:
1) Do I want something new? (need not part of this because we all need)
2) is it different enough to make me acquire it - regardless if it is an import or not. e.g. I am considering the abu Cardinal 3 reproduction.
3) is it for use or as part of a "collection"? I have bought several reels that I will not use, just display. I do not consider myself a "Collector" as these reels generally meant something to me (my first reels used or owned by my dad - Shakespeare Marhoff, Royal Shakepeare etc), or they were significantly different: Shimano Calcutta 250 Stogie, First expensive reel I could afford: Original Abu Morrum M3600c.
4) if for use: does it fill a "hole"? What am I missing in my arsenal? Price has no bearing as I just recently purchased some Panfish trout rods and they fall well under the $ limits in the poll
5) Am I replacing stuff (not considering lures) that has served its purpose but needs to be retired, or has broken and cannot be repaired?

Just to sure I have amassed close to 76 reels. I just picked up a Calcutta 100b last week - price was too good and always wanted one (see point # 1)
10 are for sale
23 are in my "collection" 8 vintage reels 15 "collectable"
43 are "active" meaning I use them

As for Rods at one time I was making my own, as I could not find what I wanted from the major manufacturers (split grips recoil guides, minimal cork etc.) Now that they are making rods like I want no need to build my own.

Currently 46 rods
3 are retired
5 are for sale

if you do the math I have 37 active combos (rods reels) and 6 "spare" reels. Not all are high end
Does this make me an enthusiast? or a tackle junkie?

[SmegmaLover]

I know audiophile geeks who shell out 250K on speakers alone so 400$ for a reel is reasonable .

[nctrucker]

i've got a few JDM baits, a couple of JDM rods, and two megabass reels so far. "the water is nice and warm", they said. very happy with what i've gotten so far. just NOW(while typing this!)got a package from my French Connection with the first of my Daritsu Explode Pencil. $50+ for a lure i'm not planning on using?! hello, let me introduce myself, said the BAIT MONKEY, as he chalked up his cue.
i have to say JDM tackle is neat stuff. most well designed and mfged. i like it and am willing to pay the premium for it.

[wirinhar]

For me, being an enthusiast has very little to do with the money I spend. It's more about the time spent researching, tweaking and enjoying the specialized equipment. The best part is seeing the efforts pay off by catching lots of big fish

X2

[Danteiv]

i would vote for reel+rod combo above $1000 at least.... like my NRX with meta DC

[slipperybob]

I'm enthusiastic just looking at the stuff other people have.

[bigfruits]

unless you spend more than you can afford, youre not an enthusiast.

$300 JDM reels and $350+ rods is where id prob put the line. you can fish quality combos for less but life is short.