High end rods vs low end rods

This is a topic that always seems to come up when fly fishing.  We all start with low end fly rods and think they will be the only rods we will need for fly fishing. After a few months of fishing with that beginner rod, one starts to wonder about what higher rod rods can offer.

I have high end rods, middle of the line rods and a few low end rods.  All will catch you fish but low end fly rods can't even be compared to middle and high end rods.  Benefits of high end fly rods far exceed anything low end rods can offer.  You will cast better and much further when using a higher end rod.  You fly placement will be more accurate and the weight difference will also be much less.

If you plan on fishing for only 2 hours on a weekend, a low end rod will be fine.  If you plan on fishing for 8 hours on your free day, your arm will thank you for using a higher end rod. The pride of ownership that comes along with a more expensive rod is remarkable. 

Overall, use what you can afford because both will catch plenty of fish.  High end rods are a lot more fun to fish and are worth every penny.  I saved for 3 years before deciding to take the plunge into high end rods.  In my opinion, it was money well spent because of the pure joy it brings.