There's also, as others have touched on, inverse rod snobbery. That is, someone sneering at another for having expensive tackle.
Like many quite rightly have said, purchase what you want and try not to judge others on their choice of tackle. (Those that do judge people on such superficial things usually aren't worth bothering with, IMHO.)

I have no problem with anyone paying any sum of money they want for any rod they want. You earned it, spend it however you want.

What I do have a problem with is the implication by some anglers and also by a certain species within angling that I call the ShopSnob, that the price of a rod is directly proportional to the seriousness and skill level of the angler.

Of course, experienced anglers realize that anyone spouting this ShopSnob more-expensive-is-better line just reveals that they have very little actual angling experience. What worries me is that beginning anglers will believe them and be discouraged because they are duped by the ShopSnob into thinking that there is no way they can have any success or enjoyment in the sport unless they can own multiple $500++ rods.

Of course this is total bullcrap, but beginners don't know that.

In my experience, the best anglers I've met choose their rods by matching the fishing situation and conditions to the characteristics of a rod. So many anglers seem to be on a quest for their "soul mate", the one and only rod for them and I find this concept to be pretty amusing. A good angler should be able to adjust his casting and fishing to make use of a wide variety of rod actions so that he/she is able to take advantage of the rod that best suits the fishing.

There are so many rods on the market these days that it is almost always possible to find rods with similar characteristics at a variety of price points. From there, spend your money however you want, but you can't buy your way to being a better angler just by shelling out more clams for a rod. That just makes you a newbie with a flashy rod, and I've met PLENTY of those on the rivers.

Grouse

I know, it can be difficult for someone new to question this seeming orthodoxy.
But it's the same for so many things, be it wine, whisky, cars, wrist watches, or whatever, and I think there are general "life rules" that most persons with any sense will have learnt and hopefully realise that it's nonsense from the get go.

It seems to me that most snobbery is founded on inferiority complex allied to the wish to be offended about something.Can't say I have ever had too much of a problem with guys with better rods or who speak with a different accent-it's just not important.

so er...its someone elses fault that snobs are snobs

You've got it.

strange, i been considered a fish snob and a rod 'anti' snob, oddly by hampshire posters, dont care much about the rod because i can get pretty much any one to do what i want but i prefer to catch wild fish...this is strangely considered elitist by some.

Just as a question... What would make you buy a rod!?! How many years you have had it? (for the snobs) A new model come out? Becuase its winter and getting fishing withdrawl symptoms?

It's just I have been fishing for almost 14 years now (still only the tender age of 23) and have two rods, two reels, two sinkers, two intermiates, two floaters and just one fly that has survived that time (use newer flies). But I got myself a rod when I was old enough and ugly enough to buy one on my own a couple of years ago, GRXi but as part as a dela £160 for rod, reel and lines. I still use the "cheap" £19.99 rod and ALWAYS take both rods and both reels when I go fishing as you just never know what will happen!!

Tell me about that.........took my 2 landing nets one new one and the other ive had for years and keep in the boot plan B type thing slipped on the bank...broke the arm on my new one waled back to the car fished a couple of hours caught the net and ripped the rubber retainers on ol' faithfull

[quote=Scottybaws;401101]What would make you buy a rod!?! How many years you have had it?
I started on the fly-young family to support-cheaper rods etc-I have changed my technique-fish different venues need different gear and can,few years on,afford more expensive thinner lighter rods