Sounds a lot like "Chicken or Egg" to me though personally I would buy the rod first, I can also see the advantage when things are tight of buying the line first and then naturally you now MUST buy a rod to cast it...
With that alternative logic in mind one could argue that the reel holds an important part in the equation, its degree of based upon line weight and drag required if any, which in reality is based upon the fish.
Now truth be told, I'm of the opinion that the fish (species initially) should be the initiating factor in all this in that what is realistic, and what is practical is actually limiting our perceived vision as to what will ultimately transpire.
Ex.1, 7wt. Rod or Line purchased:
If I purchase a 7wt. rod or line then match it with the other, then add a reel to suit, leaders, tippets and flies, then go to fish my local pond I may soon discover that the 12oz. Bluegills therein cannot take the proper sized flies to match the tippet, to match the leader, to match the line, which is held by the reel that matches the rod.
So though I am able to cast lighter tippets and flies mismatched to the rest (presentation not so much a factor), the fun of the fight aspect is quickly lost as I unintentionally flip them out of the pond like I'm in an old film fleet/market fishing for Tuna........Unfortunately, it still works, so now you're stuck with it.
Ex.2, 12oz. Bluegill expected quarry:
Considering the quarry first, followed by the fly, then tippet, then leader, then line, then rod, then reel, I would end up selecting a 2wt. outfit perfectly matched to my intended prey....Or is it?
We all know what we are catching is not what is really down there to catch. We know that to be fact in that every single time we envision standing by that pond hooking into a Bluegill, we just know that the lunker, the Bull-gill if you will is just laughing at our pathetic offering......Unfortunately the outfit works, so now you're stuck with it.
Ex.3, Proper Planning:
Just knowing that the 12oz. Bluegills we have seen in the past are pitiful at best, and realizing in our hopes and dreams that we really want something more. Know deep in our hearts that there is bigger and better down there....we need to plan ahead for that one fish in that in reality, that is the one we really want to catch. So with that in mind.
You select the 14wt. rod in that so few people make them, and then naturally match the line, offshore reel, leader, shock tippets, tippets and massive, massive 2' long, 3" dia. flies to heave out there with it.......Then invite everyone we know to come over and watch us fish for the Bluegill in the pond, they all expecting 12oz. Bluegills, yet you know deep down lies that 79# Bluegill which will earn you the Nobel Prize for Fishing.
Naturally, your first heave and haul of that fly through the water finds every single Bluegill in that pond literally leaping out of it onto the shore like flying fish to get away, and though in a single cast you have out fished every single human that has ever fished that pond (and most of the Raccoons) everyone tells you point blank........"Are you nuts? That rig is meant for Marlin Fishing out in the ocean, not for Bluegill!"
Unfortunately the outfit worked, so now you're stuck with it. Yet more so there are no more Bluegill in the pond.....SO......
You go in the house and tell the wife what a great fisherman you are. How absolutely everyone said you should take that outfit Marlin fishing, so you have decided to sell the house, cash out the kids college funds, buy a top of the line 40' Offshore Fishing Yacht with all the goodies, and move to Cuba to pursue what is clearly a divine calling so you can use your new fishing outfit.
Naturally once there drinking rum and smoking cigars off the back of your Offshore fisherman you name "Happy Hooker" like 10,000 others before you, crewed by scantily clad bronze beauties as you reel in grander Marlin after grander Marlin, claiming to your wife how you just know any day now that 79# Bluegill is going to bite, you fish away for all of about 3 months till suddenly the heat gets too intense and your buddy back home gives you a call on the Sat-Phone.
"Hey, pack your bags buddy, I just found this awesome pond that is just loaded with Bluegills! C'mon up for a couple of weeks, lets fish!"
So you tell the wife to put your cigars in the humidor, keep the rum on ice, park the boat and tell the beauties to work on their tans, you'll be back in 2 weeks.
Then go out and buy a 2wt. outfit with all the fixins, because everyone knows a 14wt. is for Marlin.
Clearly the only option therefor is Ex.3.
Line first and then the rod....how silly.
B.E.F.
