because you cant get the same quality reel for a hundred bucks like you can a rod.

I can catch a lot more fish without a reel than without a rod.

Rod

Yup this 100%

Rod is more important.

So did you win or lose the bet?

I think it is more important to have the correct power/action for the application but don�t necessarily mean more expensive is infinitely better.

I tend to spend more on finesse type applications where bite can be more subtle, but don�t understand why someone would spend way more on a rod to use with moving baits.

My favorite top water (with trebles), jerkbait, and squarebill rod is a ugly stick lite. I can feel the bite on slack line during pause with a jerk bait. Have used more expensive and have never seen the advantage, especially when throwing squarebills, spinnerbaits, or topwaters.

Spending more on a reel makes longer casts more effortless, results in longer lifetime, better drag, less backlashes, smoother retrieve, etc.

I find I can get a better combo by spending a little more on a reel and pairing with the right action rod than vice versa. But technology has come so far the more economical reels today aren�t that much behind the higher dollar reels either.

Unless it's a high speed thing or endurance when dragging a deep crank bait, or casting super light baits into close quarters (rod and reel here), it's the sensitivity of the rod.

Winning this bet...

Rod

Rod no doubt. I can take a $69 Abu and fish it for virtually any technique for bass.

Rod

guess you could fish with rod only way better than reel only

Rod

Agree rod