I think I finally realize why people spend so much money on surf rods.

I've always enjoyed catching fish on my 9 ft Penn Prevail surf rod. I live in the North East so I mainly fish for stripers and blue fish and the Prevail has held up tremendously well for me for 10 years now. So much so, that I never really understood why people would buy these $300-$500 rods. Well, I just turned 30 and I think I have a guess as to why people do it: they don't beat up your body nearly as much as a cheaper rod.

I've had a great couple weeks fishing the fall run and I've been fortunate enough to be in the right spots at the right times. During those days, there were many times where fish were holding tight to far off bars and it took a full cast with a 2-3 oz diamond jig to reach them. Casting 300+ times a day used to not give me any issues, but I gotta admit this season has beat me up. I'm constantly sore, everything from my shoulder, arms, back, wrists, and hands. Not to mention fighting a lot of fish.

The Prevail is a great rod, but even the 9 ft can feel like a broomstick sometimes with its fast action. I really wish it was a mod or mod fast. It's also a bit heavy. So, I guess I'm wondering if anyone here can confirm my suspicion that higher end rods are lighter, more comfortable to use, and easier on the body after a day of fighting big fish?