Forgive my ignorance

[Jrob78]

As long as a given tool functions properly it should do a particular job. Cheap rods and reels will catch fish, better rods and reels will be smoother, more sensitive and more pleasurable to fish. Will they catch more fish than a cheaper fully functional set up? Maybe they will to a certain extent, a better rod will allow you to feel subtle bites better. You do reach a point of diminishing returns though, that $1000 combo probably isn't going to catch more fish than the $400 combo. If using high end gear makes you happy though and you can afford it, more power to you!