HELP

I've returned from England after 20 years and decided to get back into the way of life of old so I went to my local shop and bought a €40 rod reel & line jobbie to see if I still enjoyed fishing. I went fishing and caught a few dogfish however the 2nd fish was way too big (4lb) for the rodd and reel combo and I decided to buy a better setup.
I went off to another shop and tried out a few rods till I had an IMAX 2 stroke 4 in my hands - this is the business I thought. I'd also read reviews in Sea Angler and knew I was getting a good piece of kit.
The reel that I got with it is a spider 1860-G - never heard of it but it seemed and still seems OK.
The problem I've got is this. When I spend good money in any other sport I've been involved with I get things like a bag to put my rod and reel in, Instructions on how to maintain them, a website to go to for more information on them. There is none of this. Have I been ripped off, stupid (always a possibility with me!), unlucky or is that the way it is.

morgan basically you get what you pay for when bying new gear.some tackle dealers will talk you into things that they want rid of.use word of mouth and buy sea angler etc for hints and tips etc.buy from shops that are sensitive to your needs.there are some tackle dealers worth a visit who have trained and experienced fishers among the ranks and not just sales assistants who have targets.for reels buy abu and penn .you cant go far wrong

I agree with the advice on good reels but even with these well known and expensive brands there is no reel bag (At least not with the ABU, I cant speak for the Penn but that may change beforr the year is out). With most rods you get some form of bag but generally speaking these bags do not offer very good protection for the rod. If you want to spend more money buy a neoprene cover for the reel and a good bag for the rod, it will be worth it in the long run.

I live and learn all the time and it is patently obvious in the fishing world that there is no such thing as a freebie - even if you pay for it.

In motorcycling I bought an AGV lid, it came with a free (?) bag, tear off strips, stickers, maintenance instructions etc. Not cheap at £165 (discounted from £300)

With cheap sunglasses I get a pouch.

With cycling shoes I got a cloth bag and a plate removal/locking key.

In Fishing so far I've seen nothing but for all the items above you got what you needed to look after your investment.

Caveat Emptor :D

funny thing is all of the cheaper rods seem to come in a bag, but go to the other end of the scale,ie zzipplex, and they dont come in one!
i have to agree with your point though, manufacturers should be looking after the anglers interests a bit better as regards to tackle preservation and maintainance concerns.