a thought that I learned while being impressed with the ability for a rod to detect vocal chord vibrations. The rod never has contact with the fish or it's mouth. the part the softens or dulls the bite has always been the line that telegraphs the bite. meaning a $500 rod will always be handicapped be the line running through it.

learning the bite is still a ongoing self taught practice to detect. this is where rod manufacture's make their money selling expensive rods. they will have you believe that their rod takes all the learning curve away. instant fishing success will now be given to you. cue in cash register sound here!

I've witnessed on several occasions a guy float fishing and saw the guy's bobber obviously detect the bite and dip under then rise again. only to see the guy react to it with nothing. I once asked the guy why he didn't set? the guy replied "i thought it was the bottom"....

my point being here is no matter the high expense invested on the very best, it is still limited to the operator!