Details, Details

[RedDwarf]

Okay, I've been looking at the photo archives and reading the Best of the Best stickie and I have some questions that I didn't really find answers for. I realize the answers lean a lot toward personal preference but I'd appreciate input anyway.

I notice that many of you carry multiple rods on your rides and I would like to know what you carry and what you use them for. I'm interested in rod type and length, action and power, type of reel, and what fish you use it for. Right now I have a fast light 6'6" graphite spinning rod and reel that is great for the small streams I have been fishing but doesn't really work that well for longer casts on ponds and lakes, and I suspect is not adequate for larger fish. I also have and use a 9 ft. 5 wt. fly rod but for this post, I'm more interested in the bait/hardware side of things.

So what do you use?

Thanks for your input.

Red Dwarf
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Well, since I probably started the whole multi-rod thing with tubing, I should probably take a stab at answering the question. I'm sure others have their own preferences and will chime in as well.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]First of all, I build most of my own rods. I do so not to save money, but to get exactly what I want in terms of length, action, guide placement, handle type and length, feel, etc. I am experienced enough to know and appreciate the subtle differences that a few inches can make in length, or in the difference between a fast and medium action.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Many of my tubing trips are to lakes with several different species of different sizes and temperaments. Here in Utah, for example, a common destination may include two or three species of trout, yellow perch, smallmouth and/or largemouth bass, etc. Other trips might offer wipers, walleyes, catfish and crappies...as well as bluegills and/or perch.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I start by deciding what my primary target species might be and making my focus on them, in terms of rods, reels, line and lures or bait. That will usually comprise two or three of the five rods I take. The other two will be lighter or heavier, depending upon whatever plan B or C might be.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A typical trip will find me loaded with a couple of medium light spinning rods of 6.5 to 7 feet. I build most of mine on one piece blanks, with fast tips and handles about 2" shorter on the butt section, to reduce contact with clothing while fishing. I do have plenty of two piece rods too, but I usually take my rods prerigged and they fit inside my SUV, so breaking them down is not necessary. I use these to fish light jigs on 1/32 and 1/16 oz. heads, and to cast small spinners or other hardware on 4# or 5# Silver Thread Excalibur copolymer line.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I also usually take one or two medium weight spinning rods, loaded with either 6# or 8# line. I use these for fishing heavier jigs or throwing various hardbaits for bass, walleyes or wipers. I use rods up to 7 feet long for longer casts and better line control. I use shorter rods 5.5'-6' for shorter casts and more accuracy...and for vertical jigging.[/#0000ff]

[#0000ff]When targeting larger catfish, I carry one or two heavier outfits...medium to medium heavy...on larger reels spooled with 10# to 14# line. I usually go for at least 7 ft. rods to help with longer casts and to get good hooksets with a lot of line out.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On many trips, I exchange one or two of the spinning rods with baitcast rigs. I use left handed model reels and fish them on longer rods than most prefer for baitcasting. I have built several 7 foot BC rods, from Med Light to Med. The light rods are a hoot to fish with 6# line and light jigs...down to 1/16 oz. if you have a good small reel and tune it right. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I prefer BC when fishing for larger fish (like wipers) that can make decent runs. The drags on BC are typically stronger and smoother than many spinning reels. They are also not as prone to line twist during long fights with large fish. And, with modern technology, there are some super reels available at affordable prices. Of course there are also some that might require you to take out a second mortgage on your house.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am primarily a light tackle angler. I get more enjoys fishing for small to medium sized fish on light tackle than going after big game fish with pool cue rods and winch reels. Been there, done that, not my favorite sport.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I learned a long time ago that a skilled light tackle angler will probably get more fish and more hookups on BIG fish by going light. Just about all of the biggest fish of any species that I have caught have been taken on light tackle and lures meant for much smaller fish. Of course I have lost some of the biggest fish I have hooked on wimpy tackle, but I have also landed many that I don't believe I would have hooked with heavier stuff.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For me, the key is having a rod and reel that fit both your hand and your fishing style. It should be made of good quality materials and be light enough that it does not tire you out over a full day of fishing. Ideally you should not have to focus on your tackle at all, but should be able to concentrate on what is going on at the other end of the line. I fish mostly "touch" fishing and I use not only the feel of the rod to let me know when I have an "inquiry",but watch the rod tip, the line and where the line goes into the water. Many hits go unheeded by anglers that do not stay alert. Good sensitive rods help you to avoid missing many strikes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are so many variables out there that it would literally take a thousand page book to adequately cover all of the possibilities and permutations. If you only fish on a few waters for a few species, your choices are reduced but can still be a challenge. And, if you have a limited budget, you really have to shop carefully in order to make each purchase serve for a multitude of angling situations.[/#0000ff]
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[floatboat]

Well someone has to be the first to follow tube dudes post. I feel a little bit like Twiggy coming on stage with Mae West but here is my humble arsenal anyway.

I agree wholeheartedly with TD regarding light tackle. I have caught a lot of nice bass on ultralight tackle and wouldn't trade them for the fish I have lost by using the ultralights. I usually always carry a light action 6' one piece spinning rod and reel with 6lb test that I use for small plastics or ultralite crankbaits and topwater. However when the pocketbook allows I may try TD's method of using these ultralight baits on a light BC setup. I also always carry a 6 1/2 ' med spinning rig with 8lb test for my heavier rubber worms (always my go to bait). I only carry three rods so my last rod is either a 6' ultralight spinning rig or a med action baitcast setup with 10lb line, depending on what I expect to encounter. I also use a left hand BC, currently a Shimano Curado 101B on a 6 1/2 med st croix rod. I have thought of putting that reel on a med-light or light 7' rod and getting another possibly larger reel for the current rod. I don't get to target as big an array of fish as some so these usually take care of my needs.

When I wade fish I will use either a 5 1/2' ultralight spinning setup or a 6' light spinning setup depending on how big I am hoping the fish will be that day. Sometimes we will wind up doing 4-6 miles of wading and that ultalight is sure easy and light to cast all day long. But it takes a long time to stop wondering how big that one that broke your line was. Like they say you play your cards and take your chances.

I'm also anxious to hear what others are taking to the water.

good fishing,

vl
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[idahopanfish]

I favor the light spinning rods in the 5-6 ft range, also carry a heavier spinning and a BC for deep trolling or jiging on occasion. I almost always have 2 fly rods with. One with sinking line and either a floating or sink tip.
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[RedDwarf]

I'm reviving this thread so I can ask TD some additional questions. I've been looking at baitcasting rods and notice that up to 6.5 feet, one generally gets a 7-7.5" rear grip. The 7 foot and up rods all seem to have ~10" rear grips. Is there a reason for this like better balance or casting performance? I think I would like a longer rod, but don't think I need a longer rear grip, but maybe I'm looking at this wrong.

Also, you mentioned that you build your own rods - do you have a favorite source for blanks? And how do you choose what blank to use? I built my own flyrod many years ago, so I know the mechanics but it came as a kit so I didn't get into process of choosing one blank over another, grip length, etc.

Thanks
RD
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey RedDwarf,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Here's what's currently in my quiver when I go Toon or Tube fishing[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]1 - 6.6 foot med action Abu Garcia Vantage XL Bait casting rod matched with a Quantum Accurist(left handed) reel spooled with 10 lb line.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]1 - 7 foot light action spinning rod matched with a Shimano Sedona 2000 reel spooled with 8 lb line.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]1 - 6.6 foot light action spinning rod matched with a Shimano Sahara reel spooled with 6 lb line.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3]1 - 5.6 foot Ultra light spinning rod with a Daiwa Regal spooled with 4 lb. line[/size][/black]
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[size 3]If primarily fly fishing:[/size]
[size 3]1 - 8 foot Corland 4 wt fly rod / floating line.[/size]
[black][size 3]1 - 8.6 foot Sage 5 wt fly rod / floating line.[/size][/black]
[size 3]1 - 9 foot Rogue 6 wt fly rod / sinking line.[/size]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]

[black][size 3]Of course, I often mix and match or change things around on fishing trips depending on the specific species of fish or body of water I am going to be doing. [/size][/black]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]The usual reason for longer handles on longer casting rods is leverage. Bigger rods, casting bigger lures and fighting bigger fish often need two hands on the rod or sticking it under one arm or jamming it into the gut while fighting a fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I make casting rods from 5 feet to 7 feet. I have made several 7 foot light action casting sticks, with six inch rear handles to help prevent catching the rod on clothing or body parts while fishing from a tube. I almost never use any rod with a handle longer than 8" to 10". But, like many things fishing, it is a matter of personal preference and others may have entirely different viewpoints.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am in the middle of writing a "treatise" on rod building. It is a long way from complete, but there are already a lot of answers to the questions you just asked. I will attach the incomplete Word doc and you can dig out what you want to and ask questions about anything not answered.[/#0000ff]
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[RedDwarf]

That is a fantastic writeup. Thank you! You answered questions that I didn't even know I had. I think I'll make this a winter project, and see what I come up with. Gonna be fun.

RD
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Glad you approve. Remind me in a couple of weeks and I should have it finished. I'll send you the completed and edited version.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Also, when you get ready to build your next rod, we can work out exactly what you want and I will help you buy the components to make it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In the meantime, there are quite a few good websites about rod building. Most of them have nice pictures and even some videos. By the time you are ready...you will be ready.[/#0000ff]
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