10-16-2006, 09:11 PM
[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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#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]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[signature]