I have consolidated down to 4 rods and 4 reels. But I try to keep it simple. One Super Ultra Light Combo for jigging and one for reaction baits. Then I have a similar setup for my two Light Combos.

As I understand it and has been mentioned previously in other posts, low gear ratio reels (4.8 or 5.1) take up less line per handle turn which allow you to keep bait on the bottom longer. Conversely, high gear ratio reels (6.1 or similar) retrieve much faster and are better for reaction baits such as spinnerbaits and crankbaits.

As far as rods are concerned, I use regular taper rods for those spinners and cranks, but use a fast taper rod for jigging and bobber fishing (which I still get a kick out of).

That is my two cents, but many of the others on this forum have way more experience than me. I'm still a noob since I didn't start fishing until a few years ago. The more experience folks may think my setups don't make any sense.