I use 3 different rod and reel combos, 4 1/2 foot ultra lite, a 6 foot ultralite, a 7 1/2 foot ultra lite. I also use 3 different pole options, 10 ft, 16 ft, and 20 ft. I have 2 of each of all of these and use them in a lot of different situations. I will pick and choose whichever I feel will be the best suited for the type of fishing I am going to do that day. When by myself I take the 4 1/2 foot combo, the 7 1/2 foot combo, and the 16 ft pole. That covers just about any situation I might come up against. The 16 foot pole is a telescoping pole so it doesn't take up much space when not being used.
It is not about the equipment you have to use,
It is about how you use the equipment you have. :D