Why do you have multiple rods n reels?

I see that many of you have several spinning rods n reels. Why? In bass fishing, of course, it is common these days to have multiple rigs. Even on deck at one time! I do this myself. Usually have maybe three on deck, some more in the rod locker. Those three have different baits.

Have you succumbed to GAS? Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Consumerism? Or do you have valid reasons or do you buy stuff you don't need just because you can? Pride of ownership, does that ever factor in?

Not being flippant, serious inquiry, just curious what you guys with some ultralight experience will say in this ultralight arena.

It is always good to have redundancy. I have broke of the line with the spoon half empty, smacked a dock whole shooting and broke the tip off the rod, using braid you can end up with wind knots and having to cut some line off. Being spooled by a by catfish laying under the dock I am shooting. I have a spare tire on the boat trailer as well. Just MHO others mileage may vary

I carry 4 and a fly rod . One with a Road runner head (usually a 1/32 ),one wit a plain jig 1/32 . One to fish meal worms with a float and one to bottom fish worms , meal worms or crickets . Fly rod for sinking flies (usually a black gnat or ant .)

I really enjoy fishing, and good gear makes it more enjoyable to me. I currently own about 28 rods and poles. That covers UL, fly, and Euro coarse fishing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by livemusic

Have you succumbed to GAS? Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Consumerism? Or do you have valid reasons or do you buy stuff you don't need just because you can? Pride of ownership, does that ever factor in?

---

I think that’s more of a bass or fly fishing thing. Here’s a direct quote from a fly fishing site:

“Are you comfortable showing up with a $189 rod on your next $6000 bonefish trip when all your buddies have the hottest $800-$1000 rods?”

I would tell you how many I have.....but better not....my wife might see it:Rof

I usually carry 2-4 rods each trip. I tie different jig colors on each. This lets me fish a structure quickly with different baits before moving on to another area. At home I have many rods and reels. Some of this was learning what I like, some were bought on sale, etc. Plus like mentioned earlier they do break, etc...

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.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by livemusic

I see that many of you have several spinning rods n reels. Why? In bass fishing, of course, it is common these days to have multiple rigs. Even on deck at one time! I do this myself. Usually have maybe three on deck, some more in the rod locker. Those three have different baits.

Have you succumbed to GAS? Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Consumerism? Or do you have valid reasons or do you buy stuff you don't need just because you can? Pride of ownership, does that ever factor in?

Not being flippant, serious inquiry, just curious what you guys with some ultralight experience will say in this ultralight arena.

---

One slip float rod, one drop shot rod and one micro lure rod, to cover all the bases.

My tendency is to carry 4, and sometimes a fly rod gets added to that. Lately, 2 are 5’6” and 2 are 6’6”. I run a leader on the end of all my small braid rods and I dont always feel like retying a leader when one is broken off. Different colors and lures are on each and that changes for where I am that day. I fish some areas that are choked with low hanging or downed trees and seldom break off when hung but I go in after it so sometimes I actually finish the day with the same jig I started with. Most of my trips I’ll use all of the rods I bring at least once.

And as far as showing up with a cheaper rod in a crowd of high end, it doesn’t bother me a bit. I used to shoot skeet with Remington guns. Sure, some of the guys with the $30,000 krieghoffs and Kolars and perazzi looked down their nose at me, until it was time to check the scores. Mine weren’t perfect but they were higher than theirs. The tool doesn’t make the man.