TLHSS

I only bank fish. At most, I carry one spinning rod, one fly rod, and a landing net. All my tackle fits in a 6th Sense Small Bait Bag (roughly 9 x 6 x 6). Contents are tools, measure mat, bait scent, one small fly box, one small Meiho box for soft plastics, one small Meiho box for hard lures, and one small Meiho box for terminal tackle. I also wear a lanyard that has nippers, my licenses, hemostats, and floatant.

Spinning: Graywolf 544 UL E-Glass Spinning Rod Vanford 500 Spinning Reel Fly: Cabela's CGR Fiberglass Fly Rod - 6'2" 2wt Orvis Battenkill I Fly Reel

I've done both. I purchased my Vanford used from ALF. Considerably cheaper than new, and I'm not sure it was ever fished. I have purchased new when models change, and the old models sell at close-out prices. I purchased my Orvis Battenkill reel this way from Orvis at about half the price of the new model. I recently purchased a Penn saltwater reel from Ebay that was a "salesman sample". Never fished but still considered used and priced accordingly. I haven't received it yet to know if this is another way to get good quality gear at a reduced price.

I only fish ultralight. I’ve used a Vanford 500 for the last couple of years and been very pleased with it. A lot of my choice was based on weight and balance. I fish with a short fiberglass rod and I found this reel was the best fit.

I'm old and a bank fisherman. I fish a little every day during the spring, summer and fall. Adjustments I've done as I've aged: Knots were getting tougher for me, and created frustration. So I moved to using Duolock snaps. They give a larger area to tie a good knot, and I don't feel they've impacted my presentation. I lighted up my load. Only one UL set-up while I fish the bank (spin or fly), a few confidence baits, and a small amount of terminal tackle. Everything fits in a small bait bag. No barbs or trebles. Safer for the fish, but I also found it was safer for me as well I carry a small folding camp stool. Not to sit, but to place my bait bag. Prevents too much lower back flexion. I carry a JDM bank net, which when collapsed has a 12 inch handle, but extended to 5 feet. Carbon fiber so it's very light. Allows me to land fish from steeper banks without fear of falling in. Everyone in my family (wife and adult kids) are Apple phone users. I also wear an Apple Watch. I easily share my location using the "Find My" option. I let folks know where I'm going, but if plans change I'm quickly and easily found. I work out every day. Walking, back work and core work. And I attend physical therapy once a week which helps with my balance.

@Bazoo How long do you want the rods to be when they are broken down?

As I've gotten older, I've discovered (at least for my style of fishing and my lifestyle) that less is more. I'm down to one quality spinning reel (Shimano) and one quality fly reel (Orvis). When it comes time to replace (if ever), I'd probably stay with these brands.

@Glenn Bingo!

Interesting topic. In another forum I'm on that is heavy on ultralight JDM gear, there's a few threads on the Daiwa Limited AGS 63UL Italian Special Area Trout Rod. Not an inexpensive rod (around $400 US) that is made in China. One forum member that has been purchasing, fishing and reviewing JDM gear for many years recently purchased one, felt the built quality was impeccable, and felt it performed at a level above most of his JDM gear. Even stated he would be selling some of his JDM rods to make room for additional purchases of this Italian Special-type rod. It makes me wonder what Daiwa has done to produce a rod in China with the same quality as those produced in Japan? Better QC processes? More money spent to produce the product (at less overall profit)? Again ... I think it's an interesting outlier.

I’m a 1. I bank fish, and the number of easily accessible spots in my area are limited. So I decide where I’m going for that day, set up shop, and start the hunt. Admittedly, I’m a 1 when not fishing, so for me it’s not a problem.

Since I bank fish and only carry one rod, I do carry a spare spool that can easily be switched out (spinning reel).

Another reason for attraction may be that very young bass eat zooplankton. Zooplankton look fuzzy.

I love fishing for big bluegill in our local retention ponds. I use a 2wt fiberglass fly rod and a click and pawl reel. It’s tons of fun, and a real inexpensive way to fish. My favorite fly pattern to use is the bully bluegill spider.

Very cool! Even if it's the Yankees

Weightless Texas Rig 3 inch slim Senko Craw on a 1/8 oz Ned Rig Jig