How Many Setups Do I Really Need?

[Tuckahoe Joe]

Ill start by saying that Im not all that knowledgeable about which rod/reel for which kind of lures.  I fish from the shore and the lakes Im fishing are pretty shallow.  I mainly fish shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, topwater, and worms.  Since Im fishing from the shore, I'd like to carry as little gear as possible.  I currently have 2 rods (one medium and one medium/heavy) and 2 reels (5.1:1 and 6.2:1).  I was thinking the medium rod with the 6.2:1 reel for shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, and lipless cranks and the medium heavy with the 5.1:1 for topwater, worms, and maybe some jigs.  Can I get some oppinions on this?  I'd like to be able to cover these techniques with some combination of these 2 rods and reels if possible.  If I can't, what do you suggest? 

[endless]

I know I have a total of 8 setups but i primarily only use three at most on the boat. They're my 6'9 M-F spinning for wacky, 7' M-MF casting for cranks, and my 7' MH-F casting for Spinner/ buzzbaits. I do bring along some of the others setups like my jig and shaky with me but I mainly toss out those three most the day.  Now if I'm fishing from land like small ponds and such than I would just bring my 7' M-F spinning for chatterbaits since that all I really use on ponds.

[SirSnookalot]

There is a difference in what you want vs what you need.  I have quite a few combos but when I'm shore fishing, which is most of the time, I carry only one rod.   I carry what I feel is the appropriate rod and reel for the water I'm fishing and my target species, not saying I don't have another combo with me in my car in case of needing something else or mechanical failure.  I'm not one for specific rod and reel types, I use any kind on lure on any kind of rod, I keep things real nice and simple.  For the most part saying that you don't have the right outfit is an excuse for not catching fish, it isn't the reason.

[rippin-lips]

What he said ^^^ I have 8 myself 6 casting and 2 spinning. If I take my boat out alone then 7 are on board. With a buddy I take 4-5 so he has some room fit his stuff but if I'm fishing the bank then I have 2. Obviously it's nice to not have to change lures all the time by owning multiple rods but in reality we don't NEED them all.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

There is a difference in what you want vs what you need.  I have quite a few combos but when I'm shore fishing, which is most of the time, I carry only one rod.   I carry what I feel is the appropriate rod and reel for the water I'm fishing and my target species, not saying I don't have another combo with me in my car in case of needing something else or mechanical failure.  I'm not one for specific rod and reel types, I use any kind on lure on any kind of rod, I keep things real nice and simple.  For the most part saying that you don't have the right outfit is an excuse for not catching fish, it isn't the reason.

This past summer and fall I only had the medium/5.1:1 reel.  Used it for everything and didn't really have any trouble catching fish.  I bought the MH because I was looking for some extra hooksetting power on lures with thicker hooks like on frogs and maybe jigs if I can commit to learning them. Got the 6.1:1 reel because I read that a faster reel was better for shallower cranks.  Like I said, catching fish wasn't the problem.  Im just trying to make sure Im getting the most out of what I have.

[rippin-lips]

Seems a little odd since most prefer a slower reel to keep the bait in the water longer.

[Tuckahoe Joe]

Ive just been googling gear ratios and reading some random sites.  People were saying everying ranging from 4:1 to 7:1 for cranks.  Guess its more of a personal preference.  I guess If I try them with the faster reel and don't like it I can always switch back.  Another reason I was leaning towards the 6.1 was that if I wanna slow down, its easy to reel slower than it would be to reel faster if I were using the 5.1.

[rippin-lips]

Yes very true. I tend to fish a little on the fast side so the slower is better for me. I also look at ipt instead of the ratio itself since it can vary from company to company. I don't even own a 7:1:1 reel because I feel like the lure would be out of the water more then in with how I fish.

[LgMouthGambler]

I have a total of 8 setups, but only use all on a tournament. Bank fishing, I do it all with 1. I just use a Curado50E on a MH Compre and 12# YoZuri. I can fish everything from soft plastics, cranks, topwater, jigs, etc with this setup.

[Sam]

Tuckhoe Joe, good question.

I plan my fishing day under two conditions:

1. Fishing for fun.

2. Fishing in a tournament.

FISHING FOR FUN

I try to take my basic setups and then one or two new rigs to try new baits or to hone a technique. I have the rods all over the boat.

TOURNAMENT FISHING

Lots of planning goes into a tournament before you hit the water and you need to have your confidence rigs ready to roll and in an orderly setup so you can find them easily. You need to figure out the pattern as soon as possible and move those rigs to the front of the boat for easy access.

The challenge is that every day is different. You know you have to let the bass tell you what they want, how fast, what depth and the color.

You can drive yourself nuts with just a crankbait presentation as you can have have six or seven different cranks rigged and ready to go. Same with jigs, plastics and other baits. The pros do this until they find the pattern and then they use those rigs that apply to that day's situation.

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is with our drop shot rigs. Unless we secure the weight and hook the line will get tangled with the other rods and you will have a big mess on your hands. So you have to figure how to store your drop shot rigs to avoid a disaster.

Same can be said of your treble hook baits. Avoid getting the treble hooks tangled with the other rods' lines, blanks and guides in addition to the carpet and seats. Too many treble hook biats can cause a disaster when you are grabbing for a specific presentation and the cranks are entwined with your other rods.

So what do you do? To help mitigate the problem I use fast-lock or interlock snaps.

You can change out a treble hook bait very fast with a snap. And you can use the Palomar or clinch knots to tie the line to the snap easily and without any problems.

Using snaps was shown to me many years ago by a tournament fisherman and he can change out a crankbait in under 10 seconds. So to avoid having six or eight crankbait setups I have two or three and change out the baits.

Once you determine the pattern what do you do with the rest of the setups? Take the time to put them in the rod locker? Throw them to the back of the boat? Leave them on the ground if you are bank fishing?

One way or the other you have to get them out of the way and concentrate on what baits and techniques are working. I usually throw them to the back of the boat to give me more room up front.

If you read what the pros say they will take 10 to 15 set ups ready to throw and then concentrate on one technique when they find the pattern. We have to do the same but not at their level.

So how many setups do you really need? You will have to keep experimenting until you find the pattern and there is no way anyone can tell you how many setups to have ready to roll to find the pattern. The only living enity that can tell you is Mr.& Mrs. Bass and they usually keep their mouths closed.

It boils down to organization and confidence. That is part of the challenge and fun of bass fishing.

[Diggy]

I use one baitcasting or spinning setup mainly. Sometimes Ill bring both.

Usually there is a Senko attatched to the spinning for site fishing bass if I'm primarily using the baitcasting setup.

If I'm at a lake where I know there is no point bringing the baitcaster then it's the spinning rig only.

I mainly use a 6ratio revo sx on a mh veritas 50# braid

Spining is an Orra S combo with 10# braid

I have some leader material 12# fluoro for both

[new2BC4bass]

TJ, you may be better off with what you already have.  I caught more fish in my youth when all I had was one pole than I do now with about 20.  Like real estate it is all about location, location, location.  I now live in what has to be one of the suckiest places to fish in this country.  Death Valley may be a bit worse! 

 

I almost always carry 2 rods when shore fishing, but would prefer only one.  It is so much easier with just one.  Then I'd have a free hand for a small tackle box/bag.  Need to invest in a bag with a shoulder strap, but that is getting off topic.  I do carry other setups in the car.  It will be 8-10 if fishing alone, or 5-7 if with my daughter.  I may be carrying not wanting to re-tie to an extreme! 

 

A lot of it boils down to what you want....and can afford.  In one way it is nice having multiple outfits to choose from.  In another way it isn't so good because I don't spend enough time with any one combo to feel like it has become an extension of my arm.

 

Technique specific rods are great.....and they are bad.  Own a few and pretty soon you start thinking you can only fish jigs on your jig rod and topwater lures on your topwater rod.  My first rods were bought with the idea of them being as versatile as possible.  Sounds like what you want as well.  Buying new gear is exciting.  Something I always look forward to.  You didn't mention the action of either rod.  If the Medium is a Fast, then consider a Medium Moderate for treble hooks.  If it is a Moderate, then consider a Fast for all-around use.  Admittedly I often prefer a MH Fast with 12# mono for most of my fishing even tho I also fish shallow waters.  When shore fishing I prefer to carry one of these rods and a Medium Fast with 8# mono unless planning on throwing into weed beds in which case I carry a MH Fast with 40# braid.

 

If you have no problem maintaining a slow retrieve, then you might want to consider a reel having a 7 something gear ratio.  That will make it easier to burn a lure if desired.  Otherwise stick with one in 6+ for all-around use.

 

[Felix77]

For fishing from shore, which I do alot, I take to rods with me.

 

1 - 6' Medium Spinning - 10 lb Braid, 8 lb Fluoro leader

2 - 6'5" Medium Baitcaster - 12lb Fluoro

 

I use the baitcaster for all the faster techniques - Crankbaits, Spinnerbaits, etc.  It keeps me practicing using the baitcaster.

 

My spinning is for weightless or light weighted soft plastics.  If I am lazy this is the only thing I go with.

[tholmes]

Although I have around a dozen combos, I could probably accomplish everything I need to with 4.

 

1. 7' M/Mod.casting

2. 7' MH/f casting

3. 6'6" M/Fast Spinning

4. 6'6" UL spinning.

 

Tom

[Kevinator1]

Well, I tell my wife I need at least 20 different rod & reel combos just so I can buy more stuff. I think she is starting to get suspicious.....I only use about 8 but I must keep upgrading to keep the economy going!

[shootermcbob]

Well, I tell my wife I need at least 20 different rod & reel combos just so I can buy more stuff. I think she is starting to get suspicious.....I only use about 8 but I must keep upgrading to keep the economy going!

 

You, Sir, are a good citizen!

[Kevinator1]

You, Sir, are a good citizen!

Thanks Shooter!

[PondBoss]

I can fit 3 on my tube, I take 7'M cranking rod, 7MH T-rig, 7'6" XH Flipping or frogging.

[Fishes in trees]

What kind of a question is this?  Is this a trick question?  Anyway, the correct answer is that you ALWAYS need more than you can afford and you CAN'T buy them all.

[tbone1993]

Ill start by saying that Im not all that knowledgeable about which rod/reel for which kind of lures.  I fish from the shore and the lakes Im fishing are pretty shallow.  I mainly fish shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, topwater, and worms.  Since Im fishing from the shore, I'd like to carry as little gear as possible.  I currently have 2 rods (one medium and one medium/heavy) and 2 reels (5.1:1 and 6.2:1).  I was thinking the medium rod with the 6.2:1 reel for shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, and lipless cranks and the medium heavy with the 5.1:1 for topwater, worms, and maybe some jigs.  Can I get some oppinions on this?  I'd like to be able to cover these techniques with some combination of these 2 rods and reels if possible.  If I can't, what do you suggest? 

Im surprised this hasnt been mentioned but that low gear ratio (5..1.) is better for deep cranking than it is for jigs, topwaters and worms. 

[Tuckahoe Joe]

Im surprised this hasnt been mentioned but that low gear ratio (5..1.) is better for deep cranking than it is for jigs, topwaters and worms. 

Thanks.  Thats the kind of info Im looking for.  I suppose the OP title may have been a bit misleading.  Ill try and rephrase.  I have a medium and a medium heavy road and a 5.1:1 and 6.1:1 reel.  What would be the best way to pair these up?  I mainly fish shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, topwaters and t-rigs.

[rippin-lips]

Typically a crankbait rod is a med or mh with a moderate to mod/fast action. 7' is usually the shortest you'll see. Most use something a lot longer. 7'6 7'8 7'10 ect Most use a low ratio reel as well 5:4:1 5:2:1 ect. Most mh rods with a fast action are good for all around use. This is now getting into your original question. How many do you need. My first casting setup was a 7' MH/F rod with a 6:4:1 reel and I threw everything on it. I caught fish on all the lures I threw. If I'm bank fishing I take 1 casting and 1 spinning setup. My Cashion 6'10 MH/F with 6:4:1 and 7' M/F spinning rod

[tbone1993]

Thanks.  Thats the kind of info Im looking for.  I suppose the OP title may have been a bit misleading.  Ill try and rephrase.  I have a medium and a medium heavy road and a 5.1:1 and 6.1:1 reel.  What would be the best way to pair these up?  I mainly fish shallow cranks, spinnerbaits, topwaters and t-rigs.

 I would use the 6:1 with the mh if the rod is at least 7ft in length using it for spinnerbaits ,topwaters and trigs  ( assuming these are baitcasters correct?) Then  I would take the 5:1 and put it on the M action and use it for shallow cranks and medium depth cranks (0-12ft maybe )  You can also throw the spinner bait on it. I have thrown everything on my 7ft mh with a 6:4 ratio abu garica STX.  Your best bet is to use 10lb fluorocarbon on both reels to get some versatility out of them.   I know this is kind of confusing , PM me if you have questions for years I threw everything on a berkley lighting rod spinning combo with an abu garcia cardinal reel.  

[skeletor6]

I believe you should have at least 1.) T-rig/jig rod for 3/16 oz to 1/2 oz this can usually toss wacky senkos well 2.) A heavier powered rod fore 1/2oz plus bottom contact and can double for frogging. 3.) A spinning rig for the light stuff and DS, shakey heads etc. 4.) A crankbait stick if you get the right one it should be able to handle topwaters jerkbait, spinners, and cranking. That would probably be my bottom line

Some could probably get away with one rod for all bottom contact and frogging one spinning outfit one moving bait stick and just use those 3 but I think you will be shorted in the bottom contact area

That said, I'm a huge fan of having technique specific rods, a DS spinning rod can probably only do that well maybe some other stuff alright, but its hard to cover all spinning applications with 1 rod and cover all bottom contact with 1 rod and all moving with 1 rod. There are large advantages IMHO to having a large range or rods for certain situations. You are asking a lot to have a really nice bottom contact rod to so everything you want out of jigging and t-rigging as the cover changes and conditions it gets even more difficult. There are optimal rods for optimal situations. People who gather large rod collections may not have them all out on the boat but they will bring out the rods/reels that are ready to perform well in the waters they will fish that day.

Say someone is in highly pressured light cover waters they will bring different equipment from a heavy cover murky lake. I'm not at that point with my outfits but people with 20+ outfits have their reasons.

[Bankbeater]

The question here is need vs. want.  I want as many as I can get my hands on, but in reality I need a baitcaster, spinning reel, and maybe an ultra lite rig for the really small stuff.