What Rods Should I Have On My Kayak?

[nolantitleist]

I am just getting into bass fishing and I have purchased a fishing kayak that I fish from. I want to carry three rods on my boat and I want suggestions as to what rods and reels I should have. Would you please suggest the length and action of rods as well as specifics on reels. I know that you should use certain rods and reels for certain techniques but I do not know what is best for what. I currently throw all of my baits with a 7ft medium action spinning rod with a 4000 size spinning reel. I know that is not ideal and I am looking to purchase new rods and reels that will help me more effectively throw any kind of bait and catch more fish. Thanks for your help!

[flyfisher]

There is a ton of info on here abotu what rods work for waht techniques so just doa  quick search and you should find more than enough info to make an informed decsion.

 

As far as being in a kayak goes, I don't fish any different from a kayak than i would from any type of boat and don't see the need to tailor specific gear because i am in a kayak.

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/

[nolantitleist]

roadwarrior, thanks for the link. Would you mind clarifying what MH, MM, and MF stand for. Thanks!

[0119]

I prefer rods with short rear grips that dont get in the way when working a lure from the seated position.  Too long a rod with a short butt makes for an unbalanced rig and it can be hard to find a happy medium,  I prefer a rod long enough to easily let me go around the bow when the fish takes me under the yak and changes direction.  I use 3000 size spinners but dont see a need for a lot of line capacity.  They take you for a sleigh ride, well not bass but other fish, and they tire quicker with all the added drag.

[roadwarrior]

MLF = Medium Light Power/ Fast Action

 

MF = Medium Power/ Fast Action

 

MXF = Medium Power/ Extra Fast Action

 

MM = Medium Power/ Moderate Action                                        http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fishing+rod+action+graph&qpvt=fishing+rod+action+graph&FORM=IGRE#view=detail&id=5DE82353AF18C212D8DF05030DEEBCA599BD6736&selectedIndex=19

 

MHF = Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action

 

HF = Heavy Power/ Fast Action

[Arv]

I use the same rods I use everywhere else. 3/5 are 7'4, which I actually like because I can pick up more line on the hooksets being closer to the water. 

[nolantitleist]

Roadwarrior what does MH stand for? I did not see that one in your explanation. 

[Coopdog72]

Roadwarrior what does MH stand for? I did not see that one in your explanation.

medium heavy

[nolantitleist]

What action on an MH should I get? 

[lmbfisherman]

What action on an MH should I get? 

MH/F is the most versatile rod in any arsenal because it sits between a Medium Fast and Heavy Fast.  You can throw virtually anything on a Medium Heavy Fast rod, of course you should stay within the weight limit, but just as an example.  My Medium Heavy Fast (Abu Garcia Veritas) is so versatile I can use it for spinnerbaits, jigs, swim jigs, weighted texas rigged plastics, frogging and flipping and pitching.  (7'3" rod) 

 

Out of my 22 rods I own, 10 of them are Medium Heavy Fast and X Fast.

[0119]

Only you know the water you fish and what kind of rod and what action will be best.  Remember you are not far away from Mosquito Lagoon and some of the best saltwater fishing in Fl.  Get what will work all round.  For me a MH is useless.  To stiff to work the lures I choose, useless on the flats.  Unforgiving to throw stuff on the lighter side with our typical florida winds.  Remember the yak is added drag.  A lighter softer tip will help you from pulling hooks when a good fish is fighting your reels drag and the boats drag.

[Frenchman83]

I use Medium Heavy Fast for jigs, Frogs and Larger cranks.  I use a Medium Fast for Spinnerbaits.  I think you are good with the rods you have.  Do not buy more till you can find a reason.  You might find out that Medium power is plenty but you and a shorter or longer rod.

[ooga0341]

I have 2 falcon lowrider xg's that are 7'6" med fast. 1 spinning and 1 baitcast. I also use a couple mh loomis rods over 7' long. Some guys like shorter rods, or shorter grips, but I prefer longer on both. The extra length gives me added leverage, and casting distance. It's all about what works for you. I also you swimbait rods that are pushing 8ft long out of my kayak. Good luck with your search.

[Missourifishin]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/

 

If I were taking 3 rods on a kayak, these are exactly the 3 I would take. Fast action on #1

[tntitans21399]

Are you fishing a lake or river? When I go to the river in my kayak I take my 3 telescopible rods. That way the ones not being used can be retracted down and wont get snagged on a tree branch that I am passing. If I hit a lake I take my normal gear. I like the 6ft or so length with a medium 6-10lb line test rating. Even in a kayak I try to stilk stay on the small side with a smaller spinning reel because a lot of spots I am close and don't need that huge long cast.

[Flywatersmallie]

I usually take 4 on my kayak 2 MHF casting rods, one with 6.4:1 reel and one 7.1:1, a MF spinning rod and a MLF spinning rod. Unless I plan to fish frogs or something else where a heavier rod is required. I prefer slightly shorter rods than most in the kayak, 6'6" to 6'9" only because I can reach the tip while sitting if I need to.