New advice on my reel/rod arsenal

[JohnDubs]

I've only been fishing about 5 months total. Since then I've bought myself 3 starter bait caster combo's. Abu Garica Silver Max MH '7, Abu Garcia Orra Winch 7'MH, Bass Pro Shops Tourney Special 7' MH. I also have a Lew's Lazer reel from walmart. Sometimes I switch it out on the bass pro shop combo because of the faster gear ratio. I'm looking to start kayak tournament fishing in April and besides a nice spinning setup, should I look to purchase like a Medium bait cast setup or possibly a heavy setup for punching? I'm still new to all this stuff and I'm really unsure of my gear. Next year after I have more experience under my belt I plan on upgrading my rods/reels to higher quality ones.

Any feedback or suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[kickerfish1]

While a 7 foot MH casting rod is considered to be on the best "all rounders" I agree that a medium casting rod and a quality spinning rod would be a good addition. I am not sure how many outfits you could bring in your kayak but I am assuming you want to be around 5 or so? A few friends of mine are sponsored by Hobi and fish many regional kayak tournaments every year. They like to have about 3-5 in the yak with them to be able to adjust on the fly.

They typically like a Heavy powered rod for big jigs, topwaters and frogs. A 7MH casting rod which you already have a few of to handle most apps including Squarebills, texas rigs, senkos, normal sized jigs and spinnerbaits. A third casting rod is used in a Medium power for lighter baits like a jerkbait, smaller plastics, etc. Generally one or two spinning rods to cover shakey heads, drop shots, ned rigs, light jerkbaits, spybaits etc.

So if I was looking for 4 outfits for a yak it would be these in the length of your choice:

1. Heavy/Fast casting

2. MH/Fast casting

3/ Med/Fast casting

4. ML/XF Spinning