I think I've gone too far...

[Lucky Craft Man]

Well, I got into this "technique specific" kick and started buying different rods and reels to fill various applications. I keep a spreadsheet of all the rod and reel combos I have and looking at it, I think I may have gone overboard. I mean, I have a "toad" rod (not to be mixed up with my "frog" rod), for crying out loud. I don't think I have ever thrown a toad lure in my life. Has anyone else been caught up in establishing a technique specific arsenal?

Note: This thread has no real purpose, but just to hear if there are others who can commiserate with me.  So, before anyone posts that this is a useless thread, I will agree and we can move on.  Thanks. 

[roadwarrior]

Gosh...Seems like a very popular theme right now.

We currently have two threads running on this page

discussing the topic.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1256616535

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1256695186

[Grey Wolf]

Sooner or later , we all get caught up in the hype of having the right equipment for the right technique.

It's really the bait monkeys fault but we eventually get wise to the little monkey.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I agree that you don't really "need"

technique specific gear, but it sure is fun

to have exactly the right tool for a

specific job. I consider myself a "collector".

Tackle is much worse...at least I use the rods

and reels once in awhile!

[Lucky Craft Man]

Well, I agree that you don't really "need"

technique specific gear, but it sure is fun

to have exactly the right tool for a

specific job. I consider myself a "collector".

Tackle is much worse...at least I use the rods

and reels once in awhile!

I like the way you think, RW. If I look at it as being a "collector," then I am no worse than someone who collects stamps or old cars. With that being said, I may need another Carolina Rod for deep and heavy cover applications (Though, I don't think I have thrown a Carolina Rig yet).

PS Reading those others threads is what brought this thought to my brain.

[steezy]

I got caught up in the technique specific ordeal this past summer and before I knew it I had 11 combos, each rigged for a specific bait and/or technique.  After a couple of months I sat down and thought about it and realized I was rarely ever using some of the combos.  I now put more thought into what type of fishing I do the most and have narrowed the count down to 7 combos.  Its probably great to have a setup for each specific technique and like RW said "it sure is fun to have exactly the right tool for a specific job" but in my case since I have spoiled myself its a ton of money tied up just sitting there seldom used.

I'm now having more fun (and catching more fish) concentrating on fishing rather than if I am using the perfect combo for a specific technique.

[J Francho]

Its never enough gear...just keep buying

But...

I think too many get caught up in that PERFECT rig for THROWING a specific bait. I don't hear too much about the perfect rig for CATCHING the fish. Look at dock skipping rods. Wimpy little 5.5' spinning rods toss little Senkos under docks great, but they don't get them out very well. Frog rods are another one. Most have a tip that's way too fast and soft. Yeah, they throw a frog a mile, but try and get a good hookset in.

[steezy]

I think too many get caught up in that PERFECT rig for THROWING a specific bait. I don't hear too much about the perfect rig for CATCHING the fish. Look at dock skipping rods. Wimpy little 5.5' spinning rods toss little Senkos under docks great, but they don't get them out very well. Frog rods are another one. Most have a tip that's way too fast and soft. Yeah, they throw a frog a mile, but try and get a good hookset in.

That's the best analogy Ive read in a long time.

[J Francho]

I start with the cover and the weight of the bait, and work my way back to decide on the right rig, making small compromises along the way.  This has led to:

1- 7' Med/Mod

1- 7' MH/Mod

1- 6'2" M/XF

2- 7' M/F

2- 7' MH/F

1- 7'6" H/Mod-Fast

1- 7'-11" XH/Mod-Fast

1- 6'9" ML/XF (spinning)

1- 7' M/Mod (spinning)

1- 6' M/F (spinning)

12 rods and reels that do it all.  Toss in a swimbait rod or two next year, and I have everything covered.  I would like to to add two each 7'MH/F and 7' M/F, for redundancy's sake.

You say spinnerbait, and I have four different combos that will work well.  You say jigs, and nearly all of them will work.  You say pegged beavers in coontail, I have one rig.  You say cranking deep, I have three that will work.  Get the picture?

[roadwarrior]

Seems to me there are simple equipment rules for catching:

1. Razor Sharp hooks

2. A rod stiff enough for a strong hook set when

fishing single hooks

3. A Rod soft enough to absorb the shock when

fishing treble hooks.

4. A drag system sensitive enough to control

a surge.

5. Generally, line that is thin, stealthy and

strong. A fish should NEVER break

your line in open water.

6. Not mandatory everywhere, but very helpful

sometimes: a rod strong enough to "move"

a fish.

You only need three rigs, the rest is just for fun!

8-)

[steezy]

Seems to me there are simple equipment rules for catching:

1. Razor Sharp hooks

2. A rod stiff enough for a strong hook set when

fishing single hooks

3. A Rod soft enough to absorb the shock when

fishing treble hooks.

4. A drag system sensitive enough to control

a surge.

5. Generally, line that is thin, stealthy and

strong. A fish should NEVER break

your line in open water.

6. Not mandatory everywhere, but very helpful

sometimes: a rod strong enough to "move"

a fish.

You only need three rigs, the rest is just for fun!

8-)

2 x Casting

1 x Spinning

[GRiver]

I Should feel relieved that I haven't went over board with my fishing stuff, But I think I feel jealousy for not have all the cool fishing gear you guys have. Should I open the door and let the bait monkey in or whip him off my porch with one of the rods I don't use. Haha

By the way Roadwarrior I printed the 6 rules of a fishing rod and reel for my fridge.

Thanks

[roadwarrior]

As steezy noted, 2 casting and 1 spinning:

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action

baitcaster for single hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action

baitcaster for most treble hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning

rig for weightless soft plastics and light lures.

8-)

[steezy]

As steezy noted, 2 casting and 1 spinning:

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action

baitcaster for single hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action

baitcaster for most treble hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning

rig for weightless soft plastics and light lures.

8-)

Everything else is just gravy  8-)

[Lucky Craft Man]

As steezy noted, 2 casting and 1 spinning:

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action

baitcaster for single hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action

baitcaster for most treble hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning

rig for weightless soft plastics and light lures.

8-)

Everything else is just gravy 8-)

It's funny, because this is where I started 4 years ago.  I purchased 3 nice combos (fulfilling the 3 specs listed above).  Then I purchased a boat and realized that since I was more mobile it was becoming a pain tying on and off different lures.  That's when the technique specific wave took over.  Now I have over 40 "technique" specific combos and find myself trying to figure out which ones I will be using that day, since my boat can hold only 12.  I do enjoy the luxury of having a rod that is designed specifically for a lure and not having to retie when I am out, but sometimes I think I should have stopped at 12 (maintenance on all the equipment becomes overwhelming at times).  Oh well, as RW said, I am now a "collector" and I will put the bait monkey in the closet and enjoy what I have.

[ChiCityBasser]

After reading this thread and some of the responses it seems I have gone a bit too far as well. I fish from the bank/shore 95% of the time and have 10 outfits. I have 3 BC either 6'6" or 7' MH rods with one 7' Heavy rod with no reel. I have 7Spinning outfits from ML to MH from 6'6" to 7' with 3 rods with no reels on them. Fishing from the shore I really only carry 2 rods maybe 3 when I go out so some equipment is seldom used. I have a brand New in Box Pflueger reel that has never seen line or a rod. I have a new Catalyst Spinning reel that I feel demands a Custom Crank bait rod and want another Custom BC rod for a reel I have yet to buy and I still want more. Guess the Bait Monkey is alive and well with lots of people, myself included.

Yes I have gone too far n guess its time for a sale...LOL ....Nah

[steezy]

Im finding that since I got the count down to 7 (and working to get it a bit lower) Im enjoying the fishing more. Instead of adding more, I now focus on selling and replacing existing setups with a better match for my type of fishing. I think I'll probably end up with 5 or 6 which is still 2 or 3 more than needed.

I was thinking last night, I use the same 2 combos over 90% of the time.

My wife tells me all the time, "sometimes more is just more".

[J Francho]

Depends on what you're doing, and if you are taking guests out, too.  I'll be adding a dozen or so combos for an upcoming venture...

[roadwarrior]

Depends on what you're doing, and if you are taking guests out, too. I'll be adding a dozen or so combos for an upcoming venture...

I suggest a couple of spincasting rigs for your

venture. These come into play more often than

you might think. My partner guides and has had

good luck with the Zebco Omega:

http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=omega+spinning+reel&btnG=Google+Search

8-)

[J Francho]

Yeah, I will have a couple....depends on the agreement (if any) I can reach with the manufacturers.  I'd rather use something like a Daiwa Goldcast, though.  They are more like a spinning reel with a closed face, roller guide and all, and very durable.  For the most part though, my angle would be to put great gear in a beginner's hands or show someone not sold on high end gear the difference a few bucks can make.  This would make such an agreement with a manu much more attractive.

[JacobK]

As steezy noted, 2 casting and 1 spinning:

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action

baitcaster for single hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action

baitcaster for most treble hook lures.

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning

rig for weightless soft plastics and light lures.

8-)

RW you just named off my entire arsenal! 

1) Casting 7ft MH F for spinner baits

2) casting 7ft MH XF for jigs/carolina

3) casting 7ft M M for cranks

4) spinning 7ft M XF for weightless plastics

[tennwalkinghorse]

Sooner or later , we all get caught up in the hype of having the right equipment for the right technique.

It's really the bait monkeys fault but we eventually get wise to the little monkey.

2X It's the bait monkeys fault he is to blame not you.

[dman]

i was buying rods and reels all the time for the past couple years - it was fun!

I'm going to try to keep it to one new baitcast and one new spinning set up per year to stay with the latest and greatest...Hope i can stick to it.

I already have tons of stuff i havent even used but as far as the wife is concerned, i "needed it" !