(10-07-2013 06:15 PM)sonicsink Wrote: [ -> ]So do you guys all have different sized rods and differently loaded reels that you take with you all the time?
Yes, some of us have different sizes of rods with matched reels most of the time. You basically create combos for specific fishing needs. Most of the time, it is more or less dependent on the type of lures and technique you are using.
For example, as Michael mentioned, if you wish to throw lighter lures, it is best to have a light or ultralight rod with a small reel spooled with lighter lines. In that situation, you need lighter lines (thinner diameter, more flexible and sensitive) to work light lures. The lighter action of the rod allows the rod to bend more easily on the cast, thus allowing the rod to load up better (that is, the bending of the rod turns kinetic energy into potential energy when it bend back...and when you swing it forward, you convert that back into kinetic energy to launch the lure). A stiff rod does not load up well when you are using light lures...hence the lure cannot cast as far. In addition, a longer, lighter rod will also cast further, since you get so much more energy loaded into the rod, and much more acceleration into the lure when you cast.
If you are fishing a large, heavy lure with a light rod, it overloads and cannot cast your lure as far. The rods bends back so much that you can even risk snapping the rod on the cast.
Personally, I may not always have more than 1 rod on a specific fishing outing. If I have decided to focus on one particular target (for example, if I'm fishing evenings for rivermouth chinook salmon where I am only tossing large spoons and lures), then I'll only bring one rod. Having multiple rods often distract me from my goal. However, if I'm fishing for multiple species, or if I'm on a hunt for species, then I'll bring multiple rods to maximize my tools. Some days I may be bottom fishing for a while, then change to another method if another opportunity presents itself. This could happen multiple times over the course of a day. When I'm traveling, I hardly leave home with less than 4-5 rod and reel combos now. You just never know what opportunity may present itself...and sometimes it is important to have rods and reels rigged and ready on the go...since opportunities can come and go before you can even blink. For an obsessed species hunter like myself, I can be fishing for little 1" Mosquitofish one moment, then completely go heavy action on a big stingray 10 minutes later. There is no way you can get that action with only one rod and reel combo.
But as a beginner, you do not need that many outfits. Having a good general combo is crucial for early success. A well rounded combo would be a 7' medium light rod with a 2000 size reel loaded with 6lb mono. Medium light is often a bit arbitrary depending on the rod manufacturer...do to be more specific, you want a rod rated for 4-10lb line and is designed to cast 1/8-1/2oz. That is pretty accommodating for most situations, and you can catch most of the fish species in Ontario with that combo. A light rod does not mean you cannot catch bigger fish. A bit technique in fighting and leading a big fish and patience in letting the fish tire out will land you most fish most of the time. I often use 6lb fluorocarbon...even sometimes down to 4lb fluorocarbon...when fishing for 15-25lb salmon in the rivers using light to medium light rods (caveat is that these rods are usually more than 9' long to cushion the sudden surges, headshakes, gyrations and jumps that the salmon often use to snap your line). But then again, in my early days of fishing, I was landing salmon with a 6'6" medium rod using 8lb mono. It is easily possible.
I know you mentioned you like shorter rods, but there is a lot of advantages, especially casting ease, when you use longer rods. Consider upgrading to longer rods.
because I think the fish out further are laughing at me.
)