How many of you use more than 3 rods consistently on a kayak? 2024
Riazuli reply :
Hey everyone, I'm rarin to take my kayak out as the weather gets warmer and I'm extra ready to put new gear I purchased over the winter to use. I've stuck with my older setups for the winter as I wanted to wait until the Spring to break out the new stuff - I ended up with 3 new rods and reels this winter. I've got two older setups I can keep using too, but I'm wondering if I should just stick to the 3 new ones...part of me is thinking that I might want to at least keep using an older setup for snakehead, which is pretty much what I'll get if I toss a frog into slop where I'm fishing. That would be on a medium heavy/fast action rod (I've considered a dedicate heavy/frog rod for this purpose).
My new setups are a M/M for cranks, MH/F for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits/jigs/spooks, and a MF for all-round applications/jerkbaits/plastics/topwaters. The old setups are a MF and a MH/F. If I kept the older setups on the kayak, I'd probably keep the MF as a dedicated plastic worm fisher and again the mh/f as a dedicated frogger - it would have a wire leader on it for the snakehead.
That being said, is 5 just too many rods? Worse comes to worse, I could cut it down to 4 and just take one older setup for the froggin as I mentioned before. I don't want to tear up my new stuff on snakehead...those things can get pretty big and crazy. I'll have two triple rod holders on a crate behind me. The extra rod holder (if I use 5 setups) will carry a decent sized net. For those of you who take 5 out, do you end up consistently using all 5 and does this at any point seem like it's just too many to manage? I'm not worried about loading and unloading and all that...I've got a 8 rod/reel bag that should make that part easier. It would add probably another 10 mins prep total for the day if I used 5 instead of 3 (and really you can cut that in half as I'm leaning toward keeping the 4th for the froggin).
flyfisher reply :
i take anywhere from 3-7 depending on the lake and my mood. I am more of a fan of grabbing a new rod with a different bait than tying something else on. My kayak also has plenty of space for them so that isn't an issue.
I usually have 2 spinning rods-one weightless plastics and one smaller top waters or finesse baits
5 bait casters-one with a frog, one with a jig, one texas rig of some sort, crank bait that isn't a square bill and one for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. All are MH except the frog rod which is a H but the others are each different in their characteristics so even though they say MH they all aren't the same.
When i take fly rod only trips i usually take three of those
MassYak85 reply :
You could say I keep things minimal...
...but that would be a complete lie 
Technically, I could carry 8 rods if I ditched my net and flag/light pole. But I don't even have 8 active setups so there's no point. What you see is what I carry at maximum. Some lakes I know I am not going to be punching or frogging so I can sometimes leave that at home. Some days I might just go out for a couple hours, leave my crate at home and just use the two built in rod holders. But I like to have the option to bring everything lol.
Dens228 reply :
I started with two figuring why would I need more..now I carry 4 and am fighting the urge to add one more
1. M/Moderate, jerks, cranks, small spinnerbaits
2 MH/Fasts, plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits
1 H/fast, Frogging, Whoppers, big swimbaits
If I add one it'll be another MH/fast
Riazuli reply :
Ok, you guys are definitely making me feel better about wanting to take more than 3 now lol...I guess I'll take 5 my first trip and if it seems like too much I'll cut back. If it seems manageable, then why not? Better to have too many then not enough as the old saying goes (says the bait monkey).
flyfisher reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 10:47 AM, Riazuli said:Ok, you guys are definitely making me feel better about wanting to take more than 3 now lol...I guess I'll take 5 my first trip and if it seems like too much I'll cut back. If it seems manageable, then why not? Better to have too many then not enough as the old saying goes (says the bait monkey).
it is all about your budget and space management in your kayak. I didn't start out with this many rods but i picked them over the years and it is a nice thing to have. Much easier to grab a different rod than cut and retie because that letdown is begging for a square bill 
68camaro reply :
I usually have 6-8 rods, sometimes less. I don't like to keep switching lures/bait when I think I see specific opportunity so I just grab rod I need with bait pre-rigged for that rod/technique.
Its probably unnecessary but it keeps things interesting. I have a HobiePA12 and it has horizontal rod storage for 8 rods (2 per internal tube), plus 4 for my Hobie crate, plus 3 rod holders so I can easily carry 15, so at 6-8 I think am showing good restraint...LOL
Riazuli reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 10:57 AM, flyfisher said:it is all about your budget and space management in your kayak. I didn't start out with this many rods but i picked them over the years and it is a nice thing to have. Much easier to grab a different rod than cut and retie because that letdown is begging for a square bill
See, I use snaps but might reconsider using them if I take this many setups. I'm not worried about them being visible but they are a weak point if I were to catch a monster...the wire leaders have held up to some 8+ pound snakehead, but I'm not as sure about these snaps. Even with snaps though, it takes time to get a new lure out of my bag/boxes which isn't the easiest (but not the hardest either) in a kayak.
flyfisher reply :
I can tie a bait on about as fast as a snap so i never use them plus i feel like they change the action.
Riazuli reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 11:09 AM, flyfisher said:I can tie a bait on about as fast as a snap so i never use them plus i feel like they change the action.
The action is definitely something I didn't consider as much, but I think definitely would make a difference with some baits...I'm thinking crankbaits would get hit the hardest here. I'm starting to like the idea of 5 rods now ...without snaps...more and more!
flyfisher reply :
Crankbaits are the one bait i do use them actually, i just remove the split rings or just clip direct to the bait.
Riazuli reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 11:13 AM, flyfisher said:Crankbaits are the one bait i do use them actually, i just remove the split rings or just clip direct to the bait.
Ah yeah, that's a great idea. Thanks for reminding me - I had just read about doing that recently and thought about doing it. Where do you think it affects action the most - anything without a ring already attached?
Darren. reply :
I would say I use 2 normally, 4 max....
flyfisher reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 11:15 AM, Riazuli said:Ah yeah, that's a great idea. Thanks for reminding me - I had just read about doing that recently and thought about doing it. Where do you think it affects action the most - anything without a ring already attached?
anything else really. topwater, jerk baits, any type of weightless plastic etc...I also fish a lot of areas that have a decent amount of grass and they grab more of that too.
Riazuli reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 11:18 AM, flyfisher said:anything else really. topwater, jerk baits, any type of weightless plastic etc...I also fish a lot of areas that have a decent amount of grass and they grab more of that too.
Makes sense...I've always been 50/50 about snaps and it's mainly a convenience thing...also I've only been using two setups since the summer and am just now expanding to 5. More the reason to steer away from snaps I guess (I'm apprehensive because I prefer to never retie at all lol, but what you're saying about action definitely is clicking).
Czorn reply :
I will take 5-6 unless I have them dialed in from the day before. Then I take 4-5 out. I lay two on each side of me. (With a strap over them) and I'll have one in my rod holder and one in my hand.
Dens228 reply :
Remove the O rings and use VMC Crankbait snaps.....
J Francho reply :
3-6, which depends on the water. I have some diverse places to fish, all close by.
Choporoz reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 10:20 AM, flyfisher said:i take anywhere from 3-7 depending on the lake and my mood. I am more of a fan of grabbing a new rod with a different bait than tying something else on.
On 2/28/2018 at 10:57 AM, flyfisher said:Much easier to grab a different rod than cut and retie because that letdown is begging for a square bill
On 2/28/2018 at 9:44 PM, J Francho said:3-6, which depends on the water. I have some diverse places to fish, all close by.
4... Sometimes 5. Rarely the same 4, however
Hawkeye21 reply :
I usually carry 6 rods on my kayak. It can seem like a lot but I like being able to switch between multiple different lures and techniques quickly.
Riazuli reply :
Thanks, gents. You've successfully made me feel less crazy for wanting to take 5 rods on my kayak. Go big or go home, right? I know when I'm anchored up at a spot, I'll be glad I have several lures to run through without having to change anything. Will report back after my first yakkin of the season.
Preytorien reply :
I never use more than 2. I find that if I have too many scattered about in rod holders and such that I can too easily get tangled up during fighting fish and such. I bring 2 and use 1, so a total of 3....maybe
RPreeb reply :
No kayak, but I will be using at most 3 in my canoe - 2 lying straddling the front and middle seat, and one in my hands. I only own 3, but I doubt that I'd take more even if I had them - just gets too cluttered for me. I see photos of some kayak/canoe setups, and I just think "No way I could fish that!" with all the stuff sticking up everywhere.
bigbassin' reply :
I'm surprised to see how many rods y'all take out on kayaks. I don't have a crate system or rod holder, the extra rod just sits between my legs so that may be why, but I never take out more than two. And I only do two if I plan to be on the water for more than 3 to 4 hours.
In a canoe I always do 3 to 4, unless I bring the fly rod. Then it'll be one fly rod, one conventional for if the wind picks up.
J Francho reply :
On 3/2/2018 at 1:52 AM, bigbassin' said:I don't have a crate system or rod holder
I like to have a few more places to put a rod than the number rods I bring. For example, my crate holds 6. There's two recessed holders lust behind the seat. Plus, two rocket launchers up front. That's 10 total, twice as much as I usually bring. This way, when I need to retie, unbutton, or photograph a fish, I have many convenient options instead of dealing with one or more rods in my lap.
bigbassin' reply :
On 3/2/2018 at 2:06 AM, J Francho said:I like to have a few more places to put a rod than the number rods I bring. For example, my crate holds 6. There's two recessed holders lust behind the seat. Plus, two rocket launchers up front. That's 10 total, twice as much as I usually bring. This way, when I need to retie, unbutton, or photograph a fish, I have many convenient options instead of dealing with one or more rods in my lap.
I definitely see the advantages of having more rod holders than you actually need. I've had to go swimming after knocking a rod over while trying to turn around and grab my tackle.
Choporoz reply :
@bigbassin', I don't even know how you can fish from a kayak without a crate or rod holders. I suppose I could manage ok with four rods laid out in front of me the whole time (since I do much of the time, anyway), but it'd be true hardship to feel forced to leave the ramp with less than four...lol
NYWayfarer reply :
I take two, but I am going to start taking 3. 2 will go in the holders and one in the cockpit with me.
I have a DIY crate but it doesn't fit properly on the back of my kayak. When I do take it I have a total of 5 rod holders , 3 on the crate and 2 built in.
Choporoz reply :
I have gear tracks all over, so I can put all kinds of rod holders, if I wanted. But my wife's yak doesn't have tracks, so I installed starport mounts and they are very handy, too.
Turkey sandwich reply :
I've got "room" for as many as 8 on mine.
fishwizzard reply :
I have room for four, three spots on my crate and one built-in holder up front. I try to pick based where I'll be fishing on any given day and have never felt the need to bring any more along.
As most my fishing is from the bank, often a fairly good hike for my car, having more than a single rod feels like a luxuy.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
If your kayak have enough room and stable enough to maneuver around go for it "the more the merrier".
Me I only carry 3 all the time, one for moving bait (Fluke, chatterbait jerkbait) another one bottoms contact (fat Ika, Senko, Jig) and last top water. I can rig for mores, but I found it is more cumbersome than merrier. I fish only a few hours each trip and found myself going under tree more often. I only have 2-3 Plano boxes in the front storage. one plastic binder and a net.
boostr reply :
Depends where I'm at. If it's a new place 6. If its my regular haunts 3 or 4.
haggard reply :
I feel the yak is all about simplicity (just me) so in the old yak kept it to 3 combos. New yak has 4 tubes plus 2 holders so I could take 6 combos but don't want to. Haven't had it on the water yet but will probably do 4 combos max, and hopefully just keep it to 3. Trying to make the rod choices before I get in the boat, rather than when I'm in it.
I don't like retying (would rather fish) but would rather force myself to think more carefully about which lure to use than manage more rods.
Besides, when I get swamped, I lost only 4 combos because I'll be too stupid to remember to leash them.
Dens228 reply :
I said 4 earlier but yesterday added a fifth. I fish a lot of plastics so added a weigtless rig to go with my weighted since I often switch back and forth depending on depth and vegetation of my current spot.
I'm going out Saturday and my pre-rigs will be
1. Weighted t-rig
2. Weightless ri
3. Jerkbait
4. Lipless crank
5. Spinnerbait or chatterbait depending on wind and chop
Riazuli reply :
On 3/2/2018 at 1:52 AM, bigbassin' said:I'm surprised to see how many rods y'all take out on kayaks. I don't have a crate system or rod holder, the extra rod just sits between my legs so that may be why, but I never take out more than two. And I only do two if I plan to be on the water for more than 3 to 4 hours.
In a canoe I always do 3 to 4, unless I bring the fly rod. Then it'll be one fly rod, one conventional for if the wind picks up.
I was carrying my second rod between my legs this last summer /fall too and yeah it's not convenient at all. Now I've got a crate system with 2 triple rod holders so they'll be neatly and conveniently standing behind me and not all over the place.
On 3/2/2018 at 2:12 AM, bigbassin' said:I definitely see the advantages of having more rod holders than you actually need. I've had to go swimming after knocking a rod over while trying to turn around and grab my tackle.
Do you put floats on your rods? Or did it sink
On 3/2/2018 at 4:21 AM, fishwizzard said:I have room for four, three spots on my crate and one built-in holder up front. I try to pick based where I'll be fishing on any given day and have never felt the need to bring any more along.
As most my fishing is from the bank, often a fairly good hike for my car, having more than a single rod feels like a luxuy.
I picked up a rod and reel case that holds 8 for that purpose. It's just a long convenient tote made by field and stream. Haven't used it yet but once I set up my new equipment, I'll be using it for sure.
Riazuli reply :
On 3/2/2018 at 9:41 AM, haggard said:I feel the yak is all about simplicity (just me) so in the old yak kept it to 3 combos. New yak has 4 tubes plus 2 holders so I could take 6 combos but don't want to. Haven't had it on the water yet but will probably do 4 combos max, and hopefully just keep it to 3. Trying to make the rod choices before I get in the boat, rather than when I'm in it.
I don't like retying (would rather fish) but would rather force myself to think more carefully about which lure to use than manage more rods.
Besides, when I get swamped, I lost only 4 combos
I use rod floats. Do yall think those work well?
Tracker22 reply :
I take four. Two on deck and two in the holders. I’d take five but I just don’t have a place to hold it.
RB 77 reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 11:16 AM, Darren. said:I would say I use 2 normally, 4 max....
This is pretty spot on for me. I have come to the conclusion that yak fishing will be a compromise for me. I will limit myself on the yak knowing that I will have any number I may need at my disposal on the boat. It helps ease my apprehensiveness about being so limited on the yak. It boils down to ROI for me, having the added combos isn't worth the hassle of dealing with them on such a limited vessel and to be quite honest, I enjoy the simplicity of it from time to time. Just K.I.S.S. and enjoy the ride.
Cak920 reply :
On 2/28/2018 at 10:35 AM, MassYak85 said:You could say I keep things minimal...
...but that would be a complete lie
Technically, I could carry 8 rods if I ditched my net and flag/light pole. But I don't even have 8 active setups so there's no point. What you see is what I carry at maximum. Some lakes I know I am not going to be punching or frogging so I can sometimes leave that at home. Some days I might just go out for a couple hours, leave my crate at home and just use the two built in rod holders. But I like to have the option to bring everything lol.
How do you reach those rods on the back?
Riazuli reply :
On 3/5/2018 at 9:04 AM, Cak920 said:How do you reach those rods on the back?
Was wondering the same thing - I was imagining some yoga like maneuver that didn't lead to capsize 
But it looks to be within arms reach, and a darn inventive contraption at that.
MassYak85 reply :
On 3/5/2018 at 9:04 AM, Cak920 said:How do you reach those rods on the back?
On 3/5/2018 at 9:51 AM, Riazuli said:Was wondering the same thing - I was imagining some yoga like maneuver that didn't lead to capsize
Haha. The perks of being young, thin and having long arms (I'm 6'1"). Ask me if I can do that "Yoga like maneuver" in 20 years lol. My kayak is actually pretty stable though, I've never felt in danger of flipping just reaching for stuff.
haggard reply :
Depends largely on two things: physical and mental.
Physical: How big is the yak; does it have rod storage / holders to manage multiple rods easily, or is it so small that you're fumbling and getting tangled?
Mental: Does having a lot of choices make your fishing harder (overwhelmed by too many decisions) or easier (the right combo for the situation is right at hand)?
Environment: Are you fishing water that doesn't vary much in terms of structure and species (could get away with fewer rods), or in a single outing are you fishing everything from panfish to big stuff in various conditions - heavy cover, open water, shallows, vegetation, etc. (might need more rods).
Oh wait that's three.
To answer the original question, for me in a yak in fresh water it's usually 3 combos. New yak has storage for 4 plus 2 holders, so I might go with 4 now.
But I'd really like to get down to two.
For kicks this season I might spend a day with only one and see what it's like.
On 3/2/2018 at 5:56 AM, JustJames said:If your kayak have enough room and stable enough to maneuver around go for it "the more the merrier".
Me I only carry 3 all the time, one for moving bait (Fluke, chatterbait jerkbait) another one bottoms contact (fat Ika, Senko, Jig) and last top water. I can rig for mores, but I found it is more cumbersome than merrier. I fish only a few hours each trip and found myself going under tree more often. I only have 2-3 Plano boxes in the front storage. one plastic binder and a net.
That's a nice boat and a beautiful body of water.
Riazuli reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 9:03 AM, haggard said:Depends largely on two things: physical and mental.
Physical: How big is the yak; does it have rod storage / holders to manage multiple rods easily, or is it so small that you're fumbling and getting tangled?
Mental: Does having a lot of choices make your fishing harder (overwhelmed by too many decisions) or easier (the right combo for the situation is right at hand)?
Environment: Are you fishing water that doesn't vary much in terms of structure and species (could get away with fewer rods), or in a single outing are you fishing everything from panfish to big stuff in various conditions - heavy cover, open water, shallows, vegetation, etc. (might need more rods).
Oh wait that's three.
To answer the original question, for me in a yak in fresh water it's usually 3 combos. New yak has storage for 4 plus 2 holders, so I might go with 4 now.
But I'd really like to get down to two.
For kicks this season I might spend a day with only one and see what it's like.
Nice breakdown - I'll be fishing where there is a mix of open water, grass, slop, bass, and snakehead. I also want specialized power/action for crankbaits, spinnerbaits/chatterbaits/jigs, plastics, jerkbaits, topwaters...so for me it's an absolute minimum 3, max 5 at the moment. Ideally, I can get away with 4.
keltonz reply :
Is this the Riazuli that fishes at 4MR?
I take 4-6 rods with me. I only have rod holders for 5, so it means keeping one rod and my net at my feet. But it beats having to retie or use a rod not best suited for the technique.
Riazuli reply :
On 3/6/2018 at 10:33 AM, keltonz said:Is this the Riazuli that fishes at 4MR?
I take 4-6 rods with me. I only have rod holders for 5, so it means keeping one rod and my net at my feet. But it beats having to retie or use a rod not best suited for the technique.
It sure is Nice to see you on the forum. I plan to head back out there this Thursday after taking a break with all the wind and subsequently catching a cold after having to run around old alexandria on Friday for a while trying to get something to eat before a meeting 
Not sure if you've seen the Potomac Mills sign, but it is leaning...traffic going south has been crazy since Friday.
Thanks for your input on the rods. I can't wait to get back out on the water - 4mr has treated us well this winter, but it's time to break free! I'm planning to take my kayak out to more areas of the Potomac and local lakes/ponds as things warm up. I'll likely vary how much gear I take depending on where I go. I ran with an extra rod between my legs before the winter, and really wanting to avoid that now, so I'm setting up 6 rod holders (2 yak gear triple rod holders) on a crate. A longer net will go in one holder, with 4-5 rods in the other. Hopefully just 3 if I take the yak out on a small pond or lake.
thinkingredneck reply :
Usually 2 rods, 1 small bag or satchel.
kjfishman reply :
I have been using 3 and may drop to 2, one bait caster one spinning and carry less tackle.
the reel ess reply :
I have two built in rod holders and a crate with 5. I usually take at least 6. Sometimes 7. I have 4 BC combos, 2 spinning combos for bass and sometimes I take a light spinning for panfish/small bass. It never hurts to come prepared.
Beetlebz reply :
I fish exclusively from a sit IN kayak, it helps keep the cold out in the winter. The downside is I can carry 4 rigs max with 2 holders built in and two between my legs, so I have a few I swap out depending on the time of the year and location.
This time of year I run a 7'3 ML spinning rod with copoly for finesse, a 6'6M caster with copoly for jerkbaits and heavy drop shots, a 7' MH with mono for topwater and finesse jigs (and tubes, light T rigs) and 7'5 MH on copoly for moving baits. After the spawn I swap out the 6'6 M caster for a 7'6 H caster for flipping and pitching. Tackle in a flambeau backpack and plastics in a binder behind the seat. It keeps it simple enough, I haven't had issues losing the extra rod over the side. Yet, anyway.
I installed a scotty last year just forward of the cockpit, I wind up not using it 99.9% of the time.
Riazuli reply :
On 3/19/2018 at 12:45 PM, Beetlebz said:I fish exclusively from a sit IN kayak, it helps keep the cold out in the winter. The downside is I can carry 4 rigs max with 2 holders built in and two between my legs, so I have a few I swap out depending on the time of the year and location.
This time of year I run a 7'3 ML spinning rod with copoly for finesse, a 6'6M caster with copoly for jerkbaits and heavy drop shots, a 7' MH with mono for topwater and finesse jigs (and tubes, light T rigs) and 7'5 MH on copoly for moving baits. After the spawn I swap out the 6'6 M caster for a 7'6 H caster for flipping and pitching. Tackle in a flambeau backpack and plastics in a binder behind the seat. It keeps it simple enough, I haven't had issues losing the extra rod over the side. Yet, anyway.
I installed a scotty last year just forward of the cockpit, I wind up not using it 99.9% of the time.
All my kayak fishing up until this point has been with a sit-in kayak. I was not fond of keeping a setup between my legs and only ran with two due to lack of rod holders. I did plan on using a crate with rod holders, but that's what led me to just upgrading altogether as I wasn't comfortable adding a crate with new setups on a curved surface. Once I began thinking about the extra freedom for casting and everything else with a sit on, it was a done deal. I didn't even consider being able to stand until doing my research, and there was no turning back after that. I'm not too keen on winter kayak fishing as it is; although, that might change next winter. Have you considered adding a crate system so you don't have to keep a setup between your legs?
Fishing Rhino reply :
Don't have a kayak, but here's my canoe with nine. Notice, the tips of rod cannot be snagged by vegetation as they are beneath the foredeck or the gunnels.
My tackle bags were stowed forward, beneath the rods. They were attached to cords. I'd pull the one I wanted, then push it back to the front of the boat with my paddle.
Riazuli reply :
On 3/19/2018 at 7:04 PM, Fishing Rhino said:Don't have a kayak, but here's my canoe with nine. Notice, the tips of rod cannot be snagged by vegetation as they are beneath the foredeck or the gunnels.
My tackle bags were stowed forward, beneath the rods. They were attached to cords. I'd pull the one I wanted, then push it back to the front of the boat with my paddle.
That looks like a work of art...nicely done! It also looks like an excuse for me to maybe buy another setup 
J Francho reply :
My buddy Wade uses a similar setup on his Commander 140. Looks like a gunship!
Fishing Rhino reply :
For the sake of disclosure, I haven't used that canoe since 2009. Nine rods were two rods too many. I had to stagger the rods or the reels would be into each other. Seven would have been a much better number.
I haven't fished this canoe since 2009. Got a larger canoe with a square stern, and a trolling motor.
Got a larger, square stern canoe.
MDbassin reply :
Depends on the lake. One lake around here after April or May it gets to matted the only thing that you can fish without fouling up is either a frog on top or punching through. And another lake I fish a lot i will take 7 through out the year I could make it 6 but I hate to cut off a drop shot rig and tie on a shakey head or senko so I just take 2 spinning rods and have one dedicated to drop shot
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