Ive used a cheap $20 rod and spinning reel setup from walmart for the past 6 years and usually swap the line out to a 8# powerpro line pretty quickly. My first big yak trip down an ozark river with my brother-in-law we landed about 300 fish if not over 300. Since then I have not done as well but at times got really good results with rebel crawfish and teeny crawfish. With that being said...I'm going to leave the rod and reel argument alone. I did also use a Zebco trigger cast on a ultralight rod (which I lost in a yak turnover). So what will I credit our huge success on (a few fish over 1# one up to about 18") time of year, plenty of water flow but not too much, and the right baits. My brother-in-law used a light rod with a casting reel and multiple baits. He was having fun but only caught 1 fishto my 2/3. I think it was that i had the fire bait for the day. He is a good fisherman so I cant say it was me. He just wanted to try different baits. We floated 8 miles or so in about 8 hours I think. Just hit the water with a small variety of tackle and see what happens, most of all enjoy your time in God's creation.
