What's In Your Canoe Box?

[eric1978]

Lately I've only been taking two rods because I'm still getting used to my new canoe and I'm a little worried about swamping it and losing one. But if I was taking four rods, as of right now they would be set up with: spinnerbait, Wart, Pointer, tube or hair jig.

In a month from now probably Wart, Pointer, tube and jig, and will probably stay that way until the water temps start climbing in the spring, then the spinnerbait comes back.

When the temps start climbing through the 50s, it will be spinnerbait, buzzbait, Sammy or Subwalk, fluke, and it will stay that way until fall. I rarely go slow and low in warmer months, except maybe in the case of a nasty high pressure front.

I'm a creature of habit.

[Flysmallie]

You guys need to carry more stuff. There is now way I could hit the water with just two rods. I'm constantly changing baits and usually have 5 rods rigged and ready.

2 - Spinning Rods

1 - Baitcaster

2 - Fly rods

Of course this is why my "solo" canoe is 17 feet long.

Part of this problem comes from all the time that I have spent in a bass boat, where you have more storage. But I'm just as big of a pig in a bass boat as I am in a canoe. Usually ending up with 8-10 rods laying on the deck for my own use. It's amazing that I can be so organized at the beginning of a trip and afterwards it looks like I was part of a river clean-up.

[smallmouthjoe]

You guys need to carry more stuff. There is now way I could hit the water with just two rods. I'm constantly changing baits and usually have 5 rods rigged and ready.

2 - Spinning Rods

1 - Baitcaster

2 - Fly rods

Of course this is why my "solo" canoe is 17 feet long.

Part of this problem comes from all the time that I have spent in a bass boat, where you have more storage. But I'm just as big of a pig in a bass boat as I am in a canoe. Usually ending up with 8-10 rods laying on the deck for my own use. It's amazing that I can be so organized at the beginning of a trip and afterwards it looks like I was part of a river clean-up.

Man that's a lot of stuff. This is why i need a solo so bad, I can only carry two rods, one casting and one baitcasting. The last time I was out I broke my five weight due to my kayak being so small. Really sucked.

[eric1978]

You guys need to carry more stuff. There is now way I could hit the water with just two rods. I'm constantly changing baits and usually have 5 rods rigged and ready.

2 - Spinning Rods

1 - Baitcaster

2 - Fly rods

Of course this is why my "solo" canoe is 17 feet long.

Part of this problem comes from all the time that I have spent in a bass boat, where you have more storage. But I'm just as big of a pig in a bass boat as I am in a canoe. Usually ending up with 8-10 rods laying on the deck for my own use. It's amazing that I can be so organized at the beginning of a trip and afterwards it looks like I was part of a river clean-up.

I like more rods, too, but once I find a pattern I normally wind up throwing the same bait or couple baits the rest of the day. The other rods just wind up in the way. I don't have so much problem with length, but where they rest on the seat thwarts, they kind of cramp my legs a little if I have a bunch with me. The problem with not bringing at least 4 rods, though, is that like many other guys, I got a spinnerbait rod, a rod I like for crankbaits, one for jerkbaits, one for topwater, one for flukes, etc...If they're tearing up the flukes and I didn't bring a spinning rod, I hate myself. Same goes for the other baits. There's nothing worse than chucking a spinnerbait all day with a rod that's too light, or fishing a Sammy with a rod that's too long, whatever.

[brownieman]

In that case I generally just take a rod and reel ( extra spool with lighter line ) that if need be will throw anything and 1 backup.

That's why I'm a big believer in swivels...high quality barrel swivels, don't ever trust the snaps. Have never lost a fish due to my swivel failing, except with snaps years ago. With swivels I can run through every color, whatever I want to throw at em. I'm not the best fly fisherman but I reckon swivels aren't too user friendly with fly gear...I'd sure be the idiot to try it, lol

I just always check my drag often and make sure my swivel is pinched shut good.

The Shimano spinning reel drags seem to be pretty reliable but in frigid weather you need to check your drag often...even the high dollar reels will freeze up if it's cold enouph.

later on

[Chief Grey Bear]

That's why I'm a big believer in swivels...high quality barrel swivels, don't ever trust the snaps. Have never lost a fish due to my swivel failing, except with snaps years ago.

Snaps are all I use and I have yet to loose a plug or a fish.

[eric1978]

Snaps are all I use and I have yet to loose a plug or a fish.

That's it. I'm getting some snaps. Do you guys like a particular size/style/brand?

[Al Agnew]

Fast-locks from BPS, second smallest size, nickel. Or any similar brand, like Duo-locks.

[creek wader]

I use to get by with 3 rods in a canoe.

1) 1/8 oz. leadhead w/ 3" twister tail (old reliable)

2) 3" Yum dinger or a 5 " senko ("go to" lure)

3) either a 3" or 4" rapala, or a wee craw. (produces when others don't)

But, thanks to Al and others. Now I need two more rods.

4) top water, preferably a 4" WTD lure (had a blast with that this year)

5) 3/16 oz. spinnerbait with a 3" trailer (had very good luck with it, this year)

I don't need any more suggestions. I don't have any more room. ...lol ...wader

[Chief Grey Bear]

This here is what I am talking about. Only I don't get the red color. You can also get these from Academy Outdoors. If you have a Dick's in your area, they may also have them.

I use the smallest size on my Falcon and Loomis ultra lites and the next size on my Fenwick baitcasters. I have even been know to use them on my flyrod when using jigs.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/s...010000_100-10-5

I don't recommend using them with a spinnerbait or buzzbait. I do it but, they can cause troubles.