One Rod

[MoSportsmen]

Planning a big three day two night float camp this summer and going to try to limit my tackel to one rod each for my girlfriend an I. We want to catch smalies for fun and goggle eye for shore lunch dinner.

I have a buddy that usually brings his bait cast with 12 pound test on float trips for smallies (probably not my choice) I was thinking more like 6 or 8 lb line. Maybe a baitcaster with 10 on it if I bring a second rod for me.

6 lb is a bit light but would we catch more with 6 over 8? The 6 would probably provide more versatility in being able to throw smaller offerings, but would it handle the abuse.

Or would I do better with 4lb?

Niagua River July.

What say you?

Tom

[ColdWaterFshr]

What are your priorities? If its to ensure the success of the shore-lunch of goggle-eye, I would say bring the spinning rod with small plastic baits. On the other hand, if its to have fun with smallies, I would bring the baitcaster with 10 or 12 lb and throw big topwaters.

[eric1978]

What are your priorities? If its to ensure the success of the shore-lunch of goggle-eye, I would say bring the spinning rod with small plastic baits. On the other hand, if its to have fun with smallies, I would bring the baitcaster with 10 or 12 lb and throw big topwaters.

I agree with Mr. Dallas. Neither one can do it all. I can't take just one. Gotta have at least one spinning and one BC. If I had to take one, probably the spinning rod. No, the BC. No, spinning. Dammit. You'll regret it either way.

[Greasy B]

Keep those rod tips tucked in the canoe. Few things are more heart breaking than snapping a rod tip off at the beginning of a multi day float.

[MoSportsmen]

True about snapping a rod tip. Hoping to get a few boat loads going in on this trip. Surely we could afford the room of a rod case with a couple extra rods tucked away for the group. I have always leaned toward spinning gear and lighter tackel for smallies. What do most of the serious smallie fisherman use? baitcaster or spinning tackel? My girlfriend wont be using a baitcaster for sure. Maybe I could bring a bait cast and she use the spinner till she wants to take a break.

Guess the priority is to catch as many and as good a quality as possible......like every trip. Sure we won't starve if we don't have fish to eat....just a plus.

[mic]

Don't know if you are looking to buy new....

http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/index.php?showtopic=32412

[eric1978]

I do just fine for both with 1/16th-ounce Road Runners on 6-pound test. As long as the drag is set properly on your reel, you shouldn't lose big bass.

Until that big smallie turns 'round and heads back into his rootwad and you have no control over him. Then you say bye bye. Big smallies and 6# test don't play well together. Light spinning tackle is good for having more fun with smaller fish and more heartbreakers with big fish. Power Pro has alleviated the latter to a certain degree, but it still holds true generally.

What do most of the serious smallie fisherman use? baitcaster or spinning tackel?

Both, just depends on what mood they're in. But IMO, you have to have at least one of each to cover most of the bases.

[dtrs5kprs]

More of a still water canoe/small boat guy in summer but I would probably go ML spinning, a good basic 6'6" with 6# or 8# fluorocarbon. Good all around for little stuff plastics plus small hard baits.

You won't know how much fun it is to lose that big brown fish if she never bites because you are throwing rope at her.

[eric1978]

You won't know how much fun it is to lose that big brown fish if she never bites because you are throwing rope at her.

Big smallies don't care about rope...they ain't trout.

[Gavin]

I'd go with a 6' Spin Rod rated for lures in the 1/8-1/2oz range and pair it with a 2000 series reel. Spool it up with some Hi-Vis Yellow Suffix performance braid, add a 6' flourocarbon leader (8-12lb) and your set. Not the best for buzzers, cranks, and walk the dog lures...but it will do the trick in a pinch. Cheers.