One Rod

[Stoneroller]

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.

I really hope you aren't planning on eating smallmouth bass.

[MoSportsmen]

Nope, said earlier the smallies are for fun and the goggle eye are for shore lunch/dinner. Might try for some cats off the shore after setting up camp. Never have thought much of eating smallies, just rejoined MSA. Was a member years ago and just reuped, looking forward to getting my membership stuff. Been limited to one or two ozark trips a year for many years. Too easy to catch a fish within 30 miles from home to venture to the Ozark streams too often, but I love em.

I never eat largemouth much either unless they are some over abundant shorts where there is a slot limit.

[Stoneroller]

my bad, I missed that in your earlier post. you have the right assessment on bass. I just joined the MSA this year too.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't know where you're going to float, but some areas of the Niangua don't have a lot of G-eyes. You might have to eat trout. A good quality #8 is generally my choice, but #6 isn't bad. I like P-line Premium, but all the P-lines excel.

As far as one rod, I would have an extra 2 piece 5 or 5 1/2 spinning rod tucked in somewhere because accidents do happen. A Berkley lightening is a good candidate, they're light and don't have guide inserts to get knocked out and their cheaper than their quality in my opinion..

[bigredbirdfan]

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.

This is exactly what you want. You will not break any SM off on this and you can see your line which is a huge must. You will not be changing that line for a long long time and then you can take it off and spool it right back in reverse if you want to. There are guides in MN who use Power Pro line forever and they are fighting large Walleyes very deep. If you want to top water take an extra spool with 10 lb mono and just switch them out. Thats my advice for only one rod but I would still use this for your spinning rod even if you take a baitcaster for topwater.

[Stoneroller]

learn the uni to uni knot. super easy, super strong and fast once you get the hang of it.

[MoSportsmen]

Yea, the quality line does probably make a difference. I am a big fan of good ole Triline XL just because it works for me for most things, nice castable.....just works for me. I just haven't fallen in love with flouracarbons and the like. Usually extra tough/abraision resistant means less castable and more prone to tangles. Maybe I need to give em more of a try.

[buckcreekmike]

I can see the merit in having any of the rods mentioned above, my main thing is to have at least two with you in case one craps out or breaks or sinks, anything might happen and you would be upset if you didn't have a backup.