wading - carrying two rods - any ideas?

[Al Agnew]

The main reason I'd like to carry two rods is that the rod I use for casting topwater lures does not have enough backbone to set the hook well through soft plastic, so if I want to switch from topwaters/spinnerbaits to something like a tube, I really need either a different rod or to be able to switch from mono to braid.  I could use a spinning reel with two spools, one with braid and one with mono, but I've gotten to where I just about can't stand to use spinning tackle; even my small creek rod is now a medium light power casting rod with a reel that will handle lures down to 1/8th ounce with that rod.  So basically, I don't bother to even carry soft plastics wading.  I probably throw topwaters 90% of the time anyway.

[Johnsfolly]

I typically don't carry two rods that have a similar function, I have carried a fly rod and a spinning rod at times and have used a back pack to hold the second rod. Now I have a Shakespeare travel rod that I use for microfishing that fits in the back "keeper" pocket of my fishing vest. So if when I am fishing for trout or smallmouth and come upon a bunch of sculpin, darters, or minnows, I will switch to that rod. Since I am switching my fishing style, taking the time to pull out and replace the rods in my vest or pack has not been a problem.

[drew03cmc]

17 hours ago, timinmo said:

Hog

I carry two rods wading all the time.  I have tried a couple different methods.  I used to use a Pals Chest Pack( I am not sure of the name but if you look around I am sure you will find it).  I pop riveted a PVC rod holder onto the back strap of the pack, these are available about anywhere.  My newer system uses a shoulder bag that hangs on my right side, strap over my left shoulder.  The butt of the rod goes in a strap that was already on the pack and the upper part of the rod goes thru a "hook" that I installed. This keeps the rod pointing over my left shoulder, I am right handed.  I do not have any pictures of these systems, but if you are interested I can take some and post them.  The shoulder pack is a Maxpedition Versa pack, I think, but there are other brands.  I do not think there are any ready made packs to carry another rod at least I never saw any.  What I use puts the extra rod projecting over my left shoulder and yes you need to watch out if you are going under low trees.

   

Pics please Tim.

[hoglaw]

21 hours ago, timinmo said:

Hog

I carry two rods wading all the time.  I have tried a couple different methods.  I used to use a Pals Chest Pack( I am not sure of the name but if you look around I am sure you will find it).  I pop riveted a PVC rod holder onto the back strap of the pack, these are available about anywhere.  My newer system uses a shoulder bag that hangs on my right side, strap over my left shoulder.  The butt of the rod goes in a strap that was already on the pack and the upper part of the rod goes thru a "hook" that I installed. This keeps the rod pointing over my left shoulder, I am right handed.  I do not have any pictures of these systems, but if you are interested I can take some and post them.  The shoulder pack is a Maxpedition Versa pack, I think, but there are other brands.  I do not think there are any ready made packs to carry another rod at least I never saw any.  What I use puts the extra rod projecting over my left shoulder and yes you need to watch out if you are going under low trees.

   

This is exactly what I need to do I think. Pvc cut with a Sawzall would be perfect. I could attach that to my camelback easily. 

[joeD]

If the fish aren't biting what you are throwing on Rod 1, chances are, they aren't gonna bite a different lure on Rod 2. Your Rube Goldberg contraptions, while clever and time consuming, just seem to miss the point in my opinion. Throw topwater all day. Or, mix it with soft plastic. Fluke of course. Carrying a full arsenal to the creek, in general, most times, is no more effective than just sticking with a confidence bait and paying attention and being persistent. I am of the opinion  that wade fishing is a time to just relax, walk and cast a lure, without fuss and much equipment anxiety. 

[Al Agnew]

I agree with Joe...that's scary.

Like I said, on the creeks I wade, 98% of the time they bite on topwaters well enough to keep me entertained anyway.  Creek bass are always within reach of topwater lures; it's not like they might be hanging out in 10 feet of water.  I carry one small box with three or four topwater lures, a small buzzbait or two, and a couple of my homemade spinnerbaits, and call it good.

[holleybob]

When I was a kid I had a telescoping fishing rod. When it was collapsed down it was about a foot long. Not a great rod by any stretch but it was cool and I liked things that were different. Still do. I wish I still had that rod. 

A quick amazon search showed one.  http://www.amazon.com/THKFISH-Telescopic-Fishing-Retractable-Shipping/dp/B00GM2GA5E

You don't have to break down the rod and string your line through the eyelets each time. Just collapse down leaving the lure at the last eyelet, stick the handle in your back pocket and call it good. 

 

[ness]

Doesn't anybody use a rod boy anymore?

[BilletHead]

  Got be politically correct Ness,

Rod caddy is a unisex term that we now have to use. I have one and SHE makes me carry her rods too . I have been known to stick the extra spinning rod butt in my back pocket but now that I fly fish more that is kind of hard to do. The BilletHead's don't have fat pockets,

BilletHead

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, ness said:

Doesn't anybody use a rod boy anymore?

There's nothing with that lifestyle Ness, I just prefer a woman when handling my rod.