You Only Need One Fishing Rod!
By Mike Frisch
You’re probably saying “no way” to the title of this story! And, you are right, no one fishing rod can do it all, particularly if you are a multi-species, multi-technique angler. However, if you fish panfish, walleyes, and bass like I do, there is one rod and reel combination that can do lots!
A 6’6” to 7’-foot medium-light, fast action spinning rod and reel spooled with braided line is a very versatile combination that gets a great deal of use in my boat.
For example, several of these rod/reel combinations will have jigs tied on them for early season walleye fishing. This is the perfect combination for presenting small jigs and minnows to hungry spring walleyes that are usually found in shallow water. These rods are light, sensitive, and with the right tip action for effectively presenting jigs and minnows.
And, if the walleye bite is tough on a particular spring day, this same combination can be used to transition to a bobber and even smaller jig set-up for panfish. Some days the walleyes might be off, but that same day might be perfect for heading to the shallows to find hungry crappies and bluegills, and this rod/reel will do a good job there too.
This versatile combination isn’t just for spring walleyes and panfish, however. Summer largemouth bass often head to the deep weedline and will readily bite a small jig and plastic worm offering. Often referred to as shaky-head, jigworm, and now Ned rigging, the versatile jig/plastic worm is a good summer fish producer and can be fished successfully with the same rod and reel combination.
If smallmouth bass are your target species, you guessed it, this same rod and reel combination has a place. Smallies are often susceptible to drop-shot rigs during most seasons and this same combination does a great job dropping on smallmouth too.
While the same rod/reel combination spooled with braided line can be used for these various species and techniques, the difference is in the leader that I tie to the braid. I spool the mainline on the reel with 10-pound XTCB-8 braid which is a small diameter, smooth braid that is also very strong.
During spring when walleyes and panfish are targeted, I tie several feet of 6-pound Floroclear line which is a fluorocarbon coated line that does a great job as a leader for presenting small finesse baits to walleyes and panfish. If I were only chasing panfish, I would opt for a 4-pound leader, though 6-pound is a good all-around choice when walleyes and panfish might both be in the mix.
When bass (regardless the species) are targeted, I tie my leader with 8-pound Tactical fluorocarbon for a bit more strength around weeds and rocks.
Various braid to fluorocarbon knots can be used to tie leaders, with the FG-knot (I learned via internet videos) being my favorite.
The specific rod and reel that have quickly become my favorites are new for 2019 from Lew’s, ones I had a chance to sample last fall with excellent results on several outings.
The rod is the 6’9” “finesse” model from the new TP1 Black Speed Stick series. This rod series features the Vibration Transfer Ring which gives the angler direct contact to the rod blank for maximum sensitivity. Plus, the finesse model has the perfect combination of action and power for effectively presenting light baits.
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(However/click on the images to learn more)
I paired it with the new Custom Pro Speed Spin reel with its silky smooth drag that works great for protecting light line while battling hard-fighting bass and walleyes.
Not only is this rod and reel combination very versatile, but they come at price points that will fit into lots of anglers’ budgets as well.
Equipment that fits into an angler’s budget is important, especially equipment that can do multiple jobs. The versatile rod and reel combination discussed here may not be the only combo you need, but it is one that deserves a place in most rod lockers.
As always, good luck on the water and remember to include a youngster in your next outdoors adventure!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series. Visit Fishing the Midwest’s new website www.fishingthemidwest.com to learn more!
PHOTO – The author caught this walleye last fall using the versatile rod and reel combination detailed in this story.