Tackle

One day I was fishing at Bear River and a guy walked up to the lake carrying, I think 3 or 4 or maybe more rods. I thought, " What could he need more than one rod for?" I've hinted that I use more than one with the comments about one with Power Bait and one using spinners. I've also noted that I was introduced to "slip bobber" fishing. I now carry 3 rod/reel combo's and will be adding a 4th as soon as I get a reel for my new 5' Ugly Stik.

Here is how I have them rigged. My 7' Ugly Stik with a small black snap swivel for lures. I has a Mitchell 300 with 6 lb test line. My "quick change" rod.

A 5' Ugly Stik with a Mitchell 308 and 4 lb test line. This is set up with an eggsinker above a swivel and 18" of Florocarbon leader. I use a #14 or #16 gold treble hook for Power Bait. It can easily be changed to a regular hook if I want to use crawlers.

A 4 1/2 ' Diawa Graphite rod with a Ryobi Graphite reel and 4 lb test line. I use this one with the slip bobber rig. I rig it a little differently that others. First I put a bobber stop a little ways up the line. then I put the plastic bead, slide on the bobber, and tie on a swivel. Then I attach 18" of 4# Florocarbon leader and a #10 gold hook at the end. I also put a small split shot sinker about 8" up from the hook.

Some rig slip bobbers with a swivel, then on the leader, a couple of split shot followed by the bobber, followed by another couple of split shot and then 8" or so below, the hook. I guess it's what works best for you. Trial and error usually solves any thing that happens like having your leader wind around the bobber.

My last rig, when I get the new reel, I already have the 5' Ugly Stik, will be a slip bobber rig with a #14 or #16 gold treble hook. I've found that some Power Baits don't float like you would want them to, so instead of putting a marshmallow under the Power Bait to make it float, maybe this will work. I'll report what I find out.

Having multiple rigs makes your changing baits a simple matter. I don't know about you, but even tying on a hook in 40 degree or lower weather becomes a difficult thing. Once your fingers "freeze", for some reason they don't work so well. Oh Yea, if you're fishing in these kinds of conditions (and they occur frequently in our area) don't forget the chemical hand and foot warmers.

Next time I'll be at part 2 of Bear River Reservoir. Remember: "A bad day fishing is better than any day at work".

Shoreman