I do a lot of kayak fishing, and the way mine is set up it would be difficult to take more than 3 rods out. I'd like to accomplish as much as possible with a 3 rod setup. I don't need specific brands/rods, but more like if you could only choose 3 rods, what Length/Action/Power would they be and what line on each. Lures I'm currently familiar with and/or learning are Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits, Senkos & Jigs. I'll probably get crap for this ,and I know baitcaster reels are better for a lot of applications, but I really just prefer spinning reels for the time being. Thanks so much!

A medium spinning rod, medium heavy/ fast casting, and medium/fast casting

53 minutes ago, trick worms said:

A medium spinning rod, medium heavy/ fast casting, and medium/fast casting

Exactly what I would choose.

I would choose ( All Baitcaster set ups)

A 6'10" Medium/fast  With Mono for topwaters, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, SQ Bill cranks. Etc

A 7'0" Medium Heavy/fast With Fluorocarbon For Texas rig's, light jig's, Senko's, Flukes Etc

A 7'3 Heavy/mod-fast With Braid for Frog's Toads, Flipping, Pitching.

Sorry, I just reread your original post.  I was a spinning only guy for a LONG time, so I get it.  These three spinning setups should cover most of your bases.

2500 size reel on a 7' Med-Heavy/Ex-Fast with 40lb braid

2500 size reel on a 6'6" Medium/Moderate with 30lb braid

1000 size reel on a 6'6" Med/ExFast with 20lb braid

1 hour ago, BrianMRetter said:

I do a lot of kayak fishing, and the way mine is set up it would be difficult to take more than 3 rods out. I'd like to accomplish as much as possible with a 3 rod setup. I don't need specific brands/rods, but more like if you could only choose 3 rods, what Length/Action/Power would they be and what line on each. Lures I'm currently familiar with and/or learning are Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits, Senkos & Jigs. I'll probably get crap for this ,and I know baitcaster reels are better for a lot of applications, but I really just prefer spinning reels for the time being. Thanks so much!

No problem using spinning setups whatsoever! You can do all of your requirements on them.

I'm also a kayaker and prefer shorter rods as I'm often in close quarters where longer rods just won't work...for now 6'6" is the max for me, 5'9"-6'3" are the sweet spots. You pick the lengths you are comfy with, I'll just suggest the actions.

ML/XF

M/F

MH/F

As for line, I find braid to be easiest to manage on spinning reels. I use 10# and 15# yellow Power Pro and Power Pro Super Slick 8.

I always use leaders anywhere from 4-15# test depending on the technique, and mainly Yo-Zuri Hybrid (green).

Medium fast or extra fast spinning, medium fast casting, medium heavy moderate casting. Covers every basic technique on the market from treble hooks with the medium hvy moderate, to weightless and extreme finesse with the spinning.

8 hours ago, Darren. said:

No problem using spinning setups whatsoever! You can do all of your requirements on them.

I'm also a kayaker and prefer shorter rods as I'm often in close quarters where longer rods just won't work...for now 6'6" is the max for me, 5'9"-6'3" are the sweet spots. You pick the lengths you are comfy with, I'll just suggest the actions.

ML/XF

M/F

MH/F

As for line, I find braid to be easiest to manage on spinning reels. I use 10# and 15# yellow Power Pro and Power Pro Super Slick 8.

I always use leaders anywhere from 4-15# test depending on the technique, and mainly Yo-Zuri Hybrid (green).

These are the same setups I use fishing from the bank. The only difference is in line choice, and that is very minor. 15# yellow power pro on the ml and med. 20# on the MH. Red label seaguar for leaders.

Thanks for all the great info! Exactly what I was looking for!

Exactly what trick worm said. 

Okay so based on suggestions, I've decided on the following (spinning rods only):

Medium Light/Extra Fast

Medium/Fast

Medium Heavy/Fast

 

Now the question is...which do I use for which techniques? Sorry for the newb questions, I'm still learning the specifics :/

Ml/xf - stand up and drop shot

m/f - tubes, grubs

mh/f - larger jigs and worms

 

As far as reels go, I believe bigger is better in general:

1: casting distance

2: line management - less tangles  

3: Ability to take up line quicker  inches / turn  

 

What about jerkbaits spinnerbaits crankbaits & topwaters?

On March 11, 2016 at 5:01 PM, BrianMRetter said:

What about jerkbaits spinnerbaits crankbaits & topwaters?

Use the medium