I'm currently building a table for my 16 bass (5 spinning) rods so I don't have to think too hard where to put what when I'm out on the water.  

 

I'm starting with a table in excel but wondering if anyone on here does the same.  As I get older my memory isn't what it used to be so little tools like this should help.  I'm thinking that I can even save it as pdf and load it on my Lowrance HDS Live.

 

I like the computer method vs. a not pad as I can update information as required.

 

Thoughts?

Sounds good to me, I've done versions in just an open doc form for fishing road trips and for divvying up my rigs between the in-laws and my place.  In terms of what rods throw what lures best? That info is in my head, though keeping the number 2's and 3's straight is more of a guesstimate...

 

scott

In fact, I jusrt posted my spreadsheet to solicit opinions on the current setup!

Patrick/Pimpsy- For both of you, it's great to think about what a given combo does 'best' and what lures go with what combos that you have.  That gets you thinking about what you like and why.  At the same time, the only answer is to get out and fish them.  Grab your three MH rods and throw a 3/8 spinnerbait on each.  If something doesn't feel right about one of them then don't do that anymore.  Throw a could weights of jigs on your 2-3 rods most appropriate and see what feels right.  That's the only way you're going to find out what you like of the things you have.

Man, That's waaay too complicated for me. I pretty much know what I'm going to start with in the morning and I may lay those out on the deck the night before, but every thing else gets stuffed into the 2 rod lockers.

 

Yup, I have a spreadsheet that helps me keep track of what I own, what my combos are, what line is on each combo, and what I typically use them for. During the season, I reference this spreadsheet ALL THE TIME. It's super helpful. 

I'm still pretty good at knowing what's what.

Also for quick rig identification in the rod locker,

I use a color-coded rod sleeve system.

So easy an A-Jay can do it.

A-Jay

 

I do the same thing - and with Mobi-Office on my tablet and phone...I have instant access to it where-ever I am.

4 minutes ago, JackstrawIII said:

Yup, I have a spreadsheet that helps me keep track of what I own, what my combos are, what line is on each combo, and what I typically use them for.

I do the same thing - and with Mobi-Office on my tablet and phone...I have instant access to it where-ever I am.

I track my trips on excell but my setups are grouped by technique in the rod lockers

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Patrick/Pimpsy- For both of you, it's great to think about what a given combo does 'best' and what lures go with what combos that you have.  That gets you thinking about what you like and why.  At the same time, the only answer is to get out and fish them.  Grab your three MH rods and throw a 3/8 spinnerbait on each.  If something doesn't feel right about one of them then don't do that anymore.  Throw a could weights of jigs on your 2-3 rods most appropriate and see what feels right.  That's the only way you're going to find out what you like of the things you have.

I totally agree with this, you won't know unless you try it, feel it.  My challenge lies with remembering all the different techniques that will work accross different rods.  For example, my choice spinnerbait rod is also my choice med. sized paddletail swimbait rod. Now if I want both on deck it would be nice to have a list showing what other rods are i)available(not in use), and ii) suit the conditions (ie cover or open).  Just something to trigger my memory..lol.

Another benefit of making this list is it helped me determine all the teqniques that are available.  When I really started thinking about it, my Windbuster looked like this:

 

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I still pretty good at knowing what's what.

Also for quick rig identification in the rod locker,

I use a color coded rod sleeve system.

So easy an A-Jay can do it.

A-Jay

 

how do you like those updated Avids?  Can't find many reviews online about them since the re-fresh. 

I think for me it quits being fun if I need a spreadsheet.

 

 

@A-Jay - I keep meaning to ask- what is the rosetta stone for your colors?

Man, I fish to get away from spreadsheets. You do you  

J/K I can't help you with this one

4 hours ago, A-Jay said:

I still pretty good at knowing what's what.

Also for quick rig identification in the rod locker,

I use a color coded rod sleeve system.

So easy an A-Jay can do it.

A-Jay

 

You forgot the spinning outfits.

If you can’t remember what rod combo is used for what lures it’s time to reduce the inventory.😎

Tom

On 12/7/2025 at 2:08 PM, Patrick Oliver said:

I'm currently building a table for my 16 bass (5 spinning) rods so I don't have to think too hard where to put what when I'm out on the water.  

 

I'm starting with a table in excel but wondering if anyone on here does the same.  As I get older my memory isn't what it used to be so little tools like this should help.  I'm thinking that I can even save it as pdf and load it on my Lowrance HDS Live.

 

I like the computer method vs. a not pad as I can update information as required.

 

Thoughts?

I have an excel spreadsheet that I made to keep track of 30+ rod and reel combos I have. Plus I made one for my line inventory. Should make one for the the plastics and lures I have. Below are the headings I use

ROD REELTYPE LINETYPE #TEST TECHNIQUE LUREWEIGHT ACTION POWER LINE NOTES

6 hours ago, Jweller said:

how do you like those updated Avids?  Can't find many reviews online about them since the re-fresh. 

Short answer is - I Really Love them.

Both the Spinning & Casting sticks.

Bait monkey just delivered 2 more.

I sold my LTB and Victory rods to help fund the switch; if that tells you anything. 

Also I am putting together an Avid Rod Review video that I plan on posting this spring.

Prefer to do it on the water in the Lund after releasing A Nice Fat Smallie.

Keep an eye out.

A-Jay

4 hours ago, WRB-2.0 said:

You forgot the spinning outfits.

If you can’t remember what rod combo is used for what lures it’s time to reduce the inventory.😎

Tom

Sure did ~

My CRS hasn't advanced to a stage where I can't remember what rod combo is used for what lures.

This is simply a way to ID and then select what I want to fish next from the rod locker. 

A-Jay

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Short answer is - I Really Love them.

Both the Spinning & Casting sticks.

Bait money just delivered 2 more.

I sold my LTB and Victory rods to help fund the switch; if that tells you anything. 

Also I am putting together an Avid Rod Review video that I plan on posting this spring.

Prefer to do it on the water in the Lund after releasing A Nice Fat Smallie.

Keep an eye out.

A-Jay

Sure did ~

My CRS hasn't advanced to a stage where I can't remember what rod combo is used for what lures.

This is simply a way to ID and then select what I want to fish next from the rod locker. 

A-Jay

I had to look up CRS.  AI listed 6 different possibilities.  None looked like they'd fit your context.

 

I could use a spread sheet...if I only knew how.  Maybe I'll have to research it.

 

I must have at least $300 just in reel covers.  Rod sleeves would probably cost me twice that.  😭

8 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I had to look up CRS.  AI listed 6 different possibilities.  None looked like they'd fit your context.

Can't Remember Sheet.

A-Jay

9 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Can't Remember Sheet.

A-Jay

AI doesn't know that one.  

3 hours ago, WRB-2.0 said:

You forgot the spinning outfits.

If you can’t remember what rod combo is used for what lures it’s time to reduce the inventory.😎

Tom

Blasphemy!! 😂😂

 

What is this "Reduce" word you use?? 😁

I’m 74 years old and can’t remember what I had for breakfast 🤪, but I have no problem remembering what each of the 20+ rods I own are used for.

I also color code my rod sleeves for easy identification in the rod locker. Firt column.

 

Army Green	F3.5-70X	Zcrank Elseil	Medium	Regular	1/4-5/8oz	8-16lb	Curado DC	7.4-1	Braid (P-Line)	20lb	Topwaters, Fast Cranks, 1/4 bladed jigs
Army Green	F4.5-611X	OneTen Special	Medium	Fast	3/8-3/4oz	8-20lb	24 Steez SV TW	6.7-1	Flouro	12lb	Jerkbaits, Light Hover Rig, WCZ Micro
Army Green	F5-72X	Daemos	Medium+	Fast	3/8-1oz	8-20lb	24 Steez SV TW	6.7-1	Flouro	12lb	Swim Jigs, Spinner Baits, Buzzbaits, bladed jigs
Army Green	F5-75X	Javelin	Medium+	Med-Fast	3/8-1oz	8-20lb	24 Steez SV TW	6.7-1	Flouro	12lb	Larger: Crankbaits, Chatterbaits, SwimJigs, Small Swimbaits, Buzzbaits, Big Ploppers
Blue	F5-70x	Madbull	Med-Heavy	Regular	3/8-1oz	10-25lb	24 Steez SV TW	7.8-1	Flouro	17lb	Squarebills, Small Swimbaits, Mid Cranks, Larger Jerkbaits
Blue	F4.5-71X	Dark Sleeper	Med-Heavy	Fast	1/4-1oz	8-20lb	24 Steez SV TW	6.7-1	Braid	20lb	Dark Sleeper!, WCZ Micro, Swim Jig, Spinners, Buzzbaits
Blue	F5-68X	Blade	Med-Heavy	Med-Fast	3/8-1oz	10-25lb	2025 Tatula SV TW	6.3-1	Flouro	12lb	Spinners, Chatterbaits, Small Swimbaits
Blue	F5-68X	Blade	Med-Heavy	Med-Fast	3/8-1oz	10-25lb	2025 Tatula SV TW	6.3-1	Flouro	12lb	Spinners, Chatterbaits, Small Swimbaits
Navy	F5.5-72X	X-Bites	Heavy	Ex-Fast	1/4-1oz	10-25lb	24 Steez SV TW	7.8-1	Flouro	12lb	Light Plastics, Finesse Jigs, Light T-Rigs, Tokyo Rigs
Navy	F6-69X	Super Destroyer	Heavy	Med-Fast	1/4-1.25oz	12-25lb	24 Steez SV TW	8.5-1	Flouro	15lb	Large T-Rig, Free Rig, 1/2-3/4oz Jigs with Trailer (Football)
Navy	F6-69X	Super Destroyer	Heavy	Med-Fast	1/4-1.25oz	12-25lb	24 Steez SV TW	8.5-1	Flouro	15lb	Texas Rig, Free Rig, Drift Craw, 1/4-1/2oz Jigs with Trailer
Navy	F6-73X	FMJ	Heavy	Fast	3/8-1oz	14-30lb	23 Steez A II	7.1-1	Braid (Flouro)	20lb	Pitch/Flip Large T-Rigs, 3/8-5/8oz Jig + Trailer, Senkos, 1/2-3/4oz Dark Sleeper, Small Magdrafts, Tubes
Black	Steez AGS 74	Heavy Cover Special	X-Heavy	Fast	1/2-2oz	12-25lb	23 Steez A II	8.5-1	Braid	65lb	Frogs, Punching Jigs, Large Topwater, Buzzbaits
Black	LDC 8'	Swimbait 24/7	X-Heavy	Mod-Fast	4oz-10oz	20-40lb	23 Conquest MD	7.5-1	Flouro	22lb	Large Swimbaits
Black	F7-75X	BMG	X-Heavy	Fast	1/2-1.25oz	15-30lb	23 Steez A II	7.1-1	Flouro	17lb	Sleeper Gill, Sick 5-6" Magdraft, Glides, Large Soft Plastics, Big Jigs
Black	F7.5-711	Super Seven Eleven	X-Heavy	Med-Fast	1/2-2oz	12-30lb	23 Steez A II	7.1-1	Flouro	20lb	Large Crankbaits
Black	F7.5-76X	Mark 56	XX-Heavy	Mod-Fast	3/4-3.5oz	15-30lb	25 Tatula 200L	6.3-1	Flouro	17lb	Large Glides, A-rigs, 6-8"+ Magdrafts
Black	F7.5-75X	Monstrous	XX-Heavy	Med-Fast	3/4-4oz	14-30lb	25 Tatula 200HL	7.4-1	Braid	65lb	Large Glides, A-rigs, 6-8"+ Magdrafts, Medium Swimbait, Large Topwaters
	Spinning
Blue Camo	F3.5-72XS	Wind Buster	Medium	Med-Fast	1/4-5/8oz	6-16lb	Certate	6.2-1	Braid	15lb	Wacky Worm, Drop Shot, Ned Rigs, Bottom Contact, Neko Rig

5 hours ago, RFSims said:

I’m 74 years old and can’t remember what I had for breakfast 🤪, but I have no problem remembering what each of the 20+ rods I own are used for.

77 here with the same problem.  Did I even eat breakfast?  🥐  Quite a few more rods than that but very few are technique dedicated so not much of a problem remembering the few that are dedicated.

Wow!!! …… nice combo’s everyone.