Hey guys,

Not sure if this goes in this section.

Ive got a couple questions about whether or not Im using my gear properly.  Ill explain.

First off, I fish out of a kayak so I have limited room for gear.  I usually only bring 2 rods with me.  So I like to have a game plan before I hit the water so I know what to take with me.

I have 4 rods and I would like to know if the lures I am choosing to use with each rod would be the most suitable choice.

6'8" MH-XF Bass Pro Johnny Morris Baitcasting Elite rod w/ JM signature 6.4-1 reel w/ 14 lb mono.  Was planning on using for jigs, spinnerbaits, and plastics in heavy cover.  Maybe some heavier cranks along the edge.

6'6" M-F BPS Extreme Spinning rod w/ Pflueger Pres 5.2-1 reel w/ 10 lb mono.  Cranks and topwaters.  Smaller (4" or less) worms texas rigged or wacky.

6'6" ML-F BPS Bionic SP rod w/ Pflueger Pres 5.2-1 reel w/ 8 lb mono.  Smaller cranks and topwaters.

5'6" Light BPS Megacast SP rod/5.2-1 reel combo w/ 4 lb mono.  Whatever small stuff I use for panfish.  Will not be using for bass fishing.

Im only asking cuz I just started fishing this year and I would like to know if I am using the right gear with the right lures in the right situation.  I have been just taking stuff out with me and testing it out with everything, but I would rather have some input from guys who are in the know.  I dont like bringing more than 2 rods with me on the kayak.  It feels like too much. 

I was just bringing the 2 bigger spinning rods, but I just picked up the BC so I know I will want to bring that.

Can you guys give me some advice on whether or not I am using the gear correctly.

Thanks guys.

This forum is great!!  ;D

Hello there.

My opinions (you know what they say about opinions, don't you?):

**6'8" MH-XF Bass Pro Johnny Morris Baitcasting Elite rod w/ JM signature 6.4-1 reel w/ 14 lb mono. Was planning on using for jigs, spinnerbaits, and plastics in heavy cover. Maybe some heavier cranks along the edge.**

good for single-hook lures with that xtra-fast action. But, using mono would eat up on that sensitivity. I have an extra-fast rod for plastics, frogs and jigs. I put braid on it.

Spinnerbaits: you want to throw it far, for which mono is good, but a rod with fast, rather than extra-fast action is probably better. Sensitivity is not so much an issue here, since you fish a spinnerbait on a taut line (almost always anyway).

Cranks: Mono is good, XF action is not. You want a medium-fast or moderate action for cranking.

**6'6" M-F BPS Extreme Spinning rod w/ Pflueger Pres 5.2-1 reel w/ 10 lb mono. Cranks and topwaters. Smaller (4" or less) worms texas rigged or wacky.**

Once again, braid and an XF action are better for any slow bottom-contact lures. Looks good otherwise.

**6'6" ML-F BPS Bionic SP rod w/ Pflueger Pres 5.2-1 reel w/ 8 lb mono. Smaller cranks and topwaters.**

No comments.

**5'6" Light BPS Megacast SP rod/5.2-1 reel combo w/ 4 lb mono. Whatever small stuff I use for panfish. Will not be using for bass fishing.**

My best 3 bass (PB 6.5 lbs) were all caught on a 5'6" light Daiwa rod with 6 lb mono in light cover. Next spring, I'll be fishing with a ultralight rod and 4 lb line. I'm sure I'll lose a few fish, but it's a lot of fun.

Warning: don't listen to anything I say. I fished frogs on the same light rod with 6 lb line in heavy pads. Caught a lot, didn't miss as many, though.

Your rods/reels/lines and lures seem okay for the applications...

additional thoughts:

6'6" ML-F BPS Bionic SP rod w/ Pflueger Pres 5.2-1 reel w/ 8 lb mono.  Smaller cranks and topwaters.

I would also use this rig for finesse worm fishing, esp. drop shotting. 

I presume that you will not be throwing much into things like dense lily pads where I would use braid.

If you occasionally fish for smallies, you should select the rig for small jigs and tubes.