How many rods does one need?

I see pics of yaks outfitted with up to 4 rods, usually 2 to 3 in rod holders front and back, and then you've got the rod holders behind the milk crate/ gear box.  If I didn't know any better I'd say this would be overkill especially for single targeted species fishing, but I suspect I am wrong (been married 20 years BTW :-) ).

What is the reasoning behind carrying more than one?  Backup in case 1st one breaks? fishing 2 rods?

How many rods does one need in their kayak at any given time depends on a variety of things..

1.) Multi-species Trips -  For example you can fish crappie, smallmouth bass, salmon and sturgeon all on the same day on the Willamette.  The sturgeon rod wouldn't be fun for the crappie and the crappie rod wouldn't catch a sturgeon.   A better example would be having one rod for catching bait and another for fishing with that bait.

2.) Backup -  Equipment failure happens and it's a shame to end a day of fishing because a reel ceases up on you or a rod tip breaks.   This is especially true when you travel several hours to get to your fishing destination.

3.) Fishing multiple rods at once -  Oregon and Washington both enacted new regulations that will allow you to buy a "second rod license" for fishing lakes and reservoirs.  This can be handy when trolling for things like trout.

4.)  Different Fishing Techniques - Some fish like bass can be fished with many different techniques and spending you time tying up a new lure every ten minutes is annoying.  I'll often carry one rod with an aggressive bait like a spinner bait or crank bait and another rigged up with a finesse technique like drop shotting or a unweighted senko. 

5.)  Showing Off - I really think that some people just like to show off their fishing rods. 

5.)  Showing Off - I really think that some people just like to show off their fishing rods. 

On the internet, there is a photo of a kayak on shore with more than a dozen rods rigged. Anyone find it lately?

Jay

The simplest answer is...... All of Them!   

How many rods does one need in their kayak at any given time depends on a variety of things..

1.) Multi-species Trips -  For example you can fish crappie, smallmouth bass, salmon and sturgeon all on the same day on the Willamette.  The sturgeon rod wouldn't be fun for the crappie and the crappie rod wouldn't catch a sturgeon.   A better example would be having one rod for catching bait and another for fishing with that bait.

2.) Backup -  Equipment failure happens and it's a shame to end a day of fishing because a reel ceases up on you or a rod tip breaks.   This is especially true when you travel several hours to get to your fishing destination.

3.) Fishing multiple rods at once -  Oregon and Washington both enacted new regulations that will allow you to buy a "second rod license" for fishing lakes and reservoirs.  This can be handy when trolling for things like trout.

4.)  Different Fishing Techniques - Some fish like bass can be fished with many different techniques and spending you time tying up a new lure every ten minutes is annoying.  I'll often carry one rod with an aggressive bait like a spinner bait or crank bait and another rigged up with a finesse technique like drop shotting or a unweighted senko. 

5.)  Showing Off - I really think that some people just like to show off their fishing rods. 

I'm so stupid!

On the internet, there is a photo of a kayak on shore with more than a dozen rods rigged. Anyone find it lately?

Jay

Like to see that one myself.  Until then here's something found on the net to tide us over:

Drool, did your wife write this post? My "spidey-senses" detect a potential conspiracy.  

I need ONE more rod than my ex-wife had shoes. She only had two feet (actually cloven hooves) and could only wear one pair at a time. This was just the shoes in the "guest room closet", the ones with low heels. The high heels and running shoes (many never worn or out of the boxes except at the store) took up our closet. My shoes went in the garage and one pair could be under the bed, as long as she couldn't see them.

My ex-wife asked why I always took so much fishing gear out with me, I told her "because I might not come back and I don't want you donating my good stuff to Goodwill."   BTW- Be careful you single guys, that evil beast is out there on the prowl looking for her next victim.

I usually take 3 three rods out for three different techniques in freshwater and a single rod in the salt.  The latter will eventually be two (a spare).  In reality, I usually only use one rod but I feel absolutely naked without the other two.  I'm definitely not good enough to justify having three rods on the water with me 

The guy with the tidal tupperware tackleshop in the photo you guys are referring to is probably the same clown that babysits an entire row of slot machines at a casino hoping for "the big one".  If he really takes that many rods out on the water I question his motives...  Maybe he singlehandedly wants to ensure more MPA's and restrictions.

Geez troutnut.  That picture hurts my eyes.  I thought things like that were exaggerated stories.  I don't think my ex-wife ever had more than 5-6 pairs of shoes she used or kept in the closet.  Then again, she's not that horrible of a person and we're able to stay friendly. 

I try to keep things as simple as possible. I'm a gear nerd myself, but after a while you end up just jerkin around with gear rather than getting to business. Lately I've been trying to find out exactly what the bare minimum amount-o-crap is. It's just easier with less stuff.

That being said I have been known to take a second, pre-rigged rod as a back up.

my last trip out I had one rod, one grocery bag with lunch and bait, one 2x3x5 waterproof box with tackle, anchor, and one toiletry bag full of lead. I even left the rod holder in the car. Definitely the lightest trip i've ever made!

Thats not normal for me though. I usually have 2 rods. One ready for trout, the other ready for bass.  Or one ready for sturgeon, and a second for salmonids.

I am kind of going down the road with Nanook and trying to get to some minimum.  Usually 2 rods, a casting rig and a lighter spinning rig.  For salmon I use the casting rig for trolling and the spinning for whipping and jigging.  Saltwater jigging is a little heavy duty for the spinning but I'm not going to worry about until I hook a fish I can't handle - a problem I'd love to have!  It is nice to have two rigged rods so when the opportunity presents one can switch quickly to another technique.

Got rid of the milk crate and its rod holders.  One Scotty rod holder up front.  Use the two flush built-ins for other rod and net storage.  Only carry an anchor when going for bottom fish.  A couple planos for gear and another for used gear.  Fish bag in live well.

And remember, there is a big difference between how many rods you carry and how many you own.