A commonality between most all fly fishermen is a slight obsession with gear. We not only have lots of it, but we also like to bring unnecessary amounts with us on our fishing trips. Don’t just leave it back at the lodge. There are some great benefits to having an extra rod and reel with you ready to go!
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From Alaska to the Bahamas to Chile, we never know exactly what the fish are eating. Having a second rod rigged up with a different choice of fly can help crack the puzzle that much quicker. If you are wade fishing a cold environment, it can be easy to get a little lazy and not change flies in an effort to keep your fingers warm. A simple solution, have a second set up with different flies ready to go.
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A second rod can be a savior if that birds nest of a tangle forms. Imagine you are happily scanning a flat and that trophy single bonefish comes into view. Your first cast is into the wind and wide right. The fish doesn’t spook but as you go to cast again, you notice a knot in the leader. Who knows how long that bonefish will stay in range? Don’t mess with undoing the tangle, grab that second rod and stick the fish!
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Double hook up potential. I can’t even type those words without getting a little excited. There are those perfect days when you are getting lots of shots at happy fish. You hook into one quick and the school is still around. Let your buddy grab that other rod and take the shot! Or even better, encourage the guide to make the cast. Double hook ups are the reward to prepared anglers and guaranteed to leave everyone in the boat with a smile.
- Accidents unfortunately do happen. Whether the rod broke getting into the boat, got stepped on, or even snapped on a big fish, it pays to be prepared and have a back up ready to go.
Note: Most important part of having a second rod is not forgetting about it and leaving it behind! I unfortunately have learned this lesson the hard way. It is easy to get distracted out there and forget that you have a second rod leaning on the bush behind you. Especially when you aren’t used to carrying a second set up with you.
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