BWCA How many reels to take? Boundary Waters Fishing Forum


BWCA Messageboard

BWCA and Quetico Park Books and Magazines

Find Outfitters for the Boundary Waters Quetico

Boundary Waters (BWCA) photo gallery and individual photo journals

Boundary Waters Message Board and Forums.

username

password

Remember Me

Gunflint Northwoods Guided Trips
Site Search
	Contact Us
	Route Guide

Chat Rooms (0 Chatting) | Search | Login/Join

* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.

View BWCA Photo and Trip Report Contest Page

Poll: What is your favorite month in the BWCA/Q?
(432 responses)

2012 BWCA Photo Contest Results

Boundary Waters Quetico Forum

Fishing Forum

How many reels to take?

View Boundary Waters Map Locations

Route Guide

forum sponsor

Member: poxy

Last Visit: 05/19/2013 01:28PM
Sort by

Author

Message Text

s500yards

07/13/2011 07:27AM

Do you folks take a spare reel on multi-day outings?

"The least I owe these mountains is a body. - Randy Morgenson"

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

CapitalCity

07/13/2011 07:38AM

I always bring 1 more spinning reel than i do rods. I also usually take a casting rod and do not bring a spare reel for that.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

wcummin1

07/13/2011 08:00AM

I bring two rods, two reels, and an extra spoool for each. I like to have a walleye and a heavier set up. If one of the reels breaks down, I would like to have a lighter line ready to go. Change the spool and you're ready to go!

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep - Robert Frost

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

s500yards

07/13/2011 08:05AM

I really dig the Robert Frost you have on your quote. (Not trying to jack my own thread here)

"The least I owe these mountains is a body. - Randy Morgenson"

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Basspro69

07/13/2011 08:17AM

quote s500yards: "I really dig the Robert Frost you have on your quote. (Not trying to jack my own thread here)"
His is one of my favorites also, love Robert Frost.

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Basspro69

07/13/2011 08:18AM

I take two extra reels. The first time I went into the boundary waters the big smallies destroyed two of my reels by the end of the trip, I make sure I have backups ever since.

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

cheesewiz

07/13/2011 09:21AM

quote wcummin1: "I bring two rods, two reels, and an extra spoool for each. I like to have a walleye and a heavier set up. If one of the reels breaks down, I would like to have a lighter line ready to go. Change the spool and you're ready to go!"

+1

I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal labotomy!

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

nofish

07/13/2011 09:27AM

I take 1 rod, 1 reel, and 1 extra pack of line.

In all my years of fishing I've never broken a rod nor have I even seen or heard of a reel falling apart while fishing so its not worth it to me to carry extras for the very remote chance I'd have a problem.

For those of you who have had reels destroyed what kind of reels are you using and what are you doing to them? A reel shouldn't fall apart on you just because you have a nice fish on the line. If it does it may be time to reconsider your gear selection.

I can see a rod tip breaking as its not totally uncommon but more often than not you could likely just fish without the top eyelet. I carry a 2 piece rod which makes it much easier to avoid breaking tips. I've only seen it happen to friends who had 1 peice rods and who were careless with where their rods (leaving them laying on the ground or bottom of the canoe).

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

blutofish1

07/13/2011 11:00AM

2 rods and 3 reels

blutofish

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

mc2mens

07/13/2011 12:37PM

quote blutofish1: "2 rods and 3 reels"

me too

"Big fish eat little fish."

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

snakecharmer

07/13/2011 12:43PM

3 rods, 3 reels.

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after"
~ Henry David Thoreau

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

QueticoMike

07/13/2011 01:10PM

2 rods and 2 reels here. The first couple of times I went up there with just one rod and one reel, what I was I thinking? One mistake and the trip is over.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Basspro69

07/13/2011 01:15PM

quote nofish: "I take 1 rod, 1 reel, and 1 extra pack of line.

In all my years of fishing I've never broken a rod nor have I even seen or heard of a reel falling apart while fishing so its not worth it to me to carry extras for the very remote chance I'd have a problem.

For those of you who have had reels destroyed what kind of reels are you using and what are you doing to them? A reel shouldn't fall apart on you just because you have a nice fish on the line. If it does it may be time to reconsider your gear selection.

I can see a rod tip breaking as its not totally uncommon but more often than not you could likely just fish without the top eyelet. I carry a 2 piece rod which makes it much easier to avoid breaking tips. I've only seen it happen to friends who had 1 peice rods and who were careless with where their rods (leaving them laying on the ground or bottom of the canoe). "
That was in the old days when reels weren't made as well as they are today, but that being said I catch hundreds of fish when im up there and you can literally wear the grease out of the reel, Its just nice to have backups and since it just an extra pound if that its worth the piece of mind for me. I think if I was named nofish I would only bring one rod and one reel also :-)

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

nofish

07/13/2011 01:50PM

Actually the name nofish is completely inaccurate for me. I got the name years and years ago because I would fish all the time and not catch anything so I was dubbed the no fish fisherman. Times have changed and I'm no longer the kid sitting on the banks of whatever lake happened to be close by. Now I get out a lot more and put a lot more fish in the boat.

Maybe I've just been really lucky so far in not having any problems. I certainly have plenty of rods and reels that I could bring with but one has always served me just fine when in the BWCA.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

wcummin1

07/13/2011 01:59PM

It's hard not to love Frost's writing. Very simplistic in style, but very deep and stirring. One of my students told me this year that it seems like I have a "man crush" on Frost...oh the poetic rumblings of teenagers!

Nofish, I try use Plfueger exclusively. Great reels, but accidents happen.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep - Robert Frost

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Basspro69

07/13/2011 03:40PM

quote nofish: "Actually the name nofish is completely inaccurate for me. I got the name years and years ago because I would fish all the time and not catch anything so I was dubbed the no fish fisherman. Times have changed and I'm no longer the kid sitting on the banks of whatever lake happened to be close by. Now I get out a lot more and put a lot more fish in the boat.

Maybe I've just been really lucky so far in not having any problems. I certainly have plenty of rods and reels that I could bring with but one has always served me just fine when in the BWCA.

" I was just kiddin you no fish :-)

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

nofish

07/13/2011 04:01PM

" I was just kiddin you no fish :-)"

Thats how I took it, not offended at all. I find keeping the name nofish keeps me humble, my wife doesn't agree.

Plfueger are very nice reels. Short of an accident I won't imagine you'd have many problems with that reel. I use a Shimano Sedona 2500 most of the time. Its a great reel for the price and its a good middle ground reel that can handle almost anything you'll catch in the BWCA. Maybe if I had a day of catching multiple 40 inch pike it might burn through the grease but after a day like that I'd be too tired to care.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Wabler

07/14/2011 02:10PM

It’s not common – but I have heard the awful sound a reel makes on it’s deathbed – it usually starts out with that wonders high pitched “ZZZZZZZZZ” sound of your drag signaling a great fish – then turns bad.

A couple things to consider –
1) If using something like a 2000 class shimano (my fav casting reels) – these can’t handle some of the larger pike lures over time – they will leave your reel “clunky” – having a big fish attached to the line can speed up this process.
2) If using something more meaty like a 4000 or 5000 class reel – these can handle big fish and big lures just fine – but I feel they are horrid for fishing either walleye or bass – your mileage may vary.
3) If canoe trolling – snagging up on rock is an awful lot of pressure on both rod and reel.
4) If using fireline/spiderwire – one tends to keep a drag tighter (to maintain pressure as these lines don’t have any give) – with can burn your drag faster on either a hog or a snag.
5) A nicer reel will have a smoother drag – it will sound like “z.z.z.z.z.z.z.” A cheaper reel won’t be as steady, more like “ZZZzzz….ZZZzzzz….ZZZZzzz”. The cheaper reels are more likely to burn out a drag much faster – and also easier to lose a fish as the pressure is not as steady.

Always have a plan B, or if you a fishing nut, perhaps even a plan C.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

mutz

07/15/2011 12:43AM

three rods, 3 reels. 7ft light action 2piece, 7ft med action 2 piece, 7ft med heavy two piece. once dinner is on the stringer there isn't anything much more fun that an 18-20 inch smallmouth on a 7ft light action rod.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Chilly

07/15/2011 12:57AM

Unless your Sergio Leone, 1 or 2 reels will be just fine. I bring one large fish and one small fish reel and as a backup some reel grease and a mini screwdriver for possible repairs.

"Now days these kids take out everything: radar, sonar, electric toothbrushs" Quint

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Wallidave

07/15/2011 08:52AM

5 rods, 5 reels, a couple extra reel spools, 1 bulk line spool and one smaller one(different pound test).

Reason for the multiple rods, I just hate changing setups. So I have one jigging rod, a casting rod used for either cranks, spinners or blade baits, my sons rod, an extra favorite replacement for my jigging rod and an extra for whatever:)

Dave

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

nofish

07/15/2011 09:44AM

How do you manage to carry 5 rods? Are they 2 piece, 1 piece or collapsible? I assume you must base camp with minimal portaging.

Carrying 5 rods would be annoying as heck to me. I understand the annoyance of switching set ups, but I'd rather do that then have 5 rods laying in the canoe. With that many rods in a canoe it seems like the odds for issues are greater. Also if for some reason I'm out fishing and i capsize I don't want to lose 5 rods and 5 reels all at once. I use nice gear but not the most expensive and it would still cost me $400-500 to replace 5 rods and reels.

I can see carrying 1 extra rod and 1 extra reel in case of emergency. YOu could easily pack the reel in a pack and then lash the rod to the side under the thwart/yoke so you wouldn't even notice them until you needed them.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Wallidave

07/15/2011 10:11AM

quote nofish: "How do you manage to carry 5 rods? Are they 2 piece, 1 piece or collapsible? I assume you must base camp with minimal portaging.

Carrying 5 rods would be annoying as heck to me. I understand the annoyance of switching set ups, but I'd rather do that then have 5 rods laying in the canoe. With that many rods in a canoe it seems like the odds for issues are greater. Also if for some reason I'm out fishing and i capsize I don't want to lose 5 rods and 5 reels all at once. I use nice gear but not the most expensive and it would still cost me $400-500 to replace 5 rods and reels.

I can see carrying 1 extra rod and 1 extra reel in case of emergency. YOu could easily pack the reel in a pack and then lash the rod to the side under the thwart/yoke so you wouldn't even notice them until you needed them. "
All one piece...not crazy about 2 piece setups. Yes, basecamping and 1 portage. If we were doing more then that I would downsize to um, 4 rods and reels.LOL

My two jigging rods are the most important to me since that's my favorite and most productive way to fish.

Lucky, live bait isn't allowed in Quetico, then I'd need slip bobber, bottom bouncers, live bait rig, etc etc rods:)

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Davidm

07/17/2011 09:03PM

I bring two identical set-ups: cabela's fish eagle IIs (2 piece) and shimano Ci4 2500 reels with 10lb braid. I always portage with the rods in a PVC tube strapped to the thwarts. These set-ups are light enough to cast all day but have enough backbone to bring in big fish. I can troll, jig, or cast easily with the same equipment and I think the reels are beefy enough to take on the biggest fish. I've caught lots of 30lb fish with the 3000 version of these reels in salt water and never had an issue. I do bring extra grease and keep the reels clean.

Easy is when you know how.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

arctic

07/17/2011 09:24PM

I bring two rods and two reels for me alone, but add a rod and reel for each of my kids when they are with me. Accidents are rare, but they do happen. Over the past 30-plus years I've broken rod tips, had reels break, and lost a rod/reel overboard while trolling.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

QueticoMike

07/18/2011 09:45AM

quote Chilly: "Unless your Sergio Leone, 1 or 2 reels will be just fine. I bring one large fish and one small fish reel and as a backup some reel grease and a mini screwdriver for possible repairs. "

How do you get the big fish to bite on the one for the big reel and the little fish to bite on the small reel? jk :)

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Amok

07/18/2011 03:35PM

I used to bring only 1 pole/reel. But now I've got 2 different setups on 2 different poles so I don't have to fool around, so I'll bring 2.

Trust, but verify. The Lord will provide !!!!

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

BWVet

07/18/2011 07:19PM

I always bring two rods three reels. I usually have two rigged at all times with one back up at camp

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

GeoFisher

07/18/2011 09:06PM

3 rods, 3 reels.

Rods are Loomis Bronzeback and IMX rods.

Reels used to be Shimano Stradic and Symetre 2000/2500, but now I use Johnny Morris 30's and 40's. THOSE are the BOMB.

Morris Reels
Bronzeback Rod
IMX Rod

Spare Spools for whatever I take.

I also take a spare filler of 10 lb fireline and 10 lb flouro.

Later,

Geo

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Amok

07/19/2011 12:56AM

An extra spool? Guess I don't catch enough fish. One spool lasts me a whole year.

Trust, but verify. The Lord will provide !!!!

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

ktoivola

07/19/2011 07:45AM

2 rods, 2 reels

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Basspro69

01/02/2012 01:17PM

bump

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

gsfisher13

01/02/2012 03:35PM

3 rods, 3 reels
2 rods for using most of the time, one of those telescoping rods set up with very light line and tackle. If i need the third reel i pull it off the telescoping rod. That way I have a lightweight backup rod just in case and a reel just in case, yet they are both usable if needed.

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R.Tolkien

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Old Hoosier

01/02/2012 04:13PM

Two rods and two reels. One extra spool. I have broken a rod only twice in 25 years, but have had screws come loose or broken a bail spring.

Also lost two spares over the side when picking up a paddle. OUCH! So it pays to lash spare rods/reels in the canoe as opposed to just laying them in the bottom or behind the seat.

Old Hoosier.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

gutmon

01/02/2012 06:02PM

Two rods, two reels, one extra spool filled with line. Both of my reels are the same (one with 6# Trilene XL, one with 8#).

"The trouble with the world isn't that people know too little, but that they know so much that just ain't so." Mark Twain

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

CORIOLIS

01/02/2012 06:18PM

Two rods, two reels and some extra line (use 6 &8 also). Truth be told I'd almost rather just paddle and put my canoe partner on the spots and let them reel em in now.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Savage Voyageur

01/02/2012 06:52PM

This year I'm going to be taking my fly rod and reel and a spare spool with a floating line, And a spinning rod with a reel. So that is 2 1/2.

"So many lakes, so little time."

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Jeriatric

01/04/2012 10:00AM

2 rods and 2 reels in the BW. About 25 years ago, I had a reel (the only one I had taken) fall apart on me while the fish were going crazy. It happened in a hard to get to local area and, ever since, I have carried a spare reel.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

jb in the wild

01/04/2012 10:18AM

3 rods 3 reels and if by some act of God that all of them break in one way or the other, I'll steal Diva's.

JB

You can't explain the obvious to the ignorant.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

TeamTuna06

03/16/2012 08:57PM

I'll bring an extra spool, some q-tips, lube, and pliers. Lighter than a spare reel, and if one goes down I'll be able to perform some quick surgery

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles." -Doug Larson

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

walllee

03/17/2012 06:24AM

4 rods with reels, then three extra reels.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Ingvald

04/06/2012 02:45PM

Two spinning rods and reels plus 1 baitcaster with extra line for each and an extra rod tip/repair kit. I've broken a pole tip but never had a reel fail.

Honesty is my only excuse.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

stormrider1

04/06/2012 03:55PM

I bring 2 rods 2 reels, I slipped on a rock 2 years ago fishing from shore, and busted the handle on my reel, I am glad I had a back up, or I would have been watching my buddy's fish for 5 days.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

toddhunter

04/06/2012 04:11PM

You've got to bring at least one back up, but otherwise as many as you are willing to carry. Two is my limit. One spinning, one baitcaster, just as matter of preference. Back up spool for spinning, extra line for the baitcaster. I am tempted to bring the fly rod this year.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

BRic

04/06/2012 05:02PM

I now bring a backup whenever I fish for one very important reason. I dropped a buddies in the drink and didn't have a backup for both of us to keep fishing.

I'm a klutz.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

overthehill

04/06/2012 06:04PM

2 rods 2 reels. In a group of 4, some bring less; so we have a community back-up rig.

Not to Hurry-Not to Worry

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

wildernessfan2

04/06/2012 06:54PM

2 rods and 2 reels for me. Plus and extra spool of line.

Freshwater is delicious! Saltwater not so much..

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

gsfisher13

04/06/2012 07:09PM

2 rods, 3 reels for me.

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R.Tolkien

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Bdubguy

04/07/2012 03:30PM

I'm up there to fish... 2 spinning rigs and 1 baitcaster. Spare line for each. One spinning reel is set up for jigging. The other for casting lighter stuff. Baitcaster for casting bigger baits and trolling. I haven't had too much trouble with my gear over the years. Busted a rod once. Lost some stuff a few years ago trying to run some rapids between fourtown and horse. Portages are there for a reason by the way. I've only learned that lesson a handful of times.... Maybe it will sink in....

Keep your line wet....

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

carmike

04/08/2012 12:52AM

Two rods, two reels for me, with an extra spool of line. The extra line is important, in my opinion. I've used it quite a few times after snagging up a ton/getting a nasty tangle. It's worth the minimal weight for me, just for the piece of mind. I guess a guy could just bring an extra loaded spool for the same thing.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

AdamXChicago

04/08/2012 11:30AM

quote wildernessfan2: "2 rods and 2 reels for me. Plus and extra spool of line. "

+1

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

kayakrookie1

04/17/2012 10:42PM

2 rods 2 reels. one i always keep a jig on and maybe a slip bobber. the other i'll change up between rap lures, mepps and blue fox spinners

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

ckb

04/18/2012 12:57PM

By myself, two rods and two reels (and extra line)

With a partner, we have a total of 3 rods and four reels.

Men almost always walk in paths beaten by others and act by imitation ~ Niccolo Machiavelli ..............So choose wisely when picking someone to emulate.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Sierra1

04/18/2012 09:30PM

quote snakecharmer: "3 rods, 3 reels."

+1

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

shavdaddy81

04/19/2012 09:34AM

two spinning rigs and one bait caster for me...I like to keep a worm tied on one and top water on one incase I miss the top water strike...isn't it amazing that a fish can miss a mouth full of treble hooks, but you can spend half an hour getting your fishing buddies hook out of your shirt, hat, finger...hahaha I love fishing! I like the heavier set up in case we hit big northerns.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

PikeLover

04/20/2012 09:31AM

2 rods 3 reels

Tim Tebow is so electrifying to watch. He combines the fiery leadership of Ray Lewis and the throwing ability of Ray Lewis. -Jim Brockmire

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

BWVet

04/21/2012 10:22AM

2 rods 3 reels and xtra line.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

carmike

04/21/2012 10:19PM

2 rods, 2 reels for me. I might also bring in an extra spool loaded up with line or a full 330 yard spool of 8lb. trilene. I guess it really depends on the make-up of the trip...sometimes fishing is more important, sometimes less so.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

jeroldharter

04/21/2012 10:39PM

10 rods, 15 reels,plus 12 spools of super line and 10 boxes of crankbaits. Plus I take a bushel of gulp, 20 black buzz baits with steel leaders. I forgot lake trout in 70 fathoms so I bring an iron lung suit and 4 pound down riggers.

I am surprised (and pleased) that so few people fly fish.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

BWCA Messageboard