Carry more rigged rods...catch more fish.

One of the greatest things about fishing with friends is the opportunity to trade fishing secrets, collaborate on daily fishing quests, or learn about new fishing methods and techniques. Great tips and tricks have resulted from angling clubs and fishing enthusiasts around the world. When one is able to give back in this capacity, the privilege is often mutually felt.

On a recent trip with friends, a "tip of the day" opportunity presented itself. Most guys in the group were fishing deep holes and pockets with nymph rigs, a great setup for finding nice fish in the summer months. When comparing notes after a morning session on the water, we found a variance in catch rates for everyone involved. Some fisherman had not caught a fish, while others had only caught a few. One person had a 15-20 fish morning, and lost many more. Granted, we were fishing different sections of water, with different set-ups, so that was a likely a factor. But, above all, the primary contributor to that angler's success that morning was working a two rod system.

One of our favorite tricks when fly fishing (regardless of location or situation) is to always prepare two rods for use during excursions. This has paid dividends on cold and warm-water fisheries all around the country. Typically, there will be a few favorite patterns on the brain that are just begging to catch fish. Other times, mother nature will have already hinted at what to prepare for. This particular time of year, great hatches, terrestrials in the trees/bushes, and beautiful weather have fish pigging out.  Have multiple rods allows you the advantage of fishing more of the water column without the time needed to change/update rigs.  

“You’ve taught me the value of presenting to different depths in the water column,” said a friend on a recent fishing adventure.  “That’s never something I put a lot of thought or consideration into.”

Having two rods allows one to diversify their presentation options to fit the time of day, weather conditions, temperature, prey species available, and varying water situation without having to make drastic changes in any one setup. When fishing spring fed creeks, for example, one can easily move from hole to hole offering multiple presentation to willing trout that lie in wait. Large reservoirs or river systems will extend situations affording both topwater and subsurface offerings that may catch you fish that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.  Having that flexibility and efficiency to change or adjust in a matter of seconds makes a big difference, especially when fishing from the boat or left with little time to make a cast.  

When trout fishing, I always begin by presenting the dry-dropper to catch those fish looking up or cruising mid column. After you cover a spot sufficiently, go back through and clean up with the nymph rig. At each spot you will have a chance to catch those fish looking up for beetles and hoppers, while also finding those sitting a bit deeper to take a hot spot tung teaser combo. A similar approach is made for warmwater species, always taking into account holding water, prey species present, and signs of fish that might indicate their presentation preferences.  

This system works to perfection as long as you are able to remember your second rod each time an upstream move is made. That is a challenge, and finding it after is a hassle! Best bet is to have a fishing buddy along to hold the extra rod while you leap frog fishing spots.  Of course adjustments will have to be made in your rigs from time-to-time, but that's just fishing. Having two rigs will save you time, catch you more fish, and give you a tip to pass on to your fellow anglers next time you de-brief after a day of fishing.  Hope it helps you out!