I say two rods are better than one...What say you?

Two options in one hand

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 or techniques.  I have picked up some great tips and tricks from Tuesday Tyers and other fishing enthusiasts that have made me a better fisherman.  When I am able to give back in this capacity, I feel privileged to provide a different perspective that may not have been considered before.  I had a chance to provide some tips and tricks this past week while fishing for wild browns and brookies in the beautiful black hills.


Our first morning on the water provided me with a chance to share my "tip of the day" with the gang.  Most guys in our group were fishing deep holes and pockets with nymph rigs, a great setup for finding some nice fish.  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.  I, on the other hand, had landed 15-20, and lost many more.  Granted, we were fishing different sections of water, with different set-ups, so that was a likely factor.  Above all, however, I contribute my success to the two rod system, and using it throughout the morning to find fish with a different focus.

One of my favorite tricks when fly fishing (regardless of location or situation) is to always prepare two rods for use during my excursions.  This has paid dividends on the Bighorn River, central SD stock dams, the mighty Mo, northeast SD lakes, and Black Hills streams and reservoirs.  Typically, I'll have a few patterns on the brain that are just begging to catch fish.  Other times, mother nature will have already told me what to prepare for.  This particular time of year, great hatches, terrestrials in the trees/bushes, and beautiful weather have fish pigging out in the black hills.

I always come prepared with a deep diving nymph rig setup along with a dry fly/beetle/hopper combo of some kind.  The last few years, my beetles have caught more fish than anything, and this year was no exemption.  Having two rods allows me to diversify my presentation options to fit the time of day, weather conditions, temperature, hatch and varying water situation without having to make drastic changes in my rig setup.  When fishing rapid creek, I could easily move from hole to hole offering multiple presentation to willing trout that lie in wait.  At each spot I was able to find 3 or 4 looking up for beetles and hoppers, while also finding those sitting a bit deeper to take the hot spot tung teaser combo.  The system worked to perfection and as long as I was able to remember my rod each time I moved upstream.  Yes, adjustments had to be made here and there, but they were not drastic, and took very little time.  It may not be for everyone, but I would recommend trying it on your next adventure.  It may save you some time, and help you catch more fish.  Just don't leave a rod behind if you do! (yes, I've done it...)

Each fish is like a fingerprint.  Amazing beauty in these wild browns.