I've also seen many anglers who have just one rod for all of their fishing. This makes no sense. The same rod that you use for fishing for catfish on one trip shouldn't then be used for trout fishing. Fishing rods are inexpensive enough that every angler should have at least two fishing rods at their disposal. As an angler, your fishing rod should be matched to the type of fish that you're attempting to catch. For example, for most trout fishing an ultra light fishing rod should be employed. Not the same medium action rod that you use for cat fishing, but a separate trout fishing rod. For myself, I've got 2 trout fishing rods (both ultra light). The rods are both quantum Xtralite rods, but they are different lengths. The five foot rod for normal water conditions, and alaska fishing the six foot six inch rod for high water and alaska fishing bank fishing situations.

Having these two trout fishing rods didn't break the bank either. Quantum Xtralite fishing rods cost under $25 a piece! Not only are they inexpensive, they are very good. As a matter of fact for ultralight fishing, these fishing rods are my favorite. Another very affordable series of fishing rods is the "lightning rod" series from Berkley. These fishing rods are also quite affordable for larger sizes. Some fish simply can't be effective fished for with ultralight fishing gear.

The bottom line is that fishing rods don't have to break the bank. There are affordable rods out there that work very well for almost every fishing situation. In fact, they are affordable enough that you should have different rods for different situations (such as high water). Matching your fishing rod to the size of fish you intend to catch will result in more bites, which will result in more fish, it's as simple as that.