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When I base camped last year I brought in 4 rods/3 reels and was glad I did when I had 2 rods go down almost instantly due to eyelets. That was a basecamp trip though with just a few portages to get to Basswood. I will have only 2 rods this summer.

I always have a baitcaster and I use it exclusively for pike fishing. I try and target larger pike and hence I use big lures, often musky lures. I find these larger type lures are much easier to handle with a baitcaster.

I always bring 1 pc rods with the exception of my 9' steelhead rod which I like trolling. Even that rod, however stays together during the duration of the trip. The commonly accepted practice, and it has been voiced many times over by the likes of KF, OS, DD and many others is the rods stay in the boat while portaging fastened to your seat and thwarts via a dealee bob. (I think that's what they are called). This will, for the most part, protect them from damage. I would not be a fan of hand carrying a 1 pc rod across a portage.

Somebody on the site (please forgive my forgetfulness) had suggested using golf club tubes to protect the upper half of the rods. I intend to use industrial velcro to attach the tubes to the side of the canoe. I will let you know how that worked. DD has pics on the site where he has used clips. He is a nice sort of bloke and will help you if you but ask. These tubes will aid you on brushy portages where occasionally a branch will sneak in and grab a rod. The tubes will also help to alleviate abuse to your graphite wonder wands when loading and unloading your packs.

I'm not the least bit shy BTW about having people down to fish. Actually it happens at least once every few years. I must confess to a vested interest in doing so as I take some delight and satisfaction in sending folk back home with a few bruises (from the fish, not from me ) and sore arms. Your 1/2 way there as I see you have some good natured spunk............now we just have to work on the "all expenses paid" part.

Rented canoe? Just use the dealee bobs and attach to thwarts and seat without tubes is the way I would go and just use a bit of caution when loading and unloading. That is what I have done for many a year and so far without mishap. I like the margin of safety the tubes offer though and without much additional weight.

Bucketmouths? I live a few blocks from the big "O" and my best pal down here is a bass guide for Roland Martins marina. I could go out pretty much whenever I wanted and connect with the big ones. But rather, I guide the guide and we go salt water fishing. The big lake was the draw and I bet I haven't fished it 10 times in 20 years.

Oh had I known I would get addicted to the salty stuff I would of settled on the coast instead of here but it's all good. I'm where I'm supposed to be.