If the fish are biting well I will only use one rod and I like to hold it so I feel the slights bite. If it is slow I may use two rods and watch them close. I do have some fish swallow the hooks but not that many. That being said I do not eat fresh water fish and do not keep a lot. I just like being on the water and seeing what is working and a 20 fish night or day is good trip for me.