like others have said 5-6 rods will be fine, most of the boaters that i have had will give you a rear compartment ot put stuff in, the extra reels is a great idea not only for a line change but incase you get a backlash that cant be picked out it maybe easier to cahnge out the real than to strip out the line, the medium size tackle bags, along the size that they use on the Ultimate match fishing show are perfect. good luck on you up coming season