I carry 10 to 14 rod reel combo's and seldom use more than 3 on a given trip. Use what you have , it doesn't take a broom handle and a wench to land a bass. I have landed 4lbs smallies on a 5 foot ultra light with 4lbs test mono. Let the drag do its job and you won't break off. Oh I was using a crappy jig.
Bill