For those of us that side-drift from drift boats, we all know the importance of the backup. There are floats where the backup gets used in just about every slot (i.e. Upper Quinalt), and there are others where it only gets used once or twice during the entire trip. I usually rig my backup with a pink worm. That way when I cast it for the first time during that "window of opportunity" which occurs three hours into the trip, it dosen't have on rotten squid tentacles or dried out eggs.

I was wondering how others approach this situation and how you rig-up your backups?

if I'm using drift gear I'll sometimes have a spare rod rigged-up with a homemade rag, smothered in a "not so seceret" sauce. Usually I really want to catch fish, so I rig up a spinner to back-up my other rod...a spinner! sounds like you've got a way that works for you though, good luck!

When we fish the Siletz here in Oregon Ido a lot of sidedrifting, My backup rod usually has has a Gibbs float with a B.C. orange gooey bob on it, (a friend got them in Canada )
If it is just oe other guy and I in the boat, I have 4 rods rigged and ready to go at all times. 1 rigged for side drifting, 1 for drift fishing those sweet spots you like to spend some time at. 1 with a float, and finallly a a diver and bait or a hot shot.
Im hitting the river for the first tie this winter for steelhead this morning. Finally we have some fishable conditions.

I also carry 4 rods, and I have to admit to having 5 on board on occasion. Generally I take a drift rod, another rod with a lighter or heaver weight for faster/slower water, a spinner rod, a float rod, and a plug/plainer rod.
I let the water conditions and situation dictate which rod I use. On several trips last year, I had a "go" on each rod. In addition, I've had a take on the drift gear and been unable to get another strike until I tried the bobber or rowed back up and run plugs down the slot. Some days one system really outfishes the others---besides it keeps the rod & reel manufactures in business. It's also a good response when the wife says, "Dear, why do you need another fishing rod?"