need feedback on my first rod/reel choice

[Teaburner]

Hi all.

I just got into bass fishing this summer, and the following is what I just purchased to be my all-around rod and reel combo.

6'6'' St. Croix Triumph MF

Shimano Sienna 4000FD

spooled with 10# Trilene XL

I am planning on fishing 5" senkos t-rigged weightless or wacky with it.

I was wondering what are some lure types/sizes that would work well with this setup, and also if there are some lures that would be terrible with this setup.

I am not opposed to switching out the line if need be.

btw I fish primarily from the banks, as I don't own a boat of any kind.

Thanks in advance!

[BASSclary]

good setup for all-around bass fishing, i think it would excel in baits 1/4-3/4 ounce, if you want to use heavier baits pick up a MH/F pole. Your pole should be a nice pole for t-rigs, wacky rigs, small sniper spinnerbaits, and some small jigs.

If you do get another pole for heavier lures i recommend the Falcon BuCoo. Its only $109  but well worth it, I own one myself  8-)

[Northern Strain]

You are set perfectly for your situation. Don't worry about getting another rod what you have will be fine. You did well for not picking out junk for your gear. Your rod is good for fishing weightless and small weighted plastics.

Jack

[BASSclary]

I agree with Smallmouth Bassin, you did good not to pick up junk gear like some other people. And i didnt mean to get a pole right now, just later on down the exciting bass fishing road.

[Teaburner]

Thanks for the feedback.  I can't wait to get out this weekend to put it to the test.

[BASSclary]

Definately be sure to give us a field report! ;D

[guitarkid]

I have the same rod, I use it mostly for plastics, but I also like it for topwaters

  -gk

[webertime]

Take a gander at Cabela's right now, some sick deals (All Star, Carrot Stix, Quantums).

[choupique]

I have an Avid 6'6" MF, it works well for the senkos you are going to fish.  I also use it for top water and jerkbaits.

[Teaburner]

Well i got aout to the lake early yesterday morning to give the new setup a try.

Even being as inexperienced as I am I could tell the difference over the $20 wallyworld combo I started with, it was like night and day. The reel in particular was ALOT easier too cast with.

I fished 5" senkos for about 3 hours, had what I think were bites but couldn't get a hookup . I assume they were bites because after i tried to hookup and reeled back in, the worm was slid all the way down the hook ( i was rigged weightless on a 3/0 EWG offset hook). A guy fishing next to me said that usually means you ripped it out of a fish's mouth.

[MattinOK]

Well i got aout to the lake early yesterday morning to give the new setup a try.

Even being as inexperienced as I am I could tell the difference over the $20 wallyworld combo I started with, it was like night and day. The reel in particular was ALOT easier too cast with.

I fished 5" senkos for about 3 hours, had what I think were bites but couldn't get a hookup . I assume they were bites because after i tried to hookup and reeled back in, the worm was slid all the way down the hook ( i was rigged weightless on a 3/0 EWG offset hook). A guy fishing next to me said that usually means you ripped it out of a fish's mouth.

What kind of hook set are you using? Sometimes the worms will slide down with a good bump against structure. You may not be used to the graphite's sensitivity yet, and may be setting the hook on structure--causing the worm to slide.

[Teaburner]

When I set the hook, I basically give a hard jerk to 12 o'clock with the rod, and I have been trying to use alot of wrist action.

[MattinOK]

When I set the hook, I basically give a hard jerk to 12 o'clock with the rod, and I have been trying to use alot of wrist action.

Sounds like your hookset is good; maybe you should tex-pose your senko and see if that helps?