2 hours ago, oldnewguy said:

I ended up buying a St Croix Triumph last night (7' M/F)

 

I tried it out this morning and it was definitely an improvement over the Ugly Stik.

Nice choice ?

Put some Sufix 832 on and really step up your sensitivity.

23 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Put some Sufix 832 on and really step up your sensitivity.

 

That's braided line?

3 hours ago, oldnewguy said:

 

That's braided line?

Yes try 10lb.  Braid has no stretch so it will transfer ever vibration to the rod and to you.  If you need/want a bit of stretch or more stealth for clear water add a fluoro or mono leader.  For now just tie a uni to uni 5-10 wrap.

Since I have the 2nd Exceler, I might as well get another rod to put it on.  To keep things simple, I'll probably just get another Triumph.

 

Since I have the 7' M/F, what would make sense as a second rod?  I'm going to get a light setup for panfish.  But just fishing ponds for bass and catfish, would something heavier or lighter make sense?  Or just another M/F?

in conventional gear i see more of a difference on reels for bait casting and rods for spinning but upgrades on both are noticeable to a certain point.

 

On my fly gear I notice a bigger upgrade on the line than the rod and the reels, while pretty rarely do more than counterbalance and hold the line.  

Braid will make a huge difference in sensitivity on tight line. Flouro for slack line. Or braid main line with a leader for best of both worlds, just learn a good knot such as uni or Alberto. They are easy to tie with practice.