I'm still fairly new to bass fishing, but am starting to pay more attention to the "little things."

Today I'm changing my line and actually trying to understand the best way to use my rods/reels. I have a spinning rod that will remain the same. However, my other two rods are trigger handles with baitcasting reels.

My equipment:

Rods:

Shimano Convergence graphite rod (cvc-66m)

L: 6'6

Line WT: 8-17lb

Lure WT: 1/4-5/8oz

Power: Medium

Action: Fast

Berkley Cherrywood graphite rod (cwc661m)

L: 6'6

Line WT: 8-20

Lure WT: 1/4-3/4

Power: Medium Casting (?)

Reels:

Browning Citori (CI10HLD)

6.4:1 Ratio

8-Bearing System

Shimano Callisto (CSO-100)

6.2:1 Ratio

1-Bearing System

Available Lines:

Stern Original Clear 10lb

PLine X-Tra Strong Hi-Vis Fluorescent 10lb

Shakespere Supreme Clear 10lb

Stern Super Knot Clear 17lb

I would like the best possible crankbait setup and then the next best setup for my other rod. What rod and reel should I match-up, and spool which line to that rod? And why would you select the match-up you suggest (so I can learn)?

Thanks in advance!

For your crankbait setup using the items you provided

~Rod: Cherrywood Graphite rod

~Reel: Shimano Callisto

~Line: Stren Original Clear in 10 #

~Why?: For the rod i chose the Cherrywood because in my experience it has a little more of an easy bend ( I Used to own a Berkley pole or two) which will help you from ripping the trebles out of the fishes lips. And for the reel i would suggest the Shimano Callisto. One because your with cranks your going to realy feel the rod vibrate and you wont notice if your reel isnt butter smooth, and also it has a lower gear ratio, so your hands and wrists will feel better after a long day of cranking. As for line i picked Stren Original Clear in 10lb because ten is just about right size for cranking and the stretch of the monofilament will also help not to rip the treble from your fishes mouth. Also you can use this setup successfully

Next best possible setup; Worm And Small jig

~Rod: Shimano Convergence graphite rod

~Reel: Browning Citori

~Line: P-Line X-tra Strong Hi-Vis Fluorescent 10lb (If you can pick up some Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon (gold box) from walmart. Its only like $10 a filler spool )

~Why?: I Picked your Convergence because i think it will be the more sensitive of your two rods, something greatly needed for this application. Also i say the Citori because i think it will be alot smoother than your Callisto, something i believe is important for worms and jigs beacause if its not smooth your rod can vibrate sometimes, causing you to misinterpret your rod. I Picked the P-Line Hi-Vis because when the bite is light, it helps to see your line, Say a fish just picks up your worm or jig, you only have little time to set the hook, and you probably wont feel the fish. So this way, you can actually see your line moving in an unnatural direction.

I Hope i helped and didn't confuse you with my blabber! ;D

I really appreciate your response; it was exactly the kind of response I was looking for. I had already spooled and setup everything yesterday before I read your response, but I was almost right on with what you said. The only difference is I have the reels matched to the rods the other way, but for no reason. I'm thinking of switching the two around to what you said. Thanks again!

Your welcome! if you have any more questions you can send me a PM! 8-)

Update:

First time on the water since this thread was started. I took your advice and I'm very pleased with the results. I used my crankbait setup and was casting my 1/2 oz red-eye shad further than every before, and with ease! I mean, it was a flick of the wrist and I was casting to my pervious distance. I put a little power into my cast, and I was probably close to doubling my casting distance! I was very impressed!

I used my other setup for my jigs and rigs. The line choice made it so easy to watch my line. I could also feel the bottom and little ticks so much easier with the rod choice.

I really appreciate your help!

No problem!