So I'm looking to upgrade my ultralight combo from a cheap Pfluger combo to a 5'0" St. Croix Triumph rod, UL power and moderate action, and a small Shimano reel (most likely the Sienna).

I realize Triumphs are nowhere near the best that's offered, but I figure it would fare just fine for an ultra light rig that will only see occasional use (currently I don't do too much ultra light fishing, but I think if I bought this combo I'd probably start UL fishing more).

So if anyone has any experience with the St. Croix Triumph (or the Shimano Sienna for that matter), I'd like to hear what you think about it.

I have a 7' med heavy casting that I used pretty hard this year. Everything has held up well, fit and finish wise, no chipping or anything. I belive it's the same blank as the mojo's, but I might be wrong. Fished great, and I used everything from jigs to buzzbaits on it. I think you will be pleased if you do get the UL.

Jim

My son has a 6'6" Triumph Light/Fast for about 2 years now. He uses it all the time for dropshotting and throwing small crankbaits. It has held up great. I have fished it a few times and really enjoyed it as well. I say "thumbs up"!

My son has the Sienna on a light action Fenwick for small inline spinners and UL cranks. The reel has performed well for about 18 months with no issues at all.

You'll be fine with the triumph, I have a premier UL (it's almost like a triumph) and always have great result with it.

For a Sierra, a 1000 would be on the heavy side, the 500's not bad but don't go less than a Sedona if you go 1000

Thanks for the replies guys. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was looking for.

My friend said I should go with the 1000 size reel if it doesn't look too large on the rod. But personally, I think it will be too big for a 5' ultra light rod. I'm going to go with the 500 size.

Triumph's are fine, not the most refined rod in the St Croix line up, but for $70 you can't beat it with a stick. Better bang for the buck than the Premier. I have owned all the SCII rods (Triumph, Mojo, and Premier). Pretty much all the same. Never had and issues or problems with any of them.

Triumph's are fine, not the most refined rod in the St Croix line up, but for $70 you can't beat it with a stick. Better bang for the buck than the Premier. I have owned all the SCII rods (Triumph, Mojo, and Premier). Pretty much all the same. Never had and issues or problems with any of them.

Yeah, this is pretty much what I'm expecting from the rod, especially since it won't be one of my main rods I use all the time... just for some UL fishing on the side.

Near the end of the summer, I got a light action Triumph 6' spinning rod and put a size 1000 Sienna on it. Bought it mostly for screwing around, trying to catch crappie or whatever if the bass weren't biting, but also hoping to try catching some trout in the fall. I didn't want to put a lot of money into light tackle, in case I didn't like it.

The combo exceeded all my expectations, especially for the money spent. For the occasional use you mentioned, I think it's the right way to go. Good luck

I've got a 6' light Triumph that I bought for a loaner rod and one to keep in the truck. So far it has withstood several outings being used by young kids and some of my friends that are less than gentle. Minus being about an inch shorter from a truck tailgate incident it has withstood everything it's had thrown at it including landing a 12lb flathead catfish from a tiny creek on 4lb test.