bought a new set up. what do you think?

[mini ike]

shimano torium 14 on a 7 foot st. croix MH tidemaster rod. still contemplating on 20 or 30 pound braid. cant wait to use it.

[LamiglasMike]

Out of the 2 choices, I would take 30lb braid. ;)

Good luck with the new set up.

[AJ168]

I was going to say 50 lb braid, but it depends on what it's for. Don't forget, the thinner it is, the easier it digs in, especially without a levelwind.
Very nice setup though.

[johnny d]

Good setup for weaks, seabass and for fluking inside or outside.

A little light for bassing, but should be good for claming for bass. I like St. croix, I own few sticks that are the muskie series, but I personally don't like that tidemaster model for bassing, the rod is too whippy and does not have enough back bone if you hook a big fish, but what do I know my biggest bass to date is 25 lbs. :)

Take a look at the lamiglass triflexs, a little more money but well worth it.

[JerseyBrian3]

shimano torium 14 on a 7 foot st. croix MH tidemaster rod. still contemplating on 20 or 30 pound braid. cant wait to use it.

what are you targeting?

[moiman]

I love my torium 14. It's an excellent casting reel. I have mine spooled with 50lb braid and paired with a rainshadow su1267f. It cast beautifully sweet spot being 4oz. What are you gonna use it for. If on a boat, that rod will do just fine. If casting from shore, definately think about getting a surf rod between 9-10 feet long, 2-6oz casting weights.

[mini ike]

maybe ill put 50 pound braid on it. i was gonna use it from a boat for targeting stripers and maybe some flukin out front. maybe even the rips. i chose the reel because if i wanted to use it surf fishing, i would just throw it on a bigger rod and not have to worry about the levelwind taking away casting distance. thanks for the replies

[NickyD]

shimano torium 14 on a 7 foot st. croix MH tidemaster rod. still contemplating on 20 or 30 pound braid. cant wait to use it.

Sounds like a nice set up to me:D I use the same rod with a Avet sx spooled with 50lb sufix braid and landed bass to 35lbs this season, St.Croix had just came out with a 7'0 Tidemaster 12-25lb rated rod, the most important thing to me is to use top notch quality terminal gear, rigs,and learn to tie knots you will have confidence in when using braided line , we use the Polamar knot and have never had any problems

[SRF]

mini

As far as the rod goes, if your planning on hitting the rips the set up should work well. You can always manuver the boat if you get a big one on even though majority of bass are under 25lbs. If anchoring up and chunking the bay for bass or clammimg for drum, your gonna want to get a heavier rod.
St croix has a nice selection of boat rods. The new triumphs are new for 2008 and the price is right. A tswc70mhf is 7' rated 20-40lbs for $130 . I have 4 of the premier series swc70mhf 7' rated 20-40lbs for $210 they are both blends.Whatever your decision , i think a lighter tip works well with braid. My broomsticks, which are rated up to 80lb, have mono.

Also , the 50lb braid has worked out well for me. If you plan to focus on Bass/Drum , use the 50lb , waiting to get spooled or have your line fail is not the best way to learn. Its happened to me, got spooled at Calvert Cliffs while anchored (16 years ago)...its a horrible feeling:(

Good luck