New fishing equipment

[TheBassMan]

Hey everyone,

I just moved to PA, and want to get into smallmouth fishing. Being from MO i did mostly farm pond fishing so i have a 6'6 Medium Action IM8 Graphite rod from Bass Pro. It has 10 pound mone on it. Is that to big for river and lake smallies.

I also want to start fishing competitvely (cause my uncle does and i ahve fished a few with him, but used his equipment) I know that i will need to upgrade my equipment, so what should i get.

Thanks for the help

[wesleykey]

Try the equipment you have first. If it has shortcomings, you will see them first hand and will know how to upgrade and where to go from there. I just bought a Shimano Sedona reel and find that it works well as far as spinning reels go. Good luck and welcome ot the boards!!!

[PointingLab]

Welcome The Bass Man. You have a great start as far as equipment. I like to light line smallies myself and also do a fair amount of flyfishing for them. My own personal favorite rig for most smallie action is a 6'3" light action, St Croix Avid rod, Shimano Stradic reel with 6 lb Sensation line. If I am in heavier current or jigging deep on Erie I will go to a little heavier rig. Still I try to keep the rod at a medium weight. Good luck, let us know how you do!