What’s a good Smallmouth Bass rod?
What would be a good rod for Smallmouth Bass.? I was thinking about buying a 7wt that can throw streamers and poppers.
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by NEW112602
Depends on budget. The BASS lineup by sage is the best in the game.
For a lower price see if you can find a TFO mini mag 6-8 weight. They’re discontinued but may find one online. I’ve owned lots of rods and this is my favorite rod ever made.
I’m partial to shorter rods in this application, (both of these rods are 8’) helps launch beefy flies and lift fish out of structure.
Another suggestion would be the Clouser II by TFO.
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by Flycariousindustries
Didn’t they replace that series with the payload?
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by imeh85
No clue. I used to follow new rod releases and kind of fell behind when I left retail.
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by Flycariousindustries
I like a fast 8wt for smallies and largies. Im not a fan of the shorter 8 footers though. It might as well be a 11wt since I've read it basically requires 11/12wt lines. 8wt have the backbone to cast those heavy meat whistle without getting tired. Also using a line such as SA titan will make it even easier
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by torn_retinas
flyguy
Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
Welcome to the Forum, new602, It would depend on where you are fishing. In MN. and north of here, the bass do not get as large as they do in the Southern States. Up here a really nice bass is going to be 5 #s. We have a lot more SM's than LM's. Therefore, I use a 5# and get along just fine. I really have a good time with a 5 #er.
Heck there are hundreds. Just go to a fishing store grab a salesperson and see what fits you. I use a simple Cabela IM7 carbon rod 6.5’ Or I’ve got a daiwa g force rod and reel combo (6.5’)for larger smallies and a shimano convergence setup 6’ rod for smaller fish. Or I’ll use an Abu bait casting setup with a Hank Parker reel. The world is your fishing store!!
GaryB
Loc: Southwest Missouri
I’m pretty new to flyfishing and for my first year of trout fishing this year I seemed to find that, when casting heavy streamers, a fast action rod was easier to use than a slow (bamboo) rod. Made more difference than the weight of the rod. Does that make sense and would it apply to casting bass flies in new602’s case?
Once again,...."baitcaster conversion" entertainment, my daily addiction..LoL !.....hey Ron and Paul....read more carefully, please.... he's asking about alternative fly rod weights, not alternative methods.
Uglystick fx2, great all round rod.
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