I have been thinking about getting this rod to fish for smallmouths in smaller rivers. I currently have a 5wt but the streamers are just to heavy. Will the predator work good at short distances? Will it load properly with smallmouth streamers and poppers? I also looked at the Crux but a Redington employee told me they thought the predator would fit my situation better. I wanna go with Redington because of the good reputation they have for quality, durable, and affordable rods.
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by codymaz
I was looking at these for a spare, backup the other day.... I decided to go with a Sage Motive 9 weight as a backup rod that I got on a closeout deal.
FYI, caddisflyshop.com has an 8wt on closeout right now for $199, free shipping
A local shop(s) to me, mcflyoutdoors.com, phone number (304) 333-2550, has Redington's on sale for 40% off which would make it $179, free shipping. They had a 9 weight the other day, I think they had an 8 weight as well. They have 3 stores so the can check the inventory via computer.
Good luck!
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by jkhabe
If you want to have fun catching those bass Go check out the 6wt redington butter stick
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by chuckH71
Thank you I will take a look!
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by codymaz
Can't speak for the rod but I think an 8wt would be too heavy for smallmouth too. I use a 6wt and it's perfect imo
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by TYRMONSTER
A decent 6wt is plenty for small mouth in a stream. I've fished with guys who land 30" steelhead on a 6wt. In terms of your question about the rod loading properly, that's not solely a function of the line weight, it also depends on the the rod length, the rod's action, and your casting skill. If you fish very wide streams where you're shooting line 60-100 feet, you may want a 10-foot 6wt. If you're in streams where most casts are 20-40 feet then that extra length (and weight) will tire you out more than necessary. You'll have an easier time with a 6wt in the 7 to 9-foot range. A local fly shop should be willing to let you "test drive" any the rods you want to evaluate, even if it's just out in their parking lot or a field around the shop. Take 10-20 casts that are similar to what you'll need to do on the stream, switch from rod to rod, and narrow it down. You can even tie on some tippet and a streamer to feel how that weight affects the rod's loading. You'll quickly find the rod that fits your needs.
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by Albus3957
Thank you for the response. I hate to get a 6wt because I already have a 5wt. I'm wanting to get a rod that is versatile. Like I could catch smallies or if I want to go down to the coast I can get redfish. Also thanks for the info on the length, I was not aware of that!
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by codymaz
No problem - lots of luck to you. Redfish are outside my experience from a fishing standpoint (not from an eating standpoint!), but aren't they found in salt water or at least brackish water? Rod and reel materials are different for salt water use, so I'd recommend you speak with some actual experts about whether the same setup would work for both.
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by Albus3957
Yes the predator work good at short distances...
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