River Smallmouth Combo Critique

[Big John]

I have decided to buy a setup specifically for river smallmouth since thats what i spend most of my time fishing. based on my findings here and elsewhere, i should be looking for a medium-light fast action, between 6 and 7 feet long. baits are mostly soft plastics (both weightless and weighted), silicone jigs, and hair jigs. average size smallmouth is 10"-16". never seen any bigger than 16" in the river. i am leaning towards 6' or 6'6" because my 6'9" baitcaster barely fits in my jeep as is. i for sure want a 1-piece rod, and have a budget of about $200 for the rod and reel. i plan on a shimano sedona or symetre, but have not chose one yet. the impression i get is to spend more on the rod, and less on the reel. i would love an avid / symetre, but that is just a little out of my budget, and realistically i would like to spend as little as i can. i was thinking a 6' or 6'6" st croix premier ($100 and $110) with a shimano sedona and 4 or 6lb yo-zuri hybrid line. does this sound like a reasonable combo for river smallmouth under $200? also, what size reel would work best with this setup. i am thinking a 1000 size would balance best. thanks for the help!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I agree with putting the bulk of your budget toward the rod. I really like the Pflueger spinning reels for thier bang for the buck. You can find Presidents on sale for $50 +/- This would leave you enough for a 6'3" ML/XF Avid if you shop around. Even at retail you'd be within $30 of your budget. I have a similar setup with a 2500 Ci4 and it handels very well.

[new2BC4bass]

How about a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth 6'3" Medium Fast? 1/8-3/4 oz. http://www.amazon.co...h/dp/B005OTZ8LS

Temporarily out of stock. I've picked up 2 of the b/c rods. Seem real nice to me.

[iabass8]

If you are on that budget, i would get the elite tech small mouth 69m and a size 25 pflueger or 1000 shimano. Should keep you under 200 and you will love the rod based on reviews people on here rave about them.

[Big John]

i have considered the elite tech smallmouth, i have an elite tech river runner and i enjoy it. so i now have a couple suggestions for a medium, is the elite tech smallmouth medium a "lighter medium", or am i wrong in thinking the medium-light is what would work best for my situation?

[new2BC4bass]

Haven't used it, but from the lure specs I would have to say it is more towards a "medium heavy". Smalljaw says they are rated correctly. Many mediums top out at 1/2 or 5/8 oz. From what you are saying it would seem that the 6' 9" ML would fit the bill. Lure range is 1/16-5/8 oz. A good place to be. Wish I had bought that one instead of the Villain ML because the Villain runs 1/8-3/8 oz. I was wanting to throw lighter than 1/8. Still may be able to with this rod, but not with the line currently on the reel.

[MichiganFishing1997]

For the money, I personally would get a Pflueger President, great reel for the money, and will leave you a little more room for a better rod.

[Big John]

i will definately check in to the president. i believe they sell them at my local dicks, so i can get a feel for it. and thanks new2bc4bass, 1/16 - 5/8 sounds like exactly what i am looking for! anyone have any suggestions for 1000 vs 2500 size reels? and 4lb or 6lb yo-zuri? is it true that the 6lb breaks over 10 pounds? if that is the case, i will most likely go with the 4lb.

[shootermcbob]

I believe the yo-zuri ultra soft #6 breaks at 11.9 lbs. I found a chart that lists the regular yo-zuri hybrid line in the #6 breaking at 12.3 lbs. I use the #6 in ultra soft and really like it. Good luck with your purchase.

[smalljaw67]

I have the Fenwick elite Tech smallmouth 6'9" M-XF spinning and I absolutlely love it, the 6'3" M-F spinning rod would be one to consider but if you want the lighter action the 6'9" ML-F is a good rod. I really like the medium because it doesn't overpower the small fish and it has a ton of backbone for those bigger fish. I think the medium is more versatile, I know it is rated to 3/4oz and I put that weight on my rod and while it does handle it it does feel like 3/4oz so I wouldn't want to use that kind of weight on it all day, 5/8oz is more reasonable. I honestly don't think there is a better rod under 200 dollars, and no matter which you choose it will be a great rod, I just think you would be happier using the shorter 6'3" rod even if it is slightly more powerful, you will still be required to play a 16" smallie and these are super light weight wise, you could get that rod and a president reel and still be in budget with a high quality set up.

[Big John]

i may look into a medium then. the state record smallmouth is 6 pounds 13 ounces, does that change things any? like i said, i have never seen a smallmouth around here bigger than 16". i have heard of people catching bigger ones, but that is always on the main lake.

[elkriverangler]

I think the 1000 Reel will work well for you for the Lure Size and average Fish Size you are talking about.

I use all 1000 Shimano Reels for my Smallmouth Fishing. 2 are on ML Avids and 1 is on a M Avid.

The ML's and 1000's have handled Smallies up to 21"

The President Reels recommended are a good Reel. You can also check out Ebay for a Shimano Sahara or Symetre. You can usually pick them up a lot less than Retail.

[outdoorsman110]

If you don't buy an elite tech.. I will be upset. Haha. Match it with a president or Ci4

[Big John]

thanks for the suggestions. I am going to try to find some reviews for the ML i am looking for, but i am fairly sure i will be picking up a elite tech smallmouth! still unsre on the reel, i didnt get to check out the president yesterday. thanks again for the help everyone!

[roadwarrior]

I feel that the reel is far more important than the rod. A smooth drag is key when targeting

smallmouth. To stay within your pricing parameter I suggest keeping an eye on our Flea

Market and be on the lookout for a "gently used" Avid AVS66MLF/ Symetre 500FJ or 1000FJ.

For those with a fatter wallet, the CI4 1000 would match nicely.

[00 mod]

Without a doubt, my favorite rod I own, while not the most expensive is a Pinnacle perfecta 6'8''ml/f and ci4 2500. It is my smallmouth rod. That being said, it is a little out of your price range. I found the rod for $125, which would leave you $75 for a reel, which the president would keep you in your price range! Have I mentioned, I love my Pinnacle!

Jeff

[Big John]

i had not considered a 500 size. is a 500 better suited to what i want, or is it just personal preference? im guessing the only real difference is line capacity and size/weight?

[new2BC4bass]

I checked out the Shimano Sedona FD in 500 and 1000 at Cabela's. 500 size holds 100 yards of 4 lb and has a 4.7:1 gear ratio while the 1000 holds 110 yards of 6 lb. and has a 6.2:1 gear ratio. Weight wasn't listed for the 500, but is 7.7 oz for the 1000 size.

[Busy]

I have a Pflueger President 6920X and it is a tiny, tiny reel. At just under 6 oz. it balances with my rod nicely. There are spinning reels that I like more but for the money I would recommend the President!

I have mine mounted on a Cabelas Tourney Trail Moderate action Ultra Light power 5' rod that throws 1/16-3/8oz. and 6lb. Suffix mono. I use mine for tightlining crappie but I can't say enough about the reel for the money.