What Is A Smallmouth Rod?

[Brackish Angler 228]

I don't live near or fished for smallmouth bass, but I see smallmouth rods on different sites and I was wondering: What exactly makes a smallmouth rod special?  The reel seat on the ones I've seen look odd; with cork embedded and huge triggers.  Why is that?

[WRB]

I don't live near or fished for smallmouth bass, but I see smallmouth rods on different sites and I was wondering: What exactly makes a smallmouth rod special?  The reel seat on the ones I've seen look odd; with cork embedded and huge triggers.  Why is that?

Marketing!

Tom

[smalljaw67]

What you are refering to is probably the Fenwick elite Tech Smallmouth rods. They are called smallmouth rods because of marketing and also it indicates what the actions and powers you will see in the series. For instance, you don't see flipping and pitching much for smallmouth so there isn't any longer heavy powered rods, instead there is a mix of moderate fast, fast, and extra fast actions in powers of medium light, medium, and medium heavy and the handles are slighlty shorter and only one spinning rod is 7'4", the rest of the series is 6'10" and under. If you talk to river smallmouth anglers most use shorter rods with lighter line, even the braid is usually less than 30# in most situations. You can use the rod for anything really, the marketing is just a thing to say that the series was made with powers, tapers, and lengths that smallmouth anglers prefer.

[J Francho]

Marketing, but there are certain techniques where a specific set of specs suite that style better.  Light plastics in current, deep drop shot, split shot with small plastics or live bait are just a few.  As far as and "all around smallmouth" rod goes, none exist.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

 

What you are refering to is probably the Fenwick elite Tech Smallmouth rods. They are called smallmouth rods because of marketing and also it indicates what the actions and powers you will see in the series. For instance, you don't see flipping and pitching much for smallmouth so there isn't any longer heavy powered rods, instead there is a mix of moderate fast, fast, and extra fast actions in powers of medium light, medium, and medium heavy and the handles are slighlty shorter and only one spinning rod is 7'4", the rest of the series is 6'10" and under. If you talk to river smallmouth anglers most use shorter rods with lighter line, even the braid is usually less than 30# in most situations. You can use the rod for anything really, the marketing is just a thing to say that the series was made with powers, tapers, and lengths that smallmouth anglers prefer.

x2 Well stated

[Brackish Angler 228]

What you are refering to is probably the Fenwick elite Tech Smallmouth rods. They are called smallmouth rods because of marketing and also it indicates what the actions and powers you will see in the series. For instance, you don't see flipping and pitching much for smallmouth so there isn't any longer heavy powered rods, instead there is a mix of moderate fast, fast, and extra fast actions in powers of medium light, medium, and medium heavy and the handles are slighlty shorter and only one spinning rod is 7'4", the rest of the series is 6'10" and under. If you talk to river smallmouth anglers most use shorter rods with lighter line, even the braid is usually less than 30# in most situations. You can use the rod for anything really, the marketing is just a thing to say that the series was made with powers, tapers, and lengths that smallmouth anglers prefer.

Well put.  The rod tapers, lengths, and powers make sense now.  G Loomis also makes smallmouth rods; "Bronzeback" I think they're called.

 

Marketing, but there are certain techniques where a specific set of specs suite that style better.  Light plastics in current, deep drop shot, split shot with small plastics or live bait are just a few.  As far as and "all around smallmouth" rod goes, none exist.

 

All of those techniques seem to require a sensitive rod, so whats with the cork inside the reel seat?  It seems to contradict the solid blank-to-reel and exposed blank connection that so many companies seek to increase sensitivity.

G Loomis Bronzeback Spinning

 

 

Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth Casting

[J Francho]

Cork transmits vibration well, contrary to popular belief.  Wood is used for making drums, guitars, violins, and other musical instruments.  I'm not sure where the idea that a plastic seat was better - it's about the same.  Also note, on the G. Loomis rod, the reel is in direct contact with the reel seat, which is in direct contact with the blank.  The Fenwick has an exposed blank behind the trigger grip.  Think about where your fingers are, and how that vibration is transmitted to your hands.  Both feature very sensitive blanks, and I'd wager you'd be able to detect a smallmouth strike, even wearing gloves - they aren't that subtle, lol.

[S Hovanec]

 they aren't that subtle, lol.

 

 

Unless they're in 50' in Lake Erie!  I RARELY feel the take.  When i get slammed, it's a catfish or sheephead.

[J Francho]

That is the "rare" time.  And it's actually not a rare moment for us on the Great lakes.  But I think for most guys fishing in current, it's little more violent.

[S Hovanec]

Current plays a big factor.  a 15" smallie in the Niagara will just about rip the rod out of your hand.

[Brackish Angler 228]

Cork transmits vibration well, contrary to popular belief.  Wood is used for making drums, guitars, violins, and other musical instruments.  I'm not sure where the idea that a plastic seat was better - it's about the same.  Also note, on the G. Loomis rod, the reel is in direct contact with the reel seat, which is in direct contact with the blank.  The Fenwick has an exposed blank behind the trigger grip.  Think about where your fingers are, and how that vibration is transmitted to your hands.  Both feature very sensitive blanks, and I'd wager you'd be able to detect a smallmouth strike, even wearing gloves - they aren't that subtle, lol.

 

Thanks for the clarification, I didn't know smallmouths were really aggressive.

 

Unless they're in 50' in Lake Erie!  I RARELY feel the take.  When i get slammed, it's a catfish or sheephead.

Sheephead = creephead...  Those scoundrels freak me out.  TIL they were freshwater, though;  thought they were only found in the Gulf!

[S Hovanec]

 

Sheephead = creephead...  Those scoundrels freak me out.  TIL they were freshwater, though;  thought they were only found in the Gulf

 

 

Freshwater drum.  The guys call them sheephead, even though they aren't really.

[MarkH024]

Thanks for the clarification, I didn't know smallmouths were really aggressive.

 

Wait until the day you hook into one. You will be addicted immediately.  I haven't caught nearly as many smallmouth as a lot of these guys but man it is AWESOME! I'd go smallie fishing over large mouth any day to be honest.  Unless its with Big O catching 10lb average LMB.

[roadwarrior]

Technique is a far better determinate. Most guys are going to use a different rig for jerkbaits for example.

My basic "smallmouth rod" is also my weightless soft plastic rod, St. Croix LES70MF. For jerkbaits it's an

AVC66MF; AVC70MM for medium weight crankbaits.