Whats Your Prefered Length Of Rod For Smallmouth

[ashmen94]

I usually bring 2 rods with me on a float, both being 6.0'. I was thinking of getting a 5'6" rod just because short rods/ action makes the fight better(in my opinion) , I wanted to see your guys take on rod size. 

[st041986]

I'm a fan of longer rods, even if I am floating. Everything I use is 6'6" to 7'2".

[Snakehead Whisperer]

x2

My most used rods for smallmouth fishing are between 6'9"-7'6", and most are ML or M.

[Smokinal]

I'm a fan of longer rods, even if I am floating. Everything I use is 6'6" to 7'2".

yup, 6-8 to 7-2 here

[Darren.]

Heh. I've not fished smallies many times, but when I have, I've caught plenty on shorter rods in the 5'9" - 6'3" length without problem.

 

It really comes down to what you like. Longer rods are popular these days, but not absolutely necessary. I always try out the longer rods in-store, but I just prefer the shorter variety. Say what you will, it is just what I prefer in my hands.

 

If you can get your hands on rods in your local sporting goods store(s), ask them to put a reel on them (or bring your own) and see how they feel in YOUR hands. You may love a 7'6" rod, or you may hate it. You've got to make the choice for yourself.

[Hi Salenity]

7' casting and spinning

6'8" jerkbait

[Scott F]

7 foot medium light spinning rods for smallies for me. I don't believe bronzebacks are spooked by line, but I know they get spooked by seeing me or the boat I'm in. Most of the water where I fish smallmouth is pretty clear. I want to be able to make the longest casts I can so I can stay as far back as I can get. I'd use even longer rods but 7 feet is the longest that will fit in my truck.

[tomustang]

No difference than other bass rods I use.

Longer rods provide better fights no doubt, more rod means more load/flex.

[Snakehead Whisperer]

If you can get your hands on rods in your local sporting goods store(s), ask them to put a reel on them (or bring your own) and see how they feel in YOUR hands. You may love a 7'6" rod, or you may hate it. You've got to make the choice for yourself.

I can't agree more. It's also a good idea to see what the rod feels like with the reel you decide to pair it with.

[RandySBreth]

The shortest I use is 6' - it's a light casting rod for topwaters. Longest spinning rod is a 8' medium/light for dropshot or float and fly in winter. Of course, there's a coupl of 9' and 9'6" fly rods I use, too.

Most of the time it's around 7' for casting and spinning.

[roadwarrior]

7' casting and spinning

6'8" jerkbait

 

Pretty much the same, but my dedicated jerkbait rod is an Avid AVC66MF.

[flyfisher]

I usually go with two rods on smallmouth excursions.  One is 9' and the other is 7'11"....of course they are fly rods

[Felix77]

No difference for me.  Same I use for any bass.  Technique specific ... not species specific.

[ashmen94]

thanks for the answers, really appreciate it. this info will help thanks. !!!!! lines tight !!!!

[ww2farmer]

Same as for largemouth. My shortest rod is 6'6", and my longest is 7'6", I have caught them on both lengths and everything in between.

[Siebert Outdoors]

7'-7'6" is what I use for lake smallie fishing.  Same rods I use for largemouth.

[tubedude]

I'm prefer using the 6'6" rod for all types of bass. I like having a bit of length to reach out farther when casting from a boat/float tube...but to be honest I've never tried the 7' rods. The 6'6" just seems more versatile. And I use a medium power rod almost always unless I'm throwing spinnerbaits or heavy jigs. I just can't afford 5 different rods for every situation but I still get by alright. Good luck!

[jkroosz]

7 foot, usually no heavier than medium action.

[sullyb]

6ft.6in to 7ft.3 in. spinning and baitcasters for large and small mouth.I'm still trying to catch my first smallie though.lol

[Pumba1239]

My main spinning rod is 6'6" my baitcast is 7" and I also use a 5" ultra light with 4lb flurocarbon for wacky rigs.

[Dwight Hottle]

Same as for largemouth. My shortest rod is 6'6", and my longest is 7'6", I have caught them on both lengths and everything in between.

 

 

X2

[Steveo-1969]

As others have said, the most important thing is the length you are comfortable with.  I prefer longer rods myself, my spinning rods are 6'10" and 7'.  My main consideration for length was based on wade fishing.  I get longer casts and IMO better hooksets with the longer rods.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I use from 7'-7'6" rods for smallies.

[michael68w]

i wade more often then not and my choice of rod is normally no shorter then 6'8 with most of my setups being 6'10-7'0 all spinning with 6-10lb line.

[roadwarrior]

No difference for me.  Same I use for any bass.  Technique specific ... not species specific.

 

Best answer.