I need a new spinning outfit

[carlosjr]

Living here in Oregon, the smallmouth aren't super big, but i typically get into 1-3lb fish. Caught a 5lber not too long ago. I enjoy using light spinning tackle and drop shot rigs for these guys, but my ultralight trout gear isn't cutting it quite anymore with how much i'm getting into it now. I know a 7' ML fast action rod is about right, so I was looking for some decent rod recommendations from you guys. I usually use braid so I'm not really looking for the most sensitive rod ever. I was thinking of a fenwick hmx, cabelas fish eagle or something within that range.

[islandbass]

Welcome, fellow Pacific NW neighbor. I also love to drop shot with my UL rig.

 

My "true" drop shot rod is a 7' ML Lamiglas Certified Pro "Drop Shot Special" rod.  However, because it's a one-piece rod like many of my other bass rods, they only get to see usage on the weekends.  That said, I honestly have to say it's just not a fair fight against the bass when I wield my Lami. 

 

Depending on your budget the 7'ML rod from those companies should fit the bill and it doesn't have to be a drop shot specific rod.  I would take a look at the guides used on those rods and ensure that I will have at least aluminum oxide guides or better to handle your braid.

[Bluebasser86]

Fenwick makes nice rods. I have one I use for a jerkbait rod and really like it. Haven't used a Fish Eagle in several years but wasn't a fan of them the couple times I tried them. 

[SWVABass]

I bought the Ike designed abu Garcia dropshot rod. I love it very light, sensitive, quality components. I think I paid 120 for it. Paired it with a Lews speed spool, I can't complain. In all I spent less than 200 on the setup.

[carlosjr]

10 hours ago, islandbass said:

Welcome, fellow Pacific NW neighbor. I also love to drop shot with my UL rig.

 

My "true" drop shot rod is a 7' ML Lamiglas Certified Pro "Drop Shot Special" rod.  However, because it's a one-piece rod like many of my other bass rods, they only get to see usage on the weekends.  That said, I honestly have to say it's just not a fair fight against the bass when I wield my Lami. 

 

Depending on your budget the 7'ML rod from those companies should fit the bill and it doesn't have to be a drop shot specific rod.  I would take a look at the guides used on those rods and ensure that I will have at least aluminum oxide guides or better to handle your braid.

alright, awesome! I don't have a budget, just can't justify spending more than $100 on a rod when I use braid and can get all the sensitivity I need out of that-overall balance is more important to me. 

 

Bluebasser86- Which fenwick rod do you have?

[Darren.]

Haven't used Fenwick, but often look at them. Not carried

in my local BPS, so usually get hands-on when I travel.

 

They're definitely nice rods for the $.

 

When I went to northern MN, I took my 5'6" Light BPS

MicroLite travel rod (which loads more like a ML) and boy

did I have fun with smallies up to and just over 2 pounds.

I've used it since here in VA and caught some hefty largies.

 

But I'm a guy who prefers shorter rods, I don't use any over

6'6" for freshwater, and mostly use 5'9" to 6'. Just my pref.

 

You'll definitely like the better hook setting with a stiffer rod.

[Bluebasser86]

14 hours ago, carlosjr said:

Bluebasser86- Which fenwick rod do you have?

Mine is a casting rod, the Smallmouth Elite Tech 6' 3" M/MF. There was a bunch on FFO for less than half price last year and I couldn't help myself. Now I wish I'd bought a couple of them for the price they were going for. Makes an excellent rod for smaller jerkbaits. 

[Turkey sandwich]

There are lots of good rods out there, and I'm happy with the Fenwicks I own.  As for quality, there is a big jump once you start to get into rods typically priced at $150 and up and it really is worth it to own one versus something "good enough" and anticipating the braid to compensate for heavier or less balanced rods with less sensitivity.  The good news is that you don't necessarily have to pay $200+ for these rods if you aren't in a hurry and do a little shopping.  For example, my Fenwick rods (both Aetos line, one bait caster and one fly rod) typically retail around $180-$200 now, and are every bit worth it.  They are excellent rods.  The other thing that's excellent?  Manufacturers discount lines significantly when they update them, usually annually.  I was able to wait and picked them both up for between $90-$110 apiece.  St. Croix does the same thing with their bargain bin, and often Tackle Warehouse will also have clearances.  30-50% discounts are not uncommon.  Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart.

[Quarry Man]

any 7'1" Ml rod around a hunderdollars will work great. 

[Megastink]

I use a Duckett Micro Magic Pro, 7' ML. Don't be afraid to get a Medium power, XF or just F action. A M isn't too stiff for a drop shot.

[r83srock]

On 2017-09-13 at 10:25 PM, carlosjr said:

Living here in Oregon, the smallmouth aren't super big, but i typically get into 1-3lb fish. Caught a 5lber not too long ago. I enjoy using light spinning tackle and drop shot rigs for these guys, but my ultralight trout gear isn't cutting it quite anymore with how much i'm getting into it now. I know a 7' ML fast action rod is about right, so I was looking for some decent rod recommendations from you guys. I usually use braid so I'm not really looking for the most sensitive rod ever. I was thinking of a fenwick hmx, cabelas fish eagle or something within that range.

I took a friend out smallie fishing the other day, he normally fishes for trout. His only nice setup is a cabelas fish eagle 2 7'ml 4 piece. Shamano sienna reel, 4lb nanofil. I fished a tube jig on it for a bit and I was impressed! That said, I dropshot with a st. Croix avid mlxf 6'9"...casting. I love it

[carlosjr]

Thanks for the replies everyone! 

 

Megastink- You don't think a medium power rod would be overkill for smallies?