Daiwa Rods

[carlosjr]

Hey guys, I am looking at a few rods for smallies this summer. I live in the PNW and most of the smallmouth here are between 1-4lbs. nothing crazy. Just curious what rods you guys look for for these little guys? debating going back and forth between ML and M action.

 

In my mind I have a daiwa procyon ML in my mind or a shimano Clarus ML for tubes grubs and other soft plastics up to 1/2oz max. mostly 1/4-3/8oz

[FryDog62]

I use a baitcaster when throwing 5 inch Caffeine Shads on an Owner Twistlock Light 3/32 hook for smallies... deadly combo for the bronzebacks.  I use a Daiwa Tatula Elite Ehrler M-MH XF and Tat SV reel.  Great combo..

[LadiMopar]

I use Daiwa Elite Series Signature rods (cranking and light top water up to 1/2 oz.lures) paired with Tatula baitcasting reels (CT type R, on the cranking; SV for top water) I have 6 Tatula reels, the two mentioned, as well as a regular CT, 200H, 100H and 100HS. 

I really love the TWS design. Far fewer back lashes and more evenly distributed line on the spool. I run mostly 40# braid, but do have one set up with Ande Tournament Green 12# mono. 

The 13# drag system is great too for those  bass that want to give you a run for your money.

 

If you don't want to buy a technique specific rod the Signature Elite Series also has a mighty nice "universal" use rod.  I was just recently looking at the Tatula line of rods and they appear to be really well made for the price around $120, slightly higher for the glass cranking rods @ $150, and the Elite are $179.

 

Been brand loyal for about 40 years, so I freely admit my bias, but in all honesty I sold tackle for many years; could have had any brand I wanted but Daiwa has been consistently good. Not just the high end gear, but across the board, and I've owned a lot of their lower/mid range gear. Still using two of my oldest reels (25-30 years) and with the exception of a little cosmetic wear and tear they still more than get the job done.

 

Hope this helps a little, and best of luck in your quest.

[haggard]

Not sure if the PNW smallies are any different from the ones we have here in southern Maine but they're my favorite species and I don't think you could go wrong with either ML or M power. Either one will catch smallies. I think it comes down to what lures you're throwing. If you prefer 1/4 oz and up, the M power baitcaster or spinning rod should do great. If you prefer lighter lures/techniques the ML spinning might be more appropriate.

 

 

[A-Jay]

I like the M for tubes & drop shot work and the ML for hair jigs.~ 

A-Jay

 

[waymont]

Check out the Daiwa Tatula Bass rod series. The 6'6" and 6'8" medium are excellent all around rods.

Perfect for 1/4-3/8oz baits.

[new2BC4bass]

Pretty sure Carlos is asking about spinning rods.  I've not used a Procyon, but given their lure range and the weights that he uses, I'd give the ML a shot.  Lure range is 1/4-3/4 oz.

[LadiMopar]

18 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

Pretty sure Carlos is asking about spinning rods.  I've not used a Procyon, but given their lure range and the weights that he uses, I'd give the ML a shot.  Lure range is 1/4-3/4 oz.

 

The Procyon, as all other rod series mentioned come in both a spinning or casting model. I took another look at the OP and didn't see rod type specified, but imho the spinning rigs tend to be a little softer over all, especially the tips. Either will get the job done, but with spinning I'd probably stick to M over ML.

[new2BC4bass]

5 hours ago, LadiMopar said:

 

The Procyon, as all other rod series mentioned come in both a spinning or casting model. I took another look at the OP and didn't see rod type specified, but imho the spinning rigs tend to be a little softer over all, especially the tips. Either will get the job done, but with spinning I'd probably stick to M over ML.

I am aware of that.  A quick search turned up no ML Procyon or Clarus casting rods.  Ergo the OP must be asking about spinning rods.  If the OP goes for a Clarus, then I'd definitely opt for a Medium, but if he opts for a Procyon I'd rather have a ML rated 1/4-3/4 oz.  than a M rated 1/4-1 oz....given the OP's criteria of 1/2 oz. max.  Assuming the weights he listed are total weights.

 

If...as you say...a spinning rod often has a softer tip, then the OP may be able to use lighter than the 1/4 oz.  Especially on the ML version.

 

I primarily use casting rods.  A 1/4-3/4 oz. range is MH to me.  Most of my Mediums top out at 5/8 oz.  There are exceptions....naturally.

[carlosjr]

hey guys, yes I am talking about spinning gear. I have a stradic fk 3000 on its way that I scored for free and am just looking to pair it up with a decent rod without breaking the bank. I really just plan on throwing tubes with it. I dont have much access to bass rods around here like most folks do.

 

In the PNW we have a lot of options for salmon and steelhead rods but for bass its all largemouth rods which for me coming from the steelhead world all feel like dead pool cues. 

 

I just need something with a light enough tip to load the rod, enough give to not throw hooks and a decent amount of backbone to handle 4lb smallies in a little current.

[deadadrift89]

I have several medium and medium/light rods I use for smallmouth. My ML's are for dropshot and ned rigs and I use my M's for tubes, texas rigged soft plastics, small swimbaits and weightless worms. If I had to choose only one do all it would be a medium/fast and especially for tubes

[Mikeltee]

I catch 5# all the time on my tatula elite finesse. It has ags guides and is super sensitive for the price. If the biggest you will be hauling in is a 4# you may as well feel like its got a chance and use a finesse rod. Catching dinks all day on a flippin stick will get old quick.

[zell_pop1]

For a 3000 size reel I'd go MH spinning. Either the Clarus or even the Slx rod which at MH are rated 8-15lb test line 1/4 to 3/4oz lures.