Suggestions for 'do a lot' river smallmouth rod

[Kev-mo]

I know one rod won't do it all but really not satisfied with my current choices. Mostly wade rivers, plan to kayak a little more. When wading I prefer carrying one rod. Looking for both spinning and casting rod suggestions (do prefer casting tho).

 

Lures thrown will be both treble and single hook applications 1/4 to 3/4 oz. baits

 

Mostly fishing straight braid but went back to mono last year just because, so could fish either depending on application.

 

Started out with a 6' 9" st croix avid mlxf spinning and casting. Like - how the xf tip loads up and can snap lures out there bonus on working a jerkbait. Dislike - totally underpowered for the heavier stuff I eventually started fishing.

 

Picked up a mb gen 1 XX spinnerbait special. Like - how it throws spinnerbaits and it's decent at throwing a portion of the above baits. Like the heavier power for weeds and current. Dislike - it just doesn't seem to load up enough casting the lighter stuff. Also don't feel connected enough to lure when retrieving the lighter stuff.

 

Also picked a mb gen 1 flatside special. Like - (love) how loads up when a fish hits, even throws a 1/4 oz. square bill okay... Like the heavier power for weeds and current. Dislike - while better than the SS still feels a little disconnected when retrieving lighter stuff.

 

If the st. croix and flatside special got together and had a love child rod...... so I guess I'm looking for a rod with multiple power and multiple  action.  Would like to keep it around $200. I'm open to pricier stuff but no more than $500. 

[newapti5]

When wade fishing smallies, I also tend to carry only one do-it-all rod. There're many great choices here, but GLX MBR 843c is always on the top of the list. 

[FishTank]

9 hours ago, newapti5 said:

When wade fishing smallies, I also tend to carry only one do-it-all rod. There're many great choices here, but GLX MBR 843c is always on the top of the list. 

I was going to suggest the the 783C GLX but 843C works as well. I like the shorter length of the 783C for tight spaces. The cost he suggested would be too low for the ones we picked.

 

With that said,  the rod I am going to suggest isn't in the same category as the GLX but it has worked good for me as a do all kayak rod.... St. Croix Mojo Yak 7' M Fast. It has a soft tip that works for T-rigged soft plastic and works well for crankbaits as well as jerkbaits.  

[fishwizzard]

I will third the "3 power Loomis MBR" in whatever blank/length you think will fit best.  The 1/4-3/4oz range is what I fish the most and a 783c is about as versatile as they come.  I don't think I would like the longer handle on the GLX when wading but ymmv.  

[Bdnoble84]

I think there is a point where your lightest and heaviest just are not going to match up. A 1/16 oz marabou jig is never going to have a good feel on a rod that can handle a 3/8-1/2 oz spinnerbait or plug. I mean, its just too large of a range.

[DogBone_384]

A MH/F or MH/MF between 6'10' and 7' would be my pick for a 'do a lot' rod.  I'm partial to Kistler rods myself, and throw jigs on a KLX 7'3" MH when on my boat and an older 6'9" Helium TS when on my kayak.  Kistler has a few different lines ranging from $149 to $499.  You could easily have them build something custom that easily falls in your budget also.  Drop them an email telling them what you're looking for and see what they recommend.

 

Their quality and customer service are top notch.  They're made here in the US too.  I called them up to pay an invoice and Trey Kistler answered the phone, a nice touch you're not likely to get with other rod companies.  

 

Best of luck picking out a rod.

[MassBass]

What if I suggested an 8' 6" medium steelhead casting rod, 2 piece. 

[Firstoutfisher]

6 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Okuma Psycho Stick PSY-S-721M

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Psycho_Stick_Spinning_Rods/descpage-OPSYS.html

regret not picking one of these up as a beater when tw had them 30% off. Haven't fished them but on paper nothing better than this at that price point. To the OP guess what im saying is medium fast=versatile and this rod has great components. 

[Deephaven]

I'd have a 6'8 MXF SC V kicked out to 7 or 7'2".  Works great both as casting and spinning.  

[new2BC4bass]

I think you will have a hard time finding a casting rod in Medium power that will handle that weight range.  Will most likely have to go to a MH.  You stand a better chance finding a Medium power spinning rod that will handle 1/4-3/4 oz.  The Fenwick HMG Inshore 7' MF is rated 1/8-1 oz.  MOST of the time I don't like fishing on either end of a rod's rating.  However, I keep a rod in Florida rated 3/8-3/4 oz. that bombs 3/8 oz. crankbaits.  Don't know how it would handle a 3/4 oz. lure as I keep a 3/8 lure on it all the time.

[Vilas15]

1. Bring two rods.

2. Narrow the range of bait weights you're willing to use.

3. Accept you'll be under or overpowered at one end of the spectrum.

4. Pick something in the middle and be unhappy at both ends.

 

There's your options as I see it. The odds you can find a goldilocks rod to cover both 1/4 oz and 3/4 oz is very unlikely. The heaver bait is 3 times heavier than the lightest.

[Kev-mo]

I appreciate everyone's input thus far. Yeah I figured it was a unicorn type deal.

Been mulling over even posting the question but figured why not.

 

I think my overall goal is to simplify and do more with less.

[Bdnoble84]

Ill bring one, you bring the other. Those smallies wont know what hit em.

[Kev-mo]

2 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

Ill bring one, you bring the other. Those smallies wont know what hit em.

Lol, down, once we get fishable water/weather