Hi and looking for new rod/reel

[Recurve1]

Hi folks,

It's been a long time since I did any spin fishing for SM - since the early 90s. Recently retired and have time and I would like to update my gear with a new rod and reel.  I wade rivers and canoe lakes.  I used to use 1/8 - 3/16 oz jig heads with Mr Twisters, Roostertails and Rebel crawdads - just cast them out and reel them in.  Sometimes would fish a jig/twister on the bottom drifting with the current.  I think something like a 6.5' - 7' MLF or MF would do the trick - seems like the rods today are very stiff relative to my old "bionic blades".  Was looking at the $100 - 150 range for a rod, maybe a little higher like the St Croix victory.  I plan on getting to presque isle bay this year so fish up to that size range.

For reels I'm considering the $100 range including a shimano sahara, Daiwa BG or Okuma epixor with braid and mono/fluoro tippet.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

Also - any thoughts on current hot lures for SM would also be great.

[roadwarrior]

14 minutes ago, Recurve1 said:

Also - any thoughts on current hot lures for SM would also be great.

 

Rage Tail Menace and BPS Tender Tube #71

[Fishingmickey]

Hello Recurve,

    With that moniker. I assume your an archer also. The Berkley Max-scent flat worm has been the rage on the pro circuits for smallies up north.

Welcome aboard!

FM

[Deleted account]

25 minutes ago, Fishingmickey said:

The Berkley Max-scent flat worm has been the rage on the pro circuits for smallies up north.

Berkley should fire the guy that came up with that name, and make the marketing guy at YUM their VP of marketing, Sonar Minnow is brilliant.

[EWREX]

a top notch option would be a daiwa tatula elite spinning rod 7' med light "Meyer" model. i'd shy away from the BG for a reel as it is on the heavier side and look for a daiwa fuego LT. you can snag both of these for around $280 total.

 

there are a TON of other fantastic rod options in the $100-$150 price range. i'm sure you'll receive a good amount of suggestions in this thread

 

as far as smallmouth bass baits. berkley maxscent flat worm is hot right now, and they do get bit for sure. you'll have good luck with a tube, ned rig, small keitech swimbait, and jerkbait in most smallmouth bass fisheries.

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, Recurve1 said:

Hi and looking for new rod/reel

It's ok to look at tackle, and maybe even put it in your cart, but I wouldn't hit submit and complete the order until you sober up....

[Randy Price]

I'd recommend the SC Victory rod and either the Daiwa Fuego LT or the Shimano Saraha or Nasci if your budget can afford it.

[Finessegenics]

I like St Croix too. In your price range, there is the Mojo Bass. It sounds like 6’10 MLXF would be perfect for your applications. I use it for just about the same things you outlined. Like others mentioned, If you stick to name brands it’s incredible how many options there are at that price range and how GOOD the rods at that price range are too. 
 

Same story for the reels a 20,25, or 30 is ideal. I personally like something that is light. I run a pflueger president xt on mine. Shimano makes excellent reels at that price too, the Sedona and Nasci are notable ones. I’ve also heard amazing things about the Daiwa Legalis and I almost pulled the trigger on one but I genuinely didn’t need a new spinning reel. There’s also the Fuego from Daiwa. 
 

I think you have it covered for baits, a jig and plastic allows you to be versatile. You can fish craw style baits on the bottom, or swim baits at any level of the water column. 
 

Good luck! 

[Dinger0306]

I was in a similar situation and ended up with a 6 1/2’ ML St. Croix Premier ($150) and Daiwa Regal 2000 ($60). Excellent job for smallmouth and fishing Ned rigs, 4” senkos, Rapalas, 1/8oz Texas rigs, rebel craws, small topwaters etc. Stiff enough to set the hook on a light plastic but enough bend for a fight with 12-15” fish to be FUN. 

 

Look into the Ned rig, it is my go-to for SMB. Z-Man TRD on just a 1/15oz Z-man Ned jig head (heavier depending on your situation). Also whopper ploppers, they make a 60 size that’s perfect for smaller waters.

 

The St. Croix Avid is probably worth the extra price from what I’ve read, but never used one. I wanted a split-grip and not fork out $200+ for the Avid-X at the time. 

[Recurve1]

Hey folks - follow up - I ended up with a new model Shimano Sahara 2500 with 8 lb p-line and a Daiwa BG 2500, unlined so far, thinking of putting bright colored 10 lb braid with a fluoro leader.

I made a 7' 2" spinning rod for 1/8 - 3/8 oz, 6-12lb line, using a North Fork Composite SB 722 blank.  I put on a Fuji Vss reel seat with split grip and Fuji KL H alconite guides.  Very light and sensitive rod.  Got some flukes, tubes and senko lures and they worked well.  I fish a fast moving river mostly and it is hard to do ned rigs, drop shots, etc because they get washed downstream so fast and hung up in all the bottom rocks.

Thanks to all.