Stream Smallmouth Spinning Rod

[Brad70]

I fish Ozark streams here in Missouri where a BIG smallmouth is 3-4lbs. I normally carry a baitcaster and a spinning rod for all my favorite techniques. Lately I've been finding my 7'0M Veritas spinning rod is too heavy for the type of fish I'm catching and would like something with a little less action for my small river fishing. 98% of the time this rod is for my plastics with a 1/8oz slip sinker with a 2/0 EWG gammy hook. I'm thinking I need to switch to a medium light rod for this type of fishing. I'm wanting to keep this rod under $100 as this is just some fun recreational float/wade fishing. What do you guys use for this type of fishing? I was thinking about just stepping down an action to the 6'9ML Verdict or even the Vendetta series because I love my vendetta baitcaster rod. Appreciate any help guys.

[PondHunter]

You're right. A Medium Light rod would work very well, and there are plenty of good ones in the price range you're looking at.

[dwtaylor]

I would say a 6'6" ML Fenwick HMX. I just bought one for fishing the Skunk River here in Central Iowa. There are some smallies in there, but most of them are about 10-13 inches long. I know it doesn't have a split grip, but a split grip actually throws the balance of the rod off depending on which reel you are using. Its a very sensitive rod, and in my opinion, is the best under $100.

[Dave T.]

I agree with the others. A 6'6" medium light fast, or medium light xtra fast rod would probably be perfect. I'm not familiar with the Abu Garcia rods, but I am with the St. Croix rods. I would also have a look at the St. Croix Premier series.

[J Francho]

Go lighter and longer. More rod will protecct the line, and keep constant pressure on the fish. An 8 or 9' light power rod with a moderate action would be great. I use similar gear for steelhead.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Go lighter and longer. More rod will protecct the line, and keep constant pressure on the fish. An 8 or 9' light power rod with a moderate action would be great. I use similar gear for steelhead.

This is a good way to go if the river is open enough to work the longer rod. I'm building a 6'8" ML/F as a stream smallie rod for a member and it's going to be sweet.

[webertime]

I've been rocking a Lamiglas Excel 703 (7ft ml) for my river smallies (and Dropshot/Tubes out on the lake). I love this rod.

[Fontana Finesse Man]

I currently use a wright and mcgill 6'10 tube/finesse honeycomb rod. I can't speak as to durability since I have only been using it a couple months, but the reason I bought this particular rod was for the extremely fast, whippy tip. Fishing streams from bank at time with trees hanging over I can't cast certain places and I have to "shoot" the bait. The tip on this rod allows me to do that pretty well and so far has held up pretty good to 2 lb fish. I haven't had anything bigger on it yet.

[roadwarrior]

St. Croix Avid AVS66MLF/ Symetre 1000

[Gavin]

I fish your area a bit...I usually go with a 6' Medium rod with a fast action rod, 2000 series reel, & high visability braid with an 8lb flouro leader for fishing plastics. A medium light will work OK too, but you miss a few more on the hookset. Plenty of rods to choose from at your price point. Happy Shopping.

[pitchin fool]

I fish small rivers for smallies a lot, and I like 2 set-ups. For higher water levels where I need bigger weights and plastics, I like my TDS MH 7' rod and a Daiwa Advantage baitcaster. When the river is low and gin clear, I love my 7'3" Daiwa V.I.P M Smallmouth rod with a Advantage spinning reel in the 2000 series. The rod is longer and has a nice moderate acion to keep the pressure on the fish while it's runnin' all over in the current trying to beat me up!! I don't like this set-up in the higher water days cause with the whippy-ness of it, it's hard to work a jig or heavier t-rig on the bottom.

[Bluebasser86]

I do a little smallmouth in the Ozark streams as well. Personally I use a 6' 8" M for shakeyheads and anything I'm going to be throwing in or close to brush. For areas that are just rock or sparse cover I use a 6' 8" M/L Shimano Crucial dropshot rod and it makes the smaller fish a lot more fun than the medium rod. It would be a little out of your price range but you could get something similar in the compre or even the clarus and still be really happy I think.

[northern basser]

The stream I've been fishing lately is pretty jungle like. You have to get to the shore and find a rock or tree to stand on. I've been using a 6'6" med. light spinning setup. IMO its perfect, not too long, not too short. A longer rod would be a hassle in the thick branches that surround the stream and a shorter rod would hinder the ability fight the fish around obstacles.

[VolFan]

I think you're on the right track. I'm the member DVT is building that rod for, and I can't wait to use it. Like you, I found my M rod as overkill for most of the smallies I catch. This 6'8" ML should be alot of fun.

[The one that got away]

 

I've got a spinning rod 6'9"ML from this series being shipped to me next week, but I'm not sure they've hit the open market yet. Mine is a free replacement for a broken Techna AV that I shipped back to them.

[Brad70]

Would be interested to see that Fenwick rod a little closer when it is out. Thanks for all the suggestions guys I'm actually still looking and getting a feel for the perfect rod. Want it to be perfect so I'm being very picky.

[Tim Kelly]

Don't know whether this is any help, but I've got an Avid 7'6" ml x-fast 2 piece rod which I absolutely adore. To my mind it would be ideal for your situation, you can even fold it in half for the journeys through the undergrowth. I believe they make the same rod in the higher ranges too, which would be really outstanding, but a bit rich for my blood.

[BassinMidWest]

Around the 100 dolor price range, I think the abu garcia Veritas, and Bucoo are hard to beat. I do a lot of river smallie fishing, and I think a 6'6" - 7' ML is a great all purpose river smallie rod. Good for spinners, tubes, and top waters - Not sure I'd like it for fishing plastics like you mentioned, seems like it would be kinda hard to get a good hook set.

For just a bit more, I think the Verdict would be great for river smallies when you're wading. I can see the adjustable butt really coming in handy when you're up to your chest in water. I'd go with the 6'9" would suit your needs best.

[Mobydick]

I have been using a Bass Pro Shops Carbonlite 6'6" MH spinning rod that I bought this spring, paired with a Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier reel. It has worked very well, I can throw a wide range of weights with this setup. I primarily throw a small crankbait, texas rigged 4" tube, or a fluke, and it works great for all of these. Both rod and reel are both around the $100 dollar range. Some reviews of the Carbonlite rods say that the tips break very easy, but I haven't had any trouble with the 7 that I own. I have logged several 4+ and 3 in the 5+ lb range, and that's where some say they have the rod break, is on larger fish. For the price, I love this rod and would recommend it to anyone.

[boystcroix]

I use St.Croix Legend Extreme 7' ML/F with Stradic 2500. I love this setup for canoe fishing down Pine Creek.

[Brad70]

What type of baits are you throwing with the ML? I want to make sure there's enough backbone for a hookset for a texas rig.

[boystcroix]

I actually use the small little rebel crayfish cranks alot on the small streams near me, but I do fish light weight tubes also and a 1/16 oz. jighead with a plastic hellgramite . For t-rigs I would probably use 6'8" M/XF that I have.