Fly Rod For Ozark Stream Smallmouth

[SeldomSeen]

I am curious to hear what others believe the IDEAL fly rod configuration (weight, length, action, etc.) is for smallmouth out of Ozark streams and rivers. I've tried my 8'6" 5wt and just feel it is too long to fish most of the small, tight streams around here. What sort of outfit do use when targeting bronzies with fly gear?

[Zack Hoyt]

I was discussing this with my Sage rep the other day. A 7'6" 4wt ZXL or VT2 is what I am looking at ordering. I use the 5wt for smallies and larger trout, but a 3 or 4 wt would be great for tiny streams.

Also, Ross Worldwide makes a slick little youth model that casts very well. Again a 7'6" 4wt.

[Gavin]

9' 7wt, fast action.

[Terry Beeson]

I was discussing this with my Sage rep the other day.

You listen to that guy?

I would suggest casting the Sage Smallmouth rig. It is 7' 11" with a custom 290 grain fly line. These rods are really sweet. Maybe a little tight in really small streams, but for those streams I would go with a shorter 3-4 wt rod around 7' 6"...

If you want to stay with a standard rod, I would go with a 4wt for smallmouth all around. But for sure, find and cast that Sage smallie or even the bass or bluegill model. I think you'll fall in love.

[Zack Hoyt]

You listen to that guy?

Just enough to keep getting freebies!!!!

I threw the Smallie and it was way too big for what I was thinking. I liked the idea of the Bluegill, but wanted more than a one trick pony for a rod. Thats why I figured the 3 or 4wt would be great in a shorter length. You always have the 000wt to use...... :)

[SeldomSeen]

I've been considering the Sage Smallmouth series rod (link below). It is 7'11" and casts a 290 grain specialty line. Have you heard much about these? The Sage site does not say, but I've heard they are comparable to an 8 wt rod. Seems a bit big for small streams, I know, but I'm afraid those 4wts won't turn over bulkier crayfish patterns and other bass type flies.

http://www.sageflyfish.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=83540

[SeldomSeen]

Man, you guys are too fast!

Terry, so you got to cast the Sage smallmouth rod and really liked it?

[Flysmallie]

I use a 9' 5wt & a 7'6" 3wt. Yeah the three weight is a tad light but I have a lot of fun with it. I'm not sure what streams you are fishing, but I have seldom had a problem with my 9' 5wt being too much rod. And I do fish some pretty nasty places. Plus you need the extra backbone of it to chunk some junk if you need to.

The Sage rods are really nice. However they are $395.00. Yes they do come with some line, but what if I hate that line? Ross is making the same style rod. The FlyStik is 7'11" and comes in 6wt, 8wt or 10wt. I have heard they are really good also, but sell for $169. No line, but for the $226 in savings you should be able to find a quality line & real. I'm just not convinced that the 7'11" is the way to go. A lot of the reason it's 7'11" is so it's legal for use in a bass tournament. Something about rods can't be over 8ft.

I just know that I spend a lot of time casting from a sitting or kneeling position. I think that extra foot probably helps me when casting bigger stuff. And since I suck at casting, I need all the help I can get.

I did cast a 9' 6wt Echo Carbon and really liked it. Sometimes you just need a little more power to get your fly where you need it.

[Danoinark]

6'6", 5/6 wt Eagle Claw Featherlight fiberglass rod, 20 bucks, with a bass bug taper line. You can't go wrong. indestructable

Dano

http://www.troutlet.com/Eagle-Claw-Feather...-Rods-P217.aspx

or a store near you such as Tim's at RR.

[Terry Beeson]

I don't think I"ve missed casting any of the Sage or TFO rods out there as well as many Echos and Redington. The smallmouth does have a heavier wt rod feel to it in your hands, but the taper makes up for that in the cast. I'd go into my good friend "Uncle Cary's" seminar on the subject, but basically, the rod is made to get in those tight spots and handle the fight of the smallies and largemouth.

But, as I say to anyone who is looking for a rod... Go cast several and see what fits YOU best. I'd certainly look at casting the bluegill/smallie/LM Sage rods just to see the difference.

The rod Dano is talking about stays in my gun rack in the big Dodge. I love that little rod for a "beater" rod. However, you have to remember it is a FIBERGLASS SOFT rod and very different casting than any graphite.

You're exactly right on the 7' 11" dimension, Ronnie. Can't use an 8ft rod in a bass tourney... Go cast one, though. You'll think you've got an 8-6 or 9 in your hand.