Rod Choice For River Smallmouth

[rps]

I don't buy rods that cost more than $100. break a $500 rod and you'll know why.

If you shop wisely, you can buy very high quality blanks on sale and add the reel seat/handle you prefer with Pac Bay Minima 3 guides. Thread and epoxy. The end product will be under $100 if you are careful, but will fish like it cost you 300 or 500. If you break it you scavenge the guides and have the fun of making a new perfect rod.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I prefer one piece baitcasters, but 2 piece spinning rods. I don't always rig a spinning rod, but I like to have one in case the need arises. I like the Lightening spinning rods, they have a good action, better than the ugly's, and no inserts to get knocked out.

My baitcasters are my bread and butter though and I don't mind spending the money to get the action I like. It's hard to get light tips without buying up, IMO. I like the short rods also, but it's almost impossible to buy one in the action I like. I have an Extreme 5 1/5', but I only use it for Sammie's and in the fall for jerkbaits, it's also the only rod I have braid on for river fishing.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Hey Wayne, check out the Bass Pro Classic 200 series. They have just what you may be looking for. I picked up two BPCL 201. They are 5' with the soft tip and strong backbone you are looking for. Only 10 clams for one. For the money I like them.

[Stoneroller]

Funny - but like Al always says it's just frustrating that people think of canoes only as the big barges that you and your "friend" paddle around in and kayaks are the only solo watercraft out there.

there are tandem kayaks too. we call them divorce boats.

I really appreciated having SiuSaluki floating with me today with his canoe on our Castor River Stream Team cleanup. I needed his big barge to haul the bike frame, 100lbs of aluminum (including 3 pristine pull tab busch cans, should have sold those on ebay), and a little tykes slide.

[ColdWaterFshr]

got a close-up look at the Jackson Coosa yesterday at Bass' River Resort. Looks like a fun little fishing rig.

[bferg]

For fly fishing I love my #6 TFO TiCr-X. I carry a floating spool for throwing top water in the AM and usually have my intermediate spool as well in case I need to get a bit deeper. For What It Is Worth: If you could only buy 1 fly rod to fish this area a 6 wt the TiCr-X is a good value and super versatile.

Spinning rods: 2 Browning Citori 6'6' medium fast actions with citori reels. Love those rods....Also have a carrot stick but for some reason the Brownings just feel better to me so I usually leave the orange rod at home.

Baitcaster: BPS extreme 6'6 medium action with a BPS extreme reel. My BPS extreme reels have been unbelievable when it comes to durability. They might not be the most expensive reels or the smoothest casting thing on the market. But for the money I feel like they are really solid, perform well, and are very durable.

[Wayne SW/MO]

If you could only buy 1 fly rod to fish this area a 6 wt the TiCr-X is a good value and super versatile

Or a BVK.

[et84]

I typically use spinning tackle for smallies on the riv, but lately I've had fly fishing fever. A foxee red tore 'em up on my favorite float last Sunday.

Spinning- Lew's Tournament Series 6'6" med action (1-piece), Lew's Tournament Speed Spin reel

Fly- Sage DS 8' 5wt (2-piece), Lamson Guru 2.0 reel

[TSmith]

Two Words... UGLY STICK

[Crooked Creek Angler]

My favorite rod for the money would be the 6'6" Bass Pro Bionic Blade in the ML action. Has the length and action to fling a light bait a long ways and enough back bone to bring in the big ones. I just bought a 6'3" St. Croix Avid. Quite a bit more expensive, but very light and sensitive with a very fast tip. It's my new favorite. It goes in the bottom of the boat before I get into a tight, brushy turn.