7Wt. Smallie Setup

[et84]

I'm trying to put together a 7wt. combo for smallmouth. I have it narrowed down to 2 rods- TFO Clouser and the G. Loomis Shorestalker. The Shorestalker is $80 more, but I would get $100 in line credit with it, so it would really be $20 cheaper. I have heard nothing but good things about the TFO, can't find much on the Loomis. I'll be throwing BIG flies with these guys- #2-1/0 hair bugs, #1 poppers, #2-#1 buggers and clousers, with heavy weight. I'd like to plan a trip to Feathercraft for some casting, but it might not be in the cards (grad school at the end of the semester is crazy). Thanks in advance for the opinions.

[stlfisher]

The only thing I can offer is when I throw big bass bugs, the size your talking, at times I wish I had bought a bass bug tapered line for my 7 weight. The heavy flies seem to cast fine, but those big bulky popper, divers, aren't exactly aerodynamic critters.

[et84]

Thanks STL. I really like the Rio Clouser line, I have it on a Sage DS 5wt- huge difference from Rio Gold. I was considering trying the Sharkskin magnum taper if I went with the Loomis, since it comes with $100 line credit. Otherwise I'll stick with the Clouser- I see it's not on Rio's site anymore though. Discontinued maybe?

[rfd515]

Thanks STL. I really like the Rio Clouser line, I have it on a Sage DS 5wt- huge difference from Rio Gold. I was considering trying the Sharkskin magnum taper if I went with the Loomis, since it comes with $100 line credit. Otherwise I'll stick with the Clouser- I see it's not on Rio's site anymore though. Discontinued maybe?

Rio renamed the clouser line, if you go on their facebook page they have a write up about it.

[fishinwrench]

Appears that they renamed and redesigned their whole inventory. The Grand is now a full size heavy instead of 1/2 heavy ? And everything is called "trout series". "9 to 11wt. Trout line"....that still has me scratching my head. No idea who's calling the shots at Rio now but Jim Vincent's name has been taken off of everything.

I'm of the understanding that Grand is the new Clouser....but I may be wrong, they have thrown a curve ball that I am not even swingin' at.

I dislike change.

[Jason R.]

Dude why don't you get an 8wt? I agree about the big hair bugs and I fish a 7wt for smallies most of the time. It just isn't really cut out for big bugs. Mine is a sage vxp 9ft 7wt- with clouser line. The other thing is that clouser line is so fluorescent that I really do feel like it spooks fish. I gave up carp fishing with it. Could be my imagination- altough It is great night fishing line because it almost glows.

[et84]

Dude why don't you get an 8wt? I agree about the big hair bugs and I fish a 7wt for smallies most of the time. It just isn't really cut out for big bugs.

This is why I'd like to cast them first. Right now I don't have anything over a 5wt, so I feel like an 8wt might be overkill. I don't fish larger rivers or lakes, but I do throw big meat. I can push a #2 dahlberg diver 30-35 feet with my 5wt., but it's exhausting after an hour or so.

[Gavin]

A 7wt would be a good addition if you already have a 5wt...I use a 7wt most of the time, sometimes an 8 or 9wt. I'm not a fan of bass bug taper lines though. They dont roll cast very well (short head) and they smack down with enough splash to make Hank Patterson proud. Cast a few with a bass bug on the line and pick the one you like.

[et84]

Good point, Gavin. Thanks. I'll try some different line configurations out if I can. I'm kinda leaning towards the Loomis for now, but I have heard awesome things about TFO's warranty. I've never had to use a rod's warranty before, but the first rod I get with a crappy one will break immediately, I'm sure. Anyone here have experience with either company's warranties?

[Jason R.]

I was just suggesting the 8. Obviously I use a 7wt but I do not use many large deer hair bugs- mostly balsa or foam. I agree that if you just have a 5- a 7 is a nice addition. I use my 7 all the time. 8s are just really nice for larger bass bugs.