Smallmouth rod selections -7-7.5 ft
Last Post 25 Jun 2010 07:12 PM by slipperybob. 13 Replies.
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swatzUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:3 swatz
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09 Apr 2010 11:46 AM
    Hi all,
     I am looking for a ultralight/light spinning rod in the 7-71/2 range for chasing Smallmouth while wading on Lake Huron...we are mostly using smaller tubes(1/8 oz.) and Senko worms..I am currently using a 5 1/2 ft ultralight rod w/4lb test P-line that is a blast, but I need to cast much further then I am..I am looking at 3 different rods:

    Fenwick HMX 7 1/2 ft. 2-8lb 1/16 - 3/8oz. light action
    Fenwick Eagle GT 7ft. 2-8lb 1/16 - 3/8 oz. light action
    Daiwa Spinmatic 7ft. 2-6lb Ultralight action

    Unfortuaneltly I dont have a ton of $ to spend on this rod right now, all the above range from $35-$75..which is right where I'd like to stay..any thoughts on these 3? any and all help would be appreciated!
    Best, Steve
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4106 Pegsguy
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    09 Apr 2010 01:51 PM
    BPS sells a 7'6" MicroLite Glass rod for about $20. I have one and like it so much I bought the 6'6" version also. The longer rod might be just a bit too "whippy" for smallmouth. Tom
    Lifer in NE Illinois
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    angry BobUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:748 angry Bob
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    09 Apr 2010 04:21 PM

    I use 6'6 and 7' medium action rods for all my smallmouth fishing. I use the 7' for senkos, and tubes.

     

    By the way Tom thanks for the tip on the compatibility view for my laptop. It works great.

     

     

     

     


    Angry Bob NAFC Life Member Registered Smallie Fanatic SE WI
    SE WI LM Oct 2000 Smallie Fanatic
    beeatchookUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:95 beeatchook
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    09 Apr 2010 07:12 PM

     I never liked the Fenwick Eagle rods, as I thought they were kind of dead feeling but like both the Fenwick HMX and HMG. You might check www.ffo-tackle.com as they had a 6'6" Light HMG rod for $68 which is a step up from the HMX. I know thats not the exact fit you stated you wanted but they might have others. I just know they have that one as I got it as a gift for my dad. The daiwa is not a bad rod for the price but not really in the class of the HMX or HMG, in my opinion, though the Fenwick will cost you a bit more.

    slipperybobUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1240 slipperybob
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    09 Apr 2010 07:57 PM
    A long UL rod is very different in feel compared to a short UL rod. I would go with a ML in a long rod first.
    angry BobUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:748 angry Bob
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    09 Apr 2010 08:23 PM

    I picked up a nice little HMX 6'6 med. at the ffo  when I was in Spirit Lake on a fishing trip. I think I paid $40 for it.

     

     


    Angry Bob NAFC Life Member Registered Smallie Fanatic SE WI
    SE WI LM Oct 2000 Smallie Fanatic
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4106 Pegsguy
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    09 Apr 2010 10:07 PM
    SB: The 71/2' is really different! I use mine mostly for panfish but will occasionally hook a small bass. Shall we say it gets interesting? If I had it to do over again I would go to a light or med. light in that length. The casting distance is awsome, with the 71/2 I can throw a 1/32 oz jig out of sight. Tom
    Lifer in NE Illinois
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    salmonkingUser is Offline Advanced Poster Advanced Poster Send Private Message Posts:513 salmonking
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    10 Apr 2010 12:22 AM
    I own two of the Spimatics in 7 foot... I have landed trout over 5lb with them using #4 line. I have no problems casting micr jigs or lures in 1/16oz. They also make this rod in a longer verson, up to 9 foot.
    Jeremy a.k.a. Cletus U.S. Navy-Go Navy, Beat Army!!! NAFC LM, NAHC LM, NRA LM
    Jeremy Binz a.k.a. Cletus NAHC LM, NAFC LM, NRA LM U.S. Navy - Go Navy, Beat Army!
    swatzUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:3 swatz
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    10 Apr 2010 07:56 AM
    Thanks all, I'm heading out to BPS to see if I cant get my hands on a couple different models...I have always loved UL fishing, just want to make sure I end up with something with some backbone to it, I'm not looking for a the wet noodle feel I will let you know where I land on this, thanks for all your help.
    Steve
    beeatchookUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:95 beeatchook
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    11 Apr 2010 07:50 AM
    So what rod did you decide to get? Any of the original ones you posted or did you find a better fit at the store?
    swatzUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:3 swatz
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    11 Apr 2010 03:46 PM
    My Bass Pro doesn't even carry Fenwick..said they don't move very well in their store, so they stopped carrying them...they also dont carry daiwa spinmatics...sooo I did take a look at the St. Croix Triumphs, seemed like a pretty nice rod, so now I've go another one on the list..will try and get out to Cabela's after work this week and take a look around..no one in this area has as many rods as them, I'm sure I'll find something I like...there is a fine line between too stiff and too noodlie...
    Steve
    alandersUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:56 alanders
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    25 Jun 2010 12:58 PM
    I wont mess with anything other than BPS rods and shimano... im gonna get a berkley ultralite lighting rod tho, hope im not dissapointed.

    If i was you, id try to find a shimano stimula ultra lite... absolute best ultralight i have ever had in my life it was an absolutely beautiful rod until my brother purposely broke it after we got into a heated argument.




    JoelWUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:172 JoelW
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    25 Jun 2010 06:18 PM
    You shoulld try the Ugly STik Lite.  They cost around  $40.00.  Here is the model munber from a Bass Pro Shops Master Catalog:  Trigger: CA1170-1MH  Spinning: SP1170-2M  Hope it helps
    "Vegatarian: Old indian word for bad fisherman"
    slipperybobUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1240 slipperybob
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    25 Jun 2010 07:12 PM

    If considering St.Croix rods, I would suggest looking into the light power rod..  I've only got a light power 6' Premier that has served me very well and I'm sure a longer Triumph would serve you well too.

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