Recommendations for a smallmouth bass combo?
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I am starting to get into smallmouth bass fishing now! I don’t really have a full-set smallie rod but have been using one of my lighter largemouth rods. I am looking at around $140 for maximum price, but something around $120 for the combo would be more ideal. Don’t have much cash as of now, so something a little on the cheap side. I prefer a spinning combo.
I am looking at a another Pflueger President, but this one be on maybe a ugly stik lite?
I’m looking for more of an all-purpose rod. I am mostly going to throw 2 and 3″ grubs, small jigs, and maybe a few crankbaits.
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Spinning Rods
The spinning rod should be light enough to have the sensitivity to detect soft taps of the lure, yet stout enough to penetrate the tough mouths of the larger smallmouths. If the rod is to limber you will not be able to properly set the hook, especially on quick strikes. A rod that is to limber can also make it harder to impart the proper action to your lure. The best all around rod is a medium light to medium, fast action, 61/2 -71/2 foot graphite rod with a relatively stiff butt section and a more sensitive tip. So a good rod would be any of the G.Loomis bronzeback series rods for smallmouth. You can find these on basspro.com. Another rod that would work great for small mouth bass fishing is the Bass pro shops extreme Xps series, these rods are strong, light, and sensitive, for those tough to feel bites.
Spinning Reels
A spinning reel will provide the needed casting range for the variety of water habitats of the smallmouth bass. A medium size reel made to hold 6-10 lb. line works best for most situations. A reel with at least 4 ball bearings will provide the smoothest and farthest casting. The ability to cast far is essential in shallow and clear water, where the smallmouth can be very easily spooked.
Line
A clear, limp, easy casting line with as little memory as possible is best. The most versatile line is an 6-10 lb. line. This will provide the best combination of feel and strength. When smallmouth bass fishing in rivers you will want to opt on the slightly heavier end of the spectrum due to the abrasion from rocks. There are 4 diffreent types of line to choose from; monofilament, braid, flourocarbon and hybrid lines. Mono line is the least expensive but needs replacing the soonest. Braided line will allow you to reduce the diameter of the line while maintaining castability and strength as well as reducing line twist. A hybrid line that blends flourocarbon and mono to give you the benefits of both is also a good choice.
Hey BC. I’ve had really good luck with the Cabelas Magtouch rods. (They really transmit the strike!!!!)
AND the 7′ medium action is currently on sale for $60! (A real steal! They are normally $100)
Your right though. A President reel would be perfect.
You should really look into the Magtouch rods- I got one for $60 when they went on sale last time and have absolutely NO regrets.
Well, 1 regret. The handle can be slippery when your fishing in a rain-storm. Other than that………..
Check’ m out here- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20374&id=0053452122696a&navCount=1&podId=0053452&parentId=cat20374&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true
(On a side note- I’ve been having some Smallmouth issues latley. I’ve got a T this weekend on a huge lake (Island Lake near Duluth MN) that harbors ONLY Smally’s.
Sounds like heaven, hugh? NOPE! Lake Smallmouth are finicky little (beeps)!!!! (lol) I pre-fished on Sunday and they had lock-jaw- only hooked into 5 in a 10 hour period. Thankfully, they all were in the 2 1/2 LB range. Still, I’m up against some heavy hitters in this T. Wish me luck!)
check into Fisher’s recommendation. your new rod really should be 100% graphite all the way to the tip. that bit of fiberglass on the end of an ugly stick is going to dampen the feel and you will (not may) miss many subtle hits.
a light to medium 6′ 6″- 7′ rod rated for lines from 6 or 8lb up to 15 or 17lb will handle most anything you use and you will find yourself using it for much more than merely smallmouth. will also be a great rod for fishing live craws and shad.
l don’t have the one he recommends but l do have others similar.
be assured, you will be extremely happy with it.
and the president is a fine reel.
good luck on your tournament, Fisher.
l’ve read here on Y!A that bread or hotdogs work really really well on all bass…
Bread or hot dogs huh worm boy? HA, nice.