Smallmouth Jig/Tube Spinning Rod/Reel

If cost is a factor, I've recently discovered Rapala rods. In
particular the HM-35 or HM-45 long cast series are excellent for the price,
they're light and sensitive with nice rigidity and backbone. I like the
6'6" medium HM-35 spinning at $40 from Sports Authority. Of course I like
the Shimano Compre' line as well, but they're about $80 to$90. And for a
reel I went with a Diawa Samurai but for a little more money I also have and
would recommend a Fin-Nor Mega Lite. I have the 4000 series on a 7' Compre'
but with a lighter situation the 2000 would be great, best drag on the
market. This reel can be seen in action on the TV show Addictive Fishing
all the time.

Good luck,
Rich P


"Dan" wrote in message
ink.net...
Personally, I use a 6' Phenix Splitshot rod, (med. heavy with a fast
taper)
Tennesse Cork Handle with a Diawa SS1300 taped on, (friction tape). Cost
of
the rig would be $220-240 or so. (ball park)
Reel is usually loaded with 8# Berkley line. The blank is rated 6-20# test
but I prefer 6-12# on it.
This rig is my finesse setup. With it I shake, downshot, splitshot, fish
tubes, throw small topwaters and rip baits. Depending on the technique I
will position the reel differently on the handle. My shaking rod has the
reel much further forward than the other rods.
Phenix is a small local producer and not well known outside the west but
they were one of the first to build high quality stuff as well as rods
targeted at finesse techniques. They basically make custom rods at
production rod prices. If anyone is interested, email me and I can give
you
more info.

Dan W.

"Who Cares" wrote in message
...
Looking to buy a new one, any ideas?, recommefdations? Any preferance
on fast taper? Length? Line weight? Lure weight? Brand? Gear ratio?
Look forward to your ideas. I've fished for smallmouth now for over 20
years, but it's always nice to have a fourm like this to get an unbiased
opinion. We can always lear something new. Thanks in advance for your
comments.