Dave T.

The Snake River is considered by many to be one of the top 5 smallmouth rivers in the country. If I lived within a couple hours drive of that river... I'd be there "often"!

Thanks... I get them mixed up all the time, and corrected my post. Anybody know if the NFC blanks are made in the USA like the St. Croix's?

They are an excellent rip-bait. To bad they don't have black/silver color... love that one.

Too many folks try and cut braid with the "tip" of the scissors. Simply cut the braid at the widest section of the scissor blades close to the pivot point with a little "sawing" and cutting action at the same time. Using a sawing action with a sharp knife while holding the tag end of the braid (if there's enough to grab) has the same effect. When possible, using that wider section of the blades close to the pivot point to cut knots is also easier. Although, sometimes it's tough getting close enough to the knot and where it's attached.

All I use on my spinning reels anymore is braid... sometimes with a floro/mono leader. I use both the 10lb and 20lb Sufix Performance braid, or the 15lb Sufix Stretch braid. Going to try some of the Sufix 832 braid this year. Also have some 15lb Samurai braid that I'm dying to try.

I'll be interested in hearing your feedback on that NFC blank when you get it done. I've heard some very good things on the NFC blanks... especially given the price. BTW, as we speak, I'm having a custom St. Croix built on an XS blank ( your favorite... the 5S66MLXF) with the new 3M nano technology. Hopefully, it will become my "favorite".

In a Kayak, I would go with a 6 1/2' to 7' MLF rod. St. Croix Premier. TFO makes a nice one. Plenty of others to choose from. Try to handle a few of them.

Hey Steve, How long do you think that coating lasts? I'm thinking about trying some of the 832 on a spinning rig.

When it comes to smallies and plastics, I've found that if it is "small", "wiggly", and "green pumpkin" in color, it will catch plenty of smallies anywhere.

My son has a 6'8" Crucial Drop Shot rod that I've used, and it works just dandy. I was able to fish a friends AVS69MLXF for a short while last year. I liked it so much, I'm having a custom St. Croix built on the same blank... except I went with the Extreme.... should be even better. ;D Lots of great drop shot rods for under $200.

The earth goes through natural warming and cooling cycles. Well, I don't necessary agree with Al Gore, but if you think that the depletion of the ozone layer and creation of greenhouse gases by humans is a "natural warming cycle"... more power to you.

Sure have... Matt at Otterods is great to work with, and makes awesome fishing tools.

I couldn't agree more!

Good choice in rods. Although, you could buy a new Avid for a few bucks more... also a good rod. Not an IMX, but very good none-the-less.

Dwight, I bet if some non believers caught a smallie like the one in your avatar... they would have a entirely new respect for smallies!

I would agree... great rods for the price!

My vote goes for the Avid. St Croix is a fine company. They build excellent fishing rods at a pretty reasonable price... and most of their products are made in the U.S.A. That's good enough for me.

Yea, I don't know about that 2lb to 5lb or 3lb to 5lb stuff. However, I do now that I've been fortunate to fish lakes near where I live that have a good population of both largemouth and smallmouth bass. I've caught plenty of similar sized fish of both species on the exact same tackle, and I would still have to give a slight edge to the smallies in lakes. Now, river smallies is a another story... especially those that get to decent size in a fast flowing river like portions of the Susky and New River... and similar. The same size smallie in those places will "slap the snot" ;D out of both those lake fish. After all, they battle some form of current 24/7/365... sometimes for 10 years or more. Throw in the possibility that if you connect on a good one, he has the current on his side... sometimes a LOT of current. Then, add in the fact that if you are targeting smallies specifically, you are probably using lighter tackle to begin with... the result is like having a stick of dynamite on the end of your line. Whatever the case, they both are great game fish, but a good size river smallie is really something special.

Yep, with most manufacturers, there's a noticeable difference. Some manufacturers have a slightly different take on "action". For example, St. Croix rods run a little heavy in action. My 6'6" LTB MLF is very similar in action to my sons 6'6" MF Shimano Crucial. My 7' LE MF is really like a light/medium heavy.

Man, if that's not the truth! Our smallie river is just a few miles away... I've been dreaming about the spring bite already, and all my gear is cleaned up, and ready to go. Now I just need the foot or so of ice on the shoreline to thaw out. LOL

Yep, that's a smallie alright! They are "aggressive". Good thing they don't get too big... small children in the water would be in danger. ;D

You just purchased a fine fishing tool. Add that to the fact that it is made in the U.S.A. and comes with a nice warranty. Just get out and fish with it... you'll see what everybody is talking about, and you'll feel great about your decision.

I agree, and a river smallmouth is pound for pound... as tough as they come.

Great smallies guys!

I have two CI4's... one on a 6 1/2' St Croix LTB MLF, and one on a 7' St Croix Legend Elite MF. Both are sweet setups.