MAD-SCIENTIST

River smallies are thier own critter. I have found that river smallies scan the entire water column, they look up at stuff being pushed by current and they look down for stuff being rolled along the bottom. Due to this, I have found that river smallmouth are usually more agressive and less decisive. They are either ready to go, or they are not. They hit readily or they let the current sweep the food past them and down river and out of sight. Maybee you have a slow flow river where thats not the case and finesse bites are more common. But I have yet to see a river smallie that wouldnt crush a suspending jerkbait or a double willow spinnerbait.

This is a very dangerous topic if you ask me. Its like starting an argument about ford chevy and dodge. Everybody has thier opinion and they think that what they are driving is better than the rest. But, if you dont own a dodge, ford, and chevy, how do you know wich is better? Even if you own all three, you still form a prefrence. Most often that prefrence is not based on scientific data. Its all an opinion in the end. My opinion, Loomis is probably the worst high end rod company on the planet. All star rods are way over rated. Airrus rods are top quality but under advertised. Kistler is so good they will soon dominate the high end rod market. St Croix is the most consistent top of the line rod company out there. Falcon will always be middle of the range. Fenwick makes great stuff. American Rodsmiths has a niche but they need to expand due to good products. Powell rods are nice too. Quantum PT tour edition rods are probably one of the lightest and most sensitive rods on the market, but due to the quantum name on the rod, they dont get bought by shimano, diawa, or pfleuger fans. The list just goes on and on. Look, you either have to be a rod freak and buy them all, or just buy one and be happy with it. If I had a $150.00 budget to spend on a rod, I would recomend these 1. Airrus spectra or co matrix. 2. Quantum pt tour edition If I really wanted to play, I would bump up a couple bucks to the $180.00 range and go with 1. Kistler magnesium 2. American rodsmiths team series kicker stix 3. St Croix avid If your friend really wants a treat, bump up to $200.00 and go with Airrus Puls-R But thats just my opinion. I am sure its wrong in someones eyes.

That has got to be even. Either way you go, you are going to be in good territory. You will have more rod options with the st croix. The kistler magnesiums dont come in many choices.