Looking for a rod that is around 7'3''-7'6'' for dragging tubes, small jigs for smallmouth on St.clair/Erie. price isn't really a concern id like the best performance i can get for lets say anything under 450. anyone have suggestions or possibly a custom rod? i was looking at ALX custom rods as a possibility anyone have any experience with them? Any advice is appreciated. 

 

Thanks

Baitcaster or spinning rod? I would suggest G. loomis IMX, *** *** or a Powell Endurance

pending on baitcast or spinning , i fish st clair year around and prefer spinning wise for tubes 7ft' medium Abu Garcia Veracity 

sorry should of put that in there spinning. ive heard mixed reviews on the *** series being a bit too under powered?? others claim that the whole series is gold.

pending on baitcast or spinning , i fish st clair year around and prefer spinning wise for tubes 7ft' medium Abu Garcia Veracity 

 

I fish it frequently aswell i prefer longer than 7' just for the purpose of longer casting/Setting power.

Looking for a rod that is around 7'3''-7'6'' for dragging tubes, small jigs for smallmouth on St.clair/Erie. price isn't really a concern id like the best performance i can get for lets say anything under 450. anyone have suggestions or possibly a custom rod? i was looking at ALX custom rods as a possibility anyone have any experience with them? Any advice is appreciated. 

 

Thanks

 

 

Josh take a look at G Loomis HSR9000S IMX 7'-6". It is a great rod for big smallies. I have had both the 2 piece & now the one piece.  It is a mag light extra fast- line 6-12lb -lure weight 1/4oz to 1/2oz. 

G.loomis SMR882s would be a good option. I drag tubes with an IMX852s which is a couple inches shorter then what you want(7'1) but it works well. The SMR882s is from their Bronzeback rods and is 7'4 medium/fast 1/8-3/8 #8-12 test

For the budget you're considering seriously consider a quality custom build. I have a few good blanks I can suggest and come in well within your budget. Email me if you'd like to talk more about it.

G. Loomis BCR 893C

I bought  a St Croix LXS76MF legend elite just for doing what you are looking to do.  I also have a SMR 913S-SP which is really nice but I like the Extreme a lot more.

 

I fish both of these rods on St Clair and have caught 100's of smallies on each.  I prefer the St Croix mostly due to the handle.  I dont know what it is about the LE handles but they are comfortable for me.  Both of these rods will drag tubes on the rocky bottom of St Clair.

Thanks for the suggestions. will def take a look into customs aswell