Im going to get a new rod for smallies in small streams that is going to throw small poppers, cranks, jerkbaits, poppers, plastics, and spinners.  I don't know if I should get a spinning rod or a casting rod and I don't really have a preference.  I'm leaning towards a medium power spinning rod with 8lb mono but advice would be greatly appreciated.  (Also $130 is about as high as I'll go for the rod)

 

Take a looks at a st croix 68mxf they make it in many different lines both spinning and casting. 

Spinning Rod definitely. I recommend Yo Zuri line and St. Croix does make good rods.  

Another vote for a spinning rod but I'd go with a medium light from St. Croix. Their rods tend to run a little heavier than they're rated and most stream smallmouth aren't going to grow too huge. Depending on the stream you might want a shorter rod to work around brush and under overhanging trees. 

Definitely a spinning rod because of small baits ansd casting versatility. I'd also go with a ml from St croix. I like a rod 6'-6'6" for this because of overhanging trees. I use a couple different 6'3" rods in streams. A med action Fenwick smallmouth(more like a med light), and a med aetos. I'm looking for lighter power rods myself in this length for 1/16-3/16 oz baits though

Take a look at the baits you're throwing and what their weights are and compare them to the blanks of the St. Croix M/XF and ML/XF spinning rods. Choose whichever covers your baits the best. 

Yup.  A spinning rod.  Not only will it handle light weights better, but casting will be much easier in the environment you are fishing in.  Don't know about others, but I need more room with a casting rod unless strictly flipping or pitching....which I don't currently do.

I think i'm gonna go with a 6 10 ml St Croix Mojo Bass and a Pflueger President (personal preference).  Would that have enough backbone to use small poppers?

I have a 6'9 MLXF avid X spinning that works great for all of these. I'm sure a mojo bass would do just as well and fit into your price range. I mostly fish larger rivers, so like others have said, you may need a rod in the 6'3 -6'6 range. You could also experiment between 6-8 lb test and see what you think works best.

3 hours ago, stk44 said:

I have a 6'9 MLXF avid X spinning that works great for all of these. I'm sure a mojo bass would do just as well and fit into your price range. I mostly fish larger rivers, so like others have said, you may need a rod in the 6'3 -6'6 range. You could also experiment between 6-8 lb test and see what you think works best.

 

Thanks for the help!  I'm probably getting the 6'10" ml because I can't find a shorter one anywhere.

No Problem. Let me know what you decide on and how it works out.