Hey, I wade fish a lot of creeks and small waters for smallies. I'm wondering what rod you'd put a Stradic 1000 on. The baits I toss most of all include a Tackle HD 3" craw on 3/16 head, walking baits to 3/8oz and 3.5-4" swimbaits on a belly weighted hook. Would something like a Loomis SJR722 work for all that and balance the rod well? I'd probably use something like 15/4 PP and 8lb leader on it, to make it easier on myself. 

I use a Tatula 1000 on a Cabela's XML 6' L/F and it tosses 1/16oz mino-spins up to wacky senkos. Love the rod but they stopped making them.

They do have the 6'3 XML available and it's on sale. I have that one too but it's a little faster, might actually be better for smallies. I use the 6' for trout/panfish creek fishing.

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-XML-SPINNING-ROD/2601275.uts?slotId=0

 

Following as I too wade a creek on occasion.

Just now, TBAG said:

Following as I too wade a creek on occasion.

What do you currently use? 

I'm using an Eyecon 6'3" MXF and Sahara 2500FB with 15/4 S8S and 8lb leader. 

27 minutes ago, Drew03cmc said:

I'm using an Eyecon 6'3" MXF and Sahara 2500FB with 15/4 S8S and 8lb leader. 

Do you not like the rod you currently use?

722 is a nice match for a Stradic 1000.

You could easily use 10lb PP to 8lb leader too.

What is your budget?  I like the St. Croix Legend Family of rods but they are expensive.  For less money I like the Avid or Mojo Series in a 6'6"-7'0" length.

1 hour ago, browne762 said:

Do you not like the rod you currently use?

  That's what I'm wondering, too! You've got one heck of a good setup there, and I'll tell you why. 

  When you fish small waters, you hook fish at short distances. Not only that, but most of the time they can get their tails in the sand or rocks and fight you like there's no tomorrow. You NEED a rod with some "give" to it, because there's no need in hooking a dozen fish if they all get off before you can actually acquire them.

     That Eyecon has some "give". The other rods advised here generally don't.

    And to go down that road a little further, do you think you could switch to mono?

    As in all things though, it's up to you. It's whatever you like.       jj

1 hour ago, jimmyjoe said:

  That's what I'm wondering, too! You've got one heck of a good setup there, and I'll tell you why. 

  When you fish small waters, you hook fish at short distances. Not only that, but most of the time they can get their tails in the sand or rocks and fight you like there's no tomorrow. You NEED a rod with some "give" to it, because there's no need in hooking a dozen fish if they all get off before you can actually acquire them.

     That Eyecon has some "give". The other rods advised here generally don't.

    And to go down that road a little further, do you think you could switch to mono?

    As in all things though, it's up to you. It's whatever you like.       jj

I love this rod and reel combo. The Eyecon is also an XF rod, making it great for jighook baits, but not ideal for treble baits. It also doesn't balance with a reel under 9oz for me and the Stradic 1000MgFB I am being given is 7 oz. I have a Sahara 1000 on my 6'6" ML, but I'd like a different rod. The monkey has me, and I can't say no. Also, the shorter rod would make walking the Dolphins, Zip'n Ziggies and Fakie Dogs a little easier. 

 

For me, on a spinning rod, braid is all I'll use. 

9 minutes ago, Drew03cmc said:

I love this rod and reel combo. The Eyecon is also an XF rod, making it great for jighook baits, but not ideal for treble baits. It also doesn't balance with a reel under 9oz for me and the Stradic 1000MgFB I am being given is 7 oz. I have a Sahara 1000 on my 6'6" ML, but I'd like a different rod. The monkey has me, and I can't say no. Also, the shorter rod would make walking the Dolphins, Zip'n Ziggies and Fakie Dogs a little easier. 

 

For me, on a spinning rod, braid is all I'll use. 

   Fair 'nuf.   I know how that is. The Monkey had me up until Christmas, then I see he left me and went to you. Good luck!     jj

It's really a balance thing. 

Avid ML in your choice of height.  Don’t be fooled by the F vs XF ratings in that line.  To me, any of them will suit your purpose.

 

My 6’9” ML/XF avid gets the call for many applications, even saltwater inshore.  And I have zero concern switching between single hook “feel techniques” and treble hook “moving” baits.