Just starting out throwing swim baits for smallies and would like a dedicated rod. Been throwing 2.75 to 4” paddle tails with jig head or under spin (1/8 - 1/2 oz). Currently using a falcon buccoo 6’10” mh finesse jig casting rod with mixed success. Looking for recommendations on which direction to go. Wanting to stay in the $100-125 price range.

I use both, casting and spinning.  Mostly depends on weight and/or accuracy required.  Lighter and longer with spinning.  Heavier and target casting, I use baitcaster.  I'm sure there's plenty of overlap.   But just in last several weeks, I have thrown swimbaits on MLXF and MLF spinning rods, as well as LMHF to HXF baitcasing rods.  

  But, I haven't really been looking for a dedicated or perfect rod, either.  If I were, I'd probably want to settle on a pretty narrow range of sizes/weights....probably SI Fat 3.8-4.3 on a long MF spinning...maybe something from Daiwa or Dobyns will suit you in that price range.

  My problem here is that other people's recommendations on spinning rods for specific techniques ended up meaning little to me.  Ultimately, each spinning rod I buy seems better suited to something other than what I thought I was buying it for.  

  What don't you like about the rod you are using now?

The rod I am using now doesn’t allow me to cast the lighter/smaller baits very far and I am not getting a consistent hookup. I am losing 1/3 of the fish before I get them to the boat.   

35 minutes ago, Stratos92 said:

The rod I am using now doesn’t allow me to cast the lighter/smaller baits very far and I am not getting a consistent hookup. I am losing 1/3 of the fish before I get them to the boat.   

Can't say without seeing it, but that doesn't sound like it's the rod. With a sharp hook and good technique, you can get the barb through with a wet noodle. What jig heads and line are you using?

And either BC or spinning will work equally well, it's a matter of preference, I personally like BC for everything but the smallest lightest lures.

Falcon low rider 7' MH F or Kistler Graphite 7' MH F are both fine all around rods.

FM

I would split between my ML/XF and M/F spinning rods and my Mojo Bass Topwater 6'8" M/XF casting rod, which runs on the lighter side and throws light baits nicely. Largely, it comes down to whatever's available.

If you prefer baitcasters, then I'd suggest the longest rod you can deal with, especially since you've mentioned distance is a concern. I throw standard TRDs on a 1/32oz shroom or bullet head hook using a 7'6" rod, and they fly. A 2.8" Keitech on a 1/8oz tungsten ball head really flies.

Depending what and where I am using, my rod with either be a 7' MXF spinning rod 20# braid to 12# fluoro leader, 7'3" Mag MH casting rod 17# fluoro or 6'10" MMF casting rod, 12# mono. 

 

I often throw 3.5" paddletails on a 1/8oz ball head for smallies in rivers and that's normally on the 6'10" casting rod, which is my favorite for that technique. 

Imo spinning gear is just more efficient for finesse swimbaits.  Spinning gear handles lighter line better.  That lighter line is key to getting optimal action out of a swimbait.  Besides better action, light line helps with casting distance.  The farther you cast the more water you cover, the more water you cover potentially the more fish you catch.  The position of your hand and wrist on a spinning rod is more conducive for finesse presentations.  I feel like have more control and precision with spinning gear, which helps with bite detection especially on slack line.  

The rod I would reccomend is either the 7' M F or 7'6 ML-M F Tatula.  It's a little over budget, but I can honestly say that I like my Tatula more then other rods that are close to if not double the price.  Their light, sensitive, balanced, very comfortable to fish all day.  

GetFishorDieTryin,

 

When you say light line are you speaking braid? Mono?  What pe# or lb?