I bought this spinning rod, thinking the extra length would help with long casts and an XF tip would provide better hook sets with small-medium Keitech type swim baits (2.5-3.5” with 1/4-3/8oz. heads). I paired it with a Shimano Ultegra 2500 and 15# braid to a 10# fluoro leader.  The rod has been disappointing for this purpose, with poor casting distance and a very low landing percentage.  So, I’m going back to a medium/fast rod for my small swimbaits.

 

Which leaves me wondering what other use this rod is best suited for.  There are no suggested uses marked on the rod and I couldn’t find anything on the Lews website.   It’s called “Smallmouth Magic” so there must be some such application it excels at? ??‍♂️ 

Maybe tube jigs, or dropshotting?

 

Maybe the rig Gustafson won the classic with. What's it called,... A Damiki rig, or something like that