I’m looking for an all purpose rod for river smallmouth. I’m sort of leaning towards a medium power rod but not sure whether to choose a fast or extra fast action. 
 

I’ll mainly be throwing vision 110 and jrs, 3/8 ounce spinnerbaits, and dragging 1/8 and 1/4 ounce tubes and skirted jigs with an occasional unweighted fluke. 
 

I’m leaning towards a Loomis glx or SC legend in the 6’6” lengths but open to other lengths and brands

 

thanks 

I would use GLoomis 852c JWR IMX-Pro for all of that except the 3/8 spinnerbait. 1/4oz would be fine, also a 1/4 minimax chatterbait is great on there.

That range of baits is problematic. I think, with the exception of the lighter tubes, I would take my Orochi XX Jerkbait Special with Tatula 80 on it. I run 12# Seaguar R18 fluorocarbon and have no issue with anything over 5/16 true weight.

St C Avid 7' Med Fast 

That's a big weight range if you're talking about throwing 3/8oz spinnerbaits and 1/8oz tubes on the same rod. I really wouldn't choose the same rod to do both of those things. If it were a 1/4oz spinnerbait, I think you'd be fine with a "medium" (by most manufacturers rating) power. I'd look for something rated in the 1/4-3/4oz range. I think if you had a rod that topped out at 5/8oz you'd get overpowered when throwing larger plugs, jigs, etc. I do a lot of river fishing from my kayak and love my 6'10" Poison Adrena that's a M power rated up to 3/4oz. I throw 3/8oz mini maxes on it no issue. It can also throw down to about ~8/9g with the appropriate reel and line. Might have a hard time throwing your 1/8oz tubes on it but should be able to at least adequately throw Neds on 3/16 and 1/4oz heads. I also own a 6'10" MH Zodias that's rated 3/8-1oz and feel like it can 100% handle it's range. So maybe that's a better one to look at if you think you won't much go below 3/8oz total weight. The Zodias is probably my favorite all around rod I own at the moment. Would also go with a fast action, not extra fast. Especially if using braid

IMX Pro SJR 842

https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater-legend

EC70MF

On 9/24/2023 at 9:49 AM, Creek Chub 1 said:

Loomis glx

Same model in the GLX-852c JWR. It has a softish tip that can deal with the lower weight ranges depending on the reel and line. The IMX-Pro 852 has a slightly stiffer tip section. Both are killer.

St.Croix Legend Elite 6'8'' M Fast. I have used this rod for all the things mentioned.  Great rod.

On 9/24/2023 at 7:49 AM, Creek Chub 1 said:

I’m looking for an all purpose rod for river smallmouth. I’m sort of leaning towards a medium power rod but not sure whether to choose a fast or extra fast action. 
 

I’ll mainly be throwing vision 110 and jrs, 3/8 ounce spinnerbaits, and dragging 1/8 and 1/4 ounce tubes and skirted jigs with an occasional unweighted fluke. 
 

I’m leaning towards a Loomis glx or SC legend in the 6’6” lengths but open to other lengths and brands

 

thanks 

Spinning or bait casting?

Tom

Like others said, it seems like the 1/8 oz tubes may be a problem. A 1/8 oz tube does sound a little light for the M rods in my arsenal but I think you'll be fine if you go with something rated 1/4-3/4oz. Remember that a 3/8 oz spinnerbait likely weighs closer to 5/8 oz after all the components are taken into account. 

I recommend going with a long rod like the SC 7ft. MH/F. The length will assist in throwing those tubes as will the action.  Tough to do with an extra fast 6'6" rod.