I fish primarily for smallmouth and use small 1/8 head okashira's with spark shads among other small swimbaits frequently.

Ive been using two main rods, Megabass Flyssa for spinning and a IMX pro swimbait 862c for casting.

I was looking to upgrade my casting swimbait rod to a NRX+ and figured I would ask here.

Not for first NRX+ as I own 4 spinning versions, just not a casting rod.

 

So anyone use one for small finesse swimbaits. Ill be moving my Alderbaron BFS reel to new rod.

 

Thanks for any input. Living where I do I do not have the ability to try one out as my local shops dont carry Loomis.

 

I put a Conquest BFS (a little heavier than your Aldebaran) on an NRX+ Inshore casting 6'6" medium light, fast action rod that works well. I only had a chance to cast it a few times, so my opinion may be a little premature. My rod box won't handle longer, or I may have entertained the 7' version. Not sure of the weight but casting the small, short weightless fluke on a thin Mustad worm hook (#22) got it out there 50' or 60'. I think I can loosen the spool a little with more time. It's not a "buggy whip" trout rod for 1/32 ounce, but I like the combo so far with what I tried.

 

On edit- model 781C. Rated for 1/8 to 3/16 and 8 to 15# line

The 842c would serve you well. Super versatile with a nice tip for smaller baits and lighter lines (I use 6 or 7# sniper with an alde).

What 4 spinning models do you own?

Just now, THE_Vue's said:

What 4 spinning models do you own?

821,nrr, 822 dsr, 852, and 872 

1 hour ago, NorcalBassin said:

The 842c would serve you well. Super versatile with a nice tip for smaller baits and lighter lines (I use 6 or 7# sniper with an alde).

Interesting, I'll look into it! Side note I fished many years in the Central Valley. Don Pedro, Tullock and my favorite New Melones! Gotta be loving that sunshine about now...

I use the 802C NRX+ for small swimbaits and it's overkill but it's fun. I have it paired with a Daiwa Steez CT and 8lb FC.

10 hours ago, Dye99 said:

Side note I fished many years in the Central Valley. Don Pedro, Tullock and my favorite New Melones! Gotta be loving that sunshine about now...

Small world! And to make it smaller, Hayden Lake is one of my favorite lakes I've had the pleasure of fishing.

Most small swim baits weigh quite a bit by there selves, before a jig head. Believe me I have broken out my gram scale and most small swim baits are 2-7 grams on there own. So by that point you are over 1/4 ounce finesse but not bfs level where I try to keep total weight below 2 grams total.  I would say a NRX+ 901 would be pretty good but that’s a spinning rod a 852mbr would be a decent casting rod version, or a 852jwr for a little bit stouter rod.