I am crossing over from surf to fishing smallmout on the Potomac. I have no clue what I am doing but I am earger to get into it. I am working a little backwards. I bought a Shimano Citica 200 and now I need to rod to compliment it. I am not sure what I will be throwing, still clueless, but it will  be 100% lures. Could you please suggest a good first rod. I heard to the mojo m 7' might be a good choice, but is there other slightly less expensive other choices. Any help appreciated.

i like jerkbaiting and topwater for the potomac so i love my 6'6 with a fast tip. its a skeet reese jerkbait rod but i would think a st croix mojo bass 6'6 medium action rod would do great for the potomac for just about all applications. But if you wanted to save money the bps carbon lite 6'6 med action casting rod would be a great choose and if thats still abit out of your price range the BPS blonic blade rods are a good choice as well. Just remember you get what you pay for.

Lamiglas Excel 734.  7'3" Medium Heavy (barely), American made, light for $120 (shipped free from TW).  I got one in the fall and really like it a lot, mine is paired with a Citica E as well.

Check out All Pro Rods Smallmouth Guru rods. Made in good ol' Tennessee and Stephen Headrick helped design them. Great rods, as are all the APR's. US made by US workers.

Lamiglas Excel 734. 7'3" Medium Heavy (barely), American made, light for $120 (shipped free from TW). I got one in the fall and really like it a lot, mine is paired with a Citica E as well.

This would be my choice as well.  This is a true all purpose rod and the 3 power is almost overstated.  I use it for traps, cranks and light carolina rigs for smallies. It will handle jerkbaits and hollow body swimbaits too.  It's a really good stick.