I am looking to build a smallmouth spinning rod with a medium power and fast/xfast action that could double as an inshore rod. Probably a 7 footer. I am looking at the St Croix SCiii and SCiv blanks as well as the loomis imx. Are there any other blanks out there that compare? Mostly use 6-10lb line. Any experts out there to give some suggestions? Also, what are the best reel seats out there...should I get an aluminum or stick to the composite or should I go with Titanium...guess I am looking for some opinions to solidify my choices.

many thanks in advance

I've had great success with the Rainshadow ISB822.5, in the RX7. It is very fast, 6'10", and very sensitive. And, I hear the new RX8 is even better.
I've built on both the other two brands you mentioned, and, while they are great blanks, I think the RS is every bit as good. Except, a lot less money for the RX7.

Ian~

I built a river smallie rod used for soft plastics/ finesse on a St. Croix SCIII blank. Now I'm no expert when it comes to the various blanks but I am COMPLETELY happy with the SCIII! I can feel the difference between a panfish nibbling on the skirt on my tube versus the ever so subtle tap of a smallie picking up my bait ,so that's good enough for me! As for reel seats, your preference should dictate which one to use but I'll say you can't go wrong with any of Fuji's seats! I would stay away from an aluminum seat only because it can get awfully cold in your hand during the cold months.

One of the back issue's of RMM had an article about building a smallie rod. I'd check it out!


My Wading River Smallie Rod

SCIII66MLF
AmTak HZHS Guides
Titanium Carbide Woven Graphite Spin Reel Seat
Split Grip

John

Ian,

I built a SCV SC70MF (baitcasting blank-they call it) as a river smallie spinning rod blank and I concider it to be one of my best smallmouth rods period. It's a 7'er and performs perfectly. I don't have a clue as to how many SM it's landed and even one memorable LM nearing 8lbs.....so I know the blank holds up well and can take larger fish. I built mine with Fuji Titaniumn guide frames and SIC rings, split grip with a small steep wrapped epoxy forgrip and wrapped epoxy behind the seat as well. This made for a VERY LIGHT outfit that is a pleaseure to use all day.

DR

I personally like the St Croix 3C69MLXF for river smallies. I have a spinning reel set up with this blank and can't say enough good about it. I use is for drop shots and dead stick and love it. The length is long enough that you get a good hookset and the extra fast tip gives you great sensitivity. It doesn't work well as a crane however the ML action is great to play them as long as you can keep them out of structure. Mark

Volume 7 #1 issue of RodMaker has an article on a specialty smallmouth rod you might enjoy. The special assembly would be applicable to even heavier blanks, if you want that.

............

I really like Tom's smallmouth rod design and have built three of them in a similar way, one on the St. Croix 3S60LF, one on the Batson XMS783, and most recently one on a CTS EST16646 (6'6" 1pc. 4-6kg. line). I haven't had a chance to fish the CTS yet but I think it will become my favorite smallmouth rod. SUPER fast tip - I put the CCS data in the database so check it out and give Andy at Lamar a call. I built all three of them in the factory length without extension and without foregrips. Very comfortable handles. The rear grip on the St. Croix is the 4" like Tom recommends, the Batson and CTS have rear grips that are about 5.5".

Lots of good choices here, but I'm with Steve and Duane, the Rainshadow ISB822.5 and the St Croix 70MF would make a fine smallmouth rod and wouldn't be a bad inshore rod. The St Croix would be good I think for Reds, etc. The Rainshadow wouldn't be a bad Bone or Ladyfish, etc rod, depends on the size critter your after and the presentation.

My personal favorite smallie spinning rod is a St Croix 5S70MLF with TiSic TATSGs (20, 12) / TISic flies ( size 6) built split grip/no fore grip, tennessee handle with a 2500 Shimano. 4-6 pound test - fantastic for 4" wacky senkos, little jerkbaits, little cranks, little topwaters. Not the best choice for setting the hook with leadheads or texas rigs though. Leadheads - move upto the 5S70MF. Texas rigs = 5C70MF/baitcaster

The CTS blanks are by far the lightest and most sensitive rod I've ever smallie fished. I built a 1 pc., light spin, 6'6" Elite Tournament Series with the Fuji "soft-touch" seat and their solid Titanium guides. Unbelievable.
I've got another on the way that I'm going to test the Recoil guides on. Will probably even make for a lighter and more precise rod. I can't wait.