Hello all.

I am looking for a fly rod blank for streamer fishing for smallmouth bass (max size about 2-3 pounds).

What do you look for in a streamer rod? Do you have any preferences in terms of line weight, length or action?

thanks,
Tom.

Tom,
My favorite is an 8' 8 weight.
Casts streamers well even in a breeze.
The shorter length allows you to put more on the fish to keep him out of obstructions.

Eugene Moore

I like the Batson RX8 blanks for the water pickup, single back and forward cast to your target that is so much a part of streamer fishing. My 7 wt has plenty of power to control smallies that size.

If you like fast action rods with good backbone, I would also suggest the Batson Rainshadow RX8, but I would probably go with a 6wt. American Tackle Matrix is also another good blank, though not as fast.

Does the rod length make any difference? I noticed Eugene suggested one under nine feet, are there any advantages to having a shorter or longer rod or is it personal preference?

I find longer rods assist in casting greater distances with greater ease, and perhaps more importantly - mending line in river currents. That being said, I wouldn't jump into getting a 10' rod right off the bat. A shorter rod will be less fatiguing and easier to control the fish, and cast flies with slightly greater accuracy at close range. A 9' rod is a great "all arounder". For Smallies, a rod that loads well with a 7 wt. at 20-60 foot casts would be a very suitable rod. You could get away with a slightly less powerful rod - ideal for casting 6 wt. lines at the same range, but if you're using the larger and often wind resistant flies for these fish, you'll likely want the bigger gun.