Hi

I just got a request to build a spinning rod for fishing topwater plugs for smallmouth bass. Lure weight probably in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz range. I am not looking for a specific mfgr. or model - just what type of blanks/rods do you like for this application? Spin, spin jig, drop shot, popping, something else? Length - 6'6", 7'0" ? Moderate action, fast, extra fast?

Help me chose the best blank type!!

Thanks

Rog

I would not worry about a specific category of blank, but I would prefere to use someting more in the 7 foot+ range. I like more of a fast action because depending on the lures being used, something more with a moderate action will not get the movement needed for the lure.

HI Roger,

We have had a lot of guys building smallmouth rods on Batson's XSW Blanks. They were 'designed' for walleye and as you know smallmouth often call for very similar applications and these blanks cross over very nicely. I am in the middle of epoxying one for a good friend of mine who lives in MI literally as I type this. [www.getbitoutdoors.com]®-walleye-blanks-c-21_183_248.html

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
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My suggestion would be a 7' popping rod, light & fast action 6 to 12lb line. I have used that combination for top water bass and red drum fishing. The blanks that I built were the GLX P8400 which of course are no longer available from G Loomis.

I fish the MHX SJ843 exclusively for top water for speckled trout, which are an awful lot like bass of any sort.
It's a 7', fast action, medium power an is an awesome blank for these types of plugs. If you want something a little on the lighter side, check out the MHX SJ842.

Both blanks are available in either the original or the High Modulus series.

You won't be disappointed in either blank.

6'6" to 7'0" popping or graphite cranking blank. Lighter power/shorter for poppers, heavier/longer for walk the dog baits. Mod-fast action. Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
-Justin

I like dropshot/shakey head rods for my topwaters. The RX8+S823 would be my first choice for that weight range, but the 822.5 is a fun topwater rod as well, especially for lures with a lot of wind resistance. The quick limber tips allow you to really work those topwaters.

Joe

Another option would be the MHX L843, which isn't on the market yet but if you can wait I certainly would. I don't normally fish spinning rods with plugs but I did Sunday and it performed flawlessly.

A popping blank rated for 1/4 - 5/8 OZ. lure.

Thanks for the info guys.

Any more suggestions out there? C'mon - speak up!

Rog

What would Tom K. build ?

Rog

A MH popping blank with a mod fast action like the Batson IP904 is a dandy choice.

DR

I've been using a Lamiglas GFW 78 freshwater series rod for over 35 years on lake erie.

It has handled everything from smallies to very large drum with no problem.

It is a medium slow action for 4-10lb line and handles 1/8 to 1/2 oz.lures.

I prefer this rod over my St. Croix rod, which has a fast tip.

Another issue that should be noted, will they be using mono, flurocarbon or braid? The way I build my rods are just right for mono but adequate when using braid. I build them this way to get the lure action the way I want it but enough power to handle the fish. I would go with a slightly different blank if I were to be using braid for this application.