Wondering how this blank would fair for fishing smallmouth on the big ponds? Also seen batson carries a hs9000 that very similar. Would trim the blank down a few inches thinking 7'3

Looking for the following

High sensitivity
Able to cast a variety of jig type baits from 1/8-3/8 oz heads a good distance(tubes, gobies, grubs, finesse jigs, shaky, senkos wacky jigs)
Hook setting power at a distance and or deep water
Holds the fish on light wire hooks but can keep them from cover

How versatile can this rod be for other smallie fishing? Can it drop shot?

Thoughts on adding micros on a spinning rod? Would be using #8-10 fluoro

Open for suggestions

The SSP767-1 is absolutely the closest thing to the HS9000, it is a VERY nice blank ... maybe a touch better than the original IMX version. I wouldn't compare it to the Rainshadow version.

As far as trimming it ... that would absolutely be a travesty in my book, you are on your own with that thought.

The blank does cast lighter weight ranges very well, that's one of the things it excels at. 1/2 ounce of TOTAL weight would be my maximum. It does NOT have a lot of hook setting power. Although it has a VERY strong butt section, the upper section is rated "light power" and it truly is. It will handle a very large fish, but it isn't going to drive a hook home like a MB844, etc. It will hold a fish with finesse, again "light power" upper section, but you will have control - "mag power" lower section. I have managed 35-40" saltwater fish with it.

I have only been smallmouth fishing a handful of times when traveling - Florida is a largemouth only state. I would pick a different blank for drop shot, something shorter - but it could work. The telling tale would be a day on the water. The action is right, it is the length and overall rod weight that would bother me.

For 8-10# fluorocarbon, you could easily drop to #3 guides - that is a personal preference only. If the line/knots will pass - that's all that matters. I don't go below a 6mm any longer, too many micro-weeds down here that clog things up.

Thanks for the quick reply and info.

As stated I just stumbled across this blank I'm open to other suggestions. I'm a croix guy but lately feel the rods are not giving me the feel they use to. I've looked at the 7'6 ml and m croix models as well but never owned either except a 7'm scv and a 7'm legend tournament factory rod.