Lake erie smallmouth rod suggestions ???

[scrappy14]

I always go to lake Erie in the spring. Trying to find the best rods for fishing tubes in 15-35 ft of water. Any input would be great thanks... (I checked out a 6'6 med action Kistler LTA at a local shop but the handle seemed really short ) JM

[Phippy]

Maybe alittle more feedback is needed, such as spinning or casting and what technique being used with the tubes.

I also noticed the shorter handle on my Kistler drop shot rod, took a few days to get used to the balance but ever since its been a pleasure to fish.

Pretty sure Trey can build any Kistler you like with a slightly longer handle, just have to ask politely.

[scrappy14]

I use spinning rods with 8lb line. This time of year I mostly use tube jigs 1/8 to 1/2 depending on the conditions. Depth range is about 15-35 ft of water.

Thanks,
Jon

[Rich Ison2]

I have been fishing Erie, St. Clair, Detroit River for years. I am telling you the He76MS spinning rod is the real deal on those smallmouth up there....especially fishing with tubes or drop shotting which is really the rage up there lately.

In my opinion, it is the best open water spinning rod you can own. I was up on St. Clair in October and the more I fished with this rod, the more I liked it.

It's the berries.

Later,

Rich

[kistlero]

scrapy14,

In my opinion and many other pros I listen to, our He76MHS is by far the greatest stick for all tube fishing to Smallmouth. Here are some reasons:

1. Very long casts which get the baits out there where the BIG ones are not spooked yet by the boat.

2. Because the rod is long it picks up line on a hook set and handles a fish MUCH better than shorter rods.

If you don't want to go with such a long rod, maybe try the He70MHS because it already has a 9 inch handle.

I fished with the MH rods the two times I was on Champlain and preferred them over softer rods for tubes.

I hope this info helps. Let us know if you need more info.

Thanks,

Trey

[Rich Ison2]

Agreed, Trey...

This is the rod that I have...not the Medium as I stated in my other reply.

scrapy 14, this is the rod for you.

Rich

[Gregg]

I fish Sturgeon bay every year for smallies, I use a 7-0 mh spin. The m-h spin will set the hook better, listen to the pros, smallies have a smaller mouth and stronger grip so you need more power to move a tube in their mouth to get a good hook set. Also check your line after each fish, their teeth will ruff up the line quicker to. I only needed to loose a couple of big fish (4lb.) to do this every time!!!!

[Larry]

Here is another vote for the Helium LTA 7'6" spinning rod (HE76MS). I owe three of this model and use them on Lakes St. Clair and Erie for my BFL tournaments.

The length of the rod allows me to make long casts and quick hooksets. This rod is excellent for light jigs and tubes.

My largest smallmouth to date is 4 pounds when using this rod.

Larry

[aquademon17]

I agree as well..That 7'6" mh spin is awesome for tube fishing..I've smoked some big smallies over 5lb. in the late fall on the lower end of Lake Champlain..Yes,the lower end..The lower end of the lake has a very secretive untapped population of smallmouth due to the heavy largemouth pressure..

~Brian