Okay, so I've been using Pflueger President reels. Sometimes Trilene, most of the time braided at the BWCA. I'm looking for a good general purpose 6 to 7 foot fishing rod. Preferably one that comes in two pieces. Any help would be appreciated. Most of our fishing for smallmouth and northerns. Just got the new Cabela's catalog, so many choices.

I like the Fenwick HMG rods - 6.6 foot - 2 piece rod - medium - fast. Here is the model number - HMG66M-FS-2. You can get one at BassPro right now for $99.99

QueticoMike: "I like the Fenwick HMG rods - 6.6 foot - 2 piece rod - medium - fast. Here is the model number - HMG66M-FS-2. You can get one at BassPro right now for $99.99"

+1 on Fenwick HMG (except I prefer the 7' version)

I like this UGLY STIK in the 6'6". It's durable and fairly sensitive. It's good for trolling or casting cranks and vertical jigging blade baits. I'm not afraid to hoist a bigger fish out of the water like I am with a higher modulus graphite rod.

How will you be using it? Mostly jigging or mostly casting/trolling?

If jigging, a 6' rod will work better with the constant, all-day, up/down motion of jigging. If casting or trolling, I'd take a 6'6" rod over a 7', but I suppose either would be fine.

I would jig with a 6'6" rod if I had to. Never with a 7 footer.

From a brand standpoint, I'd take a long look at St. Croix Premier rods with a medium fast action. Strong backbone, medium fast tip. It's what we use and you'll be hard-pressed to find a better rod for the money. Fenwicks are nice though. I don't own one so no experience with them, but I'd consider them.

zski: "

QueticoMike: "I like the Fenwick HMG rods - 6.6 foot - 2 piece rod - medium - fast. Here is the model number - HMG66M-FS-2. You can get one at BassPro right now for $99.99"

+1 on Fenwick HMG (except I prefer the 7' version)"

He asked for one between 6 and 7 feet, figured this fit his description the best. You can't go wrong with a 7 footer either.

I've never owned a $t. Croix or Fenwick$ fishing rod, but if you spend that much you will, of course, love it.

I can afford the Fleet Farm - Berkley price range and not feel too bad when it gets damaged in transit or camp.

I own three G. Loomis rods, as well as other high end rods, but I like my Fish Eagles as much as the rods costing four times as much.

You can see that others like them too.

Wow, thanks for all the help folks. What is the advantage of a shorter rod for jigging? And as long as QM is onboard; what length works well for Zulu fishing for SMB? Thanks again.

HMG is a very nice rod for the price. If you don't want to spend that much HMX is still nice.

Fenwick, St. Croix,or Cabelas Fish Eagle. 6.5' med power fast action. I personally really like Fish Eagle rods for that kind of fishing. They are very tough and well made with 54million modulus and 70.00. I own a TON of rods, some VERY expensive, and still love them.

drrick: "Wow, thanks for all the help folks. What is the advantage of a shorter rod for jigging? And as long as QM is onboard; what length works well for Zulu fishing for SMB? Thanks again."

Your best bet is to purchase 5 inch ZMAN ShadZ for Zulu fishing......

bobbernumber3: "I've never owned a $t. Croix or Fenwick$ fishing rod, but if you spend that much you will, of course, love it.


I can afford the Fleet Farm - Berkley price range and not feel too bad when it gets damaged in transit or camp."

I hear you, I like nice things too, but don't like risking breaking them. For fishing gear, I want something I'm not afraid to use.

I have found these rods to be a good value:
Quantum Graphex Spinning Rod

I'm also quite fond of this style of telescopic rod as a low cost backup:

Telescopic Rod
Only negative I have found is the glue on the guides tend to come loose, easily fixable or prevented with some epoxy.

AmarilloJim: "I like this UGLY STIK in the 6'6". It's durable and fairly sensitive. It's good for trolling or casting cranks and vertical jigging blade baits. I'm not afraid to hoist a bigger fish out of the water like I am with a higher modulus graphite rod. "

+1 on the UGLY STIK. I have been using mine for years and love it. It is durable and can take a beating, but stick sensitive enough to feel light bites.

QueticoMike: "

drrick: "Wow, thanks for all the help folks. What is the advantage of a shorter rod for jigging? And as long as QM is onboard; what length works well for Zulu fishing for SMB? Thanks again."

Your best bet is to purchase 5 inch ZMAN ShadZ for Zulu fishing......"

Mike, thanks for the advice on the ZMZN but I was thinking about what length rod would work best. Thanks, Rick

Lite Pro ugly stick is a good cheap rod in the $40 range.