Tired of wearing out my sore old shoulder trying to toss Poppers and larger flys to Smallmouth on my 6wt rod and line on the Housatonic River (Connecticut). Wondering what rod you all use ?
I am thinking of getting a 7wt outfit ,,, maybe a TFO, or Loomis etc.(Orvis has some Sales but I don't know their products). Can't figure out the Loomis products , for instance, what is the difference between GL, GLX, GL3 etc. they don't explain it on their web site other than to show a $200 to $300 difference.

Really have very little knowledge in this area. I have 8wt rods for Bonefish, Stripers, Blues etc. but they feel way too heavy to me for Smallmouth fishing.

Seems like kind of a quandry ... need a rod/line heavy enough to throw Poppers etc and yet not so strong it make 12 inch fish seem like no fun.
When I find the right rod I'll also need an appropriate Reel to match and the right Line for tossing big bugs.

What do you all suggest?
Thanks
Ken