My smallmouth/largemouth rod is an Orvis "Shooting Star" in the 8'6" length... yes bamboo, yes... 9wt. But it puts the popper exactly where you want it regarless of size and yet it is delicate enough to make a bream or red eye a joy to catch.

The slower rods actually do a lot of the casting for you so that you don't end up pooped at the end of the day.

Ralph