smallmouth rod ?

[Bass_Bug]

My first fly rod was a 2pc White River Dogwood Canyon 8wt from BassPro over 10 years ago. I still use this along with a 2pc 6wt and 4pc 8wt (Both home built) for my bass fishing, LM and smallies. I agree with the other posts that it's not the size of the fish you're targeting as much as the size/weight of the fly you're casting.

Cabela's rod and reel combo preloaded with backing line and leader
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishi...Tz_stype%3DGNU

BassPro White River Dogwood Canyon rod and reel combo preloaded with backing line and leader.
http://www.basspro.com/White-River-F...96504/-1576959

[DarrinG]

its a whole lot easier to throw small bugs on a heavier rod than it is to throw big ones on a lighter stick.

Bingo! Excellent answer.

[BSwan]

Sometimes you'll need the extra backbone of a heavier rod if you have to pull the fish away from logjams, heavy current, etc.

[Bear742]

To answer your question, an 8 or 9 wt is the better choice especially since you seem to want to pursue larger bass. You will want to use flies that aproximate the size of the soft plastics and hard baits you would use on your spinning gear. To put my recommendation exactly, get a rod that handles an 8 wt line since it is ultimately the line that delivers the fly.

Like most of the others here, I can give you a hedged OK for a 6 wt since it is a good compromise all purpose rod for fresh water-trout, bass, panfish. For a long time I used one for bass because it was the only rod I had. Once I got a heavier rod, I pretty much gave up the 6 for bass.

[bluefish]

I've used 6 wts. for smallies to 6 lbs.+ for decades. If I want to turn over bigger flies I may upweight to a 7. I also routinely throw 250 gr. shooting heads with it.

Charlie

[tealswatr]

where are you at in Ohio?. north/south?

[Big Bad Wulff]

I have the Redington Predator. Pretty nice. Relatively short rod. Casts well.