Smallmouth bass are known for their strength, speed, and aerial displays, but their behavior can shift throughout the year, forcing anglers to stay versatile and prepared for changing conditions. Unlike seasonal techniques that only shine during a narrow window, successful smallmouth fishing demands gear that performs from the first cold-water bite of early spring to the aggressive feeding periods of fall and everything in between. Fish may slide shallow, suspend over structure, relate to current, or roam open water, and anglers need a rod they can trust no matter the scenario.
Because smallmouth often reposition and adjust their feeding habits, consistency starts with the right equipment. Having a purpose-built rod allows anglers to present baits effectively, maintain control, and detect subtle strikes whether fishing deep rock piles, shallow flats, or mid-depth transitions. Versatility is not just a bonus when chasing smallmouth. It is a necessity.
Introducing Our Smallmouth Rod Kits
Built for year-round performance, these Smallmouth Rod Kits were carefully assembled by our very own Bob McKamey to give anglers a reliable advantage in any season. Drawing on more than 50 years of rod building expertise, Bob considered everything from technique-specific blank selection to handle configuration, reel seat choice, guide trains, and recommended spacing to create some of the most complete and thoughtfully designed kits available.
Each kit removes the guesswork and allows builders to craft a rod that is dialed in for the hard-fighting nature of smallmouth bass. Whether you are making long casts across windy points, working reaction baits through shallow cover, or maintaining bottom contact in deeper water, these kits provide the balance, sensitivity, and control serious anglers demand. When the goal is landing one of the most exciting freshwater fish that swims, starting with the right rod makes all the difference.
"Any chance I get to head back home to Tennessee, you will find me on the water chasing smallmouth. Whether I am throwing a hair jig, working a small jerkbait, or winding a crankbait through current, the moment a big bronzeback loads up the rod you know it instantly. They pull harder than just about anything their size, fight with attitude, and more often than not go airborne just to remind you who is in charge. There is nothing quite like that first surge and head shake from a trophy volunteer state smallmouth. Yeah Boy! ” - Bob McKamey
We have 12 Smallmouth Rod Kits and I wanted to highlight some of my favorite here in this blog. Click Here to see the full collection.
Shakey Head Smallmouth Rod Kit
Specifications: 7'0" | 6-12 lb. | 1/8 - 1/2 oz. | Fast Action | Medium-Light Power
Fishing a shaky head excels for Smallmouth because it presents a natural, subtle action that entices finicky or pressured fish to bite. If I had one option it would be the Zoom Mag Finesse worm with a 3/16oz shakey head. From Florida to Wisconsin, if you are not carrying a shakey head in your boat, you are one step behind. The versatility of the SJ842 matches perfectly with the shaky head when fishing in various conditions, from rocky bottoms to brush piles. Plus, the stand-up presentation of the bait keeps it in the strike zone longer, increasing your chances of getting bit. The fast action allows the angler to have great control over the movement of the jig head and the medium light power gives the angler complete control over the fish. Don't forget this blank comes in 14 colors!
The Hair Jig Smallmouth Rod Kit
Specifications: 7'6" | 6-12 lb. | 1/16 - 3/8 oz. | Fast Action | Medium- Light Power
Fishing a hair jig is one of the most effective ways to target smallmouth bass in clear water, and the SJ9000 delivers the ideal combination of sensitivity, casting distance, and finesse for this highly visual technique. Its refined blank design allows anglers to present lightweight hair jigs naturally, whether creeping them along deep rock transitions or swimming them through suspended fish. Exceptional sensitivity helps detect subtle pressure bites that are common in ultra-clear conditions, while the responsive fast action provides immediate feedback for confident hooksets at longer distances. Balanced power gives anglers the control needed to protect lighter lines while still steering strong smallmouth away from structure, making the SJ9000 a true confidence rod for precision hair jig fishing.
Underspin Smallmouth Casting Rod Kit
Specifications: 7'0" | 8-15 lb. | 1/8 - 1/2 oz. | Fast Action | Medium Power
Throwing an underspin is one of the most effective ways to tempt big smallmouth, especially when they are keyed in on baitfish and feeding just off the bottom or along suspended structure. The MB842 is perfectly suited for this technique, offering the sensitivity needed to detect even the lightest eats when a fish inhales the bait on a slow retrieve. Its fast action allows for accurate casts and excellent control of the underspin, keeping the blade turning and the presentation natural throughout the retrieve. The medium power delivers plenty of backbone to drive the hook home and manage aggressive, hard-fighting smallmouth without sacrificing feel. Balanced, responsive, and built for versatility, the MB842 shines as a dependable choice for anglers looking to maximize their success when fishing an underspin.
Spinnerbait Smallmouth Casting Rod Kit
Specifications: 7'0" | 10-17 lb. | 1/4 - 3/4 oz. | Fast Action | Medium Heavy Power
Fishing a spinnerbait is one of the most effective ways to target aggressive smallmouth, and the MB843 delivers the power and responsiveness needed to fish this technique with confidence. Its versatile design allows anglers to cover water efficiently, slow roll deeper structure, or burn a bait across windy flats to trigger reaction strikes. Since we are in the customization business, do not forget to adjust your spinnerbaits blades. It is an inexpensive but meaningful change to get more bites. The fast action provides excellent control for accurate casts and solid hooksets, while the medium-heavy power has the backbone to handle hard surges and keep big smallmouth pinned from start to finish. When you need a rod that blends strength, sensitivity, and casting performance, the MB843 stands out as a perfect spinnerbait rod.
