compare st croix rods St. Premier Spinning SCPS70MHF This series distinctive designs and materials come together for the ultimate experience in performance and efficiency St. Croix Rods 6'6" Medium

When it comes to lures for the small fish found in Florida canals, it might be tempting to use the same ones as for peacock-bass, but that's not what's most effective

The star is the large mahogany-and-brass centrepin in the middle: a warm, worn wooden drum with softly oxidised fittings, the sort of reel that looks like it belonged to a patient Edwardian angler with a creel basket and a stubborn devotion to quiet rivers

A smallmouth bass favorite food is crayfish and I guess this looks like one to them, thats probably why weve had so much success with it

Performance The rod combines graphite and fiberglass in a way that reminds me of those old-school rods that could take a beating but still had enough sensitivity to feel a bream nibbling

David Klausmeyer is the editor of this magazine