Elite Tech Smallmouth 2025
IndianaOutdoors reply :
I have a Elite Tech Smallmouth mh 6'9" and a Tatula SV on the way. I know there are some fans of the smallmouth rods on here. Just wondering what y'all like to throw on yours.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I use mine exclusively for jerkbaits. It's the 6' 3" M/MF, a really sweet rod for smaller jerks.
fishwizzard reply :
I have a pair of the MH/F 6'8" rods that I grabbed when they were on sale at FFO. I got them to be general purpose kayak rods as the short butt section is perfect for seated casting while wearing a PFD. I have cast about everything on them, other than deep cranks, but only because I don't own any. I really like them a lot and when one eventually meets it's end I am going to have a custom built to match the survivor.
IndianaOutdoors reply :
On 9/30/2017 at 8:22 PM, fishwizzard said:I have a pair of the MH/F 6'8" rods that I grabbed when they were on sale at FFO. I got them to be general purpose kayak rods as the short butt section is perfect for seated casting while wearing a PFD. I have cast about everything on them, other than deep cranks, but only because I don't own any. I really like them a lot and when one eventually meets it's end I am going to have a custom built to match the survivor.
FFO has 27 of the 6'9" left. Better get it while you can. Probably last chance at a new one. With the sale they're running mine came in at under $70. I couldn't not buy it.
kickerfish1 reply :
I am a huge fan of the former (green gen 1) blank Elite Tech rods designed for smallmouth. These rods were priced around $129 give or take. Many always ask about the best rod for $100ish. IMO this is the best rod I have ever fished that had a retail price tag of $150 or less. Now on the flipside I have zero experience with Gen 2 rods with the brown colored blanks but from what I gather they are not as good.
Several years ago I was in a local retail store and was able to see they had a few of these older Gen 1 Elite Tech rods in stock. Talked to the floor manager and he said they were not selling so they had them marked down to $79. I bought the 6'9 ML Fast spinning rod. Went out and fished it and fell in love with it. Went back to the shop to see what other models were left. The only one left was the same model that I just grabbed but marked down to $69. I bought that one too.
What do I use these rods for? Everything finesse...dropshots, ned rigs, hard jerkbaits, flickshakes, and small hair jigs. IMO it is hard to believe these were sold for what they were given how nice they seemed to fish. I would put them against most rods that are in the $200 - $250 range. The only downside is they are very tough to find now and they also only made a handful of models (probably due to the smallmouth designation the rod had).
Angry John reply :
On 10/1/2017 at 1:44 AM, kickerfish1 said:I am a huge fan of the former (green gen 1) blank Elite Tech rods designed for smallmouth. These rods were priced around $129 give or take. Many always ask about the best rod for $100ish. IMO this is the best rod I have ever fished that had a retail price tag of $150 or less. Now on the flipside I have zero experience with Gen 2 rods with the brown colored blanks but from what I gather they are not as good.
Several years ago I was in a local retail store and was able to see they had a few of these older Gen 1 Elite Tech rods in stock. Talked to the floor manager and he said they were not selling so they had them marked down to $79. I bought the 6'9 ML Fast spinning rod. Went out and fished it and fell in love with it. Went back to the shop to see what other models were left. The only one left was the same model that I just grabbed but marked down to $69. I bought that one too.
What do I use these rods for? Everything finesse...dropshots, ned rigs, hard jerkbaits, flickshakes, and small hair jigs. IMO it is hard to believe these were sold for what they were given how nice they seemed to fish. I would put them against most rods that are in the $200 - $250 range. The only downside is they are very tough to find now and they also only made a handful of models (probably due to the smallmouth designation the rod had).
I had a first gen smallmouth rod and i liked it a lot. It was only like a 6"3 inch and great for running smaller rivers. I now have one of the brown largemouth 610mlxf and the rod is perfect for drop shot and flick shake along with regular flukes. I have had a qa problem with the reel seat which i fixed myself. I have seen one other with this same problem on the board. With only two issues out of all the rods out there i would consider it a win... The failure was also easily repaired if that counts for anything...
MIbassyaker reply :
On 10/1/2017 at 12:28 AM, IndianaOutdoors said:FFO has 27 of the 6'9" left. Better get it while you can. Probably last chance at a new one. With the sale they're running mine came in at under $70. I couldn't not buy it.
Beat me to it. FFO used to have several models of the ETS rods and finally sold out, I wanna say, almost a year ago. Now all of a sudden they have a few of the MH-F 6'9" baitcaster again -- better get one now if you want one! For all anyone knows, this could be the last batch they ever have up for sale new, as it has now been a couple years since they were discontinued.
I have the 6'9" MH-F. With the short handle, it is a great all-around kayak rod. I use it for 3/8-1/2oz jigs, topwater walkers 1/2oz to 1oz, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, sometimes lipless crankbaits.
One issue with these rods is that the reel seat doesn't lock down on some reels enough to prevent the reel from moving a little bit. This can be fixed by putting a little bit of electrical tape on the reel feet to bulk them up slightly.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 9/30/2017 at 2:46 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I use mine exclusively for jerkbaits. It's the 6' 3" M/MF, a really sweet rod for smaller jerks.
I have this rod. Bought it to try learning to skip. Hasn't happened as yet. How small are the jerkbaits you use with this rod?
OP, I have the 6'9" MHF, but it is the rod I missed an eye on when I strung line on it the first time. Took about 15 minutes of casting before I realized it. The mono had put a groove in the finish. I was worried about fishing it thinking it might have compromised the blank. Finally said to myself that the only way to know was to use the rod. I think I've only had it out once since then. Probably because I like 7' or more for any MH rod. The Smallmouth series do have short handles. You get use to it. Also they would probably have sold for $200 if they had a name such as Dobyns, St. Croix, etc on them. Smalljaw67 said he talked to a Fenwick representative, and the guy said Fenwick deliberately under-priced the Smallmouth series to get attention. Got mine! I own several. 
The 6'10" MF is one of my favorites and I will throw anything on it within its weight range. Single or treble hooks doesn't matter to me.
IndianaOutdoors reply :
In case I wasn't clear, these are the Gen 1 green elite tech smallmouth that FFO has for sale. Anywho, I had really been wanting an ETS in mf spinning but I just started using baitcasters this year so I'll give this one a go. I'm thinking with the short handle and matched with the Tatula SV this should be a skipping machine. Don't think I'll be using it much for jerkbaits since it is a MH. It's supposed to be here Tuesday. I can't wait.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/1/2017 at 3:29 AM, new2BC4bass said:I have this rod. Bought it to try learning to skip. Hasn't happened as yet. How small are the jerkbaits you use with this rod?
It fishes a 78 pointer very well.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/1/2017 at 9:37 AM, Bluebasser86 said:It fishes a 78 pointer very well.
Thanks.
CroakHunter reply :
On 10/1/2017 at 9:18 AM, IndianaOutdoors said:In case I wasn't clear, these are the Gen 1 green elite tech smallmouth that FFO has for sale. Anywho, I had really been wanting an ETS in mf spinning but I just started using baitcasters this year so I'll give this one a go. I'm thinking with the short handle and matched with the Tatula SV this should be a skipping machine. Don't think I'll be using it much for jerkbaits since it is a MH. It's supposed to be here Tuesday. I can't wait.
Have my eye on this rod (actually this exact setup) post how you like it once it comes in
Big-Bass reply :
I ordered two of them...total came to $147. I have a Tatula SV I want to try with it as well. I have two of the 6'9" ML spinning rods as well (one is still brand new with plastic still on the cork). My 6'9" ML that is in use has seen lots of fish and is a great rod. I figured if I like the 6'9" MH-F casting, it's worth ordering two since they have been discontinued. It should be a nice compliment to the ML spinning.
IndianaOutdoors reply :
On 10/1/2017 at 2:19 PM, CroakHunter said:Have my eye on this rod (actually this exact setup) post how you like it once it comes in
Will do
fishwizzard reply :
Because of this thread I took one of my MH/F rods out for some bank beating today. I threw a 1/2oz RES, a 3/8oz spinnerbait, 4.8" Keitech on an underspin, and a 10" Culprit t-rigged. The rod handled them all great. I have a K_oncept A on it and man that rod is such a pleasure to fish with a light reel, it has so much power for it's weight, it surprises me every time. The short butt takes me a dozen or so casts to get used to, but man does it make short range pitches so much easier vs a rod with a standard or long butt.
Choporoz reply :
Wow...thought these were long gone. Wonder where these came from? I have 6'10" MF and it is my favorite rod. I also have a spinning 6'9"MXF that is awesome, as well. Agree with above that the handle is perfect for kayak use. I just got a brand new Aetos MH and have no need for a MH ETSM, but will probably order one anyway. Funny....before I got this Aetos, I was discussing having a custom built short-handled 6'10MH...hard to pass this one up.
Big-Bass reply :
I have two like I said on order but just saw a listing on eBay that also offers the 69mh and indicates in the description that the factory put a small brand in the back end of the handle to indicate that the rod is not covered under warranty. I sure hope not and for the price regardless, it is still a good deal but just thought I would pass it along. Has anyone received their rod(s) yet to confirm? Maybe that's not the case with FFO but I just thought it was coincidental that this rod is also offered for the same price on eBay since all of a sudden they showed up again from a few years ago.
IndianaOutdoors reply :
Mine should be here today so I will confirm. The ones on eBay are dealer demos. That's why they have the mark.
OkobojiEagle reply :
In the FFO store the branded squiggle means the rod has be "reconditioned"...
There are several Elite Tech Smallmouth rods on the FFO racks, all baitcasting. These rods have been available at the store continuously since they were discontinued. I don't know if the FFO website sells the stock I find in the store?
oe
IndianaOutdoors reply :
I guess they just mark the rods that have no warranty. I'm sitting on the porch patiently waiting for the FedEx truck.
IndianaOutdoors reply :
Just got it in hand. No Mark on the cork. Feels great with the Tatula. Time to spool up.
Big-Bass reply :
Mine should be here tomorrow! Hopefully they are nice!
IndianaOutdoors reply :
Just got back from fishing it. It is awesome for skipping. The reel is loose in the seat with it cranked all the way down. It's not bad just a little wiggle. Other than that I'm very happy.
A-Jay reply :
On 10/5/2017 at 10:02 AM, IndianaOutdoors said:Just got back from fishing it. It is awesome for skipping. The reel is loose in the seat with it cranked all the way down. It's not bad just a little wiggle. Other than that I'm very happy.
Try adding a few thin strips of black electric tape on the reel seat foot. (may only take one or two)
That will take up that extra space and make for a more secure seating of the reel on the rod.
A-Jay
Choporoz reply :
Got mine yesterday. Thanks, @IndianaOutdoors. Box looked like it had been packed by a six year old and smacked around the playground for a couple days, but rod seems perfect despite the box. Same great handle as my other....great balance and feel. This might supplant my other ETSM as my favorite rod.
IndianaOutdoors reply :
On 10/12/2017 at 2:30 AM, Choporoz said:Got mine yesterday. Thanks, @IndianaOutdoors. Box looked like it had been packed by a six year old and smacked around the playground for a couple days, but rod seems perfect despite the box. Same great handle as my other....great balance and feel. This might supplant my other ETSM as my favorite rod.
Box? Mine came in a tube with plenty of packing paper. Glad the rod is ok. What reel did you pair it with?
Choporoz reply :
Yes, it came in a triangular thinish cardboard box.
Was going to put on the Tatula from the rod it is 'replacing', but I impulse-bought a Quantum Smoke on sale from Cabela's today, so when that arrives, it is going on the new rod. I have one Smoke already and absolutely love it.
Big-Bass reply :
Mine came but I had to unfortunately return them. They just didn't fit right with the reels. The reel seats were super tight (yes I know the cork will mold into them eventually) and on one, the back split grip blank was scratched pretty bad. They are refunding me but mine were shipped in a thick cardboard tube with packing so they couldn't move. They were returned the same way they came. Strangely, they (FFO) called me to process the return since they don't store info in their system. The girl I talked to was super nice so just in case you have to return them, they were more than helpful.
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