Top 3 Shimano Expride B Models for Smallmouth Bass

[@philipfalco7304]

I can't afford to pay $300+ on rods but I got one of the last Expride A's 6'10' casting on sale for $189 and absolutely love it. I use it for crank's, jerk baits, spinnerbaits, topwater and rattle baits. It covers a lot of bases. I just slap my 2020 Met. or 19' Antares and off I go! Obviously you can see, I do spend more on my reels than rods.

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

I think the 6’10M Expride A is actually better than the 6’10 Expride B when it comes to jerkbait’s. It seems like the tip is a little stiffer on the B. Maybe it’s just me but the action doesn’t seem to be the same on both models

[@philipfalco7304]

@@RyanSmith-fb8rf Thank's for the info Ryan. I'm glad I got the A then. Working out as a very versatile rod for me.

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

@@philipfalco7304 That’s awesome man I’m glad it worked out for you. You are going to love the Expride. I have the Expride A in the 7’2 MH and the Expride B in the 7’6 XH for Swimbaits and they are both phenomenal rods. Best rod on the market for the price point in my opinion. Glad I was able to help

[@thejonath]

These rods are unbelievable. I have a 6'10" medium light spinning (ned, wacky, neko, dropshot), a 7'2" medium heavy casting (Texas rig, jig) and a 6'10" medium casting (jerkbait, crankbait, topwater, lipless, chatterbait, anything moving honestly). They're JDM so no hook keeper but I just have a fuji hook keeper on there and it's all good (I went JDM because I prefer 2 pieces rods).

[@patrickzajdel]

Thanks for the comment! The 6’10ML spinning is another great rod, really liked that one until I got my hands on the 7’L. Being on the Great Lakes, that little bit of extra length helps. The 7’2MH is so versatile! Such a great moving bait rod. The 7’6MH is another awesome moving bait rod for the heavier stuff or whenever you need more leverage over deep water.

[@bradenbanfield4890]

they do have hook keepers

[@thejonath]

@@bradenbanfield4890 no they don't, I bought some fuji hook keeper which are better than most keeper ive seen included with rods.

[@ferkxd451]

Made in China crap

[@philipfalco7304]

@@thejonath Fuji Hook keeper's are like Tobasco sauce. I put that S--T on everything. 😂

[@xuanthanga4]

I'm deciding between (shimano expride x vanford) and (stella fk x lunamis s80m), which combo do you think I should use. Thank you

[@patrickzajdel]

Those are two very different price points, but I think both would suit you well depending what you are looking to use them for.

[@xuanthanga4]

@@patrickzajdel I only fish in rivers and lakes

[@lilcholo951]

i just got the 7'2 ML i toss 1/8 up to 3/8 chatterbaits do you think i should keep it or i have a ST. Croix Eyecon 7'1 M that ive been liking n its between them both

[@patrickzajdel]

I think it would be a fine rod for that.

[@chadsherer9084]

I know you’ve been asked this before, but I’m torn between the 7’ light and 7’2” ML for a drop shot rod. Will be casting banks as well as vertical fishing for bass/walleye. After fishing with them both, which is your favorite?

[@patrickzajdel]

Vertical fishing and occasional casting, you’re going to want the 7’L. That 7’2ml is more of a dropshot rod for largemouth on weed edges for me! Smallmouth vertical or casting to targets, the 7’L is ideal.

[@shanebranca24]

Would the 610ML be a good drop shot rod for 3/8-1/2oz? Been eying it and would like something shorter than 7’

[@patrickzajdel]

That’s a phenomenal drop shot rod. I’ve had that rod, but prefer more length myself. If you like rods shorter than 7’, then that’s the rod you want for a dropshot.

[@Chaos10691]

So if I was throwing 1/4 oz drop shot casting it and vertical fishing, 1/8 oz Ned and 1/8 swimbait head with a 2.8 Keitech would you go for the 7’ Light or 7’2 ML? Fish for both Smallies and Largies here

[@patrickzajdel]

I think the 7’L is going to suit you better for that lighter end of the spectrum in your situation 👌🏽

[@joelunder7479]

How is the 7’ medium power spinning expride b for jerkbaits? Or the 7’2” medium heavy power casting expride b for jerkbaits? I have both, and honestly mostly use spinning gear but recently got into jerkbait fishing and love it. I’m looking at potentially buying a Zodias 6’10” medium casting rod for the jerkbaits is the action pretty much the same as the Expride 6’10” casting? Thanks for the great videos😄🤟🏻

[@patrickzajdel]

@@joelunder7479 the action is similar between the Zodias and Expride models. You can’t go wrong with the 6’10m Zodias. The 6’8M spinning Expride is a great choice in the spinning line.

[@joelunder7479]

@@patrickzajdel thank you so much Patrick although I love the Expride rods I’m not a fan of cork handles, the feeling isn’t nearly as bad as fingernails on a chalk board, but I like the stuff on the Zodias handle way more. Plus I can get a Zodias locally, but have to order an expride medium 6’10” casting online.

[@joelunder7479]

@@patrickzajdel thanks Patrick, I picked up the 6’10” casting medium power Zodias today. Thank you for confirming that the action is similar to the Expride. The rear handle on this Zodias has a slight contour to it that isn’t on my 7’2” medium light bfs Zodias or my Expride B medium heavy. This feels like a great rod!

[@kylehart267]

Would you choose the 6'10 ML spinning or 7'0 Light Spinning for 1/8 and 3/16 oz micro jigs?

[@patrickzajdel]

I think you would want to look at the 7’L for that and pair it with 5lb braid for good cast-ability

[@wykidwiscofishing5861]

What spinning expride would you use for 3/16 Shakeyheads?

[@patrickzajdel]

I’m a big fan of the 7’2ML, being more of an open water angler, but the 6’10ML would be a great rod as well! Both would be great choices, just depends on if you prefer longer/shorter rods.

[@SwampDonkey23]

is The 6'10" casting rod the glass version?

[@patrickzajdel]

It is not. I like the full graphite

[@jakarvishouston1429]

Can you do one for large mouth

[@patrickzajdel]

Will be doing a couple tailored to largemouth this spring and summer as soon as the snow melts here 🥶

[@patrickzajdel]

Just added one for top 3 Chatterbait rods in the Expride B lineup 👌

[@2AA11Day]

I'd be all over that 6'10 m if the handle was shorter. I hate longer handles for jerkbaits and topwater.

[@patrickzajdel]

How long of a handle do you prefer for a Jerkbait?

[@2AA11Day]

@@patrickzajdelAnywhere from 13 to 14.5 for jerkbaits and topwaters

[@mattp5712]

I know your a spokesman for shimano but shimano hat, shimano shirt and 2 shimano stickers on your boat in the background is just ridiculous. It makes it hard for me to take you serious

[@patrickzajdel]

Thanks for watching!

[@horse.395]

What you trying to say a rod specifically for small mouth bass. What nonsense.

[@patrickzajdel]

When it comes to fishing smallmouth, especially on the Great Lakes, there are specific models that will excel with smallmouth techniques. That’s not to say you can’t use these rods for largemouth or spotted bass too, they just excel for smallmouth in certain situations. Tight lines!