Steve, as a general approach for smallies, I think your idea of hanging on to one of your faster action 5-weight rods is a good one. In fact, I plan to pursue smallies this spring with just such a rod.
As far as largemouths, I spend the vast majority of my time pursuing these in the Delta, where you will find me using a heavier rod. Your faster action 5 wt. can handle most of the largemouths you will hook into on the Delta no problem and it will often be very sporting, but you will also run into a fish now and then that will make you wish you had brought something heavier, especially with all of the cover you will find on the Delta (weeds, tules, etc.). Thus, for Delta largemouth fishing, my go-to rod is a 7 wt. rod.
I’ve never fished the Sage Largemouth rod package, but I understand there are folks who do enjoy using them for Delta largemouths. I’ve even toyed with the idea of getting one myself for this purpose.
As far as reels, just about anything will do. You’ll usually find me using one of my standard Orvis Battenkill reels matched to the rod I’m using.
I use a 6 wt. bass bug tapered weight forward floating fly line on my 5 wt. rod and an 8wt. bass bug tapered weight forward floating fly line on my 7 wt. rod.
-- Mike
Chuck Norris has already been to Mars; that's why there are no signs of life.
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