Swim Bait Tackle

[Tokyo Lunker]

I waiting on some swim baits right now and wanted to know what kind of rod and reel I should get. I know to get a heavy or extra heavy rod but don't know what brands. Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Ken

[Mike Bucca]

Ken, Tell me what lures you are getting and in what sizes and I can help make a reccomendation for ya.

Mike

[fishtale75]

I like the Shimano Crucial I just got and it is reasonably priced at 150, but as mIke said it would help to know what type baits you are throwing the one I just got is for a bigger bait, I also have a M/H Okuma big bait rod I like too for the smaller stuff it is like 100 bucks, but I am a frim believer you get what you pay for but the rods I just mentioned work for me, when I bought the Okuma I was still expeirmenting with it, I had been using a Falcon Expert flippin stick and was afraid I was gonna damage it so I seen the okuma and decided I would try it. Dobyns, Rogue, and Powell are supossed to be the premier rods. I am just a working man that loves to fish so the ones I got work for me.

[swimb8er]

Like Mike said, knowing the baits you'll be fishing will help a lot. Some can be fished effectively on bass tackle you might already own; while others need special swimbait gear. It depends on the weight of the bait more than anything. Same goes for the line and the reel. With the right setup; the rod will cast the bait for you. It take very little effort to cast a big swimbait; IF you have the right setup. If you have the wrong setup; you'll be sore at the end of the day. I know, because I've used a few of them. Even a flippin' stick at one time. There is a difference.

Take care!

[Tokyo Lunker]

I just bought a Daiwa Dead or Alive Swimbait, Lucky Craft Premium Real California, Charlie Swimbait, and a LA Slider. They weigh in at around 1 1/4 to 4 ounces repectively. I ordered a Shimano Curado CU300DSV with a 8'HT Team Daiwa® Light and Tough Bass Rod with line and lure rate of 17-30 LB, 6-10 OZ and 17lb P-Line Halo. If there any objections let me know, and I will take it back. Thanks Guys
Ken

[Mike Bucca]

Ken, If your rod ratings is 6-10oz your rod is overkill for the baits you listed. Kinda like throwing a dropshot on a surf rod kinda deal .. One of the best swimbait rods that I have played with thus far is the Lamiglas Big Bait Special. Thats my favorite swimbait rod right now. Now I got 4 Dobyns (MIke Long Signature series) swimbait rods on backorder so that can very well change.

Mike

[Tokyo Lunker]

Thanks Man,
I hate impluse buying!!! Anyone want a 8'HT Team Daiwa® Light and Tough Bass Rod??? LOL!!!

[Tokyo Lunker]

Thanks Guys

[swimb8er]

What's up Tokyo Lunker:)?

Being completely honest; I wouldn't buy/use one of those Daiwa swimbait rods. I love Daiwa reels, and they make good bass rods for the money; but their newer swimbait rods are over built in my opinion. I hate the handles on them, the giant guides; everything about them really. I haven't fished them, but even if I did; I don't think my opinion would change. Sorry, but that's what I think of them:)!

You made a good choice on the reel though! I prefer Daiwa reels for my "standard" baitcasters and spinning reels; but you can't beat Shimano for a swimbait reel. I use the Calcutta 300 and 400 TEs; but the Curado 300 is getting VERY popular. It has the HEG gearing; just like the TEs do. That is what makes them such killer reels. If/when you do hook a big bass; Shamu comes your direction:)! The cranking power those gears have is just insane. They also help in fishing the larger swimbaits. The 300 size is also large enough for 25# line; which you may want to consider if you use larger baits.

Speaking of line:)! You may want to consider bumbing up to 20# and for some baits; 25# line. I use copolymer, more specifically; Triple Fish X-Rated. You want a durable/abrasion resistant line. Something that's bullet proof! The fish won't care; trust me:)! Either way, make sure you retie often; even if you don't feel any nicks. While casting, the big baits will stretch the line and weaken it. Sooner or later; you'll cast off a bait if you don't retie. I'm lucky because I haven't done that yet; but I hear guys doing it all the time.

As for rods, check out Okuma if you need one right now. For their price; I honestly can't think of any negatives. They're built well, have long handles (which is a HUGE plus), they're cheap, great warranty; and great customer service. You won't find a better rod for the money! In fact, I would even get one of them before I'd buy some of the slightly more expensive rods. You'd probably be okay with a 7'11" Heavy. It MAY be overkill for the Lucky Craft; but it should be fine for the other baits mentioned. Plus it's big enough to handle some bigger baits down the road. They're only $100 I believe. My dad has a XH 7'11" Okuma that I use on occasion when I need another swimbait combo in the boat. Can't beat them for the money.

Now, that's if you CAN'T wait:)! NOTHING wrong with the Okumas and you won't regret buying one. However, after looking at the Dobyns Mike Long signature series swimbait rods; I know what my next swimbait rod will be. In fact, I already have two on backorder myself. I use custom 8' swimbait rods at the moment; and they are just about perfect. However, they are pretty expensive; and the guy that builds them takes forever:)! The 8' Dobyns swimbait rod is VERY VERY VERY similar and is the best factory swimbait rod I've ever handled. The action is perfect, the handle is extra long (matters a ton on the big baits), the handle is foam which I LOVE, lifetime warranty; and they'll be easier to get than my customs:)! I can't wait to fish with them. I'm truly looking forward to it. The 7'9" model is on my order too! It'll be PERFECT for the 5" to light 8" baits! So if you can wait until late September or mid October I believe; that would be the rod I'd recommend. Mike Long is picky when it comes to his swimbait gear, so if he designs it; it'll be the best. I know he's used just about every swimbait rod out there at one time or another, including the custom rods I'm using now; so he knows what it takes to build the ultimate swimbait rod.

Hope this helps and keep us posted on your swimbait success:)!

Take care!

[swimb8er]

Another thing I forgot to mention about swimbait rods:)!

Anglers seem to think they need broomsticks for swimbait rods. That's not what you want! Get a rod that's big enough to fish the swimbaits you'll be using, and that's it. The baits you have are TECHNICALLY small:)! Well, for California standards anyways:)~ You don't need or want an XH rod. In fact, you may or may not need the Heavy I recommended above. There is also a MH available. However, the Heavy will allow you to use bigger baits in the future; yet will still handle the baits you listed.

Hope that helps too:)!

Take care! I'm goin' fishin' in a few hours:)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE HE

[Tokyo Lunker]

Swimb8er,
I have to eat my losses on the Daiwa rod (it arrived yesterday). BassPro gave the wrong info. it rated it a 6-10 ounce rod but when I got it, I looked at the rod and it was rated for 6-10 inch swimbaits. Anyways, thanks for the detailed info and I am sure I will buy the dobyns on "inpulse" soon. Thank you
Ken

[zippers]

IMHO for the 6" baits including the Water Striker DD , (Shown Above, the Shad and Dark Trout might as well be called Spot Candy) Swimbabes, LA SLIDER, Triple Trout, Slammer, AC Cole etc... The Medium Heavy is my preferred rod, as the baits dont overload the tip when casting, and the rod is parabolic enough to really let the fish get the bait deep and forgiving in terms of hook sets. A good parabolic rod that the power starts really kickin in around the 3-4th eye is perfect for me. I actually have been using a Seeker rod (fiberglass) that has been a great rod for me esp in the smaller baits. I am one of those waiting for the Dobyns Rod Mike Long Series, after speaking to Mike and Gary about this rod and knowing both of thier traits for perfection I am also hoping to have a factory rod that is not a compromise.