swimbait rod?

[overkill]

Anyone recommend an economic rod for heavy swimbaits? I am looking for something that can handle 2-3oz.

[woodsac]

Boy, can I...

I throw a lot of big swimbaits, up to 6 or 7 ozs. There are a few rods out there, but most are expensive or you have to get them custom wrapped. The best bang for you buck is the Okuma Big Bait rod. You get a rod designed for big baits, by guys that throw big baits. 2-3 ozs isn't that heavy, so check out the heavy model. You won't need the XH for that weight.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpageRDCOKUMA-OGSBBR.html

And if that's still too much $$$...check out these Daiwa Heartland rods. These aren't as stout as the Okuma's, so you actually get the 7'9" XH with this one.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/descpageRDCDAIWA-DAHSCR.html

[badfish03]

Another very economical rod is the Bass Pro Shops Power Plus Trophy Class rods. They arent pretty or fancy but you wouldnt expect much for 20 bucks.

They have enough give in the tip area that you cut down on ripping the bait out of the fishes mouth and they come in both spinning and casting models from 6'6" tp 7'6" the spinning model handle 1/2-2 oz, the casting models 1-4 oz. The Catmaxx rods arent too bad either but have a stiffer tip section.

I've been playing with these for only a short while so take my advice with a big grain of salt

Robert

[nerdy]

ill vote for the okumas too. i have a heavy and they are nice.

[sloegoe]

I've been using the okuma heavy action rod ever since they came out. They are designed for throwing large baits 4 ounces and up! As another member pointed out, for lures less than that you really don't need a swimbait rod. You need alot of weight to load them properly when you cast!

[smirkplug]

I Don't Use Okuma !!!!! But I Have Tried The Bass Pro 6'3'' Graphite Series Gs63xht 5/8-- 4-oz. 14--40 Lb. Line. It Works Good But Is A Little Too Stiff And Have Lost Big Fish Shaking Their Heads And Tearing Out The Hooks. My Favorite Inexpensive (on Sale At Walmart Now $15.00) Is Quantum Saltwater Grade Qsc70mh . 15--30 Pound Line 1--2 Oz Lure (3--4 Oz Is O.k. Too) Medium Heavy, It Has Enough Backbone To Cast Well But Isnt Too Stiff To Keep A Constant Pressure To The Hook With A Big Fat Headshaker Thats Going Balastic Trying To Get Away !!!! Although I Can't Blame My Rod As Much Anymore ???

[Norcalbassin]

Swimbait equipment my specialty. I too don't use Okuma. A very good all around swimbait rod that can handle big baits is the Redington 7911. It is a 7'9" 1 piece casting rod rated for 15-30lb line and 1-6oz lures. It casts those big lures great without wearing you out. It is very sensitve and probably the best feature is that it has some give at the tip, but still has a lot of backbone. That soft tip is a life saver when fish start jumping or get that sudden burst of energy right next to the boat and the good thing is it's only $99. Its also very durable, a friend of mine has had one for nearly 8 years and has put it through some serious abuse and is still catching trophies on it. Besides swimbaits its also great for flippin and froggin.

Thanks,

Norcalbassin

[smirkplug]

IM 48 NOW AND CAN'T THROW A 7'9'' ROD ALL DAY ANY MORE, I HAVE BAD ARTHRITUS IN MY SHOULDERS, HANDS, AND WRISTS. THE QUANTUM I DESCRIBED IS ONLY 7'0'' WITH AN OVERSIZED CORK HANDLE . I WISH I COULD STILL TOSS THE BIG SMIRKPLUGS WITH AN 8' OR 9' STICK FROM SUNUP TO SUNDOWN IN A DRIFTING RENTAL BOAT AT PYRAMID OR CASTIAC LAKES:yes: THE ROD DESCRIBED ABOVE BY NORCAL BASSER SOUNDS ABOUT PERFECT, IF I DID'NT FEEL SO LAME:( $100 IS A GREAT PRICE ON THAT LENGTH AND QUALITY ROD:yay: