What Rod and Reel set up to use for swimbaits?

[bigjosh15]

I have been throwing lately alot of senko's and jigs. I want to start throwing big swimbaits like the shell cracker,lunker punker,wake jr.....I just dont know what is a good set up.

What brand of rod ,size of rod with what action type MH,H,EH...
What is a good durable reel.
What is a good line and, what LBS. test to use?

[Guest]

It depends on a number of factors -- type of swimbait, weight, species & where you're fishing. If you really want to get a feel for swimbaits my first suggestion would be to hire a guide so you can use their equipment before hitting the water. Once you get a feel for the type of swimbaits you'll be fishing you'll save a lot of money getting the right gear for the type of swimbait you're throwing. I've gone through several setups myself and found that once you hit the water with someone who has it tuned in you'll be better off in the long run with the right gear.

Where are you located and what lakes do you normally fish? I think once we have a better idea some of the forum users can suggest a guide closer to you. Also check out the Westernbass.tv section as there are a number of good video's where at the end they go through the gear they prefer to use.

[bigjosh15]

I fish the Delta. I have never been to a lake but am working on it.


Also if anyone knows some people who can help for the delta teen team, contact Joey F.
bassmaster89 is Joey
He can give you the schedule for it.

[bassmaster89]

Josh, I have an okuma 7'11" swimbait rod I will sell you. Like you said, a good start would be a shellcracker, 6" injected punker, and a tournament talon osprey.

[birdi23nls]

if you are thowing heavyswimbaits like hudds I have a loomis and calcutta setup that is sweet that i might get rid of....if I can get most of my money back say within $100 bucks. let me know if your interested.

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

if you can build a rod I would pick up a rainshadow 967 blank. they usually go for 45 - 60 bucks. pair that up with a curado 300. Spool it with some 25lb test or 65lb braid and your set.

If you decide to throw the smaller baits like a mission fish or JSJ this rod is still AWESOME!!

Steven

[Mike Thomas]

Everybody has their preference's, Mine for all of the baits you mentioned as well as many other's such as Mission Fish and Ospreys is the Dobyns 795ml paired with a Curado 300

[Austen]

Dobyns 795ml paired with a Curado 300

+1

[civicrr]

Everybody has their preference's, Mine for all of the baits you mentioned as well as many other's such as Mission Fish and Ospreys is the Dobyns 795ml paired with a Curado 300

I am no swimbait expert but that is my preference too. My first swimbait rod was the GLoomis SWBR955C. The Dobyns is lighter, better balanced, more sensitive & less expensive.

You can substitute the 795SBMT (Swim Baits Magnum Topwater) if you want. Same blank but with shorter rear grip. The idea is that the shorter rear grip allows you to work topwater lures (Lunker Punker) more easily. I am bouncing back & forth between the two models. I can't quite decide which I like the best. This week, I think I like the 795ML better.

[acm95301]

Big Josh is 15, and its likely he is on a budget. while Calcutta's and Dobyn 795 ml are great recommendations, I don't think he needs to blow a years income on a single rod and reel combo.

IF... he even needs a swimbait rod...the okuma 7'11" swimbait rod and a cardiff 400 would be a huge upgrade....My concern is that if he has little or no boat access , why bother...

If he wants big fish he is better off jig fishing.

[bigjosh15]

ya i am just trying new baits, but i dont know anyone who has a boat i really want to though.

[Jonnysig]

Josh, Glad to see youre hooked on Bass fishing at an early age. Keep it up and it will keep you outta trouble. And I see where you are coming from and I know you want to try different baits...go for it man. Just dont break the bank if you know what I mean. Youre young and dont need a big 8 foot expensive rod. Keep what rod or rods you have and get a small to medium swimbait and test things out first. Thats what I would do. Unless youre rich....and if thats the case i would buy everything that was mentioned in this post lol. Good luck man!

[Jonnysig]

Almost forgot...youre looking to fish from a boat.

Take a look at the WesternBass banner at the top of your internet page. There is a link up there labeled "Clubs". Give it a click and depending on where you are at you might find a club in your area...and that club just might be looking for some 15 year olds. Jump on it now man...if you get started now who knows you might be the next Gary Dobyns. They might say no you are too young...but you'll never know until you try. The worse that will happen is they will say No and youre in the same spot youre in now...but...if they say Yes. Youre in there!!! and your life will never be the same buddy, I promise. If there are no clubs for you in that link, keep looking, theres other sites out there.... Good luck, let us know if we can help.

[mark poulson]

Big Josh is 15, and its likely he is on a budget. while Calcutta's and Dobyn 795 ml are great recommendations, I don't think he needs to blow a years income on a single rod and reel combo.

IF... he even needs a swimbait rod...the okuma 7'11" swimbait rod and a cardiff 400 would be a huge upgrade....My concern is that if he has little or no boat access , why bother...

If he wants big fish he is better off jig fishing.

I agree, although I'd recommend the 7'6" Okuma swimbait rod, and the Cardiff 300.
That rod has a shorter butt, which helps when you're walking a punker, and that reel is smaller, but holds plenty of 20lb. mono.
For a little over $200 from Tacklewarehouse, you'll be set, both have lifetime warrantees, and that setup throws even bigger swimbaits, if you need to. It's not ideal for heavier stuff, but, up to 4 ounces, it's great, and will throw ROF 12 Huds in a pinch.

[WishinIwerFishin]

I have an okuma 7111H and a cardiff 300 spooled with 65lb power pro I'll make you a great deal on if your interested Josh. Both are in like new condition and the line has only been fished on two trips.

[offduty]

It really depends on you and what you like in a rod as far as what you should get. You do not have to spend a lot to get a nice rod especially if you buy used. I buy off eBay all the time because I do not mind used gear and need to find bargains to get good gear.

Personally my favorite reel is the Shimano Curado 301 as I am left handed and the low profile reel has a good spool capacity for its size. I also own Calcutta TE 401's and they are great reels. Their is other stuff out there but that is what I use for my heavier swimbaits.

In Rods you have a lot of choices and you might like the G Loomis BBR bounce back rods. Some don't like them for swimbaits but I have 2 and they have their application for me and when you can pick them up for $100.00 or less I think that is a fair deal.

I have Loomis swimbait rods Dobyn's, Powell and Kistler and enjoy them all. For some a more parabolic action will allow you to throw a heavier lure with less fatigue as the rod loads up more. A big swimbait can give a fish a lot of leverage to throw the bait. You can overcome that by getting the fish in fast or by the hook set up on the lure and then go with less drag setting.

The Loomis bounce back rods are not for everyone some really don't care for them as they are designed for salmon fishing but they are 8 foot long, light and can really launch a big bait and I have used them with good success. Also the Okuma swimbait rods are great value If your looking to save money just don't forget to look for deals on eBay and be patient and you can get a great deal. If you don't bid till the very end no one will now you want the bid item and the price will probably be lower in the end.

If you are in Ventura county let me know and you can try my vaious rods and I will get you out on Casitas if its OK after I meet your folks.

Rich