CTFishTalk.com: Swimbait Rod/reel - Connecticut Bass Fishing ( CT Bass Fishing ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

SenkoBandit · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 298 Location: Vernon area

I'm gonig to be buying a rod/reel soon for swim baits.What does everybody use.I'm planning on running 3"-6" swim baits if that helps any.I was thinking a 7' med-heavy with a high speed bait caster.any suggestion?thanks

Just4fun · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 1389 Location: Saybrook

Longer is better! I've thrown them with 7',..7'2",..7'6",...and 7'11". The 7'6" is way better than the shorter rods and the 7'11" is slightly better than the 7'6",..but there is a tradeoff with the 7'11" because it is a little clumsy for the times when I just want to make a shorter cast!
(Note: I still prefer the 7'11",..even with the tradeoff though because it is more comfortable to fish with in the long run!) Cool

I am using a 7'11" MH Crucial for the smaller baits (up to 6"/ 2-oz) and a 7'11" H for the larger/heavier baits!

ps: I like the high speed reels for swimbaits,..because if the bait flys out and gets foul-hooked on the line or if it picks up some weeds,...you want to be able to get it back to the boat quickly. And swimbaits are often pretty far out there,..so the high speed retrieve is a definite benefit IMO.
_________________
"If people concentrated more on the really important things in life there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
Mark

stumpy · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 395 Location: northford

Im looking into one myself, im looking to throw anywhere from 1-5oz baits. im looking at either a Kistler swimbait rod or shimano crucial. either way im looking at 7'11 or 8'.

Justin · Joined: 11 Oct 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Farmington, CT

I don't throw swimbaits too much, but enough to get a feel for what works. It is definitely one of those techniques that you need to build confidence with in order to pick it up and throw it instead of other baits.

I have the Daiwa Heartland Big Bait series rod (7'9") and it's not bad for the price, but when I get a new one, I plan on going with the Crucial 7'11".

I would stay away from the Kistler rods as they are very inconsistent when manufactured. For the price/action/quality, you can't beat the Crucial series rods. I'm not saying all the Kistler rods are bad, I own two of them (dropshot and crankbait) and have not had any issues except for guides coming out for no reason at all (easy fix).

For the reel, high speed is great, but you also need something with a large line capacity for those long casts.

Nickp seems to throw swimbaits a lot and has pretty good results with them, so I would take his advice as well.[/i]

SenkoBandit · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 298 Location: Vernon area

thanks guys.that helps Cool

Nickp · Joined: 07 May 2007 Posts: 708

To be honest it doesnt matter much when you get into the bigger stuff. The smaller stuff (3-6in) is much better suited to throw on a heavy crucial that you may use for jig/pig. The mattlures are probably the best swimbait for sale that is under 7inches and less then 2ounces. Your better off with a 7 6 heavy crucial from there main series. Dont go with the 7 11 crucial swimbait rod until your ready to toss the bigger 7-10in baits that way 3-8oz.

Keep in mind, toss me or mark a PM (Most likely the two guys with the most expierence in CT tossing big baits) and you have wealths of info. Swimbaiting is not just tossing a big lure out there- in order to succeed you have to have some insight, patience, and a lot of understanding.

SenkoBandit · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 298 Location: Vernon area

sweet thanks again guys