WIBassKid96

Thanks for all your input guys! I really appreciate it! I still think that the Heavy would be my best fit for me right now. I don't really plan on going over 3oz much expect for the S waver 200, which I don't know how often I'll be throwing it. If I decide to start using Hudds I'll begin with the 68 size and then eventually if I start using the 8" I'll get another rod that would work better. Thanks again guys!

Maybe 80lb braid main line with a 20lb mono leader could work too. I guess it's all just trial and error from here lol Yeah kinda, I don't want to go all out yet until I have a lot of confidence in it. Once I do, then maybe I'll upgrade more

I want to start taking up throwing swimbaits more regularly and I know by doing this I'll need the right rod. I'll mainly be throwing hard baits. For example I'll use the S waver both in the 200 and 168 size (3 1/2oz and 1 5/8oz), the Jackall Gantarel (2.5 oz), Spro BBZ-1 6" floating model (2oz) and I'll be trying the new Lucky Craft Real Ayu 178 (2 1/16oz). I think I have the right idea for a rod setup, but I wanted to make sure with the people on here that have much more experience using baits like these if they could help! Rod: I am thinking either the Okuma Citrix or the Guide Select Series Big Bait from Okuma as well. I was thinking the 7'11" in the Heavy power would be best (rated 1-6oz) since I don't plan on using anything over 6oz anytime soon. I'm leaning towards getting the Citrix, but it has a handle length of 18.5in compare to 24in on the Guide Select Series. I'm not sure if the handle length would make a huge difference when casting heavy baits so I would like some insight if the handle length would be a factor in what I should get. Reel: I am almost dead set on getting a Shimano Cardiff in the 300 size. It has a 5.8:1 Gear Ratio and brings in about 24inches per turn. I think this would be a good all around gear ratio for what I'm using because I tend to reel too fast anyways so this might have me slow it down more. If I were to need to use a faster reel, let me know. If I go faster I was thinking of the Lew BB2 wide spool in the 6.4:1 which brings in about 28" per turn. Line: Here is where I have the biggest question. I was thinking of going with 20lb P-line CXX, but with fishing in WI we have pike and Muskie and I was wondering if they could bite off some of my baits with that line. I have used my Flipping Rod with 65lb braid and a 15lb mono leader and I had lost a S waver 168 on a cast off so that kinda turns me away from using braid with swimbaits now. Also with the floating swimbaits like the BBZ I was wondering if the CXX would work for that too. Thanks in advance for all your input guys! I'm really looking forward to trying this out and catching some bigger fish if I can!

Thanks for the reply Masterbass. I think I'll go with 15lbs FC on the 6'10" MH that way I can use senko, flukes, jigs, worms and maybe even squarebills. I think I might be able to get it all done on that rod, if not I guess I'll just have to get an other one lol. For the 6' 8" H I'm thinking 50lb braid will work for swim jigs? Thanks again!

I'm new to the forum, so I'm not 100% sure if I'm posting this in the right spot. So there's a deal going on for the Okuma Concept C3-40x for 50% off. I feel like this is a pretty good deal for the rod so I would like to get one. There are limited sizes left to buy but the two I'm looking at are the 6'8" Heavy F and the 6'10" MH F. I was wondering what applications these rods could be specialized for. I feel like the 6'10" could make a decent worm and jig rod, but I'm not sure what size the jig or worm it could handle. Could it also work as a squarebill rod with the Fast Tip? I still have a lot to learn yet so I would like to hear some ideas from the members on here. I like to throw heavy cover swim jigs, the Dirty Jigs Swim jigs in particular with the heavy duty hooks with a small swimbait as a trailer, and was wondering if the 6'8" Heavy would make a good heavy cover swim jig rod or what that rod could be used for since I'm not really familiar with the use of short stout rods (maybe pitching?). Thanks for all the info you guys can give me!