freelancer27

Thanks guys for the quick replies! Yeah, I think I would be willing and able to invest around 3-4k in a set up (with hanger, etc.). How is something like this here: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bod/5630467057.html Just to get a general sense..

Hi everybody, I am for 95% a bank angler. Only every now and then I am lucky to be able to rent a boat or get invited to one. The area that I live in (Marin County, CA) does not allow any kind of boats on its lakes, which is a bummer! I do live in Sausalito, which is a little town right at the Bay of San Francisco. So I was wondering if it made sense to get a dedicated kayak that I could use to mainly go out in the Bay and occationally use it to go onto lakes like Berryessa or Clear lake. Since I have a very limited amount of experience/ knowledge about such kayaks I would love to ask the community on advice and guidelines on how best to approach this. It would be also great to get an understanding on what kind of investment I am looking at here. So in order to better scope my preferences here is a list: * I am 6'4'' (200 pounds) and I would like to comfortably sit in the kayak stand be able to fish while standing as well. * Would be nice if I could bring my gf with me every now and then (we have a Sevylor Colorado HF Angler Inflatable Kayak, that is nice to take with us in the car but it is neither comfortable to go for longer outings nor very adecuate to fish or go onto the Bay with it). * I would like to have some sort of foot-paddle system (the 'mirage system' looks interesting, not sure about the pros and cons though) * I would like to have some storage for up to 5 rods and a couple of boxes * I would like the ability to install a trolling motor (or directly get one with it) * I would like to install a fish finder My car does not have a hanger or anything, so I would need that as well. (Honda Civic). Also I do not have a garage where I could put the kayak (what kind of options do I have to secure it safely in the spot in front of my garage (from weather and robbery)? And last but not least. What kind of budget do I need to set aside for this? Thank you very much for your thoughts! -Seb.

Well, if one has a boat it is a different story. You don't have to carry them around, can store them nicely and also have probably more money available/dedicated to the sport of fishing. I am a 95% bank angler and my set up consists of 5 combos and a 6th that is just in the car. Carrying 5 combos around is getting already a bit border line, but oh well.. THough if I had a boat and the the dough I would probably have around 8-10 combos, JUST IN CASE

Cant go wrong with 16USD. Just a warning though. Once you are throwing the bigger lurs, you eventually will get bigger baits, which will make ask yourselve why you did not spend a bit more for a decent swimbait rod. I do not know the 6'6" MH Lightning Rod Shock but it sounds too light for the 6inch swimbait you are referring to. All of the ones I know of are heavier than what the rod supports. Plus with a MH set up you might not be able to throw the lure that far, plus hook set is gonna be harder, etc, etc. .. Safe up/wait for 4th of July discounts

I would look at the Dobyn's Champion, IRod 2 Genesis or the Okuma.

Hi, I just went through the same exercise a couple of days ago. A little tip that I might want to give you. Rather safe a bit more money and get a decent rod. Here are some options: * Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'9" Med Hvy Swimbait (120USD) * Daiwa DX Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Heavy (110 USD) * Genesis II Cast Rod 7'9" Large Swimbait Heavy (150 USD) * Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" XH (125 USD) Also, there are 4th of July sales coming up that could save you some money as well. Personally I went for the Phenix M7'9 Inshore XH. That rod costs quite a bit more than you put in your budget, but it is a quality rod that can be used for multiple applications. Take your time with the decision. Rather buy once that many times.

Ok, I went for the Phenix SMX-79H Inshore. SMX-79H 7'9" Line 20-45 3-8oz I think it is a good all rounder for Bigger Swimbaits and Inshore fishing. Directly went ahead and took advantage of this offer https://www.*.com/Savage-Gear-3D-Line-Thru-Trout-p/savagegear-3dlttrout.htm Now I just need a couple of weedless Huds, a 9 inch MS Slammer and I am all set! Thanks again for all the help here!

That is the time when I am getting my swimbaits!

Thanks guys. I have noted a couple of your recommendations. Will go to the store on Saturday again (if all works out). Will have a look at the models and then make a decision based on individual feel? Any recommendations on how to test a rod? Put my reel on it and see how it feels and balances? Thanks!

I was planning to use 25pound Trilene BigGame Mono. I always use a rod sock, when transporting my babies in the car! The lures I was planning to throw would be larger poppers, jigs and swimbaits. You convince me more and more to check the Okuma!

Thank you again for your opinion! What do you think is setting a Loomis rod apart from an Okuma/Irod ? The BBR966C sounds good, but is unfortunately too long with its 8 feet for my little car. ;/ I would like to use the rod equally much for inshore fishing, if that has an impact on the selection. Thanks again.

Ok, I think more and more opinions here make me believe that I do not need a 270 USD rod for Swimmbait fishing. I will see if I can exchange it for either the Okuma and put the remaining money in some nice swimbaits instead.

Wholy moly! I thought there was an 'easy' answer to this. Honestly if the Okuma is such a good choice I might try to exchange the Loomis for the Okuma and get some swimbaits for the remaining money. What I am hearing so far is that there is no special benefit from the G.Loomis that would justify the 2x higher price over the Okuma. Thought the rod has just a 1 year warranty...

Any opionions on this one: Phenix Swimbait Classic Cast Rod 7'9" Heavy ?

Thanks for the replies. Which of the G. Loomis would you select? What are other options in that price range that are capable of throwing 6-8 ounce loures, have a great warranty are not longer as 7'11''? THanks!

Thanks for your help man! I would use the rod purely for bigger swimbaits (bass) and swimbaits and bigger topwater applications (inshore). So, a extra fast tip might not be optimal here. So, I would like to stay within 7'11'' and be able to throw baits up to 6-8 ounces. I am a little bit overwhelmed with the options here. Reading through all reviews on TW and Tackletour and also watching a ton of youtube videos, but no rod has really stood out constantly yet. That is why I am thankful for your opinions!!!

8 feet is too long. I am already having a hard time getting the 7'11'' into my tiny car... :/

You mean something like this: Phenix M1 Casting Rod 7'5" Extra Hvy ?

Hi all, Over the weekendend I spontaniously decided to get into larger Swimbiat Fishing. So I went to a fishing store the other day and bought a Swimbait rod after getting consultation by one of the guys at the shop. I went for the G. Loomis Swimbait Rod 7'11" Med Hvy SWBR955. There was a 20% discount on the rod, that is why I mainly bought it. When I came home (the store is around 1h drive from my place) I directly went ahead and checked for reviews on the web to see if I made a smart purchase. Obviously I was not smart enough to check this in store... The reviews seemed to be just ok... http://www.tackletour.com/reviewloomisswbr955c.html Additionally after closer inspection I realized that the first guide had a small crack in the glued holder section and that the first guide was also slightly misaligned. Again, something that my stupid butt should have checked in store. Now that I have decided to drive back to the store to at least exchange the rod against a flawless one (this is the most expensive rod I own), I would like to check in with you Swimbiat experts first to see if: A ) Should I keep the rod model and just exchange the rod B ) Should I change to a different G. Loomis modell given their 20% discount. Options here would be: * G. Loomis GL2 Cast Swimbait Rod 7'11" Heavy 956C SWB * G. Loomis IMX Swimbait Rod 7'11" Med Hvy 955C SWB * G. Loomis IMX Swimbait Rod 7'11" Heavy 956C SWB * G. Loomis IMX Umbrella Rig Rod 7'7" XH 916C UBR C) Replace the rod with a different brand/model I am planning to couple the rod with my Lew's BB2 Inshore reel. I would like to use the combo to throw bigger swimbaits (up to 6 ounces) and also use it for inshore fishing. It is important to me that the rod has a good warranty, since this is a big investment and should last a couple of years. I would really appreciate it if you could post some of your thoughts. Thank you very much!

Ha, was just about to start the exact thread.. I was watching one of those Japanese videos and saw a floating insect lure (18:17). Looks like a cool bait to catch finicky bass. Anyone an idea what that lure is, or if there is something similar around?

That looks good. That is a complaint that I have with the BBZ. The back hook catches the tail too often. Which is annoying.

Hi all, just fished my new BBZ- Rat1 this past weekend and had some good success with it. I love the price to performance ratio that this lure gives, but I am curious to see what other people like to throw and what other wakebaits are out there that a step up from the BBZ. I am not necessarily talking here about size (I would like to stay around 2oz) but would be interested in a better action, better materials and a more realistic look. Thanks. -Seb.

I would agree with most here. ADD a baitcaster to your set up and keep the spinning one. Spinning for anything when it is very windy or when you are throwing lighter lures, baitcaster for anything else. Personally I had been fishing with spinning gear only for many many years. Only now that I have been fishing here in the US I have tried a baitcaster. What can I say? It is much more accurate and also much more convenient and fun to use. My total set up consists now of 1 spinning and 4 baitcaster set ups. Add to your equipment slowly. Understand what you need and then add quality rather than quantity. Have fun!

Keeping the Curado. Feels better on my rod, is cheaper and has some features that I like better than on the chronarch. Thanks guys!

Thanks all! The Coastal is my new reel for my frogg/ inshore set. I am debating now if I should replace my BassPro Qualifier with any of the Shimanos... OMG does that GAS never stop...