Ok guys, I am finally breaking down and buying a dedicated swimbait set up. I just purchased a Shimano Cardiff 300, and now all I need is a rod. I want to keep it below 160 bucks if possible, but I can go over that if necessary. I am mainly going to be using 6'' soft body swimbaits, I don't think I"ll be launching anything bigger than that. What do you guys like for swimbaits rods around this price range? What action do ya'll prefer? Thanks guys!!

If you are using single hook swimbaits, St Croix premier 6'6"-7' MH/F. It would also work good for 1/2 oz.+ weight spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, too.

Not sure how much weight your planning on throwing, but if you want a "big bait" rod then id suggest an Okuma guide select. Ive got a 7'6" H and can throw from 1.5 oz up to 4.5 oz relatively comfortably. But if yout going to stick with small baits, under 3 oz, then I would suggest getting a BPS XH flippin stick for $40 and try em out before dropping too much money.

NGaHB

Ok guys, I am finally breaking down and buying a dedicated swimbait set up. I just purchased a Shimano Cardiff 300, and now all I need is a rod. I want to keep it below 160 bucks if possible, but I can go over that if necessary. I am mainly going to be using 6'' soft body swimbaits, I don't think I"ll be launching anything bigger than that. What do you guys like for swimbaits rods around this price range?

I hope you're not talking about hollow-bellies. I don't think you are, from the reel; just making sure!

If you're thinking of 6" hudds, Matt's baits, ospreys and the like, I'd recommend the Okuma Big Bait MH rod. The 7'11" is softer than the 7'6" and the latter might be more suitable for soft baits. I use 8 footers (or 8' minus an inch anyway); I like the extra length.

What action do ya'll prefer?

Medium/ medium-fast seems to be the general concensus.

I can go over that if necessary.

If you really want to spoil yourself, go get a GGR. These are made by Greg Ross.

You can contact him through Facebook; or you can PM me for his email/ cell number.

http://www.swimbaitnation.com/nationtalk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=30451

I hope you're not talking about hollow-bellies. I don't think you are, from the reel; just making sure!

If you're thinking of 6" hudds, Matt's baits, ospreys and the like, I'd recommend the Okuma Big Bait MH rod. The 7'11" is softer than the 7'6" and the latter might be more suitable for soft baits. I use 8 footers (or 8' minus an inch anyway); I like the extra length.

Medium/ medium-fast seems to be the general concensus.

hahahaha, no hollow bellies. Mainly Hudds, missions 3:16's and optimum swimbaits. (those are the one I ordered). I dont think I'll be throwing anything over 6'' long. Not now atleast..

I dont think I'll be throwing anything over 6'' long. Not now atleast..

Good luck with that then. That's what I thought too. Once not so long ago.

Good luck with that then. That's what I thought too. Once not so long ago.

I was reading some of Mike Long stuff online, and just got fired up. He knows how to explain swimbait fishing. I am pumped! Living in the south I am blessed with some hogs, and can't wait to hang one on a big swimbait. I've fished the Spro BBZ Shad with great success, but I've never thrown anything bigger.

Take a look at the Shimano Crucial swimbait Rods. They are around the price point you have set. I have used them for 3-4 years and am well pleased. They are 7'11" in length and have fished the 9" Bull Shad and the big MS Slammers with my XH Shimano.

Okuma's Guide Select series of Big Bait Casting Rods are decent performers, have received favorable reviews and they are very reasonably priced.

A-Jay

http://www.tackletou...uma711mhsb.html

http://www.amazon.co...ct swimbait rod

Okuma's Guide Select series of Big Bait Casting Rods are decent performers, have received favorable reviews and they are very reasonably priced.

A-Jay

http://www.tackletou...uma711mhsb.html

http://www.amazon.co...ct swimbait rod

Thanks for those links!! I was kinda not sure about the Okuma line of rods, but according to those guys they are pretty good.

Thanks for those links!! I was kinda not sure about the Okuma line of rods, but according to those guys they are pretty good.

I have limited experience with Swimbait tackle, but I've been fishing this stick for a month or so and I'm pleased with it's performance -

A-Jay

The Okuma guide select would be perfect and won't break the bank. Trust me, you'll be throwin 8" hudds and other big swimbaits in no time lol all the suggestions here are great so you've got some thinking to do. I've been dedicating every trip to swimbaits and its paid off so get the best rod you can in your price range if you really plan on throwin them exclusively for awhile.