Hey guys,

Started getting into looking for a dedicated Swimbait setup... rod selection 7'9" - 8' Medium Heavy with fast tip for throwing 1 - 5oz swimbaits with 20lb fluorocarbon appropriate? Also, I'm having a hard time figuring out what makes a good baitcasting reel for this type of fishing.. Low gear ratio or high gear ratio? 200 size reel to small? 300 better?

Any tips will be appreciated...

Thanks BR!

-zildjian

Skip the fluoro, go with something tougher, like 20# CXX.  I use a custom build rod, based off the Saint Croix LTBC79HF for that range of weights.  I'm using a Calcutta 200, which is often cited as too small, and truthfully, I can spool it with 25# line and a Hard Gill, but it isn't really a problem in most situations, and I like the smaller reel.  I know a lot of guys like the 300 series Curados, and I've also heard great things about the big Lexa.  Lastly, you can never go wrong with a Cardiff.  Whatever you get have DVT tune it up for you.

If you are just stepping into it go with an Okuma Guide Series rod, Cardiff 300/301A reel (low ratio is much preferred) and spool it with 20lbCXX (or similar copoly/mono).   ~$200 and you are good to go.

Stepping up a notch

Low Down Customs "production" model MH rod and a Daiwa Lexa 300 in the 5:1 ratio with the same line as above.  ~$400

 

John outlined the 200 vs 300 size issue.  I have big hands and like the piece of mind my 300 provides me (capacity).

This is awesome advice so far, thank you guys very much!