I think I already know the answer but I just want to double check. I'd be fine using a 7'6 daiwa musky rod correct? 2-8oz I've never used big swimbaits and just want a cheap combo to get started. Especially considering all the baits I'd still have to buy just to get a good starter set put together.

Gonna pair it with a Cardiff 301a and #65 braid.

That'll be just fine for bass or musky. When you catch a big musky make sure to post it. I love those things..

I used to use my Xheavy flippin stick when I started out swimbaitin just to see if it was worth my investment

If it werent the money flows stop.  Its gets expensive real fast

 

Maryland record is an 11 pounder.. caught it on a plastic worm not a swimbait..

I think yer right to tip toe into it..

Yeah it's 11.6 but it was also out of a farm pond. Same with the old record that lasted 30yrs. I'm looking at $200 for a combo plus another $100 for a couple baits to try out.

I'm using a BPS Extreme 7' 10" H. They're normally $99 but you can get them on sale for $79 every year during their spring fever sale. It's only rated to 3 ounces though so if you're going to fish a real big bait it might not be heavy enough. 

I have an Abu C4 6600 for sale in the flea if you need a reel. I use the Croix mojo rod for 4oz and under swimbaits. I have a premier musky rod if I plan to throw anything bigger. Okuma big bait rod seems to be a popular start up rod in the swimbait world.

You'll be fine. I started with one of the Okumas and a Cardiff 200 which also would get you under. You could also put together a great set up fro. The flea market right now...there's a Quantum SB rod and a few round reels that would fit the bill. But to answer the original question, that should do it for the basics.

My local guy has the rod so I got that covered but there is a Cardiff 301 in the flea market I'm looking at.