For next year i really want to try getting into swimbaits but i want to try smaller cheaper stuff first like hydra tails and g2 shell crackers for example. I wanted to throw littler stuff like this on a pitching stick since they are not to big but i was wondering if i could throw them on 17lb fluro. I understand braid would be the better option with a fluro leader but this past year ive become more comfortable with fluro than braid.

I personally would throw them on atleast 20lb line. I have used 20 and 25lb fluorocarbon for the Shellcracker with no problems. I am going to try 65lb braid next year and see how that works. I used the G2 shellcracker a ton this past year on various different rods and I think it is best thrown on a light swimbait rod. I throw mine on a 7'9" Powell Endurance Alabama Rig rod. It is rated 1-3oz and works perfectly for the shell cracker. 

17 is more than enough for the baits you mentioned as they are quite small. I would stay away from braid with swimbaits with a few exceptions the main one being a mission fish

I agree with Vikingbear, 17lb should be fine for small baits on a flipping stick and don't use braid.  

I like the Decoy Hydratail, I throw it on 17 lb Floro for whatever it's worth. It's a fairly light bait and it could probably be thrown on a little lighter line if so desired. I usually fish 20 lb line for baits that are in the 2-4 oz range.

Thanks by the way would a dobyns champion 735 be a ok for those small swimbaits i dont know how good and extra fast rod would be for smaller swimbaits

17 is more than enough for the baits you mentioned as they are quite small. I would stay away from braid with swimbaits with a few exceptions the main one being a mission fish

Thanks by the way would a dobyns champion 735 be a ok for those small swimbaits i dont know how good and extra fast rod would be for smaller swimbaits

 

Braid with swimbaits can be bad news, what happens is when you cast that big 2-10 oz. bait (in his case on the lighter side) and lets say you backlash, with zero stretch in braid that impact is severe and often times breaks braid and sends your expensive swimbait flying. With mono or even flouro there is enough stretch to help absorb some of the shock and keep your bait attached. I personally have never had a problem with it and threw big swimbaits with 65# pp and a leader for almost two years, but stopped using it for everything but a mission fish basically. So it definitely CAN work but most people advise against it. 

20 lb yozuri hybrid. You will lose more lures with braid as you get into bigger swim baits from cast offs than snags unless you are really really good with your bait caster. I use 17 for baits similar to the ones you referenced.

Why do you say not to use braid? I always thought it was okay.

To build on what vikingbear said, if you fish soft baits you can do serious damage or ruin your swimbait if it gets cut by your line, which braid does really easily.

 

I fish 4-5 inch swimbaits on 15lb copolymer and a 7' M/F all the time with no problems.