What set up are you using for your bull shad fishing (or other large, expensive swimbaits)?  Any less expensive alternatives to the bull shad that are equally effective?  I have long resisted the idea of spending $50 on a lure, but the results are clearly undeniable...

Depending on what size and particular swimbait you are talking about, but you could get away with a M-MH rod for some swimbaits around 5-6".  You could probably throw the 5" Bullshad or 6" Bullherring on something you probably already have like a 7' Medium rod.  It may not be ideal, but it will work until you decide whether or not you want to invest in a swimbait specific set-up.

I wouldn't throw a bait on a medium rod that comes in at over an ounce myself.  Smaller swimbaits like this and S-Weavers you can use a MH style flipping stick.  I use an older BPS Bionic Blade 7'6"MH to throw baits up to about 2.5oz.  Want something in at least a 6 power rod if you decide to want to venture into some of the smaller large swimbaits (below 6") that you can fish at least 20lb mono on.

I wouldn't throw a bait on a medium rod that comes in at over an ounce myself.  Smaller swimbaits like this and S-Weavers you can use a MH style flipping stick.  I use an older BPS Bionic Blade 7'6"MH to throw baits up to about 2.5oz.  Want something in at least a 6 power rod if you decide to want to venture into some of the smaller large swimbaits (below 6") that you can fish at least 20lb mono on.

 

I have a 7'6" MH Duckett Micro Magic I could use; reel is a RevoSX Gen3 I could string up with 20lb mono.  What knot are you using with your larger swim baits?  90% of the time I am using a palomar w/ mono...

What size BS?

What size BS?

 

What's the best all-around size?  I'm not going to invest in more than one, so I would like the ideal size for the 8+ lb lunkers, but also one that the 3+ will attack...

Don't have a bullshad, so I won't know about the best all around size.

 

Among the baits that I do fish, I'd consider the hardgill or the 7/8 inch triple trout good for what you're describing. Never caught anything over 6# on hardbaits though (softbaits, yes), so I guess my advice isn't worth much.

 

I throw both on a GGR Light/ Curado 301D/ 25# PF. I;m pretty sure Greg/ Harry don't make the GGRs any more, but it is comparable to a 5 power/ MH swimbait rod (not an MH bass rod). The 25# PF has similar diameter as most 15 or 20# mono.

 

Also, I have zero experience with spotted bass.

I fish a 5" BS on a 7' 2" MH/F Shimano Sellus with a H20 Mettle. Whole setup cost me less than $90 out the door and has been great for fishing that bait for smallmouth. I throw it on 15-17 pound Pline and can launch it a mile. 

I use a San Diego Knot 95% of the time.  Never been a fan of the Palamar knot personally and can tie the SD knot quickly and effectively  Only use the Palamar when I tie a dropshot w/o the VMC spinshot hooks.  Bluebasser's set up set up gives you two opinions of gear to use.  And what you listed should work as well.  Good luck.

I fish my 5" on a 7'3 H/F rated to 1 1/2 oz with a smoke 150 6.8.  The smallies like it fished fast.

I fish my 5" on a 7'3 H/F rated to 1 1/2 oz with a smoke 150 6.8.  The smallies like it fished fast.

 

Should have mentioned that I am fishing almost exclusively for LMB and spots; SMB's don't make it down this far.  Thanks for all the input....