I was wondering what type of rod would you throw small swim baits on such as a Keitech (3.8-4.8) or a fluke. I would like to know what length, power, action, and reel speed you recommend. Thanks in advance.

I throw my keel weighted Keitech's on an Avid 7' Medium fast action rod. This rod is absolutely perfect for this setup. The tip has the perfect amount of softness to it for casting, and then it goes into a good backbone that can drive those big 4/0 swimbait hooks into the bone whenever a fish chokes it down deep. I pair it up with a Metanium 6:1 and I can bomb those Keitechs out there a long way. 

 

If I'm using a heavier jig head with an exposed hook, I use a Zodias 7'2" MH fast action rod. You'll need a rod with more backbone if you're throwing them with a weighted jig head. 

 

Keep in mind, a plain 4.3" Keitech alone weighs 0.4oz. So if you throw one of those on a 3/8oz jig head, you're looking at ~3/4oz overall. 

I use the same spec rod, but in a LTB for that.  Here's a little tip for those Keitechs:

 

 

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

I use the same spec rod, but in a LTB for that.  Here's a little tip for those Keitechs:

 

 

Works well with Hollow belly baits as well.

The pick placement can assist with proper hook placement where there is no plastic to do it.

Pick will generally be most beneficial in the hollow baits when placed Under the jig hook.

 

A-Jay

1 minute ago, A-Jay said:

Works well with Hollow belly baits as well.

The pick placement can assist with proper hook placement where there is no plastic to do it.

Pick will generally be most beneficial in the hollow baits when placed Under the jig hook.

 

A-Jay

 

That makes sense.  Never really thought about it, since I've never tried a hollow belly on a jig with an open hook.  In fact, I generally avoid hollow belly baits altogether, aside from the bigger trash fish.

Those style swimbaits I throw on a 7' or 7'2" (depending on rigging) MH rod.  Ratio's vary by reel maker so to make it easier to gage, I use a reel that has a 26-27 IPT.  Why I give that, well one reel is a 7:1, and another is a 6:4.1 and have the same IPT.  I use the 7'2"MH which has a moderate fast taper for keel weighted weedless or weightless flukes and the 7'MH fast action if I'm using a weedless jighead on them in the 1/4-1/2oz size.

5 hours ago, J Francho said:

I use the same spec rod, but in a LTB for that.

 

 

I have the LTB 7'1 Med-F rod as well. It's usually got a fish head spin or Senko on it though. 

 

But it works great for Keitech's too. I'll double up if I want to have a 3.8 and 4.8 tied on at the same time. 

I use a 7'2" MH Reg Daiwa Tatula with a Daiwa TDZ, 30lb power pro with a 16lb sniper leader to throw 4.8's on 1/8-1/4oz screw lock hooks. Slower ratio helps me crawl them.

I don't throw the 4.8 but might start this year. I do throw the 3.8 on my 7'MF Avids both casting and spinning. I also throw them on a 7'6" MF Premier spinning when I want to make long bomb casts. Normally have to pair that rig with braid or nano lines.