Hey guys. I have an Okuma Guide Select (7' 11" H/MF) paired with a Shimano Curado 300E (6.2:1) & 25lb P-Line CXX. I bought this setup to primarily use with Huddleston & Mattlures swimbaits, but would this be a good rod for large cranks like 10XDs and Crush 500DDs? I also have a 7' MH/M that I got as a general purpose cranking rod, but I think these are a little big for that since its only rated to 1oz.  

 

My next question is, the Okuma is designated as a "swimbait" rod, but should I be throwing paddletails (basstrix/keitech) on this or something a little lighter?

 

Thanks for the help...I know I come here with lots of rod questions lol

Rod action is about casting, hook size, and fatigue.

 

Would that rod load up well enough to throw a 10XD a really long ways, which is crucial to get it way down where you want it? They come with pretty big hooks, but is the rod too stiff so that it will tear the fish's mouth letting it get off? I don't think you would have to worry about fatigue.

 

The same questions apply to what you would be using with a Keitech.

Your rod is not suited to run the smaller paddle tails.  If your running one of Matt allens 3/4 oz jigs with the robo shiners then maybe.  The weight of a California swim-jig is over 1.5oz.  Rods that are fast and heavy enough to set the hook in a 8 inch swimbait on the jig hook are not good for trebbles.  I know dobyns so i will use them as an example.  The 806 would work well on the 10xd because its tuned for trebbles and baits like the s-waiver.  The 807 is a jig hook rod and would not be as good.

those okuma swimbait rods are pretty moderate and the heavy is more like a medium heavy as their rating are over rated by quite a bit . you should be fine with that rod , it would actually excell for big crankbaits as that is essentially what it is , a big crankbait rod ...

Okay. I also have a 6'9 MH/F that I could use for the smaller paddle tails. Probably not ideal being only 6'9, but it can probably get the job done.

1 minute ago, BrianMRetter said:

Okay. I also have a 6'9 MH/F that I could use for the smaller paddle tails. Probably not ideal being only 6'9, but it can probably get the job done.

give the okuma a shot with the paddle tails , you might just like it ...

I've never fished those oversized cranks, but I'd guess it would probably do a decent job with them. I know a lot of guys are slinging them on light swimbait rods. 

 

Unless you're throwing a very large paddletail swimbait, then no you should be fishing them on something lighter. I fish mine on a MH/F similar to a T-rig or light jig rod.