Sooooo my rod/reel combos exploded this season(bait monkey hit hard). Not sure if I should list all my set-up so they aren’t pulling double duty. However given present circumstances I will not. The reel I’d like to use is the Curado K in 6:2. Mainly will be throwing S-Wavers n Ganterals. 168 n JR size. Yep, I’m in Minnesota so the chance of Pike and Musky is there and that’s why I don’t throw Hudds or other big soft body swimbaits. Would like to keep the rod up 7’6” as I’m a bank angler. Budget? I’m open. 

Finding a 7'6" rod with a moderate action for treble hook baits of those weights  may be a challenge. If you could go 7'8" I would look at the iRod Jr Swimbait MH.

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/iROD_Genesis_II_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-IRGCT.html

 

Hmm yeah 7’8” is pretty long for a bank angler but may not have a choice. Seems to be two approaches to glidebaits, moderate or fast action. 

 

The other thing is casting these baits, they aren’t light by any means. 

You want a fast-ish rod (moderate fast is fine, but not a parabolic rod) and a somewhat fast reel (5:1 or faster). The 754 Fred's magic stick is okay for the 168 size S-waver. No idea what the Ganterels weigh. You might want a real 5 power (MH) swimbait rod for anything over 1.5 ozs.

 

If you're buying a new rod, I'd research the Okuma MH guide series rods. Cheap, and works great for the small baits you're planning to fish. The 7'6" is faster than the 7'11" in the older cork handled rods. Don't know about the newer models.

 

I used to have a Mattlures MH rod that was great for the 6" baits. They don't make them anymore, but you might be able to find one on Ebay. The Dobyns 795 will probably work great too. I use a GGR Light now; but they don't make them anymore either.

My reel is 6:2:1, the Ganterels weigh 1.5oz but that’s about where I want to be. Yes, I’m buying a new rod because aside from the frog rod 7’6” H Cronosn I don’t feel comfortable throwing these baits on a MH. I’ll take a look, however I do not care for cork handles, much prefer foam. 

Found this 7’4 Zillion Swimbait rod and seems to fit the bill. Thoughts? 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-RDCDAIWA.html?from=basres

I dont like rods with short handles and tossing huge baits on rods with short handles is even worse.  I want at least 12" behind the reel seat to hold onto while using both hands to cast.  Dont know what your preference is but a lot of guys have one built.  My fishing partner loves the MB slant bridge rods for SB fishing but to be honest you could have one built cheaper.

I like handles that are 14 or so, the biggest challenge is finding a rod that’s not crazy long. I’m a bank angler so I’m looking for something between 7’-7’6”For length, slinging 1.5oz baits and provides me everything I need. 

Call Gary Dobyns, he may have something to meet your needs. I don't know of a 7' 3"- 7'6" medium heavy swimbait rod with 14" handle. You could cut off 3" of the butt end of the FR795 SB and have what you are looking for. 

Tom

1 hour ago, WRB said:

Call Gary Dobyns, he may have something to meet your needs. I don't know of a 7' 3"- 7'6" medium heavy swimbait rod with 14" handle. You could cut off 3" of the butt end of the FR795 SB and have what you are looking for. 

Tom

Tom, I think that’s what I might have to do. I’ll see if I can put in a call this week. So far the Zillion or Irod are the only two that come close. Thanks. 

i have 2 of the irod jr swims and a dobyns fury 795sb.  i think the irod is perfect for those baits you intend to throw.

53 minutes ago, buzzed bait said:

i have 2 of the irod jr swims and a dobyns fury 795sb.  i think the irod is perfect for those baits you intend to throw.

Why not the Zillion I linked earlier? Yes, it seems to be on the light end. Curious I guess. 

9 hours ago, NathanDLTH said:

Why not the Zillion I linked earlier? Yes, it seems to be on the light end. Curious I guess. 

I have zero experience with them so I just can't speak to them. I do love my original daiwa Tatula rods and they're close to the zillions. The 3 most popular entry level swimbait rods seem to be the irods, dobyns fury and okuma guide select.

Thanks!

get a refurbished Dobyns 795 Fury from Dobyns for $80 shipped.  This rod works for S-Wavers, Gantarels, Shine Glides, even Deps 175's.  You can even do the line through soft swimbaits by Savage Gear and Optimum with little issue.

I’m going to call Dobyns today and talk with someone over there who can give me more insight.