Just looking for some suggestions on an entry level rod to throw around 6" huddlestons / Huddleston 68s. Trying to keep it under $200 and would prefer a cork handle but that isn't a necessity.  Also wondering what action is preferred for soft swimbaits (hudds) and treble hooked swimbaits(bullshad etc).  I'm not a fan of rods that feel like broomsticks and if spending over $200 means a lighter rod with better feel I can increase my budget. 

Dobyns Fury 795 

I use a 7'10" H/F BassX for 68 Specials and other soft swimbaits. Nothing special, but take the extra money you save and put it into a reel for your swimbait rod.

 

To answer your second question, most prefer a fast action rod for single hook soft baits. You'll get different answers for treble hook baits, but I prefer a moderate fast with a softer tip and a stong backbone like the Levante/Orochii XX Leviathan rods

Used TWH for reference

 

Cork

 

Daiwa DX Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Med Hvy

TFO Gary Loomis Tactical Swimbait Casting Rod 7'11 MagH

 

 

EVA/Composite/Mix

 

Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'9" Med Hvy Swimbait (795)

iRod Genesis II Cast Rod 7'8" Jr. Swimbait Med Hvy

Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" Heavy

Okuma SBX Swimbait Casting Rod 7'11" Heavy  (retail 239, but way under 200 online) 

Megabass Levante Casting Rod 7'11" Leviathan ($199)

Savage Gear Browser Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Heavy

Phenix M1 Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Heavy

 

I have a Megabass Levante Gen 1 and a SBX Okuma XH, but when I want to bring one rod to get by with a bunch of techniques, I bring this:

 

($150) Powell Endurance Casting Rod 7'6" Mag Medium Heavy (765 CF) 3/8-3 oz with Cork Split Grip

 

Over $200 with Cork suggestion

 

$325 Megabass Orochi XX Leviathan 

 

 

On 3/20/2019 at 9:34 AM, Diggy said:

Used TWH for reference

 

Cork

 

Daiwa DX Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Med Hvy

TFO Gary Loomis Tactical Swimbait Casting Rod 7'11 MagH

 

 

EVA/Composite/Mix

 

Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'9" Med Hvy Swimbait (795)

iRod Genesis II Cast Rod 7'8" Jr. Swimbait Med Hvy

Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" Heavy

Okuma SBX Swimbait Casting Rod 7'11" Heavy  (retail 239, but way under 200 online) 

Megabass Levante Casting Rod 7'11" Leviathan ($199)

Savage Gear Browser Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Heavy

Phenix M1 Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Heavy

 

I have a Megabass Levante Gen 1 and a SBX Okuma XH, but when I want to bring one rod to get by with a bunch of techniques, I bring this:

 

($150) Powell Endurance Casting Rod 7'6" Mag Medium Heavy (765 CF) 3/8-3 oz with Cork Split Grip

 

Over $200 with Cork suggestion

 

$325 Megabass Orochi XX Leviathan 

 

 

The fury has been heavily recommend but I'm digging that Powell Endurance. Never had a Powell so I may give them a shot. 

If you are serious about swimbaits go up in power and rod length. 

Dobyns FR806 SB would be a better choice for 68 Hudds using a Shimano Cardiff 300A.

The FR795 SB works for the 6" Hudds the 806 works better for both IMO. Not familiar with a Powell swimbait rod?

Tom

2 hours ago, WRB said:

If you are serious about swimbaits go up in power and rod length. 

Dobyns FR806 SB would be a better choice for 68 Hudds using a Shimano Cardiff 300A.

The FR795 SB works for the 6" Hudds the 806 works better for both IMO. Not familiar with a Powell swimbait rod?

Tom

 Think I want to learn to walk before I run. Going to start with Hudds and if the addiction is real move up from there.

On 3/21/2019 at 6:55 PM, tbone1993 said:

The fury has been heavily recommend but I'm digging that Powell Endurance. Never had a Powell so I may give them a shot. 

I actually threw the 6 inch weedless 68 special Hudd around tonight on the Powell 765CF and casting it was pretty effortlessly. I threw a 3/4 oz spinner bait on it after. The rod is light, is says 3.7 oz but it weighs 4.7 on my scale. It's a good choice for a multi purpose rod IMO that can throw smaller swimbaits. 

 

If you want more versatility in swimbait selection then get a dedicated swimbait rod with wider weight range.

1 hour ago, tbone1993 said:

 Think I want to learn to walk before I run. Going to start with Hudds and if the addiction is real move up from there.

I see Piwell does make a 7'6" swimbait rod rated 3/8-3 oz and may work OK for 6" Hudd, the 68 is a different lure, only 1/4 heavier but fishes differently then a 6".

$109 vs $129 or $20, it's your $$.

Tom

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

I see Piwell does make a 7'6" swimbait rod rated 3/8-3 oz and may work OK forcthec6" Hudd, the 68 is a different lure, only 1/4 heavier but fishes differently then a 6".

$109 vs $129 or $20, it's your $$.

Tom

Screw it ill buy both.

1 minute ago, tbone1993 said:

Screw it ill buy both.

795 man, can’t go wrong or the 806. I’m looking at the 795 myself. 

I picked up a Fury 795 over the winter and while it will cast a 68 Special just fine, it still feels underpowered.  Long lob casts work well but it’s hard to make short accurate casts.  I ended up with a more powerful rod and the difference is noticeable, esp in how my shoulder feels after a few hours fishing one.