Hey everyone,

 

I'm looking for a two-piece swimbait rod due to transport considerations (two child seats in rear seat and thus am limited to trunk). I found a 12-year old thread here about it, but wasn't much content there.

 

I'm looking to spend under $150 on the rod. Right now, I'm looking at throwing swimbaits under 2oz, but ideally it'd like a rod that could go up to 3-4oz so that I could use it for Huddlestons, Mattlures, etc.

 

I've found some 2-piece rods designed for muskie, etc that are rated for heavier lures, but not sure howwell these would work for swimbaits:

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/cabelas-predator-musky-casting-rod

 

Appreciate any ideas/advice!

Musky rods are completely different than a swimbait rod for bass. Yes, it will handle what you want to throw, but that’s where the similarities and usefulness end. 
 

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Okuma’s Nomad travel rod, and it’s well below your budget. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-OKUMARDS.html?from=basres

 

If you can save your pennies for a while longer, it’d be well worth looking into the F5 Departure rod. I’ve found myself at the local ditch with no bass over 1/2 lb chucking swimbaits with mine because I love throwing it so much. 

 

The iRod Genesis rods are extremely popular, too. While not a “two piece” rod, per se, the handles on the longer rods are removable to help transport. Might work for you, figured I’d toss it in there. 
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/iROD_Genesis_II_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-IRGCT.html

 

That’s a tall order, a rod that can comfortably toss a 4 ounce lure is likely not going load well on an under two ounce lure. I have a 2 piece 7’ heavy/fast fish eagle II rod by cabelas that’s rated up to 2.25oz I’ve used for travel, mostly throwing 5 and 6” weedless and exposed paddle tails, obviously not going to handle 3-4 ouncers. I don’t think they make these anymore but I just happen to know a guy who’s selling one if it interests you ; )

You might want to look at salmon/steelhead rods that might have the traits you’re looking for. Okuma and Lamiglas. They should pretty much be 2-piece rods with few exceptions. 
 

many will be 8’6” however if not longer. 

The XH Nomad above will serve you well. You could go H if its just spot duty with 4 oz baits, but I wouldnt throw 4 oz on it for an extended period.

2 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

That’s a tall order, a rod that can comfortably toss a 4 ounce lure is likely not going load well on an under two ounce lure. 

That’s a really good point. I totally understand not wanting to spend money you don’t have to, but a lot of people expect too much from one piece of equipment. “What’s the best all around jig, crankbait, shark rod”. And swim baiting is one of those things you can’t get away with that mentality.  

Appreciate all the input! And good point on the "one rod to rule them all". I think it's reasonable to expect that if I get into the really big swimbaits, I'll need a separate setup (and maybe a truck to fit it!). 

 

I'm thinking that the H Nomad might be the way to go for the time being as I wade into the world of larger swimbaits. 

On 12/13/2019 at 8:21 PM, islandbass said:

You might want to look at salmon/steelhead rods that might have the traits you’re looking for. Okuma and Lamiglas. They should pretty much be 2-piece rods with few exceptions. 
 

many will be 8’6” however if not longer. 

The Okuma SST 8'6" 1-6oz would work, but the rear grip is long, ~13.5" which may make it a little tedious for bass fishing.  That said, with the more moderate action and added length, you could really throw it out there if need be.