I dont really know much about these 3. 
I have thrown the 7.8 Keitechs and the shellcracker G2 a little, but want to grab one of these now. 

 

Which one should be my first? Throwing it on an IROD Genesis II Swimbait Jr Rod rated 1-4oz with a Tatula HD reel. I fish from a kayak and beat banks and fish up in canals. I figure it needs to be a slow sinking one to get fewer snags. 

I would get the one that matches the bait fish in your fishery. For me, the blue gill works best where I fish.

One lake is mainly shad and the other has a ton of talapia. 

 

3 minutes ago, bholtzinger14 said:

One lake is mainly shad and the other has a ton of talapia. 

 

There is your answer.  Yeah, go for the  slow sink to avoid any snags. BTW, I use the same Irod.

11 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

BTW, I use the same Irod.

 

What weight do you think it handles the best?

2 minutes ago, bholtzinger14 said:

 

What weight do you think it handles the best?

The 6" would be the max. The 9" bull shad is too heavy for that rod.

I prefer the Bull Shad. Have not had a ton of success with many bluegill hardbaits and the herring doesn't seem to have as good of a swim as the shad, I think the spacing between the joints is a little too close and occasionally touches and binds it. I've got the baby, a 5", wake, and 8", they all work.

Matt Lures Hard Gil, slow sink, 5 1/4”, 1 7/8 oz Red ear is available from Swimbait City.

Tom

10 hours ago, WRB said:

Matt Lures Hard Gil, slow sink, 5 1/4”, 1 7/8 oz Red ear is available from Swimbait City.

Tom

 

Yeah, since that lure is clearly what the OP is asking about.

 

To OP, I'd start with the tried and true 6" Bull Shad.

Thanks everybody. I am ordering a 6" bull shad slow sink in dirty bone.

Yep, 6” bull Shad is a good all-around choice that will work anywhere.