This spring, I've started throwing swimbaits a little bit. I'd like to start throwing them more often, and am looking for a dedicated swimbait rig that I can put together on a budget.

I'm planning on picking up a used Ambassadeur 5600 for the reel, and am looking for suggestions on a rod under $75 that would work. I know the Okuma Big Bait rods are highly recommended at around $100, but I don't want to spend quite that much. The heaviest baits I want to throw are Mattlures Bluegills, and the lightest are Strike King King Shads.

I spent some time in Bass Pro last week shopping, and found a few rods I liked (listed below), but they are certainly not built for the purpose of throwing swimbaits.

Extreme 7' Heavy, 3/8 to 2oz. Woo Daves Spinnerbait rod. $65

Extreme 7'6" Heavy, 3/8 to 2oz. Woo Daves Flipping stick. $65

Other Rods I've been wanting to handle in person but can't find locally are the Team All Star 'Big Boys' 788 Heavy Cating rod, and I'd also like to handle the Okuma in person. I know both are beyond my budget, but I am curious as to how a purpose-built swimbait rod feels and works

I'm open to all suggestions, but would really like to stay fairly low buget.

Thanks

adam

If you are decided to fish with swimbaits, the cheapest is to get a real SB rod.

I fished with this one for a while and the EH will do the job right with most swimbait and is still at the range you are looking for.

It is not light so......

Best luck.

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCDAIWA-DAHSCR.html

bolth rods you have up would be ok .... i was using the okuma big bait hev to toss the matt lures ,,, then i baught a st croix premiere 7ft6 flipping stick this is the rod i will use this year .... i just thought the okuma big bait was just a little bulky to be tossin a matt lure ..... the premiere works just fime