Since I got a chronarch 100mg and Loomis rod last year, I havent really gotten myself anything lately.  I am split between 2 different combos, actually more like two different types of fishing.  My baitcasting setup doesnt handle finesse baits all that well, so I was thinking about getting a spinning combo for that...but at the same time, I really want a swimbait setup to target bigger fish.  My 2 options were an Airrus Puls-R (like the sexiest rod on the market) and a Daiwa Tierra or Sol, or a swimbait setup like a Daiwa Luna on a Okuma or other swimbait rod.  I really can't make up my mind and the baitmonkey can't convince me to get both.  If I go with the swimbait setup, I'd get some Huds, MattGills, MS Slammer, and maybe a blackdog shellcracker.  What's your opinion on either of the 2 combos.

 Boy, I'm in over my head when you get to those kind of combos. Wish I had those options to mull over!!

                                         As Ever,

                                          Skillet

Are you in a big fish area, and could use a swimbait rig all the time? If not, the finesse rig would be of more value to you.

Just my fifth of a dimes worth.

Cheers,

GK

I would buy the swimbait setup.  But then again I don't really fish finesse type baits.

I live in northern-NJ, which really isnt a big fish area.  The state record is 10-14, which is nothing compared to say florida or california.  I would be willing to basically give up on other types of fishing and throw big swimbaits, like a hud, all year for a chance at the record.  Finesse fishing is a great way to catch fish when they arent overly aggresive and finicky, but your chances at catching a big fish that way are slim.  I just don't know which path I should take....plus I really dont hit that many big lakes, just more of remote ponds.  

I think that the swimbait gods are calling my name.  I am naturally more of a trophy fisherman, then a limit type guy.  Maybe next year or so, I might pick up a spinning combo.  I don't care if I catch 1 fish for the rest of the year, but that one fish is gonna be all I want.  

I think that the swimbait gods are calling my name.  

For the big swimbaits I use this rod. I like it better than the Okuma and is lighter than the Crucial.

http://tackletour.com/reviewpowellsb711h.html

For reel Shimano Cardiff 301.

Good luck

I picked up a Shimano Corsair 400 for $30.  It's last year's model of the Corvalus, which is one step down from the Cardiff. In time, I will upgrade reels to a Calcutta or Luna.  As for the rod, the Powell looks really nice but I think i'm gonna go with a cheaper rod for now.  When I end up upgrading reels, I'll upgrade the rod as well.  Now I'm gonna put an order into usacproshop and start off with a hudd and a mattgill.  Later I'll order more, but I'm not gonna go all out at once.