what do you guys think of this rod as an inexpensive "swimbait" rod. i'd match it up w/ 25lb mono and a abugarcia ambassadeur 5500C. i'd get he 6'6" MH rod.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_20662_100002006_100000000_100002000_100-2-6

Trying to cast them big plugs ?  :-?

Nope, with 6'6" MH you won 't cut it  :, you need something with more muscle, perhaps a H but that really depends if the "heavy" is capable of loading with something over 1 ounce, which unfortunately is in most cases not the case, you will need a longer rod somewhere in the 7 1/2 ft, those usually are capable of handling up to 1 1/2 oz and have a longer handle so you can cast with both arms, I 'd like to see you casting a 1 5/8 oz plug, for an hour non stop with one arm.  :

Spend another five bucks and get an Ugly Stick. You can find them any where and they are the only rod I know of the is guaranteed against breakage for any reason as stated in the warranty; all the other rods are guaranteed against defects.

Exactly like Raul said.

I'm not aware of any US swimbait rod either.

I dont like using Ugly Stiks when casting lures. They are good rods when bait fishing since they have sensitive tips that detect bites and the things wont break unless you catch a whale. But they have horrible "lure feel" meaning when working or retrieving a lure you can;t feel the action/ vibration of the lure at all. Hopefully this isnt the case with the Power Plus. I use a ML fiber glass "Whuppin Stick" which is made by cabelas and for a $20 fiberglass rod it is fairly lite and sensitive when it comes to lure feel as well as bite detection. You should be good with the Power Plus. DOnt buy an ugly stik for lures, if using live bait you cant beat the Ugly. You should prob. go for a 7'6" version for more hook setting power and casting distance. I think I may pick up one of these for a stiper rod since msot of the rapala salt water plugs I am looking at getting are all around 1-2 ounces.

ok maybe i'd get the 7' H rod.

Here's a tip.  Save your money, then order one of these.

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCOKUMA-OGSBBR.html

Remember all swim baits dont have to be the "big wood" they can be 4.5- 5.5 inch soft plastic swimbait

You could use a six foot six inch heavy jig rod for a variety of swimbaits too. Plus with a six six rod you can skip it under docks and into other tight places and a 6-6 Heavy rod is a stout rod so you dont have to worry about the lure being to heavy

that okuma wouldnt be saving me money, i barely have 30 dollars to spend on a rod!

Here's a tip. Save your money, then order one of these.

that okuma wouldnt be saving me money, i barely have 30 dollars to spend on a rod!

Work and save until you can get a real rod for the application, you are 30 dollars closer to the Okuma.

Patience is the hardest thing to cultivate.

o woops! i didnt see where you said save THEN buy one... :

No rod for $30 is going to be good for throwing large swimbaits and heavy stuff. Like I said before, save up your money, and get something that can cast up to 5 or 6 oz baits as well. Although you're throwing things under 2oz now, who knows in 6 months you may want to throw a hud or other large 5 and 6oz baits, this way you'll already be able to.

The okuma rod is a great rod that Burley posted. Save up, get that, and you're set.