I'd like to try a couple swimbaits this year, any recommendations or your favorites.

thnx.

Before making a commitment to the new rod & reel

you need for the bigger baits, try the Mattlures Baby

Bass. This lure weighs 1.3 oz, but can be fished on a

MH or H rod rated up to 1 oz. Trust me, it won't break

your rod.

I have had good success with the Baby Bass fishing

over structure in open water. Although I have caught

a few bass 3-5 lbs, the majority have been 6-8. My

biggest bass approached 10, but since I did not have

a scale to weigh her, I will not claim a double digit.

8-)

Thnx RW, I wasnt really to commited on the whole new rod n reel thing because Im just a weekender at best, but I do happen to have a heavy rod I can throw some big baits with, Im sure its not perfect but it may work.   You think my G-Loomis MossyBack BCR803 will be up to the task for the lure you mentioned.

thnx

AC500

Probably, but I hope someone else that actually owns

that rod will chime in. Initially I was using a MBR844C,

but I found that my St. Croix EC70MHF actually loads

up better. My observation is that the rod is not stressed

at all.

8-)

Does anyone fishing these in the Midwest, Northeast and Canada use a leader, and if so, what type?

They look really sweet, and I want to try them but they look like Pike and Muskie snacks.

25 lb. flouro double unied to power pro braid will keep most pike/musky from stealing your expensive baits. Works for me.

I've never used them, partly because I don't believe in paying more than 5 or 6 bucks for a single bait yet....but I've heard that those sebile magic swimmers are awesome

I've never used them, partly because I don't believe in paying more than 5 or 6 bucks for a single bait yet....but I've heard that those sebile magic swimmers are awesome

I thought the same exact thing....buy some and you wont be disappointed.

For skunked, I fish in pike and musky waters using 20 and 25lb Pline CXX.  You will be fine with that line.

Before making a commitment to the new rod & reel

you need for the bigger baits, try the Mattlures Baby

Bass. This lure weighs 1.3 oz, but can be fished on a

MH or H rod rated up to 1 oz. Trust me, it won't break

your rod.

I have had good success with the Baby Bass fishing

over structure in open water. Although I have caught

a few bass 3-5 lbs, the majority have been 6-8. My

biggest bass approached 10, but since I did not have

a scale to weigh her, I will not claim a double digit.

8-)

On the Mattlures Baby Bass Series is there any colors you'd pick over the others?

When you say "Swimbaits" are you referring to hard or soft swimbaits?

For the hard baits I have had very good luck with Strike King's King Shad and the Sebiles (the 125 size is my favorite).  I fish these on a 7'6'' MH rod moderate fast action and a Revo Winch reel and 17 lb Trilene XT line.

For the soft swim baits I have found the 5'' Money minnow, Shadalicious, and the Magic minnow rigged with a 1/4 oz 6/0 hook work very well in the early Spring, windy days over weed beds, and again in the Fall.  These I use the same set up as the hard baits in open water, but in and around heavy cover use a Revo S spooled with 30 lb Power Pro line.  You can fish these baits in very thick cover by texposing the hook.

I dont have a specific rod for the application, but RW recommend the smaller version of the mattlures.

these:  http://www.mattlures.com/babybass.htm

I have the Loomis 853 and I wouldn't throw the Mattlures Baby Bass on this rod. It would be way too heavy for it IMO.

I would buy a swimbait setup that could handle the Mattlures series up to Wake Jr. At this time I would jump at the chance right now to pick up the Dobyns Mike Long 795ML swimbait rod for $139 at Delos. I have heard nothing but great things about this rod. I am thinking about buying one myself and I already have 2 Loomis swimbait setups.

As for swimbaits I suggest the Wake Jr, Lunker Punker Jr, Mattlures Bluegill and 6" and 8" Huddlestons.

If you buy a rod specific for swimbaits and are on a budget the Okuma rods have strongest reviews I have seen for the money($109.99 shipped).

I have the Loomis 853 and I wouldn't throw the Mattlures Baby Bass on this rod. It would be way too heavy for it IMO.

I would buy a swimbait setup that could handle the Mattlures series up to Wake Jr. At this time I would jump at the chance right now to pick up the Dobyns Mike Long 795ML swimbait rod for $139 at Delos. I have heard nothing but great things about this rod. I am thinking about buying one myself and I already have 2 Loomis swimbait setups.

As for swimbaits I suggest the Wake Jr, Lunker Punker Jr, Mattlures Bluegill and 6" and 8" Huddlestons.

I took a look at the Dobyns, nice for the price, I even found it for $129 shipp'd, also looked at the Okuma, TackleTour gave it a good write up, Powell's are nice.  Like I mentined earlier Im really not sure I want to go the whole new rod route, Im trying to put some cash away for a bigger boat, thats why I was hoping I could use what I have.

Thanks for all the help so far guys.

Your in Rhode freakin Island just go with some Magic Swimmers. Check my review you cant go wrong with these they are cheap durable and easy to cast. If you need a bigger swimbait use a Bigger Swimmer they are still light for the size.

you hava link?    I dont get the RI thing...lol

I have the Loomis 853 and I wouldn't throw the Mattlures Baby Bass on this rod. It would be way too heavy for it IMO.

I would buy a swimbait setup that could handle the Mattlures series up to Wake Jr. At this time I would jump at the chance right now to pick up the Dobyns Mike Long 795ML swimbait rod for $139 at Delos. I have heard nothing but great things about this rod. I am thinking about buying one myself and I already have 2 Loomis swimbait setups.

As for swimbaits I suggest the Wake Jr, Lunker Punker Jr, Mattlures Bluegill and 6" and 8" Huddlestons.

I took a look at the Dobyns, nice for the price, I even found it for $129 shipp'd, also looked at the Okuma, TackleTour gave it a good write up, Powell's are nice. Like I mentined earlier Im really not sure I want to go the whole new rod route, Im trying to put some cash away for a bigger boat, thats why I was hoping I could use what I have.

Thanks for all the help so far guys.

Stick with the okuma.  You can even find them around for $70.  They carry a good warranty and are pretty tough to beat.  I've kept away from those cheap dobyns just because of the warranty with them.  They are only good till the end of 2009... that scares me!!!  I'd rather put my money in a rod with a lifetime warranty.  just my .02.

I agree with the other posters Okuma is the best value for the money. You can pick one of these rods up used cheap if you want to save some money. Whatever you decide I'm sure you will be happy. You can't go wrong with either choice IMO. You might also want to check Ebay. I got all of my Loomis swimbait rods off Ebay for around $160 shipped.

While I was Christmas shopping last week at Bass Pro in Atlanta I saw a fishing seminar on the tank with the new Tru Life swimbait. The bait looked so real in the tank and the bass were killing it, I had to have one! The end cap only had a few left, so I got the shad colored one. Yesterday I fished it at Lanier and the spots ate it up. I caught 10 fish and nothing was smaller than 3 pounds. I got the slow sinker and it looked so real in the water. When they get there next shipment I am going to get some more colors. Anyone else had a chance to try the Tru Life?

Ok, I think I may have talked the wife into a Tackle Warehouse gift card .  Now for you swimbait guys, Im thinking I mite try the Okuma, I know she wont compare to me Loomy's, but anyway do I need the 7'11" or can I get away with the 7'6"?

Thanks guys, this is alotta help, or maybe just helping me spend money. ;D

I think you will be please with the Okuma. I use 7'11" rods, but I admit having a 7'6" would be nice for working a top water swimbait like a Wake Jr or MS Slammer. Now all that is left is getting a swimbait reel!

I was excited to see the TT in BassPro the other day, and I picked it up and started walking around with it because I was planning on buying it. But I ended up going and putting it back. It's just too small. It looks fantastic, but this thing is tiny, I wasn't expecting that.

I was excited to see the TT in BassPro the other day, and I picked it up and started walking around with it because I was planning on buying it. But I ended up going and putting it back. It's just too small. It looks fantastic, but this thing is tiny, I wasn't expecting that.

That's kind of the point it's aimed at 2-5lb fish instead of 5-20lb fish like the BBZ-1 trouts ect. I'm sure big fish would eat it but the 7inch bluegill from them would be better for monster bass in my area. Personally I have 2 Tru tungsten's coming and the Reaction Shad. I also ordered the Spro model for my partner for xmas. I plan on testing all of them out to see what hold up better. I probably pick up the 7 inch version for big bass hunting for my birthday next month.