Swim bait rod & Reels Suggestions

[Guy Kelley]

Steve or ?

O.K. guys, I am crazy enough to want to get into the swim-bait thing and start fishing for toads. but with all of the manufacturers out there after my bucks, its tough to make a decision as to what to buy as my first one.
As previously suggested I checked the OKUMA web site and I came up with the GS-C-7111H mdl for a msr of about a $100.00 not bad. But when I checked Shimano, Calcutta Ranges from $190.00 to $500.00 in my family that would cause instant divorce. So to save I was thinking about the Abu Garcia C-4 or Record four up to about $200.00 that makes the set up worth about $300.00 or so, that's a little easier on the wallet. Do you see any thing wrong with this. Or do you recommend something else ? The other question is could I throw Frogs or big spooks on this or would I be to heavy ? Fenwick makes a nice 7'-6" HMG Gold wing rod matched up with the Ambassadeur that is very good for flipping is that to light for the Hudds or ?
Or Maybe I should just go to the best of bass pro instead?
I guess you can see what I am up against. Too Many to pick from.

Any help would be greatly appreciated








c

[Sacto John]

Get the Okuma rod you will not be sorry. As for reels I have used the Okuma Induron IDX400 ($115.00), the Shimano Cardiff A300 ($99.00) and the Pfluger Trion 66 ($89.00) I like the Shimano and the Okuma the best, I use the Okuma for my bigger swimbaits (Hudds, Slammers, BBZ-1s) and the Shimano for smaller baits (Sliders, DDs, Mattlures). While I would love to buy a Calcutta, my wife would castrate me if I did.

As for using your Swimbait rod for other applications I would shy away from doing so. I would also shy away from buying a rod that is not designed for swimbaits, especially when you can get a very good swimbait rod (Okuma) for around $100.00

[Nevbasser]

Another choice would be to grab up a Dobyns rod and you could pair it with a ABU 5500 or 6500.

Same cost as what your thinking if not perhaps a little less $$$.

My .02

Nevbasser
Tony Radoumis


www.mymonavie.com/drinkawaypain

[Quantum_Kid]

Look at the Quantum Cabo 30/31 PT. It is easier to palm then a round reel, yet it holds almost 300 yards of 14 pound test.

Good luck, and if you get a Dobyn's Rod, let us know how it is!

[Phil]

OKUMA $ 89.99
AMBASSADUER C4 SERIES $ 79.95 TO $ 89.95 DEPENDING ON MODEL


JIGS

[Gator]

Couldn't agree with ya more Tony - in fact, check out this pic



That's a Dobyns 736C with a ABU 5600 C4 - retail on this setup would be about $240 total - I am using this one for medium swimbaits while I wait on my Mike Long rod. A Mike Long Signature 806 with this reel would cost ya about $270.

Not bad pricing for a killer swimbait combo.

[Joe W.]

I'm about to ask what may be a stupid questions, so go easy on me.

What makes a swimbait rod a swimbait rod? What characteristics dot hey rods possess that make them swimbait specific?

If I told you guys what rod I have been tossing swimbaits on for almost the past year, you'd all laugh at me.

[Phil]

TO ME A SWIMBAIT ROD IS NOTHING MORE THAN A FINE TUNED SOPHISICATED (SPELL CHECK).........BONITA, CALICO BASS OCEAN ROD......THERE IS NO FINESSE TO IT.............JUST STRENGTH BACK BONE AND A ROD THAT DOES NOT WEAR YOU OUT ALL DAY, JUST THE FISH........

JIGS

[bassindon69]

Guy, I am sure you have read this before, OKUMA! Its all I use. They work Great and you can't beat the price. If you don't mind the bigger reels go with the 400 size.

Best of luck!
Don.

[bassenvy]

Check out ebay for used Calcutta's...I've been recovering from tendonitis after using my 400 all day to pitch hardbaits and have since been using my 200 TE with a deep spool. Both I got used and are bulletproof. I also use a Cardiff and hear it is the exact same as the Calcutta minus the frame work.

As for the Abu's I used a 6500C and didn't like the small handle/knobs. When your reeling all day comfort comes first in my book. The Calcutta's are much beefier and you can put ceramic washers in them.

As for rods...Okuma's are the standard I believe but check out Redington's Rfx 7911 as well...its a great rod for the same price that doesn't wear you out like the Okumas can.

[bassindon69]

Hey envy. "doesn't wear you out like the Okumas can. " DUDE! LOL!! I have used these (Okuma) three days in a row all day long. I have been using Okuma rods for two years now. I am 44 years old and I do fine with them. You must be hanging out with supermatt to much LOL!!!!

Don.

[bassenvy]

knaw just haven't built up them big popeye forearms like you have catchin' all those motherlode donkeys. I've got two of the 7'11 heavy's and still use'm just thought I'd offer up a different stick.

Brock

[Phil]

IN STOCK, OKUMA HEAVY 7' 11" AND EXTRA HEAVY OKUMA 7' 11" TODAY. SOMEONE ORDERED A HEAVY AND DID NOT SHOW OR CALL TO PICK UP, SO WE HAVE TWO FOR SALE........

JIGS

[SethB]

Okuma= great swimbait rod.
Shimano=great swimbait reel calcutta if you got the $ but I love the 3 cardiff I got.
Be sure to do your home work on what type of baits you plan to throw befor you buy a rod.

[RipnRog]

I have an IDX 400 Okuma real I will sell you for $50.00. I live in Sac...

[g-man]

I think the Okuma rods are very nice, and a great price.

[Steve45]

I have the Rainshadow SW967 which is a saltwater rod 8' and a Diawa Luna 300 that I got for my birthday and I like this rod so much i'm planning building 2 more.