Swimbait Rod Question

[Whitey-O]

Does a person need to use the recommended weight rods for the heavier 2-3 oz swimbaits? I have a heavier flipping stick that is recommended up-to 1 1/2 oz baits...would that work for a 2 or even 3 oz swimbait, or would would the tip break? If I need to buy a decent swimbait rod for the heavier weighted baits without breaking the bank, what would you suggest?

[leachman90]

http://westernbass.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54795&f=2

[NoCompetition]

Hey there, I use two swimbait rods, they are KISTLER swimbait specials, there is one for larger 2-3 oz swimbaits and one for your smaller 1oz versions. The models are KISTLER Magnesium Mgbsbs80 thats for your big swimbaits, you can grab one eBay for 120 dollars. As for the smaller version its the KISTLER Magnesium Mgssbs73, this is for your smaller 1oz bait, and you also can find it on eBay for a buck twenty or so. They are awsome rods, superlight and sensitive and great for the price.

As far as using a flipping stick for a large swimbait you can, Steve Kennedy used a KISTLER Helium 2 flipping stick to throw big swimbaits on Clear Lake a few years ago to win the BASS. But the KISTLER rods I mentioned are really built to handle those large swimbaits and I think you would be less fatigued after throwing a large bait for a few hours or all day. I hope that helps

Rob Bogin

[Oldschool]

Welcome to WB forums.
I wouldn't get too carried away with big swimbaits in your area (Illinois), stay with the 5" to 7" models that are more appropriate for the northern LMB.
A flipping/pitching rod can be used for casting swimbaits, but the action is too stiff to cast effectively.
Any reel that will hold 150 yds+ of 20 lb mono line will work. Round reels tend to have wider spools that hold more line without reducing the spooled line capacity, keeping the retrieve rate fairly constant.
I would invest in a swimbait rod; 7' 6" to 8', there are several good makes for about $120.
Tom