Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

you guys like to use? Rod, reel, and line? Just curious what you guys have figured out. Then I'll go from there. Just trying to get it dialed in, and come up with as close to perfect setup for this bait. Thanks. D.B.COOPER

This is mostly preference and varies angler to angler. I personally like a curado 300 with 65 braid on a stout 8 foot rod with some tip to it. I have seen many different swimbait rods used effectively but i personally like the zombie rods 7'11 stick or a megabass super destruction. For a more budget minded rod the okumas and shimano crucials are very good rods too. Good luck and have fun gettin some topwater action!

i use a powell 765 mh flip 7'6" paired with a batam chronarch 101sf..this setup works great for me. this rod has a really good tip to work the LP.

7'6" Heavy Okuma, 301 Curado, 25# maxima or 65# power pro.

As already mentioned, I think its something that varies. The biggest thing IMO is handle length, some HATE the longer handle when "walking baits" while other dont seem to mind at all. I think for shorter handled rods, the Shimano or the Powell are the way to go. I own the Powell personally and it has a shorter handle, nice backbone and a perfect tip to it. The Shimano is nice too. I also have an okuma that ive used for punkers (7'11 H) and it gets the job done no problem. Just have to get used to that extended butt section. As far as line and reels, 65lb suffix braid, and a Curado work for me.

Powell 711 MH with a Quantum Energy PT770 and 65 pound Power Pro.

For the 8" my go-to is the Dobyns 806 H and a curado 300 spooled with 80 lb braid and a short mono leader.

punkers are fun to throw on rods that have some give to them. A little bit of a soft tip is huge. shoot, the Irod Jr Swim would be perfect for it as the 8" punker doesn't weigh too much and that rod launches baits! its 7'9" and is solid for topwater baits, and even Jr Wake style baits. Match it with a 300 sized curado and you are money!

I personally like 20-25lb Maxima ultra green for this application or even Izorline!

What do you guys think about the 7' Medium-heavy or heavy action Ugly Sticks? I've always liked using the Ugly Sticks for my cranks, spinbaits, and top water lures. You can't beat the price. I've caught stripers and salmon on the same rods in the past.

For the 8" my go-to is the Dobyns 795SBMT and a curado 300 spooled with 80 lb braid and a short mono leader.

I use a Dobyns 795ML with a Daiwa Advantage-A reel with 65lb Suffix 832 braid.