I want to start taking up throwing swimbaits more regularly and I know by doing this I'll need the right rod. I'll mainly be throwing hard baits. For example I'll use the S waver both in the 200 and 168 size (3 1/2oz and 1 5/8oz), the Jackall Gantarel (2.5 oz), Spro BBZ-1 6" floating model (2oz) and I'll be trying the new Lucky Craft Real Ayu 178 (2 1/16oz). I think I have the right idea for a rod setup, but I wanted to make sure with the people on here that have much more experience using baits like these if they could help!
Rod: I am thinking either the Okuma Citrix or the Guide Select Series Big Bait from Okuma as well. I was thinking the 7'11" in the Heavy power would be best (rated 1-6oz) since I don't plan on using anything over 6oz anytime soon. I'm leaning towards getting the Citrix, but it has a handle length of 18.5in compare to 24in on the Guide Select Series. I'm not sure if the handle length would make a huge difference when casting heavy baits so I would like some insight if the handle length would be a factor in what I should get.
Reel: I am almost dead set on getting a Shimano Cardiff in the 300 size. It has a 5.8:1 Gear Ratio and brings in about 24inches per turn. I think this would be a good all around gear ratio for what I'm using because I tend to reel too fast anyways so this might have me slow it down more. If I were to need to use a faster reel, let me know. If I go faster I was thinking of the Lew BB2 wide spool in the 6.4:1 which brings in about 28" per turn.
Line: Here is where I have the biggest question. I was thinking of going with 20lb P-line CXX, but with fishing in WI we have pike and Muskie and I was wondering if they could bite off some of my baits with that line. I have used my Flipping Rod with 65lb braid and a 15lb mono leader and I had lost a S waver 168 on a cast off so that kinda turns me away from using braid with swimbaits now. Also with the floating swimbaits like the BBZ I was wondering if the CXX would work for that too.
Thanks in advance for all your input guys! I'm really looking forward to trying this out and catching some bigger fish if I can!
