Versatile Swimbait Rod

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

So I have been looking at swimbait rods and reading reviews and I called into Dobyns to talk to someone about their 795SBMT. It is a MH rod with a fast action and it is rated from 1-5oz baits. However, tackle tours review of the 795MLSB (only difference in the rods is the length of the handle) stated it can throw sub 1oz paddle tails as well and with ease. This rod seems to be able to handle a wide variety of swimbaits from small to medium sized and even some of the 8" size swimbaits. I want something that can throw deps buzz jets, 6in hudds, s waver 168's, lunker punkers, shell crackers, etc. All of these baits range from 1oz-2oz. I can't think of anything right now over 2-3oz that I would be throwing with this rod. However, I'm sure I will end up wanting to throw bigger baits and this would allow for that when the time comes.

For what I am talking about throwing right now do you guys feel this rod is overkill? Maybe there is an extra heavy/heavy casting rod that could handle these baits better and allow me to do other things like flipping/pitching rather than exclusively swimbait fishing. I am worried I am not going to be able to feel the bait and what its doing especially the subsurface ones. I will be doing a lot of my fishing from shore or a float tube.

The set up I am thinking of again is the dobyns 795SBMT and a daiwa lexa 300. I am leaning towards the 7.0:1 speed for the reel. Any of you swimbait guys care to drop some knowledge on me or give me some reassurance that I am on the right path here? Thank you

[skeletor6]

So I have been looking at swimbait rods and reading reviews and I called into Dobyns to talk to someone about their 795SBMT. It is a MH rod with a fast action and it is rated from 1-5oz baits. However, tackle tours review of the 795MLSB (only difference in the rods is the length of the handle) stated it can throw sub 1oz paddle tails as well and with ease. This rod seems to be able to handle a wide variety of swimbaits from small to medium sized and even some of the 8" size swimbaits. I want something that can throw deps buzz jets, 6in hudds, s waver 168's, lunker punkers, shell crackers, etc. All of these baits range from 1oz-2oz. I can't think of anything right now over 2-3oz that I would be throwing with this rod. However, I'm sure I will end up wanting to throw bigger baits and this would allow for that when the time comes.

For what I am talking about throwing right now do you guys feel this rod is overkill? Maybe there is an extra heavy/heavy casting rod that could handle these baits better and allow me to do other things like flipping/pitching rather than exclusively swimbait fishing. I am worried I am not going to be able to feel the bait and what its doing especially the subsurface ones. I will be doing a lot of my fishing from shore or a float tube.

The set up I am thinking of again is the dobyns 795SBMT and a daiwa lexa 300. I am leaning towards the 7.0:1 speed for the reel. Any of you swimbait guys care to drop some knowledge on me or give me some reassurance that I am on the right path here? Thank you

I've read that the rod you mentioned is best throwing baits 1oz-3oz. That is the weights where it reallly shines. If you are going to be throwing those 2-3oz baits I definitely say get this rod. Also note the 795SBML is built on the same blank as the rod you mentioned just has a longer handle. So choosing between the 795SBML and 795SBMT is up to your preference. Overhead casting would be tough on the ML.

To address the second part I put in bold depends on if you want to say in the up to 2 ounce range. I've heard the Shimano Cumara 711MHXF is great for fishing anything up to two ounces. You could also use some other techniques with it and it works really well for paddletails and up to hudd 68's. Some other people can probably chime in here better, thats the only one I've heard of that can somewhat compare to your situation.

My personal thoughts are that if you are really looking to start swimbait fishing. I would go for the 795SBMT or ML. To me, it sounds like you are going to be sticking right in that 1-3 ounce range and that is where this rod really shines and you will have a true swimbait rod. Some people end up getting more than one dedicated swimbait rod if they find it as a technique they really like. Such as getting a 795 and 806 or 807. If you are really interested in this technique go ahead and get that 795 and see for yourself!

[via]

i have a dobyns 795 mh mike long swimbait rod and i really like it. the only problem is that it cant throw any baits that is longer than 8 in, but it excels with any 6in baits or smaller. if you're gonna throw small baits, this is the rod for you. if you want to throw bigger swimbaits, i recommend you get the dobyns 806 mike long rod.

[A-Jay]

I'm not a Swimbait Guru by any means - I have an Okuma Guide Series Big Bait Casting Rod

(GS-C-761H) matched with the new Calcutta 300D - Sweet.

This stick gets fairly high reviews from those who have more experience and is very reasonably priced.

This Rod seems to be a Great all around big bait rod with the power you need to throw heavy lures and the action that will allow you to fish lighter baits as well.

A-Jay

[SPEEDBEAD.]

How much are you looking to spend on the rod?

[J Francho]

I have a custom build using a Saint Croix 4C79HF that handles the baits you mentioned perfectly. It's also well suited to heavy jigs.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

How much are you looking to spend on the rod?

Well the 795sbmt retails at 250ish.. so probably not a lot more then that unless I really like what I see. Also I was hoping to buy it online from tackle warehouse for black friday so I get 20% off.

i have a dobyns 795 mh mike long swimbait rod and i really like it. the only problem is that it cant throw any baits that is longer than 8 in, but it excels with any 6in baits or smaller. if you're gonna throw small baits, this is the rod for you. if you want to throw bigger swimbaits, i recommend you get the dobyns 806 mike long rod.

Awesome.. I don't think I'll be throwing baits that are longer than 8in. If I get more into swimbait fishing then the 806 would be the rod I would upgrade to. I hear its great for treble hook/hard baits and most of those larger baits seem to be just that. I don't think i want the mike long for the 795 so I can work lunker punkers/wake baits with more ease. Do you have any experience throwing the baits I listed with the 795??

I'm not a very big guy and I don't want the longer handle to get in my way.

I'm not a Swimbait Guru by any means - I have an Okuma Guide Series Big Bait Casting Rod

(GS-C-761H) matched with the new Calcutta 300D - Sweet.

This stick gets fairly high reviews from those who have more experience and is very reasonably priced.

This Rod seems to be a Great all around big bait rod with the power you need to throw heavy lures and the action that will allow you to fish lighter baits as well.

A-Jay

I took a look at these and they would definitely save me some money A Jay. Thanks for the tip. However other than being 3in shorter they don't seem to be any more specified for light swimbaits than the Dobyns 795.. in this case I will stick with the Dobyns because of the sheer quality of their product.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

I have a custom build using a Saint Croix 4C79HF that handles the baits you mentioned perfectly. It's also well suited to heavy jigs.

I have no idea about custom rod building but I imagine it gets expensive. Theres a place near me that buidls custom swimbait rods called Low Down Customs.

[deep]

I have no idea about custom rod building but I imagine it gets expensive. Theres a place near me that buidls custom swimbait rods called Low Down Customs.

Name sounds familiar!

[via]

ipeeinmywetsuit: i have thrown the huddleston 68 special and lunker punker 6" on the rod and the rod handles both baits at ease and is able to launch the baits without any problems. like i said before, this rod is perfect for handling any 6in bait.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

ipeeinmywetsuit: i have thrown the huddleston 68 special and lunker punker 6" on the rod and the rod handles both baits at ease and is able to launch the baits without any problems. like i said before, this rod is perfect for handling any 6in bait.

have you thrown any 1oz - 1 1/2oz baits or even sub 1oz baits with it? did it load up well enough to get the bait out there or was it a little too much rod for them.

[webertime]

I have no idea about custom rod building but I imagine it gets expensive. Theres a place near me that buidls custom swimbait rods called Low Down Customs.

I think you don't have far to go to get your rod! By all accounts those are great sticks.

[G3Steve]

have you thrown any 1oz - 1 1/2oz baits or even sub 1oz baits with it? did it load up well enough to get the bait out there or was it a little too much rod for them.

I have the 795MLSB and it is fine for baits down to 1oz. Still launches them as well as it does heavier baits. Lightest baits I've thrown on it were 6" weedless hudds, shellcracker and s-wavers, so you won't have a problem at all.

DEFINITELY not overkill for the baits you've listed. In fact, the tip is light and I wouldn't be surprised if you could go down to 3/4 oz weights plus plastic, like California swim jigs.

[SAC2]

take a look at tackle industries musky rods. my buddy uses one (for musky) and its a nice rod for a good price. they make rod lengths from 7'6" up to 9 foot i think and each length has one rated for 1-6 ounce lures

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I have no idea about custom rod building but I imagine it gets expensive. Theres a place near me that buidls custom swimbait rods called Low Down Customs.

Well, that's where I was going with my suggestion. LOL

If he is near enough to pick the rod up, you can get one of the production rods for 200. The Production H will throw the baits you like perfectly and I have fished a big football jig and a mission fish with it.

Ben is a great guy to deal with, very friendly. Shoot me a PM and I'll give you his number. Very good swimbaiter and makes swimbait rods ONLY.

I've got three of them and couldnt be happier.