Okuma Big Bait Rod 7'6" Heavy, And A Cardiff A Series Casting Reel 300

[GoneFishi'n]

I was wondering if the Okuma Big Bait Rod 7'6" Heavy, would be good for throwing S-Wavers, and some floating BBZ's. Also, if I were to get the Cardiff in the 300 size, would that be perfect for swimbaits? I like the feel of it, it just feels right in my hand. Oh also, would Sufix 832 braid lo-vis green 65 pound test be good for these baits? I would be throwing them in stained water, so I wouldn't think braid would be a sight issue. I just want heavy braid so I can pull them out of weeds if need be. PS: I would also be throwing 6" Hudds.

[webertime]

Should be good for those baits, that set up is a pretty popular way to go in the swimbait crowd. I'd consider 20lb P-Line CXX, 20lb McCoy mono/copoly although braid should work just fine, I like the abrasion resistance good mono/copoly has and at those diameters, stretch is pretty negligible.

Enjoy! I have a very similar set up and really like it.

[new2BC4bass]

First I doubt you will get much feedback on the Okuma. It isn't a Shimano! Reviews I have read on Okuma rods suggest they are good rods for the money.

Second I don't have a 300 size reel, but if I were to make a habit of fishing the lures you listed...I would. Almost bought a Curado 300 just to have one.

I use braid almost exclusively when fishing in Florida because of all the lily pads and Hydrilla beds we fish in. Never lost a lure there using 40 lb. Sufix Performance. However, I have lost a couple up here from them snapping off when the braid caught. This was with 30 lb Fireline on a spinning reel. Throwing away money goes against the grain. Don't know how I would have made out if it had been 65 lb. (65 lb. not going to happen on a spinning reel of mine.)

I am curious about any feedback you might get on using 65 lb braid. I plan on spooling braid on at least a couple more of my reels. One will be with 20 lb. to see how it performs for me on a baitcasting reel. Plan on putting it on a Daiwa PE Line Special.

[ClackerBuzz]

I bought a few set ups but haven't used them much b/c of time and a short season (You will most likely have more success and a much longer season in GA than in PA). I liked my XH Okuma much better than the H b/c it has a stiffer tip which means less backlashing when tossing 8" Hudds. Braid cuts like butter when backlasing a 4oz lure which means a $25-80 swimbait sailing into the abyss. (I do use braid on all my baitcaster b/c it doesn't kink during a backlast like flouro will). It doesn't cut near as easily w/ baits under 1oz). The slightly stiffer tip and mono line will save you time and money. I use 80lb braid backing with 30lb CXX main line. 65lb braid will be fine esp if you already have it sitting around. Plus you can use it for other applications like punching/flipping/froggin. I also have the 300A reel which performed awesome. You don't need a special set up for 6" Hudds. Just use a regular/heavy baitcast rig you have.