Would This Be Adequate For A (Smaller) Swimbait Rod?

[Jay Ell Gee]

Hey all. We have a few rods going on clearance at work and I was thinking about using my discount and picking up one for my swimbait use.

Now keep in mind, the only "big" baits that I will be throwing would be the MS mini slammer, bettencourt dying bluegill, shell cracker G2, 6" weedless hudds, CL8 rat wakebaits as well as a strike king wake shad. In my neck of the woods (South La) there are no trout (except for stocked ones in December) so I won't be throwing any crazy large trout baits. Most of my swimbaits are under 1.5oz.

The rod is a Bass Pro Bionic Blade, 7'6 Heavy/Mod/Fast. Rated 1-4oz and 17-30 lb line. After my discount it would be a whopping 40 bucks, so I thought it would serve as a decent beginners swimbait rod. The rod is actually advertised as an "A-Rig" rod, but I was hoping that it may do the trick as a cheap, dedicated swimbait rod for the time being.

I plan on throwing these baits on either a Shimano Citica 200DSV or my Lews Tourney mg. only reason I may try the MG is because its spooled with 65lb power pro. Would some heavy mono on the Citica serve me better?

Thanks for the advice everyone. Can't wait to start tossing some big baits now that I have a yak!

[Mr_Scrogg]

That will work fine. I tossed Minis on a Heavy Crucial Flipping Stick. The Shellcracker g2 tends to "Helecopter". But it still put fish in the yak with it.

I used 55 or 65lb braid.

[Jay Ell Gee]

That will work fine. I tossed Minis on a Heavy Crucial Flipping Stick. The Shellcracker g2 tends to "Helecopter". But it still put fish in the yak with it.

I used 55 or 65lb braid.

I appreciate the input. I have been tossing it on a 7'0 MH/F rod that I normally use for spinnerbaits, but its a carbon fiber wrap and it scares me to death casting it.

For the time being I have adapted a simple "lob" cast similar to throwing a popping cork rig for saltwater fishing. It works but it seems far from ideal. I have also noticed the helicopter effect when tossed this way.

[Jrob78]

I know for a fact that some of the first A-rig rods were built on existing swimbait blanks. I think that rod would work well for your needs and would be a lot better than using your spinnerbait rod.

[WRB]

There isn't any reason to use braid with swimbits in open water areas. I use Berkley Big Game 20 lb mono with swimbaits under 2oz, cast better than braid and more forgiving in a sitting position. Not familiar with the rod, but if you like it, go it.

Tom