TOPFLiTE1994@gmail.com Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 Guys, I'm looking to get into swimbait and glide bait fishing. It's a new type of fishing for me and I would appreciate any advice. I am a budget fisherman, so I have narrowed reel choices down to Abu's Ambassadeur C3 (4600 size/L-hand) and the Shimano Cardiff A (200size/L-hand). As for the rod, I honestly don't know where to start. Glass/carbon? Power? Action? Preferably around or under $100. If it helps narrow options any, I currently have a few swimbaits between 1 and 2 ounces, and do not plan on moving to the large 8 and 10 inch baits any time soon. I would like something around 7'6 for transportation reasons. My first guess is possibly the Berkley E-Motion 7'6 extra heavy rod (1/2-3oz.)? Any insight appreciated, TOPFLiTE Quote
Super User Senko lover Posted February 19, 2015 Super User Posted February 19, 2015 This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/swimbait_gear.html Quote
gr8outdoorz Posted February 19, 2015 Posted February 19, 2015 Either reel will be fine, but I suggest you move up to a 300 size in the Cardiff. You need all the line capacity you can get. As for a rod, Okuma Guide Select is very hard to beat. The 7'6" Heavy would be perfect for up to 8" Hudds. Mine is rated for 1-5oz baits. Quote
TOPFLiTE1994@gmail.com Posted February 19, 2015 Author Posted February 19, 2015 Senko, good read, that definitely gives me a good direction to look in. Gr8, I've decided on the Abu. Both reels seem well qualified to start with, I simply prefer The C3's ergo's and looks. As for the rod, I looked into the Okuma's as well as the others listed in the above article. The Okuma big bait 7'6 MH looks like the better choice for my use. More so suited for the lighter stuff as well as larger baits pushing 5 ounces. I also feel the slightly shorter handle will suit me better in terms of ergo's, correct me if you feel I'm wrong on that. Thanks for the leads guys Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted February 19, 2015 Super User Posted February 19, 2015 I own the 7'11 heavy okuma. An 4oz bait is where it starts to feel overloaded. 2-3 is the sweet spot on it. Great for 6" hudds or the 68 but the 8" Hudd is pushing it. 1 Quote
Super User Big Bait Fishing Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 If I were you , I'd go with the Okuma Citrix 7'11" extra heavy, rated 2-10 oz. , you want to get a rod that will handle the baits you are throwing with out the rod overloading, a 8" hudd will push a Rod rated 2-6 ounces , with the heavier powered rod , you should still be able to cast lighter baits very easy. Plus the rod is only $119.99 !!!!( on TW) Quote
TOPFLiTE1994@gmail.com Posted February 20, 2015 Author Posted February 20, 2015 Rippin, thanks for the input. I don't think I will ever be tying anything more than 4 ounces on, at least not in the near future, so I guess the heavy rod would be sufficient for my first setup based on your experiences. Pger, I didn't even think look at that rod, but I like it. I don't plan on throwing or purchasing larger heavier swimbaits or glides right now so I'd probably go for the heavy 7'11. It also has a MF action so it would suit both hard baits and soft baits well according to the article Senko shared. I'm leaning towards that rod now. The price is certainly around my budget. Thumbs up! I appreciate the input so far guys; I'm glad I didn't cluelessly go buy that E-motion... Quote
Ozark_Basser Posted February 20, 2015 Posted February 20, 2015 Rippin, thanks for the input. I don't think I will ever be tying anything more than 4 ounces on, at least not in the near future, so I guess the heavy rod would be sufficient for my first setup based on your experiences. Pger, I didn't even think look at that rod, but I like it. I don't plan on throwing or purchasing larger heavier swimbaits or glides right now so I'd probably go for the heavy 7'11. It also has a MF action so it would suit both hard baits and soft baits well according to the article Senko shared. I'm leaning towards that rod now. The price is certainly around my budget. Thumbs up! I appreciate the input so far guys; I'm glad I didn't cluelessly go buy that E-motion... Once you catch one decent fish on a 6" you will want to throw an 8". Trust me. I'd go 7'11" xheavy okuma guide series. Quote
Super User Big Bait Fishing Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 Once you catch one decent fish on a 6" you will want to throw an 8". Trust me. I'd go 7'11" xheavy okuma guide series.Absolutely correct, trust me that once you get into throwing big baits that you will want to throw even bigger baits once you start catching big fish , I also think you'd prefer the fast action compared to a moderate action , with a fast action, you will get better hook sets especially on long casts !!BTW, The guide series are nice but the Citrix is a lot nicer !! Quote
TOPFLiTE1994@gmail.com Posted February 20, 2015 Author Posted February 20, 2015 Sounds like I don't know what kind of fun I'm getting into yet...! pger, I agree, the Citrix appeals greater to me. I certainly like those traditional over-sized foam grip handles, and the price. As for the power, all of my current larger swim/wake/glide baits are well under 4 ounces, and I don't plan on throwing money into the larger stuff soon, so I'm still leaning toward the 'heavy' 1-6 oz Citrix, guys. I understand your reasoning for recommending an extra heavy set up, but I think I'll go ahead and get a set up that suits my current needs. I'll go to the heavier rod and sell the previous if (when?) I decide to move up in baits in the future... or buy a heavier set up altogether. I think I've pretty much got my mind set. Abu Ambassadeur C3-5500L, Okuma Citrix 7'11 heavy, it is. I really appreciate all the help guys, ya'll are awesome! It would have taken much longer and a lot more cash to figure all this out on my own. I'll post my opinions/pics of the new rig when I get it (if I remember!). Thanks again guys, TOPFLiTE Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 Sounds like I don't know what kind of fun I'm getting into yet...! It's also a lot of disappointment too. You can go out 7 times and get skunked all 7. One of the best things I was told was. Leave everything else at home and only take your swimbait setup with you. That way you are forced to keep throwing it or pack it up for the day. It's way too easy to set it down and grab another rod if you take more than one. You aren't going to catch fish on a swimbait if you're not throwing it. 1 Quote
Blues19 Posted February 20, 2015 Posted February 20, 2015 I've been looking at getting a Big rod for BIG baits, like the new Spro Rat. The one I am looking at is the Lews American Hero Rods. The Heavy rod is 7'6" and is rated up to 6 oz. Quote
Super User Big Bait Fishing Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 Sounds like I don't know what kind of fun I'm getting into yet...! pger, I agree, the Citrix appeals greater to me. I certainly like those traditional over-sized foam grip handles, and the price. As for the power, all of my current larger swim/wake/glide baits are well under 4 ounces, and I don't plan on throwing money into the larger stuff soon, so I'm still leaning toward the 'heavy' 1-6 oz Citrix, guys. I understand your reasoning for recommending an extra heavy set up, but I think I'll go ahead and get a set up that suits my current needs. I'll go to the heavier rod and sell the previous if (when?) I decide to move up in baits in the future... or buy a heavier set up altogether. I think I've pretty much got my mind set. Abu Ambassadeur C3-5500L, Okuma Citrix 7'11 heavy, it is. I really appreciate all the help guys, ya'll are awesome! It would have taken much longer and a lot more cash to figure all this out on my own. I'll post my opinions/pics of the new rig when I get it (if I remember!). Thanks again guys, TOPFLiTE Your welcome, hope you catch your new personal best !!! Quote
Super User Angry John Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 I am not into short handles on the larger bait rods. This is one thing you will sort out quickly. The difference on the dobyns rods is a huge deal for me. Quote
Super User WRB Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 Take a look at IROD G2 Swimbait rods $150, 7'9" heavy is very popular. Tom Quote
Super User deep Posted February 20, 2015 Super User Posted February 20, 2015 For sub 2 oz baits, your flipping stick and a 200 size reel with 15-20# line (or braid equivalent) will suffice. If and when you're ready to move up, I'd suggest an Okuma guide select rod and a Cardiff 301 for a cheap but very decent combo. P.S. Buy the cardiff used. You'll save at least 50 bucks. Quote
catch anything Posted February 20, 2015 Posted February 20, 2015 bass pro has their graphite series muskie rods for sale right now for 40$ and free shipping. I know your thinking its crazy but muskie rods work well for swimbaits especially since your just starting out its inexpensive and a good rod. Quote
stkbassn Posted February 20, 2015 Posted February 20, 2015 Take a look at IROD G2 Swimbait rods $150, 7'9" heavy is very popular. Tom Yes, great rod. I just got the Swimbait Jr. and ordering another already! Why not have two! I have a Curado 300E on this one and looking to buy the Lew's BB2 Pro for the other...Can't beat it! I like the Okuma rod, 7'6 Heavy (had two) but prefer this IROD all day. Quote
Sherlock 60 Posted February 22, 2015 Posted February 22, 2015 This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/swimbait_gear.html Quote
Sherlock 60 Posted February 22, 2015 Posted February 22, 2015 This article pretty much describes musky gear. Lots of great gear choices for larger lures if you check out the musky tackle suppliers. Many of the most popular musky lures are simply big swimbaits. Quote
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