Frog And Small Swimbait Setup?

[microotter]

Is there a rod versatile enough that I can use for both of these techniques? I will mostly be throwing paddletail swimbaits on a single hook jighead and some smaller treble hooked swimbaits 2 ounces and less. I fish in Pa and WV area mostly so I don't know if any of the bigger swimbaits would be worth my time and money. I would like to use this rod on float trips in my kayak targeting musky as well. The musky arent huge but I think that will be a factor in choosing a rod. I would like to use 50 or greater braided line.

There are so many swimbait rods, heavy rods and musky casting rods out there that I am having a hard time making a decision. It would be nice if the rod was lightweight and easy to use all day long with out wearing me out. I would like to keep the rod price around $125 or less and am also ok with it being used.

I read a lot of threads recommending the okuma big bait rod, the daiwa dx swimbait rod, the mojo bass slop rod and the genesis ii rods. Unfortunately no stores near me carry any of these rods to try in person.

Would I be better off buying a swimbait specific rod or a frogging rod? Musky rod?

What are your thoughts?

[microotter]

does anyone have any experience with the lews hm85 extra heavy 7'3". It is rated 1 oz to 2.5 oz. most frogs that I throw weigh less than that. Would this be a problem? It is a fast action rod.

[Bluebasser86]

I use a 7' 3" H/F rod for frogs and would have no problem handling baits up to the size you listed. I use to have the Mojo slop and frog rod, it's an awful frog rod, doesn't load at all which makes casting really difficult. 

[Big Bait Fishing]

pretty much any 7' & up heavy powered / fast action rod would work .

[WPCfishing]

Look at a Lews Magmun One.

[webertime]

A used Phenix Recon 766.

A Dobyns 735 model of your choice would work if you skipped the 2oz baits and hung around 1.5oz

[microotter]

The dobyns rods interest me. Stupid question: what is the 735 model and how do you tell which rod is a 735 on a website like TW?

I like to try new manufacturers out and have never used a Dobuns or Phenix rod. I also think that I am going to try a shimano reel for this setup. I have only used their spinning reels. I may try the new Citica.

[MIbassangler30]

Dobyns Fury 734c or 735c, either would treat you well. Been fishing mine for a few months and it is sensitive and durable. I put my equipment through their paces. Matched mine with a Diawa Tatula and 50 lb FX2. To answer your question; 734c, the 7 is 7 foot, the 3 is 3 inch and the last number is the power, 4 power is heavy and 5 power is mag heavy. If you look at the rods on the full tackle warehouse site and not the mobile site you'll get the full informational rundown.

[microotter]

Thanks! That makes a lot of sense haha. The dobyns can handle swimbaits heavier than the 1 oz. they are rated?

[webertime]

The 735 is up to 1.5oz.

734 is waaaaaaay to light for frogs and swimbaits.

[microotter]

I'm leaning towards a tatula rod amd reel. Probably the 7'4" froggin rod.

[hatrix]

does anyone have any experience with the lews hm85 extra heavy 7'3". It is rated 1 oz to 2.5 oz. most frogs that I throw weigh less than that. Would this be a problem? It is a fast action rod.

I have the hm85 7'9" 1-5 oz I think it is swimbait rod. It is actually a very nice rod and sensitive at that. It has quite a bit of power and will easily drive home the hook on hudd at the end of a long cast.

[microotter]

I can't find a H action rod that I like that is rated up to at least 1.5 oz and is on sale. With all the great deals that I have gotten recently it is difficult for me to pay full price.