Looking for a dedicated Swimbait Rod

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

Over the weekendend I spontaniously decided to get into larger Swimbiat Fishing. So I went to a fishing store the other day and bought a Swimbait rod after getting consultation by one of the guys at the shop.

I went for the G. Loomis Swimbait Rod 7'11" Med Hvy SWBR955.  There was a 20% discount on the rod, that is why I mainly bought it.

When I came home (the store is around 1h drive from my place) I directly went ahead and checked for reviews on the web to see if I made a smart purchase. Obviously I was not smart enough to check this in store...

The reviews seemed to be just ok... http://www.tackletour.com/reviewloomisswbr955c.html
Additionally after closer inspection I realized that the first guide had a small crack in the glued holder section and that the first guide was also slightly misaligned. Again, something that my stupid butt should have checked in store.

Now that I have decided to drive back to the store to at least exchange the rod against a flawless one (this is the most expensive rod I own), I would like to check in with you Swimbiat experts first to see if:

A ) Should I keep the rod model and just exchange the rod

B ) Should I change to a different G. Loomis modell given their 20% discount.
Options here would be:
* G. Loomis GL2 Cast Swimbait Rod 7'11" Heavy 956C SWB
* G. Loomis IMX Swimbait Rod 7'11" Med Hvy 955C SWB
* G. Loomis IMX Swimbait Rod 7'11" Heavy 956C SWB
* G. Loomis IMX Umbrella Rig Rod 7'7" XH 916C UBR

C) Replace the rod with a different brand/model

I am planning to couple the rod with my Lew's BB2 Inshore reel. I would like to use the combo to throw bigger swimbaits (up to 6 ounces) and also use it for inshore fishing. It is important to me that the rod has a good warranty, since this is a big investment and should last a couple of years.


I would really appreciate it if you could post some of your thoughts.

Thank you very much!

[Dan_the_fisher]

I have some g loomis rods but I strayed away from there swimbait rods, I have a Phenix m1 that I absolutely love and would deffinalty recommend of the models you suggested. Also you could get you a LDC production series Rod cheaper than those as well. I am also rocking the bb2

[mojojojo]

Yes the Phenix M1 Rods are great. I own GLoomix E6X swimbait rod rated up to 20x baits that I use for small to medium swimbaits and I really like it...a lot!  I don't know why there are quite a few negative reviews on the E6X...but anyhow I also own a Phenix M1 and its a better rod and a little less expensive as well.

I also own an Okuma Guide Select swimbait stick in Heavy for 1oz-6oz baitsand for $110 this rod can't be beat in my opinion..

But if you're going to be spending in the $200+ range definitely look at the Phenix M1. I bought one in their inshore series (roughly $185) and use it for a swimbait, big swimjig, and big 1oz+ jig rod and this rod just flat out rocks...

[freelancer27]

9 minutes ago, mojojojo said:

Yes the Phenix M1 Rods are great. I own GLoomix E6X swimbait rod rated up to 20x baits that I use for small to medium swimbaits and I really like it...a lot!  I don't know why there are quite a few negative reviews on the E6X...but anyhow I also own a Phenix M1 and its a better rod and a little less expensive as well.

I also own an Okuma Guide Select swimbait stick in Heavy for 1oz-6oz baitsand for $110 this rod can't be beat in my opinion..

But if you're going to be spending in the $200+ range definitely look at the Phenix M1. I bought one in their inshore series (roughly $185) and use it for a swimbait, big swimjig, and big 1oz+ jig rod and this rod just flat out rocks...

You mean something like this: Phenix M1 Casting Rod 7'5" Extra Hvy ?

[mojojojo]

2 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

You mean something like this: Phenix M1 Casting Rod 7'5" Extra Hvy ?

http://www.***.com/Phenix_M1_Swimbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-PMSS.html

[freelancer27]

2 minutes ago, mojojojo said:

http://www.***.com/Phenix_M1_Swimbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-PMSS.html

8 feet is too long. I am already having a hard time getting the 7'11'' into my tiny car... :/

[mojojojo]

3 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

8 feet is too long. I am already having a hard time getting the 7'11'' into my tiny car... :/

Then that Phenix M1 7'5 extra heavy may be the one...but its rated as an extra fast action, thats going to be geared more towards bottom baits like big heavy jigs. With a swimbait rod you want more of a softer tip..especially if your throwing big treble hook baits.

If your going to be throwing big swimbaits like 8" huddles tons then your going to need a big rod. But if you're mainly going to be throwing baits up to around 3oz then you can get away with something smaller.

Like I said, I have the Gloomis E6X 7'5" heavy moderate fast and its rated up to only 2oz baits but I throw 3oz on it all the time and it feels just fine. I really like this rod for glide baits.

[Bluebasser86]

I have an Okuma Guide Select. They're impossible to beat for the money. They look really nice since they've been revamped also. 

[freelancer27]

21 minutes ago, mojojojo said:

Then that Phenix M1 7'5 extra heavy may be the one...but its rated as an extra fast action, thats going to be geared more towards bottom baits like big heavy jigs. With a swimbait rod you want more of a softer tip..especially if your throwing big treble hook baits.

If your going to be throwing big swimbaits like 8" huddles tons then your going to need a big rod. But if you're mainly going to be throwing baits up to around 3oz then you can get away with something smaller.

Like I said, I have the Gloomis E6X 7'5" heavy moderate fast and its rated up to only 2oz baits but I throw 3oz on it all the time and it feels just fine. I really like this rod for glide baits.

Thanks for your help man!

I would use the rod purely for bigger swimbaits (bass) and swimbaits and bigger topwater applications (inshore). So, a extra fast tip might not be optimal here.
So, I would like to stay within 7'11'' and be able to throw baits up to 6-8 ounces.

I am a little bit overwhelmed with the options here. Reading through all reviews on TW and Tackletour and also watching a ton of youtube videos, but no rod has really stood out constantly yet.

That is why I am thankful for your opinions!!!

[Robert Riley]

I've heard that the Okuma rods are the best entry level. I however, being a Dobyns fan boy will be purchasing a FR795sb this summer. Also, can't you just ask GLoomis? Don't they have a great warranty program? I'm sure someone will chime in on this.  

[Bluebasser86]

3 minutes ago, Robert Riley said:

I've heard that the Okuma rods are the best entry level. I however, being a Dobyns fan boy will be purchasing a FR795sb this summer. Also, can't you just ask GLoomis? Don't they have a great warranty program? I'm sure someone will chime in on this.  

I have the same Dobyn's as well, and it is a nice rod, but it won't handle the size baits the OP is wanting to throw. 

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

Okuma Guide Select is a great rod. I have 4 for my swimbait setups. On my higher end setups I have LDC's. Best custom rods for big baits out there

[IndianaFinesse]

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but do you guys know of any decent swimbait rods for up to two ounce swim baits for under 70$?

[Big Bait Fishing]

1 hour ago, CarolinaBoy4Life said:

Okuma Guide Select is a great rod. I have 4 for my swimbait setups. On my higher end setups I have LDC's. Best custom rods for big baits out there

[Bluebasser86]

54 minutes ago, IndianaFinesse said:

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but do you guys know of any decent swimbait rods for up to two ounce swim baits for under 70$?

I have a 7' 6" XH/F Ethos rated up to 2.5 ounces I believe? I used it for swimbait for awhile and still throw smaller ones on it once in awhile. It was $40 in the store. 

[webertime]

1 hour ago, IndianaFinesse said:

I don't mean to hijack the thread, but do you guys know of any decent swimbait rods for up to two ounce swim baits for under 70$?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-rods/casting-rods|/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104823180/cabela-s-tourney-trail-reg-muskie-casting-rod/1925832.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fcasting-rods%2F_%2FN-1102351%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104823180

I like mine just as much as any other swimbait rod I've had. 8ft heavy would work.

[freelancer27]

Thanks for the replies.

Which of the G. Loomis would you select? What are other options in that price range that are capable of throwing 6-8 ounce loures, have a great warranty are not longer as 7'11''?

THanks!

 

[freelancer27]

Any opionions on this one: Phenix Swimbait Classic Cast Rod 7'9" Heavy ?

[mojojojo]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

Any opionions on this one: Phenix Swimbait Classic Cast Rod 7'9" Heavy ?

I haven't used it, but Phenix makes excellent rods. But like a previous poster stated, the Okuma Guide Select swimbait stick is a fantastic rod for only $110. It even comes with Fuji K series Alconite guides.. I have the heavy action model rated for 1-6oz baits and it chucks 8" huddlestons perfect. Its a great swimbait rod for the money. But Id be absolutely sure the Phenix Classic swimbait rod will be a great one. I was about to buy that one but a local store had the M1 Inshore series on sale so I picked up a 7'11" model.

[blckshirt98]

+1 for the Phenix M1 Inshore, but if you're spending almost $300 on a swimbait rod you might want to get a new White Label Low Down Customs swimbait rod.  Or you could wait for Tackle Warehouse to restock the Huddleston swimbait rod.

[Big Bait Fishing]

1 hour ago, blckshirt98 said:

+1 for the Phenix M1 Inshore, but if you're spending almost $300 on a swimbait rod you might want to get a new White Label Low Down Customs swimbait rod.  Or you could wait for Tackle Warehouse to restock the Huddleston swimbait rod.

my opinion is that if you're gonna spend $300+ , get a custom made ! going with a rod builder's " custom " like a LDC , you'll be buying his interpertation of a custom rod , get with mike at DVT and have him build you a full custom off the blank of your choosing , that way you can get all the components you want , handle length , guide choice ,  and grip set up . those white label rods would be alright if you use a right hand reel . if you use a left hand reel , the spiral wrap is in the wrong direction ...

some good blank choices in the length you want would be the Phenix USB-800-H ( it's an 8 ' blank but you can have the builder cut an inch off the butt end if you need it 7'11'') also the Phenix USB-790-H , a 7'9'' blank , both will throw up to 8 oz. baits . both blanks sell for $160 so with components your looking around $200-$240 plus build cost

for throwing big baits , custom rods are the way to go as handle length are a major factor in throwing big baits effectively without putting alot of stress on your wrists and shoulders . i like fast action rods for throwing swimbaits , not a moderate action or slow action, as i find you have better hook sets on long casts , let your coplolymer line provide shock resistince . anyhow good luck ...

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, Big Bait Fishing said:

my opinion is that if you're gonna spend $300+ , get a custom made ! going with a rod builder's " custom " like a LDC , you'll be buying his interpertation of a custom rod , get with mike at DVT and have him build you a full custom off the blank of your choosing , that way you can get all the components you want , handle length , guide choice ,  and grip set up . those white label rods would be alright if you use a right hand reel . if you use a left hand reel , the spiral wrap is in the wrong direction ...

some good blank choices in the length you want would be the Phenix USB-800-H ( it's an 8 ' blank but you can have the builder cut an inch off the butt end if you need it 7'11'') also the Phenix USB-790-H , a 7'9'' blank , both will throw up to 8 oz. baits . both blanks sell for $160 so with components your looking around $200-$240 plus build cost

for throwing big baits , custom rods are the way to go as handle length are a major factor in throwing big baits effectively without putting alot of stress on your wrists and shoulders . i like fast action rods for throwing swimbaits , not a moderate action or slow action, as i find you have better hook sets on long casts , let your coplolymer line provide shock resistince . anyhow good luck ...

Wholy moly!

I thought there was an 'easy' answer to this. Honestly if the Okuma is such a good choice I might try to exchange the Loomis for the Okuma and get some swimbaits for the remaining money.

What I am hearing so far is that there is no special benefit from the G.Loomis that would justify the 2x higher price over the Okuma.

Thought the rod has just a 1 year warranty...

[WRB]

Not to add more confusion to this long thread, if you go with Okuma guide select go with the A series and if you use Huddleston 8" use the XH.

Another choice is Irod 8' XH, down side for me is the short foregrip and hook hanger located on top of the rod, otherwise $150 rod that is light weight and cast swimbaits 3 to 8 oz very well.

The Hudd rod with spiral wrapped guides and cork fore grip is a very good swimbait that uses Irod blank.

Tom

[freelancer27]

Ok, I think more and more opinions here make me believe that I do not need a 270 USD rod for Swimmbait fishing.

I will see if I can exchange it for either the Okuma and put the remaining money in some nice swimbaits instead.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

Ok, I think more and more opinions here make me believe that I do not need a 270 USD rod for Swimmbait fishing.

I will see if I can exchange it for either the Okuma and put the remaining money in some nice swimbaits instead.

I am not suggesting a $150 Irod rod is equal to Loomis, the $250 Hudd rod is equal. The Okuma and Irods are functional and work very good.  I own a 20 year old Loomis  6 power SB rod, good rod, just weighs 50% more than today's lighter weight rods and the reason it stays as a back up rod. The Loomis BBR966C (3 - 10 oz lures) would another be a good choice to consider in the $270 range.

Tom