Looking for a dedicated Swimbait Rod

[freelancer27]

38 minutes ago, WRB said:

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

Thank you again for your opinion!
What do you think is setting a Loomis rod apart from an Okuma/Irod ?

The BBR966C sounds good, but is unfortunately too long with its 8 feet for my little car. ;/

I would like to use the rod equally much for inshore fishing, if that has an impact on the selection.
Thanks again.

[WRB]

39 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

Thank you again for your opinion!
What do you think is setting a Loomis rod apart from an Okuma/Irod ?

The BBR966C sounds good, but is unfortunately too long with its 8 feet for my little car. ;/

I would like to use the rod equally much for inshore fishing, if that has an impact on the selection.
Thanks again.

What is the length you need?

Rods that are used in salt water should have corrosion proof components. What reel-line do you use and weight of inshore lures-terminal tackle?

If you transport the rod in a car, use a rod sock to protect the guides, most fresh water rods use light weight guides today.

Everything considered the Okuma Guide A series is a basic rod, uses strong corrosion resistant materials and guides and is 7'11" and should get you started. 

Loomis uses good quality guides, reel seat and cork handles, it's also 2X the price, not sure that is a good idea for your application until you get some experience under your belt.

Tom

[freelancer27]

6 minutes ago, WRB said:

What is the length you need?

Rods that are used in salt water should have corrosion proof components. What reel-line do you use and weight of inshore lures-terminal tackle?

If you transport the rod in a car, use a rod sock to protect the guides, most fresh water rods use light weight guides today.

Everything considered the Okuma Guide A series is a basic rod, uses strong corrosion resistant materials and guides and is 7'11" and should get you started. 

Loomis uses good quality guides, reel seat and cork handles, it's also 2X the price, not sure that is a good idea for your application until you get some experience under your belt.

Tom

I was planning to use 25pound Trilene BigGame Mono. I always use a rod sock, when transporting my babies in the car!

The lures I was planning to throw would be larger poppers, jigs and swimbaits.
You convince me more and more to check the Okuma!

[Dan_the_fisher]

An 8' Rod being only 1" longer than your Rod shouldn't make much of a difference at all, I wouldn't let that make deter you from getting a different Rod 

[Krevo81]

Okuma Guide Select and Mojo Bass Arig/Swimbait rods are what I use for my big baits.  If I'm buying a Loomis, it'll be a M or MH for more standard applications where sensitivity, weight, etc are important.

[paultio]

With the time I have put into swimbaits, I definitely prefer two rod types for different swimbaits. For any single hook swimbaits and larger (4oz+)  hard body swimbaits I prefer a fast action rod. For treble hook applications such as the s-waver, bbz-1, ganscraft glide baits, I prefer a moderate to moderate fast action rod. This allows more freedom for the lure on the retrieve and also keeps the fish pinned with the treble hooks.

 

Then of course, you may need several rods to throw differences in weight. Great recommendations on this thread, but also check out the Megabass Orochi xx Leviathan rod which is rated for lures 1/2oz-8oz, mod-fast action. Also dont leave out the daiwa zillion swimbait rods out of your decisions.

[crankbank]

Lots of good info here, I know Dobyns was mentioned in an earlier post.. but i would look at the Champion 795. It is rated up to 5oz, so i think youd be fine if you threw a 6er.  I have the 806 Mike Long rod (longer handle) and absolutely love it.

[freelancer27]

Thanks guys.

I have noted a couple of your recommendations. Will go to the store on Saturday again (if all works out).

Will have a look at the models and then make a decision based on individual feel?

Any recommendations on how to test a rod? Put my reel on it and see how it feels and balances?

Thanks!

[crankbank]

6 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

Thanks guys.

I have noted a couple of your recommendations. Will go to the store on Saturday again (if all works out).

Will have a look at the models and then make a decision based on individual feel?

Any recommendations on how to test a rod? Put my reel on it and see how it feels and balances?

Thanks!

I think that is a good plan for testing it, I usually just buy them online and roll the dice... but if I could get my hands on them prior to that is what I would do. 

Not sure how much of a rush you are in, but I would wait for the Tackle Warehouse/any online site 4th of July sale (if you do not take advantage of that Gloomis 20% discount).

[freelancer27]

2 hours ago, crankbank said:

I think that is a good plan for testing it, I usually just buy them online and roll the dice... but if I could get my hands on them prior to that is what I would do. 

Not sure how much of a rush you are in, but I would wait for the Tackle Warehouse/any online site 4th of July sale (if you do not take advantage of that Gloomis 20% discount).

That is the time when I am getting my swimbaits!

[paultio]

Dont forget that brands like Megabass, daiwa, and shimano are not included, which sucks haha

[crankbank]

11 hours ago, paultio said:

Dont forget that brands like Megabass, daiwa, and shimano are not included, which sucks haha

Only Megabass is truly not included, others can be included if you call the order in.  I have done that in the past when ordering Simms gear.

14 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

That is the time when I am getting my swimbaits!

Smart man. I think I will be doing the same....

[freelancer27]

Ok,

I went for the Phenix SMX-79H Inshore.

SMX-79H

7'9"

Line 20-45

3-8oz

I think it is a good all rounder for Bigger Swimbaits and Inshore fishing.

Directly went ahead and took advantage of this offer https://www.*.com/Savage-Gear-3D-Line-Thru-Trout-p/savagegear-3dlttrout.htm


 

Now I just need a couple of weedless Huds, a 9 inch MS Slammer and I am all set!

Thanks again for all the help here!