What swimbait rods are you using for your bigger baits (6+ oz)?

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

I am currently using a Phenix M1 Inshore (rated 2-8oz) with a Shimano Calcutta Conquest. I have been throwing mostly 6inch Huds and the rod handled them very well. Though every time I am trying to throw a 8 inch hud, a A-rig or some bigger top waters, I feel that the rod is way underpowered and nowhere near its 8 oz rating.

I am wondering now if I should use my Phenix M1 to become my small swimbait/topwater rod and pair it with a Daiwa Luna 300 and get a new 'big bait' rod for my Conquest. 

Another aspect that buggs me a bit with the Phenix M1 is its weight and the shorter handle. Given that I have limited space in my car I am limited to a rod that is around 8 feet long.

I am wondering what people here on the forum use.

Thanks!
cheers,
Seb.

[WRB]

Dobyns DC 807 MAG HSB, 8', 3-10 oz lures.

Tom

[crypt]

I have a MHX 8' flipping stick that I made. extra heavy action. good for 3-6 oz. lures. 

[WRB]

As mentioned before the Irod gen2 XH 8' swimbait rod has the power needed for 7+ oz swimbaits  at $150. I have this IRod with 300 size reel for big rats and used Winn rod wrap to add a fore grip. The XH Irod works OK for the Deps 250 if your on a budget, the Dobyns casts a lot easier with the 400 size reels and bigger luresand replaced my old heavy Loomis SB rod.

Tom

[freelancer27]

I just got off the phone with Phenix. 

They offered me the following:

Send in my M1 Inshore and get 40% off on the Phenix Swimbait Classic Cast Rod 8' Heavy. 

With all the shipping, I think that upgrade would cost me a total of: 390 USD (200 USD for the M1, 170 USD for the Classic, 20 USD shipping)

I am wondering though if I should just keep the M1 Inshore and get the recommended Dobyns Champion XP Swimbait Rod 8' Mag Heavy 807 on top. 

I would move my Conquest to the Dobyns and then use my Lew's BB2 Inshore on the M1 Inshore again or get a new (budget) swimbait reel like the Luna 300 (around 250 USD) for the M1 Inshore. Since I would be using the M1 Inshore mostly for heavy top water lures, I think the Luna might be a bit too heavy, since the Phenix rod is already heavy.

 

[freelancer27]

What are you guys thinking about the following rods:

* Genesis II Cast Rod 7'9" Large Swimbait Heavy

* Daiwa DX Swimbait Casting Rod 8' Extra Extra Heavy

* Okuma SBX Swimbait Casting Rod 7'11" Extra Hvy

* Dobyns Champion XP Swimbait Rod 8'6" Mag Heavy 867


Again my target baits are:

Deps 250, 8 inch Hud and future bigger baits.


Thanks!

[brgbassmaster]

Low Down Customs if you can get one lol definitely the best choice. Dobyns, Loomis, Okuma guide select IROD.

[j bab]

I personally use an 8' Heavy Daiwa Zillion Swimbait rod and it works beautifully for 8" Hudds (see my profile pic), however it feels a little overpowered when I tie on a 250. I'm really considering the new *** XH for my 250 and future bigger baits.

If I were you I'd keep the one you have and get one of the heavier ones mentioned above, basically whichever you can afford.

[freelancer27]

I am leaning towards either of the two right now, since I can not find a Low Down Customs anywhere... :/

* Okuma SBX Swimbait Casting Rod 7'11" Extra Hvy

* Dobyns Champion XP Swimbait Rod 8'6" Mag Heavy 867

[blckshirt98]

For that money you can get a custom Low Down Customs or MOAM swimbait rod built (though there's some leadtime with them) and be the envy of all your fishing buddies.

Low Down Custom has a XXH White Label "production" rod that is currently sold out, but send an email or call either LDC or MOAM for more info.  

 

[freelancer27]

I like the idea, though I would like to fish with the rod within this year

[Big Bait Fishing]

15 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

I like the idea, though I would like to fish with the rod within this year

why don't you contact a rod builder in your area and see about a custom , those LDC rods are built of of Phenix Black Diamond blanks and the Black Diamond Hybrid blanks , getting one of the blanks and taking it to a builder and have it made to your liking is the best bet , or you could always go with a production rod  ...

if your looking for a 8 ft. rod , check out the PHD809XH  or for a 8'6'' rod , check out the PHD869XH  , both those blanks are the Black Diamond Hybrid blanks ...

depending on the builder and their schedule , they could have it built within a week or two

[freelancer27]

So I narrowed it down to three options:


1. Used Dobyns 867 for 180 USD

2. Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" XH or  Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" XXH (125USD)

3. Genesis II Cast Rod 8' Swimbait Bailey Swim Heavy . (150USD)

Thoughts?

[Big Bait Fishing]

4 minutes ago, freelancer27 said:

So I narrowed it down to three options:


1. Used Dobyns 867 for 180 USD

2. Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" XH or  Okuma Guide Select "a" Series Swimbait Rod 7'11" XXH (125USD)

3. Genesis II Cast Rod 8' Swimbait Bailey Swim Heavy . (150USD)

Thoughts?

even though i don't care for their rods , i'd go with the dobyns 867 because if you are gonna use it for heavier baits (6+ oz. baits ) you will need the longer handle , trust me ...