Help me pick out a swimbait setup

[NorthernBasser]

Hey guys.

 

So recently I've been getting into fishing bigger swimbaits (for WI at least). Nothing crazy. So far, mainly the Big Bites Suicide Shad. I'm throwing it on a Dobyns Fury Mag Heavy (FR 735C) , which is rated up to 1.5 oz lures. 

 

I'd like to get something to throw baits up to 3 oz now. And I'd like to keep the rod at 7'6" or under (so it fits in my rod locker).

 

Any recommendations on rod/reel? I'd like to stay around $200-225 if at all possible. 

 

Thanks!

[kenmitch]

I don't think there are any that are that short and would handle 3oz. I'm kind of looking at and debating on picking up a SB rod so I've looked at a lot of them in the last couple of days. Looks like 7'6" taps out around 1.5-2oz for most rod lines.

 

You might have to go custom for locker friendly size? Not sure if possible or practical but maybe mod longer one by shortening the butt end? No way to mod the locker?

[J.Vincent]

Abu Garcia Veritas VTSC79-7 is a 7ft9 Rod rated for 3oz. but it could easily be customized by trimming back the butt end and adding a new rear grip. That's the shortest Rod I know of rated for 3oz. 

[evilcatfish]

There are some JDM swimbait rods in the size you are looking for, but they are pretty costly.  Not swimbait specific, but there are musky rods in that size range that could work for you.

[evilcatfish]

Also, spiralite makes a telescopic swimbait rod

[Vilas15]

4 hours ago, evilcatfish said:

Not swimbait specific, but there are musky rods in that size range that could work for you.

St Croix Mojo Musky 7'6" MH (3/4-3oz) or H (2-6oz). They also have a 7'2". You can also go down in price (Triumph Musky) or up (Premier Musky).

[MassYak85]

Is it a non-negotiable that it's under 7'6"? I understand storage wise would be a pain but I think you are going to end up with a non-ideal rod with that length as a condition. Especially at that budget you can get some VERY nice swimbait rods tailored to that weight range, but they are going to be 3-6 inches longer than what you want. Like others have said if the length is a must I think you are probably looking at either modifying the butt section of a longer rod, or getting a musky rod. 

[NorthernBasser]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

 

Maybe I'll just go with a longer rod and not store it in my rod locker then?

 

I'd prefer then to stay around 7'9" if possible.

 

As far as reel, what are your thoughts on the new Tatula 200? And, is there a set release date for it yet? 

[Angry John]

So if your willing to pay the price for the length and not compromise on quality megabass has several to choose from.  I have and enjoy the wp and my fishing partner really likes his srd both 7'6".

[Vilas15]

Not storing rods in your locker isn't fun, but shouldn't be a big problem if you can strap it to the deck and only travel between home and the launch. I have rods that don't fit in storage and couldn't be strapped down so they had to travel in the SUV every trip or if I needed to lock things up.

 

I'm just not sure how a musky rod's action would compare to dedicated swimbait rods. If you think there will be no problems with a longer rod you can't fit in storage, then I would go that route. I would stay away from getting a longer rod and trying to shorten the butt section. I think having along (proper length) butt section is real important for casting large baits.

[WRB]

My swimbait rods are not stored in the rod locker, they get the left side of my boats passenger seat rod holder with a tie down so 8' rods aren't an issue.

Tom

[fishwizzard]

12 hours ago, Angry John said:

So if your willing to pay the price for the length and not compromise on quality megabass has several to choose from.  I have and enjoy the wp and my fishing partner really likes his srd both 7'6".

The problem with out of production MB stuff is sourcing them for a reasonable (for MB at least) price.  I am a little regretful that I didn't jump on a SRD when they were still in-stock at US retailers.  

[evilcatfish]

1 hour ago, fishwizzard said:

The problem with out of production MB stuff is sourcing them for a reasonable (for MB at least) price.  I am a little regretful that I didn't jump on a SRD when they were still in-stock at US retailers.  

It really is a bad ass rod, possibly the most versatile I own. Not perfect for one application but pretty good at several. Sorry to rub salt in your regret wounds lol 

[fishwizzard]

1 hour ago, evilcatfish said:

It really is a bad ass rod, possibly the most versatile I own. Not perfect for one application but pretty good at several. Sorry to rub salt in your regret wounds lol 

The pain of getting into jdm tackle late in the game is missing out on so many cool rods.  But, being able to pick up a Pixy for under $200 is a nice consolation prize.  

 

OP, if 3oz isn’t a firm upper limit, then look at the MB Hyuga 72H. It’s also oop, but they are still around. Imho they max out around 2.5oz, but it’s been a great rod for me so far with everything I have fished on it. 

[evilcatfish]

1 hour ago, fishwizzard said:

The pain of getting into jdm tackle late in the game is missing out on so many cool rods.  But, being able to pick up a Pixy for under $200 is a nice consolation prize.  

Very true, lots of deals on used Pixies out there