LOOKING FOR A NEW SWIMBAIT ROD

[Harold Scoggins]

I  handed off my 11-year old Lamiglas XC807 to my son this winter and was getting ready to drop coin on another Lamiglas last night when I came across this Okuma Nomad Express. There's only 5-6 times a year when I throw the heavy baits and I'm limited on the number of rods I can carry on the kayaks. This Okuma would fit nicely inside the hatches and comes in two models rated for 1-4 and 2-8 ozs. I know that earlier models (2015) had problems with cardboard spacers, that arborded the reel seat, disintegrating when water seeped in, but a couple folks I talked to about the newer models told me that this has been fixed. I would appreciate any user thoughts on this Okuma.

[microotter]

I haven’t used one, but TackleTour recently did a review. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumanomadtravelrods.html

[J Francho]

I have The Heavy and X-heavy Guide select swimbait rods.  I'd spend the $20 or so more on them.  I love them. 

[Bluebasser86]

The Guide Select is a great rod. I've got one in my swimbait lineup as well. 

[Harold Scoggins]

Holy swimbait, Batman! XXH rated for 14 oz baits, what are you two @J Francho @Bluebasser86 fishing for? Alligator Gar? Should I go with the Guide Select, I'll have to look at the wiring harness that runs down on the side (inside) of my hull. I don't think I can store a 7'11" rod down the center due to the obstruction inside the hull under the seat. The specs on the Guide Select is impressive, I might give it a go once I redo the wiring harness.

 

 

[J Francho]

I have the H and XH.  There are only a few baits I throw on the XH.  The H Guide select, and a custom build on a Saint Croix 4C79HF covers most of what I throw: Hudd 68, Mattlures OG Hardgill, OG HPH, Savage Glide, etc.