Big Swimbait Beginner Questions

[Adam Markley]

Hello everyone, I live outside of Philadelphia and am wondering if anyone in Pennsylvania has had any luck on big swim baits? I am intrigued by these bigger baits, and am thinking about picking up a dobyns 795 paired with some sort of 300ish reel. Looking to throw Bullshads, s-waver 168s, hudd 68s, Megabass Magdraft 8”, gantrelles, and some rats. Will the dobyns 795 get the job done as a beginner Swimbait rod for throwing most of these baits? Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Or if there’s any baits I may have missed that are considered must-haves or staple swimbaits. Thanks

[BadBasser]

I'm an Ohio boy preparing to try the big baits this year. Check out KeepinItReelFising on youtube. He is from NJ and fishes the big baits. He is a great source of info for non-western swimbait fishing. Good luck.

[Dirtyeggroll]

The dobyns 795 will do the job well with those baits.

 

Big swimbaits are mostly hype. Prepare for a much lighter wallet.

 

Snakeheads might like those big swimbaits which could be fun.

[TBAG]

Interested in the replies to this thread.

 

I'm starting to be intrigued by them too and would like to hear others input.

[Adam Markley]

1 hour ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

The dobyns 795 will do the job well with those baits.

 

Big swimbaits are mostly hype. Prepare for a much lighter wallet.

 

Snakeheads might like those big swimbaits which could be fun.

This was my fear, I was looking to start off with a few mid-priced baits to cover the bases. A glide, soft body swim, hard body, and maybe a top water. Was hoping to not break the bank with a few of the baits I mentioned. 

1 hour ago, BadBasser said:

I'm an Ohio boy preparing to try the big baits this year. Check out KeepinItReelFising on youtube. He is from NJ and fishes the big baits. He is a great source of info for non-western swimbait fishing. Good luck.

Yeah I’ve seen other guys throwing them up north, and it just looks like a blast. I’ve watched some of his series on swimbaits, but I should probably go back and re-watch.

[Bass Rutten]

28 minutes ago, Adam Markley said:

This was my fear, I was looking to start off with a few mid-priced baits to cover the bases. A glide, soft body swim, hard body, and maybe a top water. Was hoping to not break the bank with a few of the baits I mentioned. 

Yeah I’ve seen other guys throwing them up north, and it just looks like a blast. I’ve watched some of his series on swimbaits, but I should probably go back and re-watch.

You’re right on with this thinking, three lures can cover everything you need to do. It is a myth that swimbaiting is expensive, anyone that tells you that has either not delved into it or was not smart about it. The lures are generally higher quality, and last a lot longer whereas conventional bass fishing nickels and dimes you to death. An s-waver, an ms slammer, and a Huddleston is a very good starter kit for about $100 that covers all the bases, and the 795 will handle them all nicely. Of course losing them regularly will get expensive which is why your rigging, knots, line etc and all the little details are very important when chucking large baits for large fish, be mindful of these things and you’ll rarely lose them.

[Adam Markley]

57 minutes ago, Bassjam2000 said:

You’re right on with this thinking, three lures can cover everything you need to do. It is a myth that swimbaiting is expensive, anyone that tells you that has either not delved into it or was not smart about it. The lures are generally higher quality, and last a lot longer whereas conventional bass fishing nickels and dimes you to death. An s-waver, an ms slammer, and a Huddleston is a very good starter kit for about $100 that covers all the bases, and the 795 will handle them all nicely. Of course losing them regularly will get expensive which is why your rigging, knots, line etc and all the little details are very important when chucking large baits for large fish, be mindful of these things and you’ll rarely lose them.

Appreciate the response, this was along my lines of thinking. Couple questions - slammer 7 or 9 inch and any color recommendation? Same with the hudd 6, 8, or 68 special? Also, should you directly tie to these baits or use a bait clip? 

[Bass Rutten]

Loaded questions there. I fish swim baits from 5-7” only because in the waters i fish 5+ pounders are few and far between. Most swimbaiters will recommend the 9 inch slammer, I use the 7 incher. I use clips myself, except on the paddletails, but it’s a personal preference. Where are you located?

[Adam Markley]

8 minutes ago, Bassjam2000 said:

Loaded questions there. I fish swim baits from 5-7” only because in the waters i fish 5+ pounders are few and far between. Most swimbaiters will recommend the 9 inch slammer, I use the 7 incher. I use clips myself, except on the paddletails, but it’s a personal preference. Where are you located?

I’m up north outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never thrown anything big before, but the potential of hooking a monster has me intrigued to say the least. I’d have to agree that I consider a 5 pounder a very rare fish around me as well.

[Bass Ninja]

50 minutes ago, Adam Markley said:

I’m up north outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never thrown anything big before, but the potential of hooking a monster has me intrigued to say the least. I’d have to agree that I consider a 5 pounder a very rare fish around me as well.

If its a monster you want, reading through the thread about what lure caught your biggest fish of 2019 is interesting. A lot of big fish over 5lbs caught on regular lures. My PB of 6.5lbs was caught in October using a Walmart spinnerbait. If you want to throw swimbaits, throw swimbaits. If its monsters you want, I think there is a lot more important things to consider before you think about lure choice. 

 

 

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, Adam Markley said:

I’m up north outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never thrown anything big before, but the potential of hooking a monster has me intrigued to say the least. I’d have to agree that I consider a 5 pounder a very rare fish around me as well.

Around here, L.I. NY, 8 pounds is a monster. 5 pounders are not an everyday thing by any stretch but I get enough of them. Personally I'm sticking to smaller swim baits in the 1.5oz through 4.5oz range. Up to 6" max, but more like 5". My brother just got a Deps 250 and a few others in that size and weight range. In my circle a few guys, but one in particular, do quite well swimbaiting. That particular guy is a bit of a wizard though. He has the ability to divine water and find fish with any bait. I've never seen anyone like him. But he does great on baits like the Ganteral jr, Tiny Klash, 7" Slammer, and even on an old school AC plug. He's not throwing any really big baits. We have a lake that holds some 14"-16" crappie and they even hit those lures. So do the Walleye. It's crazy to see it.

 

All of my best fish from last season, and a few were tanks, came on small paddle tail swimmers between 3"-5". I know that trend is likely to continue. Swimbaiting is just a challenge to catch one on something different and big. It's definitely not an end all for me. Although it could happen, it's probably not your most likely path to catching the fish of a lifetime, IMO. But the idea of it is fun. Think of it that way and remain realistic in your spending on it. I know a few guys that have absolutely lost their minds buying this stuff. I've already spent too much on it and I'm not even close to those dudes.

13 hours ago, Adam Markley said:

I am intrigued by these bigger baits, and am thinking about picking up a dobyns 795

I have the 795. I would've gotten a Daiwa DX MH instead, but I can't transport it easily at 8' long. The 795 fits in the truck though, so I went with that. If you go with a 795 use mono and tone down the drag when throwing treble hook baits to compensate for it's stiffness.

[JediAmoeba]

I live an hour and a half north of Philly in the Poconos.  They don't work - you will never catch a fish.

[Adam Markley]

3 minutes ago, JediAmoeba said:

I live an hour and a half north of Philly in the Poconos.  They don't work - you will never catch a fish.

Have you actually thrown big baits up there in the poconos and had no luck, or are you trolling?

[JediAmoeba]

There was supposed to be an upload but the site is being weird....

[Adam Markley]

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

Around here, L.I. NY, 8 pounds is a monster. 5 pounders are not an everyday thing by any stretch but I get enough of them. Personally I'm sticking to smaller swim baits in the 1.5oz through 4.5oz range. Up to 6" max, but more like 5". My brother just got a Deps 250 and a few others in that size and weight range. In my circle a few guys, but one in particular, do quite well swimbaiting. That particular guy is a bit of a wizard though. He has the ability to divine water and find fish with any bait. I've never seen anyone like him. But he does great on baits like the Ganteral jr, Tiny Klash, 7" Slammer, and even on an old school AC plug. He's not throwing any really big baits. We have a lake that holds some 14"-16" crappie and they even hit those lures. So do the Walleye. It's crazy to see it.

 

All of my best fish from last season, and a few were tanks, came on small paddle tail swimmers between 3"-5". I know that trend is likely to continue. Swimbaiting is just a challenge to catch one on something different and big. It's definitely not an end all for me. Although it could happen, it's probably not your most likely path to catching the fish of a lifetime, IMO. But the idea of it is fun. Think of it that way and remain realistic in your spending on it. I know a few guys that have absolutely lost their minds buying this stuff. I've already spent too much on it and I'm not even close to those dudes.

I have the 795. I would've gotten a Daiwa DX MH instead, but I can't transport it easily at 8' long. The 795 fits in the truck though, so I went with that. If you go with a 795 use mono and tone down the drag when throwing treble hook baits to compensate for it's stiffness.

Appreciate the info phish. I was thinking about staying on the “smaller” ends of these baits for the same reasons you’ve outlined. Would you recommend the 795 or shop around a bit?

 

4 minutes ago, JediAmoeba said:

There was supposed to be an upload but the site is being weird....

I was gonna say don’t get me discouraged aleady haha. I have a cabin up the Poconos in promised land state park. I planned to throw some bigger stuff up there this year.

[JediAmoeba]

I throw a few big baits.  Up here you will lose some to pickerel- so anything you throw, be prepared to lose it.

 

[PhishLI]

8 hours ago, Adam Markley said:

Appreciate the info phish. I was thinking about staying on the “smaller” ends of these baits for the same reasons you’ve outlined. Would you recommend the 795 or shop around a bit?

In the price range of 100$-130$ the DX and the 795SB are solid choices. I just see the 795 as more of a single hook rod. But that's just my observation. You need to understand that enthusiast forums tilt towards recommending the "ideal" anything. The 795 is do-able with treble baits for sure, just not ideal. I prefer throwing them on my brother's DX MH. It's not an ideal larger single hook stick but's close enough for me and deals with treble baits better than the 795. Either will suit your purposes. For practical purposes I chose the 795. We can adapt to anything. The wizard I referenced in my previous post has very little in the way of a fishing budget. He fishes with specifically incorrect, for what he throws, 20+ year old hand me down gear and out fishes everyone I've ever known. So don't let my suggestion tangle you up. Get what you can afford, or as in my case, fits in your vehicle.

[Bass Rutten]

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through, I have a different rod with a true fast action for those... but that's just like my opinion man

[Adam Markley]

3 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through, I have a different rod with a true fast action for those... but that's just like my opinion man

Yeah I think the 795 is the ticket. I’ve heard most people say it has a softer action tip which is what I’m looking for. Most of the baits I’m looking to throw are treble hooked, but it seems like it could handle the occasional soft swim bait requiring a harder hook-set.

4 hours ago, PhishLI said:

In the price range of 100$-130$ the DX and the 795SB are solid choices. I just see the 795 as more of a single hook rod. But that's just my observation. You need to understand that enthusiast forums tilt towards recommending the "ideal" anything. The 795 is do-able with treble baits for sure, just not ideal. I prefer throwing them on my brother's DX MH. It's not an ideal larger single hook stick but's close enough for me and deals with treble baits better than the 795. Either will suit your purposes. For practical purposes I chose the 795. We can adapt to anything. The wizard I referenced in my previous post has very little in the way of a fishing budget. He fishes with specifically incorrect, for what he throws, 20+ year old hand me down gear and out fishes everyone I've ever known. So don't let my suggestion tangle you up. Get what you can afford, or as in my case, fit in your vehicle.

Think I’m going to go with the 795, I drive a small suv and like you said it seems more practical. Now I just need to pull the trigger on the whole

set up. Im probably going to start with a 7” slammer, gantrelle jr, s-waver, and a big paddle tail or two. Thanks

[Michigander]

6 hours ago, PhishLI said:

I have the 795. I would've gotten a Daiwa DX MH instead, but I can't transport it easily at 8' long. If you go with a 795 use mono and tone down the drag when throwing treble hook baits to compensate for it's stiffness.

 

4 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through,

Well you two have conflicting opinions. I'm in the market for a 795 to throw trebles and single hooks.

 

Please continue to debate. Why do you say what you say? Or is Dobyns' quality control all over the place? Lolz 

 

[WRB]

You will catch nothing using swimbaits in the wrong location.

Swimbait rod selection isn't that difficult. Use the rod makers suggested lure weight as a guide by adding the low and high number and dividing by 2 and don't use lures over that nominal weight. 

Top single hook swimbaits require more power to get a good hook set then lures with treble hooks. Treble hook lures can only be used effectively in open water, not in cover.

The belief you can tie on a big Swimbait and catch big bass isn't true.

Dobyns makes a good Swimbait rod and so does Irod and others. 

Tom

[PhishLI]

4 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through, I have a different rod with a true fast action for those... but that's just like my opinion man

That's cool. Mike Bucca agrees with you. I differ. I own and use the 795 and don't find it's taper as moderate as I'd like for treble baits, so not ideal for me. It's not real fast but it ain't real slow either, man. I made adjustments after several shakeoffs and I'm good for now. If I'm out on the boat I'll be throwing those same baits on the 806sb or the DX MH.

[Bass Rutten]

Everyone’s got their own idea of what is ideal for all different aspects of fishing, go with what you got confidence in.

[PhishLI]

7 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Well you two have conflicting opinions. I'm in the market for a 795 to throw trebles and single hooks.

 

Please continue to debate. Why do you say what you say? Or is Dobyns' quality control all over the place? Lolz 

The ideal treble hook rod and the ideal single hook rod are two different things. Is there a rod that straddles that line perfectly? I dunno. The rod I fish with the most when I wade is the lowly one three omen black II 7'3" MH. I have no problem driving home a 6/0 Owner Beast hook through a Beast Coast Miyagi with that rod. The FR795SB is a barbell compared to it. I'll have no problem with the 795 and single hook baits. None.

[Michigander]

Well, I'm goin for the 795 and if I start losing fish on trebles or singles, at least I know my technique is working and I can get a second rod to compensate.