spinning rod for bigger baits

[dstrauss13]

first time posting. looking for 7’6”-8” spinning rod to use on northern lakes with enough power for punching heavy vegetation and throwing smaller swim baits up to a few ounces, but also enough sensitivity to work for most multi-species targets 10 lbs and under.

 

bc most use baitcasters for this, it is a hard rod to find.  seems like my best bet might be moving up to a heavy power inshore or even a muskie spinning rod? i’m thinking about st croix premier musky, avid inshore, shimano teramar, or shimano terez.  aside from reading the specs, any input or comparisons or how these rods perform in either application (punching, 2-4 oz swim baits) would be highly appreciated!  the premier muskie can handle the lure weight, but worried i might miss a lot of bass bites.

 

 

[plawren53202]

Just curious what your rationale is for wanting to throw these baits on a spinning rod? Not doubting that you have a good reason, it would just never have crossed my mind to throw these on anything but a baitcaster.

[dstrauss13]

i have only ever used a spinning rod and i hate dealing with tangles. i know most ppl will say “just learn a bait caster,” and i’m sure that is totally “correct”, but personally it’s just not for me rn.

[WRB]

Topic comes up occasionally, what reel size and line # test/type do you plan to use?

Tom

[The Bassman]

I find it odd that we always associate heavier applications in freshwater with bc tackle but saltwater anglers catch very large fish with spinning.

[Vilas15]

31 minutes ago, The Bassman said:

I find it odd that we always associate heavier applications in freshwater with bc tackle but saltwater anglers catch very large fish with spinning.

Repeatedly casting freshwater is different than saltwater vertical jigging or surf fishing. Casting heavy baits sucks on a spinning reel when you hold the line with one finger.

[jimmyjoe]

26 minutes ago, Vilas15 said:

Casting heavy baits sucks on a spinning reel when you hold the line with one finger.

 

   Very true!    JJ

[dstrauss13]

my plan was to use 40 lbs braid and a 4000 reel, but i can change either of those to fit the needs of the reel. fwiw, 99% of time i’ll be hooking something 10 lbs or less.

[new2BC4bass]

No experience with Star rods (or fishing heavy lures), but there are plenty of boys in Florida that like them.  Reviews are good.  Might want to take a look at the Stellar Lite 7'6" H or 8' H both rated for 5/8-3 oz.

[sideways2]

Just my thought but I suspect a 4000 size reel for under 10lb is a bit too much!! I've caught bigger pike on a 2000 reel with zero issues... especially if using braid, you can get more line on... I would even hazzard a guess to go down to a 30lb line.

 

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

16 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

Repeatedly casting freshwater is different than saltwater vertical jigging or surf fishing. Casting heavy baits sucks on a spinning reel when you hold the line with one finger.

Casting heavy pencil poppers and big tins on spinning gear doesn't suck at all.  Heavier mono wont cut into you.  Braid can cut into you, but the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.  Some people wear gloves to protect their finger while casting and grabbing the leader when landing a fish in the wash.  I prefer taping up my index finger just above the knuckle.  To me the worst part about throwing big baits especially with real heavy rods and reels can wear your arm out in just a couple hours.

[jbsoonerfan]

A 4000 size reel and an 8' rod? What are you fishing for Jonah?

[PhishLI]

12 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

A 4000 size reel and an 8' rod? What are you fishing for Jonah?

My brother just got his Champion 908 yesterday, then dressed it with a Tranx 400. He's fishing for Jonah the bass. Extremely well balanced setup btw. Right at the reel nut.

[WRB]

Spinning size related to spool diameter size. 4000 or 5000 is appropriate for line diameter over .015D. 
The issue with swimbaits weight 2-3 oz with braid is finger cuts when casting. More important is IPT is over 36” too fast for most swimbaits. 
The OP can have a spinning rod built from a casting swimbait rod blank.

Tom

 

 

[dstrauss13]

appreciate the comments. can adjust the reel size and line weight as needed, but am committed to a spinning rod. the trick is identifying whether a high quality  inshore or musky spinning rod that has heavy enough power to throw swimbaits in the 2-4 lbs range would be sensitive enough to target big bass and other freshwater fish of similar size, or if this requires a custom rod. tom, is a custom spinning rod built from a casting rod blank actually an option that could result in an effective rod?

thanks!

[WRB]

It’s your best option imo.

If you have access to touch and feel a few swimbait rods like Irod and Dobyns for example Heavy rated rated 1-5 or 2-6 oz and the rod feels good to you note the model number. 
Contact site sponsor DVL or ALX and discuss what you need.

Tom

[dstrauss13]

thanks tom, sounds like i will be going the custom route building off a predator mh musky blank.

[J Francho]

My complaint about using musky spinning rods has always been the oversized grips.  I have set many up with inshore rigs using a 5000 series reel and up to 50# braid.  These are usually frogging rods, but I bet you can find a rod that is a little heavier and rated for the baits you want to throw, and still has "bass sized" grips.

[new2BC4bass]

19 hours ago, dstrauss13 said:

appreciate the comments. can adjust the reel size and line weight as needed, but am committed to a spinning rod. the trick is identifying whether a high quality  inshore or musky spinning rod that has heavy enough power to throw swimbaits in the 2-4 lbs range would be sensitive enough to target big bass and other freshwater fish of similar size, or if this requires a custom rod. tom, is a custom spinning rod built from a casting rod blank actually an option that could result in an effective rod?

thanks!

Wow!  Those swimbaits weigh more than a lot of bass I catch.  Have known for 35 plus years that I am living in the wrong area of the country.

[Michigander]

I think custom is probably the way to go. I've had a rough time finding bass compatible heavy spinning gear and your weight range further reduces choices.

[WRB]

I am not a fan of musky rods for swimbaits, too heavy upper 1/3rd and heavy overall . Tell the rod maker what you want. As noted onshore salt water spinning rods have longer and heavier handles not comfortable with fresh water lures or lighter weight reels. The guide train needs to be compatible with the reel size and line used. 
I know Alex owner of ALX Is experienced building spinning rods for redfish tournament anglers and should be able to find exactly what you need or he can use any brand blank of your choice.

Tom

 

[Mat_ski]

Europeans fish for pike with spinning rods and very big baits. 

Lots of options there if you are willing to buy overseas. 

 

[sideways2]

Well after doing a little bit of looking... Fenwick, Penn and Shakespeare all have spinning rods between 7ft and 8ft that can handle that lure weight.

 

Personally I like Fenwick... back in the days when I was active, I fished their entire line and never had any issues... trout to walleye to pike all on the same rod was a normal outing.

 

I think they should be pretty easy to find in your area if I can find them in my little neck of the woods LOL!!

[dstrauss13]

sorry, for what it’s worth i meant 2-4 or 2-5 *ounces*, not lbs...

[roadwarrior]

I think all the respondents knew you meant ounces.