Rod suggestions for finesse swimbaits

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I need to find a rod that can throw a 3" keitechs with a 1/16 head a reasonable distance, about 50 or 60 feet.  Ive found SC ML XF rods give me more distance then anything else I've ever used.  I want to try another company that would perform as well or better.  I ordered a 7'1 ML F Tatula 1/16-3/8 and it has way to much tip, I get about 35 or 40ft max.  I need an XF 6'8-7'2 ML or maybe even a lighter medium, if anyone has a good rod for small swimbaits that they would recommend I would be grateful, TY.  

[WRB]

Spinning? What line type and diameter?

Tom

[MickD]

My favorite rod for snapping off bottom and swimming small swimbaits is a 7 foot medium light moderate/fast action rod.  If you get too heavy a power the lift and drop in snapping just isn't easy to get right.  you want the rod to flex some when you apply the action and its recovery on the drop helps keep the drop from being a fully slack line drop..  The mod fast action casts well and helps keep me connected to the fish.  I don't think X-fast is the right action for this, if what you are asking about is what I do.

[FishTank]

I wouldn't go X-fast but this rod caught my eye if you can find it......  G. Loomis 882S Small Swimbait rod.  It's supposed to be designed for just what you mentioned.   

 

Personal preference for this technique is a St. Croix Avid 6' ML Fast with 6lb Fluorocarbon (Trilene XL 100% FC).   No braid on this technique. 

[Deleted account]

I mostly use my JB rod.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

3 hours ago, MickD said:

My favorite rod for snapping off bottom and swimming small swimbaits is a 7 foot medium light moderate/fast action rod.  If you get too heavy a power the lift and drop in snapping just isn't easy to get right.  you want the rod to flex some when you apply the action and its recovery on the drop helps keep the drop from being a fully slack line drop..  The mod fast action casts well and helps keep me connected to the fish.  I don't think X-fast is the right action for this, if what you are asking about is what I do.

Im not worried about working the bait, its distance that I'm looking for.  On softer rods like the 7'1 Tatula the combine weight of the ktech and 1/16 JH doesnt load the rod enough to get any kind of significant energy on the forward cast.  When I put more arm into the cast, there is little if any improvement distance wise. Unlike the Tatula (1/16-3/8) the SCs both ML 1 F 1 XF are rated 1/8-1/2 and they both cast substantially farther then my slower actioned MLs with the XF almost nearly doubling the distance I get with the 7'2 ML F Tatula.  I dont know if the stiffer rods transfer energy better or what, but with heavier baits rods that have the right balance of tip and power (usually a ModF or F depending on who makes it) give me max distance.  

Honestly Im trying to fix something that isnt broken, the SC ML XF give me good distance.  Essentially Ive been throwing finesse swimbaits with same rod for 14 or 15 years, Im just kind of bored with it and curious if there is a rod that will outperform the SC.  

The only rod Im aware of that is purpose built for small swim baits is the 7'4 M XF Britts Finesse Swimbait rod Genesis 3 by iRod.  The problem is I cant get my hands on one locally unless I order it, and if I dont like it I would have to send it back.

[new2BC4bass]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I disagree with your assessment.  The reason the Tatula doesn't load isn't because the tip is too soft, but because it is too stiff.  Too soft would have it loading further down the blank.  I believe Daiwa rods have a tendency to fish a bit heavy.  I wouldn't know even though I have several.  Rather than use a lure at the end of a rod's rating, I use a rod that puts the weight towards the middle of the rating where performance should theoretically be at its best.

 

All things being equal a longer rod will give greater casting distance.

[waymont]

5 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

7'1 ML F Tatula 1/16-3/8

If you are only casting 35' with this rod it must be you line choice, or reel.

I can cast what you are describing over 70' with that rod. I use a tatula LT 3000 with 10lb braid to an 8lb FC leader. What line/reel are you using?

[Team9nine]

5 hours ago, MickD said:

My favorite rod for snapping off bottom and swimming small swimbaits is a 7 foot medium light moderate/fast action rod.  If you get too heavy a power the lift and drop in snapping just isn't easy to get right.  you want the rod to flex some when you apply the action and its recovery on the drop helps keep the drop from being a fully slack line drop..  The mod fast action casts well and helps keep me connected to the fish.  I don't think X-fast is the right action for this, if what you are asking about is what I do.

 

I agree with this ^^

 

I just use the exact same rod I use for Neds for my small swim baits without issue - 6’6” ML Shimano Clarus 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, waymont said:

If you are only casting 35' with this rod it must be you line choice, or reel.

I can cast what you are describing over 70' with that rod. I use a tatula LT 3000 with 10lb braid to an 8lb FC leader. What line/reel are you using?

With just a 1/16 of an ounce?

[Junk Fisherman]

4 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

 

I agree with this ^^

 

I just use the exact same rod I use for Neds for my small swim baits without issue - 6’6” ML Shimano Clarus 

Agreed.  I use my 7’4” light, fast action Dobyns Champion Extreme.    I also use this rod for 1/16th oz Ned rigs and TRDs.  It gives me better casting distance than my medium light rods I have.  Using the lightest braid possible is important as well.

[waymont]

39 minutes ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

With just a 1/16 of an ounce?

1/16 or 3/16oz plus plastic like a 3"/3.8" swimbait or a 4" worm. A nice full spool, and not a crazy fast cast. I find really trying to whip it out there I get less distance.

I LOVE that 7'1" Tatula rod. It's so sensitive and comfortable to fish with.

They list it as a drop shot rod, but I use it for everything.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I disagree with your assessment.  The reason the Tatula doesn't load isn't because the tip is too soft, but because it is too stiff.  Too soft would have it loading further down the blank.  I believe Daiwa rods have a tendency to fish a bit heavy.  I wouldn't know even though I have several.  Rather than use a lure at the end of a rod's rating, I use a rod that puts the weight towards the middle of the rating where performance should theoretically be at its best.

 

All things being equal a longer rod will give greater casting distance.

The rod is rated for 1/16 but it shouldn't be, it struggles with 3/32, it bombs a 1/4 so your right on about it fishing heavy.  Its got a lot of power in the backbone for a ML, it feels like a M or even a MagLight.  Theres another issue that I noticed about that rod, after i had gotten it.  When you load it up theres a hot spot where the line touches the blank.  I dont have a video of me casting the rod, but I dont think it bends that much casting baits on the low end of the rating.

Your right, ideally you want to throw a bait that falls in the sweet spot to get max distance, but the action is a factor.  Years ago I ordered a 7' L ModF because the rating was 1/32-1/4, I figured it would throw 1/16 and small bait well.  It wound up being a mistake because the rod was like a noodle, literally all tip.  Months later I saw the same rod at Cabelas, but it was 6' instead of 7.  It wasnt like noodle because the tip section was shorter, so longer rods dont always =more distance.  

1 hour ago, Junk Fisherman said:

Agreed.  I use my 7’4” light, fast action Dobyns Champion Extreme.    I also use this rod for 1/16th oz Ned rigs and TRDs.  It gives me better casting distance than my medium light rods I have.  Using the lightest braid possible is important as well.

A buddy tried to turn me on to Dobyns, he let me use a several of his a few times when we fished together last year.  It took a little while for me to get used to the casting rods, some of my reels were too light so they felt tip heavy.  I actually liked the Sierra more then the Champion.  As for the spinning rods they felt ok sensitivity wise, but I cant stand rods with exposed threads and no fore grip.  

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, waymont said:

1/16 or 3/16oz plus plastic like a 3"/3.8" swimbait or a 4" worm. A nice full spool, and not a crazy fast cast. I find really trying to whip it out there I get less distance.

I LOVE that 7'1" Tatula rod. It's so sensitive and comfortable to fish with.

They list it as a drop shot rod, but I use it for everything.

Theres a big difference in weight comparing the 3.8 fat to a 3" easy shiner.  Just curious, what kind of 1/16 oz jighead you use with a hook big enough for the 3.8?

Yeah cant argue with you, that handle is my absolute favorite thing about the rod.  The long fore grip allows it to balance with a wider range of weight reels, if the reel is heavy you choke down, if its light you choke up.  I have an FK 3000 on it and the balance is just about perfect.  That little hook keeper is awesome, I use it for my DS usually, I have a Fuji keeper below the locking nut so I don't scuff up the blank with hooks.   Havent had it very long, got it late last fall, Ive put some fish on it mostly with a DS and JB.  Sensitivity has been so far.  If you like it that much make me and offer lol.  Its in excellent condition, not a scratch on it.  I think theres a little spot of epoxy or clear coat on it, but it came like that. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

2 hours ago, waymont said:

If you are only casting 35' with this rod it must be you line choice, or reel.

I can cast what you are describing over 70' with that rod. I use a tatula LT 3000 with 10lb braid to an 8lb FC leader. What line/reel are you using?

10lb smackdown to 10lb red label FK3000

[Columbia Craw]

Length is your friend.  A Dobyns Champion 732SF with a 10 lb braid to leader will wing that light weight nicely and provide ample hook setting power.  It’s a great DS and Ned rod as well.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, waymont said:

Hello

 

I have about 50 old Cabela's brand  plain lead heads with Gamakatsu hooks that they used to sell. They are medium gauge hooks about a 2/0 I would guess , pretty strong. When they are gone I'll be bummed out. Glad you dig that rod! I put a Fuji add-on hook keeper just above the grip, it's very helpful when using ned rigs, small bitsy bug jigs, and jerk baits. By the way it's a nice rod for Super Fluke Jr's.

I've been using swimbaits that look just like Keitechs from AliExpress, maybe they weigh more? 

Dont worry about it, light heads with bigger hooks are much easier to find then they were before ned rigs and A rigs became popular.  Picasso offer 1/16 heads from 1/0-5/0, Outkast Tackle Money Darter, GYCB G rig and Keitech Super Rounds also offer bigger hooks in 1/16.

I put mine below the locking nut so I can sock the rod.  Its a versatile rod for sure, like I said it feels more like a M or MagL with the power it has but it has the tip of a ML.  I like the keitechs because they are heavier then most other baits there size.  They dont really kink up and they move great in frigid water because the plastic is so soft.  It does tear easy, but as long as the tail hasnt been bitten off you can patch them up with Mend It 2 or 3 times before they wont stay on a keeper anymore, its saved me a lot of money.  

[GetFishorDieTryin]

1 hour ago, Columbia Craw said:

Length is your friend.  A Dobyns Champion 732SF with a 10 lb braid to leader will wing that light weight nicely and provide ample hook setting power.  It’s a great DS and Ned rod as well.

Not necessarily, length just increases the amount of tip, so if you dont have the power in a 6'6 to throw the specific bait your not going to get in the 7' or 7'6.  Length also adds weight not just in the blank but in the guides as well.  Handles are often longer a  I like the Dobyns blanks, but I have to spend like 350$ for the Champ Ex because I cant stand rods without a fore grip.  If they made a Sierra with a locking nut that covers the threads I would buy one for sure.  I know I could stick with SC for about half the price and get good performance.

[Junk Fisherman]

9 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

Length is your friend.  A Dobyns Champion 732SF with a 10 lb braid to leader will wing that light weight nicely and provide ample hook setting power.  It’s a great DS and Ned rod as well.

That’s a great choice.  That extra length definitely helps with casting out the light stuff and then also handling a fish.  That rod is extremely versatile for all finesse applications.

[Allen Der]

St Croix makes a 7'6" MLXF in several rod series. Mojobass, Eyecon, Avid, Legend walleye.  There's also an 8'6" MLXF in the legend bass series.  Or wait to see if they release something new in the Victory series. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Yea I have 6'10 and 7'6 mojo 2 7' premiers 7 Avid' and out of all them the 6'10 surprisingly casts the farthest.  Im just looking for a different brand, I dont want to say Im bored with the SC, I just want to try something new.  I would like to get it ASAP the bite is picking up here and its going to blow up real soon.  I think the Victory debuts in 3 weeks and I imagine there going to be hard to get.