New Swimbait Setup

[ib_of_the_damned]

It’s been a while since I last posted and came to the forum for suggestions. I’m starting to get back into fishing and looking to replace swimbait setup with something new. My current rig is a Defy Black Swimbait rod paired with a Daiwa Lexa 300-PWRL 5:1. It’s an OK setup but I think I’d like to upgrade the rod and reel. I feel the reel is a bit on the slow side and looking for a midrange 6:1 ratio.

 

I think I’m set on the rod being an iRod Gen III Bailey Swim H and need advice on the reel. Not a fan of the round reels and narrowed the selection down to the Abu Garcia Revo Beast X 41 and the Daiwa Tatula 200HL. Do any of you have experience with either of these reels that can chime in and recommend one over the other? I’ll be throwing glides/jointed swimbaits/Hudds/SG Line-thru trouts (~2-6oz).

 

Thanks in advance!

[PhishLI]

Can't comment on that rod. I have mostly Dobyn's Champions. Just got an Irod Gen III Swimbait Jr., but no time on it yet, but it's surprising light in hand. If you're comfortable with the Lexa's Magforce braking, then jump up to the Tatula 300 for up to 6 oz baits. I have it. It's a beast, quite refined, and it's built to a higher level than the Tat 200 as it has a double supported pinion. The T-Wing is larger on the line guide section, so it'll pass a leader knot which has been an issue in the past.

[Hammer 4]

Love my Irod's. I think you will be very happy with yours. As far as reels, I'd look into the Diawa Tatula 300. I have the Tatula 200 and throw up to 3 oz baits, but for heavier baits, I'd go with the 300.

[ib_of_the_damned]

@PhishLI & @Hammer 4 thanks for your suggestion about the Tatula 300. Unfortunately, it’s a little out of my price range. That’s why I was looking at the 200 and Revo Beast X. 

 

[ATA]

4 hours ago, PhishLI said:

Dobyn's Champions

agree, same here. best rod for money. 807 good to go.  Also Shimano curado 805, will be half price of dobyns on tackle warehouse.

[ib_of_the_damned]

I was looking at the Dobyn’s Fury swimbait rods as well, but I prefer split grips. That’s why I’m interested in the iRod.

 

I also have the 7’5” iRod Fred’s Magic Stick and 7’ HF rod and like the builds, quality and overall weights of the iRods

[Revival]

1 hour ago, ib_of_the_damned said:

I was looking at the Dobyn’s Fury swimbait rods as well, but I prefer split grips. That’s why I’m interested in the iRod.

 

I also have the 7’5” iRod Fred’s Magic Stick and 7’ HF rod and like the builds, quality and overall weights of the iRods

I prefer split grips as well and went with the Irod Genesis 3 Swimbait jr instead of the Fury and love it.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought the Bailey Swim was in the Genesis 2 line up?  In the Genesis 3 line up I remember seeing the Swimbait Jr, Large and Jumbo.  

[ib_of_the_damned]

9 hours ago, Revival said:

I prefer split grips as well and went with the Irod Genesis 3 Swimbait jr instead of the Fury and love it.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong but I thought the Bailey Swim was in the Genesis 2 line up?  In the Genesis 3 line up I remember seeing the Swimbait Jr, Large and Jumbo.  

TW has the Gen 3 Bailey Swim rods, they’re At the bottom of the list. One new feature is that rods 7’11” and longer have removable handles for ease of transport or customization (once they make new handles).