Looking for first "small" swimbait rod + reel setup

[mcnealstash]

Hi all-

 

I'm looking to get my first swimbait setup and have a few questions about finding the right combo.

 

Was hoping to find a 7' to 7'2" rod that has a sweet spot for 1-1.5 oz offerings but can throw up to 2 oz.  Ideally would like something that is versatile enough to handle weedless single hook rigging (beast hook), but also throw a few treble hardbaits (maybe this means I'm looking for a moderate-fast taper?).  Likely will be throwing 5" spark shad and 6" magdraft freestyle, 6" citizens rigged with an owner beast hook for single hook applications.  For trebles I'd like it to be able to throw things like the Islide 135/185, vatalion, and bucca bull shad 5-6".  Budget is not an issue for this combo- I'm a fan of high end gear.

 

Similarly I'm wondering whether or not I should get a round or low profile reel to pair with this rod.  Are there advantages/disadvantages to one or the other for swimbait rods?  Most likely will be spooling this reel with 20lb fluoro and am thinking of going for a 200 size reel.

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/explanations.

 

 

[walleyecrazy]

The Dobyns Sierra 735c is my choice for my smaller swimbait stuff. It is rated for up to 1.5oz, but can throw a little heavier so long as you aren't trying to bomb cast it. It is rated as a x-fast action, but honestly is closer to fast to mod-fast. It kind of hits the sweet spot as far as action goes to allow you to fish almost anything within it's given weight range with it. 

 

As far as reels, I have mine paired with the Daiwa Coastal SV. It's a 100 size reel with a 150 size spool. It also has a 100mm handle which is longer than you will find on most 100 size reels. This combo so far has worked out perfectly for me with all my small swimbaits.

[Big Hands]

I have a Phenix X-13 C (7' 6") rated for 1/2 to 3 ounce baits paired with a Curado 200 that works well for what you have described. I also have the X-14 T for heavier duty action, and an X-12 for lighter duty.

 

The X-11 would be the 7' version of the X-13 if you prefer a shorter rod length (it doesn't go in exact order as the X-12 C is a lighter duty, but longer rod than the X-11 C).

[Bluebasser86]

I use an Okuma EVX 7' 5" H/F paired with an Okuma Helios SX for baits in that range. I've got 17lb Seaguar InvisX on it. Works well for smaller soft swimbaits and wakes. I also use it to burn a 5" Bull Shad for smallmouth. 

[mcnealstash]

4 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I use an Okuma EVX 7' 5" H/F paired with an Okuma Helios SX for baits in that range. I've got 17lb Seaguar InvisX on it. Works well for smaller soft swimbaits and wakes. I also use it to burn a 5" Bull Shad for smallmouth. 

 

This picture makes me happy. Big swimbaits for big smallmouth is the spice of life!  Thanks for sharing.

[softwateronly]

 

 

11 hours ago, mcnealstash said:

Hi all-

 

I'm looking to get my first swimbait setup and have a few questions about finding the right combo.

 

Was hoping to find a 7' to 7'2" rod that has a sweet spot for 1-1.5 oz offerings but can throw up to 2 oz.  Ideally would like something that is versatile enough to handle weedless single hook rigging (beast hook), but also throw a few treble hardbaits (maybe this means I'm looking for a moderate-fast taper?).  Likely will be throwing 5" spark shad and 6" magdraft freestyle, 6" citizens rigged with an owner beast hook for single hook applications.  For trebles I'd like it to be able to throw things like the Islide 135/185, vatalion, and bucca bull shad 5-6".  Budget is not an issue for this combo- I'm a fan of high end gear.

 

Similarly I'm wondering whether or not I should get a round or low profile reel to pair with this rod.  Are there advantages/disadvantages to one or the other for swimbait rods?  Most likely will be spooling this reel with 20lb fluoro and am thinking of going for a 200 size reel.

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/explanations.

 

 

 

Definitely higher end budget, but I absolutely love the P5 tequila baccarac.  7' 3/4-4oz, extremely light, soft tip and mid that really stiffens up on the power hooksets.  I've only had it this year, but have thrown and caught fish with magdraft freestyle weedless, 6" bucca shad, A rig, 3/4oz jig and trailer, 11/4oz punch jig and trailer, 7" Scotsborough swimbait on a 3/4 & 1oz jig head, 1/2oz spinnerbait with swimbait trailer, gantarel and gantarel Jr.

 

I have mine paired with a Met 20 in 7.4:1.  The tequila is so light that the Met seems perfect weight wise and the solid body seems to hold up to the abuse so far.

 

If you can, you should absolutely get your hands on one and see if you like it.  The most versatile and unique rod I've ever fished.

 

scott

[mcnealstash]

9 minutes ago, softwateronly said:

 

 

 

Definitely higher end budget, but I absolutely love the P5 tequila baccarac.  7' 3/4-4oz, extremely light, soft tip and mid that really stiffens up on the power hooksets.  I've only had it this year, but have thrown and caught fish with magdraft freestyle weedless, 6" bucca shad, A rig, 3/4oz jig and trailer, 11/4oz punch jig and trailer, 7" Scotsborough swimbait on a 3/4 & 1oz jig head, 1/2oz spinnerbait with swimbait trailer, gantarel and gantarel Jr.

 

I have mine paired with a Met 20 in 7.4:1.  The tequila is so light that the Met seems perfect weight wise and the solid body seems to hold up to the abuse so far.

 

If you can, you should absolutely get your hands on one and see if you like it.  The most versatile and unique rod I've ever fished.

 

scott

 

I own two of the P5 Destroyer spinning models- the wind buster and the landsat.  Blown away with both rods so far and am definitely a fan of anything megabass.  The tequila baccarac is on my radar- I like that it's 7' in length and lightweight- seems like that would be nice if you were throwing heavier stuff for a longtime.  What lb test are you running on the metanium? 

[softwateronly]

6 minutes ago, mcnealstash said:

 

I own two of the P5 Destroyer spinning models- the wind buster and the landsat.  Blown away with both rods so far and am definitely a fan of anything megabass.  The tequila baccarac is on my radar- I like that it's 7' in length and lightweight- seems like that would be nice if you were throwing heavier stuff for a longtime.  What lb test are you running on the metanium? 

 

I have 65lb maxcuatro to 12' of 30lb sunline FC shock leader. It's worked really well for me.  The TB is the only megabass rod I own, but I do love it.

 

I had a Bantam on there for awhile as well, but it works better on my heavy jig/frog rod.  The TB felt really comfortable with either.

 

scott

[FishTank]

Megabass P5 Tequila Baccarac and a Shimano Conquest....

 

I have the P5 Super Destroyer and a Conquest that I use for a paddle tail swimbaits and the smaller Magdrafts and love it so far.  This rod is good for just about anything. 

[fishwizzard]

21 hours ago, mcnealstash said:

Was shoping to find a 7' to 7'2" rod that has a sweet spot for 1-1.5 oz offerings but can throw up to 2 oz.  Ideally would like something that is versatile enough to handle weedless single hook rigging (beast hook), but also throw a few treble hardbaits (maybe this means I'm looking for a moderate-fast taper?).........Budget is not an issue for this combo- I'm a fan of high end gear.

 

I have been looking around for the same sort of rod, mostly 1.25-1.5oz paddle tails but want to be able to throw the occasional wake or glide.  

 

If you want to go full $$$ JDM, the two rods that were most recommended to me are the Gan Craft Outtrack and the Evergreen Black Rose.  I am still looking and have a different high end swimbait rod that I should really sell before I get another one, but both of these rods are calling my name.  

[mcnealstash]

On 6/16/2021 at 6:01 PM, FishTank said:

Megabass P5 Tequila Baccarac and a Shimano Conquest....

 

I have the P5 Super Destroyer and a Conquest that I use for a paddle tail swimbaits and the smaller Magdrafts and love it so far.  This rod is good for just about anything. 

 

Definitely an appealing option because of how lightweight it is.  I've heard nothing but good things.  What size conquest do you have? I wish that they made the 200 size in like a 6 or 7 to 1 gear ratio...  They only make it in a 4:1 -so about 22 inches per handle turn.  That seems a bit lower than I'd want to go, but there is a 200 size conquest DC (I believe it's JDM only) that does actually come in a higher gear ratio.  The only issue is finding one.  I've ordered from the hook up tackle to get JDM product but that's as far as it goes.  Are there any other solid websites to buy JDM tackle from in the States?

[FishTank]

33 minutes ago, mcnealstash said:

 

Definitely an appealing option because of how lightweight it is.  I've heard nothing but good things.  What size conquest do you have? I wish that they made the 200 size in like a 6 or 7 to 1 gear ratio...  They only make it in a 4:1 -so about 22 inches per handle turn.  That seems a bit lower than I'd want to go, but there is a 200 size conquest DC (I believe it's JDM only) that does actually come in a higher gear ratio.  The only issue is finding one.  I've ordered from the hook up tackle to get JDM product but that's as far as it goes.  Are there any other solid websites to buy JDM tackle from in the States?

 

I have made a few orders from Asian Fishing Portal for JDM reels.  They have been great so far.  As far as which Conquest I have, I actually have the old US version, the Calcutta TE 101 GT but it looks like the 200 size would be the ticket for you.  I found mine new in the box just this year.  It is probably 15 years old, at least.   It's smooth as butter and just a pleasure to fish. 

 

As far as the IPT goes, slow is what you want for the Magdraft. >> If you reel way too slow, no action.  If you reel too fast, it lays on it's side.  Get the correct speed and it's an awesome bait.  Another option would be the Calcutta D.  It would be a good compromise for the speed you want. 

[mcnealstash]

On 6/16/2021 at 6:01 PM, FishTank said:

Megabass P5 Tequila Baccarac and a Shimano Conquest....

 

I have the P5 Super Destroyer and a Conquest that I use for a paddle tail swimbaits and the smaller Magdrafts and love it so far.  This rod is good for just about anything. 

Does the Super Destroyer have enough power to drive bigger weedless hooks home? For instance a 6/0 Beast Hook with a 6" magdraft freestyle?  I am a river fisherman so am not really looking to use this setup for anything over 6"- fish of a caliber that would chew anything bigger are far and few between in my neck of the woods.  I would not mind throwing a few baits that are in that 1.375-1.5 oz range- the gantarel jr., vatalion, and iSlide 135 are all things I'd like to toss as bluegill and baby bass imitations.  I like the fact that the super destroyer is a mod fast a lot.  I will probably be throwing the 5" spark shad and 6" mag draft freestyle 75% of the time, and treble hooked baits 25% of the time. The tequila baccarac looks great but the fact that it has a moderate action gives me a bit of pause and makes me think it would likely be a better rod exclusively for throwing treble hooks.

[Fishes in trees]

An interesting question.   I have very little experiences throwing swim baits.   8 or 9 years ago, I came across a Kistler "Small Swim Bait Special" ( one of the olive green ones)  on close out at Cabelas.  Didn't have a use for the rod at that time - but that isn't a reason not to buy a close out rod.  Didn't really like it for a spinner bait rod and didn't really like it for a square bill rod, so for the most part it didn't make the traveling team.  This year, I decided to throw swim baits more - focusing mostly on baits in the half ounce range, more or less.   I put a 50 size Chronarch with 15 lb Abrazx and it seems to throw half ounce baits pretty well.   Other than that I don't have enough time on this rig to know if I like it or not.

 

 

[NathanDLTH]

All depending on how much you wanna spend, but Megabass has quite a few rods to choose from. However, there is one I'd recommend: Megabass Orochi XXX Destruction 1/2-2oz range and it will cast a 2oz swimbait. There are other rods in the Megabass line, but rather pricey. Ie P5 Tequilla Bacarrac and others. You can pair it up with a Curado K, Curado DC, or a Bantam MGL, go with a 7:1 gear ratio.

[lunkerboss923]

Dobyns 735C Fury with a Scorpion DC XG. Swimbaits are very situational and I use this combo for frogs and skipping jigs under docks. I have to reel in very slow. I'd recommend a 6 gear ratio over an 8. 

[Oklahoma Mike]

On 6/16/2021 at 9:38 AM, softwateronly said:

P5 tequila baccarac

 

Came to say exactly this! Love mine, and have been throwing everything from 5" paddletails to Magdrafts to Gantarels on it. Also makes a good frog rod.