Large Swimbait Rod Question

[FishNTell]

So, I'm trying to get into larger swimbaits. I already have a 300 size reel and because of a gift card I have to BPS, I can get an Okuma Guide Select in heavy or x heavy for around 100. This is my question, I plan to start with 2 to 4 ounces lures in both soft plastic and hard baits like glide baits. I've read some on this forum say there's no need to go past the Okuma heavy if that is the case as it's rated up to 6 but is actually comfortable maxing out at about 4 ounces. However, I will start with several weedless style lures as I fish weedy areas from the bank and I've read some on here say they had problems driving the hook home through a bait like the hudd 68 weedless with just the heavy rod, so, should I just get the x-heavy? I only ask cause I saw one guy say it's not wise to get get a rod rated up to 10 ounces if you're really only going to be throwing lures that are 2 to 4 ounces at max. Thanks for any help

 

By the way, I understand that many people would get a different rod for treble hooks verses single jig hook style lures but I'm just starting so I'm trying to cover multiple bases decently rather than specialize for now

 

[ajschn06]

I know very little about swimbaits but if you are going to be throwing soft swimbaits that are approaching the 4 oz mark I would definitely get the XH...

[Deleted account]

Large bucket, extra butter please...

[WRB]

IROD Gen 3 , 8’ Heavy 3-8 oz [ 3+8=11/2=5 1/2 oz nom].

Swimbait rods are unique regarding power to action, they tend to be moderate to launch big lure long distances. 

My experience the nominal lure weight is close to the Max swimbait weight the rods performs at.

Okuma GS-A rod has a longer handle with the bulb butt that tends to hang up on my clothing so I sold it. The IROD is a little more $ and worth it imo. The overall rod weight is less and balances better with 300 size reels. Gen 3 model has removable handle and lighter weight rod blank.

Tom

[PressuredFishing]

4 minutes ago, WRB said:

IROD Gen 3 , 8’ Heavy 3-8 oz [ 3+8=11/2=5 1/2 oz nom].

Swimbait rods are unique regarding power to action, they tend to be moderate to launch big lure long distances. 

My experience the nominal lure weight is close to the Max swimbait weight the rods performs at.

Okuma GS-A rod has a longer handle with the bulb butt that tends to hang up on my clothing so I sold it. The IROD is a little more $ and worth it imo. The overall rod weight is less and balances better with 300 size reels. Gen 3 model has removable handle and lighter weight rod blank.

Tom

What are your thoughts on the dobyns fury swimbait rod? been playing around with one I own but have the one for lighter swimbaits, any experience with the 2-8oz one?

[FishNTell]

4 minutes ago, WRB said:

IROD Gen 3 , 8’ Heavy 3-8 oz [ 3+8=11/2=5 1/2 oz nom].

Swimbait rods are unique regarding power to action, they tend to be moderate to launch big lure long distances. 

My experience the nominal lure weight is close to the Max swimbait weight the rods performs at.

Okuma GS-A rod has a longer handle with the bulb butt that tends to hang up on my clothing so I sold it. The IROD is a little more $ and worth it imo. The overall rod weight is less and balances better with 300 size reels. Gen 3 model has removable handle and lighter weight rod blank.

Tom

Here's my question then, because I think I actually read you talking on this topic in another old thread I found where you recommended the okuma. Are you saying you don't think the Okuma is a good swimbait rod anymore or are you just saying the irod gen3 is much better? Also, if that rod starts at 3 ounces and I'm going to be throwing a lot of 2 ounce lures, how would that rod handle them?

[Hammer 4]

Rods are a personal thing. I have the Irod Tom is talking about, I've owned Okuma swimbait rods in the past. The Okuma for the $$ is a good rod, if that's your budget you won't be disappointed. IMHO for the extra $$, the Irod is a better choice. Again, it's all personal. 

[FishNTell]

19 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

Rods are a personal thing. I have the Irod Tom is talking about, I've owned Okuma swimbait rods in the past. The Okuma for the $$ is a good rod, if that's your budget you won't be disappointed. IMHO for the extra $$, the Irod is a better choice. Again, it's all personal. 

Thanks, do you think the Okuma heavy will be able to drive the hook through soft plastics that are rigged weedless, I.e. 6 inch magdraft, weedless hudd 68?

[Hammer 4]

Just now, FishNTell said:

Thanks, do you think the Okuma heavy will be able to drive the hook through soft plastics that are rigged weedless, I.e. 6 inch magdraft, weedless hudd 68?

No experience with the magdraft, but it will work for the weedless 6" hudd. 

[WRB]

3 hours ago, FishNTell said:

Here's my question then, because I think I actually read you talking on this topic in another old thread I found where you recommended the okuma. Are you saying you don't think the Okuma is a good swimbait rod anymore or are you just saying the irod gen3 is much better? Also, if that rod starts at 3 ounces and I'm going to be throwing a lot of 2 ounce lures, how would that rod handle them?

What didn’t like about the GS-A Heavy was the longer handle and overall heavier weight rod then IROD. This doesn’t mean it’s not a good swimbait rod. Time changes rods with new models competing for under $150 rods.

Dobyns Fury 806 for example is another decent choice in that price range.

Tom