Swim Bait Rod Less Than 7"4'?

[Big Rick]

 As the title states, I need a swim bait rod that's fairly short. Some clarification: 

 

1. My rod box won't allow any longer rods. 

2. My max weight will be 4 oz. with most baits in the 2 oz range.

3. I'll be throwing soft baits mostly like the MagDraft with a few S-Wavers as well. 

4. My budget is $200.

5. Locations or sites to purchase would be an added bonus. 

 

Thanks for the help, fellas. 

[Bass Rutten]

Daiwa TTU731HRB-SB, ticks all your boxes. Been using mine over a year now and I love it, surprisingly light for the punch it packs. 

https://daiwa.us/products/tatula-bass-rods

 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I just went through the same scenario.  Had to replace an Okuma TCS Frog and Swimbait rod which came to an untimely end. Here are some of the options I discovered:

 

Okuma TCS Frog and Swimbait rod (Heavy)   ($144.99)     7’3”

Lew’s Custom Speed Stick  (CMPS)                   ($159.99)     7’4”

Ark Invoker (Pro Mag-Hvy)                                    ($149.99)     7’4”

All claim to handle lures from 1/2- to 2- ounces. All have received positive reviews. But, your post suggests you might be looking for something heavier so these may not be suitable.
 

That 7’4” length limit precludes several other great possibilities. I did finally go with a 7’5” rod but had I been limited to your length constraints, I’d  probably stick with the Okuma.

 

I loved my Okuma TCS rod.  I used it for MagDrafts, S-Wavers, large Keitechs, and I have been known to use it for suitably-weighted jigs and T-rigged worms or critter baits.  Definitely worked well with frogs, too.

 

Don’t know if this helps.  Good luck.

[bx.versatile]

I personally prefer shorter rods since I fish swimbaits around cover more. And my favorite baits the DRT Tiny Klash and Klash 9 works better with rod twitches. Doing that with a long rod wears me out quick.

 

What I use is the Daiwa Blazon 611H/SB. Rated from 3/8 to 4oz. It's sweetspot are glides in the 2oz range. I've chugged 4oz Klash9 without issues.

 

Here's a secret rod, the 7'2 MH Zodias has the same action and can handle same weights. Both are closer to fast action but I use stretchy mono to compensate.

 

Another option, Shimano released new SLX swimbait rods. They have a 7'3 SB rod rated to 4oz. Looks nice with full grip.

 

I've held the Tatula that's mention above it's light but super ugly. They put an ugly ass foregrip on it.

[Tatulatard]

Short rods to throw up to 4 oz are fairly common in the japanese market.  Getting a rod to you for $200 is a other issue entirely.  The US market is going to be scarce because we prefer longer rods.  You might have to go the custom rod route.  Also for 2 oz baits a12-13" handle length is great but for 4oz you need a longer handle to swing the bait without fatigue.  

[Big Rick]

5 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

Short rods to throw up to 4 oz are fairly common in the japanese market.  Getting a rod to you for $200 is a other issue entirely.  The US market is going to be scarce because we prefer longer rods.  You might have to go the custom rod route.  Also for 2 oz baits a12-13" handle length is great but for 4oz you need a longer handle to swing the bait without fatigue.  

Thanks for the insight. I don't plan to throw any 4 oz. baits but would like the option if it presented itself. I hadn't given much thought about the handle length. I will be concentrating on baits like the MagDraft and S-Waver mostly. 

[Diggy]

I have a (Major Craft DAYS DYC‑70X) - About 200 shipped on eBay from Japan

 

3/8-3oz  - It's 7ft, it can throw a Deps 250 with no issues at over 6oz.

I use it for all kinds of tactics, even worms and jigs if I bring one rod.

He's throwing a 303 on it, which is 9 oz ? 
 

 

[webertime]

Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch is 250 but if you join the Kittery Trading Post email list they often have 20% off sales that include Megabass.  I toss Magdraft Freestyles and 168s with it.  It's 7'2" and up to 1.25 oz but tosses over 1.5 fine.

 

Bonus points for being a great frog and flipping rod.

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, Diggy said:

I have a (Major Craft DAYS DYC‑70X) - About 200 shipped on eBay from Japan

 

3/8-3oz  - It's 7ft, it can throw a Deps 250 with no issues at over 6oz.

I use it for all kinds of tactics, even worms and jigs if I bring one rod.

He's throwing a 303 on it, which is 9 oz ? 
 

 

How is the balance on that rod?  Tip up work ok?

[Diggy]

I have an 2013 Exsence DC on it which is about 8oz spooled with 20lb abrazx. It's pretty balanced with that reel. 

[Big Rick]

On 9/12/2022 at 3:31 PM, Bass Rutten said:

Daiwa TTU731HRB-SB, ticks all your boxes. Been using mine over a year now and I love it, surprisingly light for the punch it packs. 

https://daiwa.us/products/tatula-bass-rods

 

Going in the morning to a certain tackle shop that has this in stock to scope it out. At this point I intend on bringing it home. 

[PhishLI]

15 minutes ago, Big Rick said:

Going in the morning to a certain tackle shop that has this in stock to scope it out. At this point I intend on bringing it home. 

My swimbaiting buddy has the 7'3" and 7'9". He's happy with both, but loves the 7'3" for chucking accurately into gaps while yakkin'.

[Derek1]

On 9/14/2022 at 12:08 PM, Diggy said:

I have a (Major Craft DAYS DYC‑70X) - About 200 shipped on eBay from Japan

 

3/8-3oz  - It's 7ft, it can throw a Deps 250 with no issues at over 6oz.

I use it for all kinds of tactics, even worms and jigs if I bring one rod.

He's throwing a 303 on it, which is 9 oz ? 
 

 

That’s a interesting rod. 

[Bass Rutten]

On 9/14/2022 at 11:08 AM, Diggy said:

I have a (Major Craft DAYS DYC‑70X) - About 200 shipped on eBay from Japan

 

3/8-3oz  - It's 7ft, it can throw a Deps 250 with no issues at over 6oz.

I use it for all kinds of tactics, even worms and jigs if I bring one rod.

He's throwing a 303 on it, which is 9 oz ? 
 

 

That’s crazy, how would you describe the taper? Looks to be pretty stout, it didn’t look like it was giving much even with that 9oz lure hanging from it.

[NorthernBasser]

On 9/12/2022 at 3:31 PM, Bass Rutten said:

Daiwa TTU731HRB-SB, ticks all your boxes. Been using mine over a year now and I love it, surprisingly light for the punch it packs. 

https://daiwa.us/products/tatula-bass-rods

 

How is this rod for soft swimbaits where you have to drive an Owner Beast Hook home? I've heard this is a good rod for hard baits/trebles. 

[Bass Rutten]

1 hour ago, NorthernBasser said:

How is this rod for soft swimbaits where you have to drive an Owner Beast Hook home? I've heard this is a good rod for hard baits/trebles. 

Great for hard baits for sure, full disclosure I haven’t actually used it with a beast hook rigged lure, it’s what I’d call a mod-fast taper but I think it would have enough power with braided line, however I wouldn’t feel confident using it with mono or co-poly for weedless swimmers, I have another stiffer dedicated rod for them if that tells you anything.

[Diggy]

On 9/15/2022 at 9:34 PM, Bass Rutten said:

That’s crazy, how would you describe the taper? Looks to be pretty stout, it didn’t look like it was giving much even with that 9oz lure hanging from it.

It's stout in that regard, but I have no problem casting baits or landing fish. Flipping them onto the bank isn't even an afterthought, not worried about anything happening to the rod.
Can't really complain since it all double footed sic guides, happy with the purchase, especially for the cost. I fish 2-4oz baits primarily with it. (TK, K9, KRK205, etc). They have new Days360 models coming next spring.

[Derek1]

On 9/14/2022 at 12:08 PM, Diggy said:

I have a (Major Craft DAYS DYC‑70X) - About 200 shipped on eBay from Japan

 

3/8-3oz  - It's 7ft, it can throw a Deps 250 with no issues at over 6oz.

I use it for all kinds of tactics, even worms and jigs if I bring one rod.

He's throwing a 303 on it, which is 9 oz ? 
 

 

I read where you said worms and jigs also. That’s awesome. Are you talking about 3/8’s 1/2 ounce jigs and t rigs. This sounds like one hell of a rod. Especially at that price. 

[Diggy]

On 9/19/2022 at 6:48 AM, Derek1 said:

I read where you said worms and jigs also. That’s awesome. Are you talking about 3/8’s 1/2 ounce jigs and t rigs. This sounds like one hell of a rod. Especially at that price. 

 I will fish 1/4oz and up free rigs/Texas/Jigs plus the bait, on the 20lb fluoro when I do. Does not matter the weight going upward.

 

It is marketed for A-Rig, Punching, Big Baits. I have no issues with feel either.

Double footed sic guides.

[Derek1]

12 hours ago, Diggy said:

 I will fish 1/4oz and up free rigs/Texas/Jigs plus the bait, on the 20lb fluoro when I do. Does not matter the weight going upward.

 

It is marketed for A-Rig, Punching, Big Baits. I have no issues with feel either.

Double footed sic guides.

Sounds awesome