TNReb Posted January 31, 2023 Posted January 31, 2023 I'm looking to begin fishing bigger swimbaits. In particular, Huddleston 68's - in that 2-2.5oz range. Nothing bigger at the moment. Can someone recommend a rod and a reel? I don't want to say budget doesn't matter... but I'm open to any suggestions. My only limit on the rod is that it has to be 8ft or less due to our club rules. I don't intend to go throw a 68 all day in a tournament.. but you never know. I want a slower reel.. that's about as far as I've gotten. I'm leaning towards a Shimano round reel (perhaps JDM), but I'm lost on the various models of Calcutta Conquest (particularly on the JDdM sites) and I'm torn between a 200 and 300 size. Tactical Bassin recommends the IMX Pro 966 swimbait, but I can't find anyone with an experience with that rod or the 965. I also realize they're making their money by linking to what's sold on TW. Quote
Super User webertime Posted January 31, 2023 Super User Posted January 31, 2023 A 7ft 10in H fast St Croix in the price point you want. A Curado K, Tatula 200, Tranx 200 or Calcutta 200 should be great. I've got St Croix models from BassX to Legend Xtreme. The 710HF is great for up to 2.5oz single hook baits (and 8" Magdrafts) 1 Quote
softwateronly Posted January 31, 2023 Posted January 31, 2023 I've found myself liking flipping rods for 6" baits and I throw 6" 2oz baits most often. It's more enjoyable to throw all day and I haven't lost fish doing it, but I'm also not in water with giant fish. I have a tatula 200 w/ 65lb braid on a 7'6XH expride for fatty trash fish, freestyles, 68's, etc. My 8" baits are thrown on a MB Onager w/ a tatula 300. If you're unsure if you wanna get all the way into the big bait game, a flipping rod could be a good option. scott Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 31, 2023 Super User Posted January 31, 2023 Irod IRG794SB Gen 3 rod,7’ 9” Heavy Mod 2-6 oz lures. $150 Shimano Cardiff 300/301A reel* $150+$35 Sunline Diefer Armilo 25# line, 165 yard spool, fills the Cardiff reel. $21 You can pay a lot more but the performance is outstanding. Combo ready to fish $356 Tom *have ReelEx, Don Isaac tune the reel, upgrade the bearings, $35 5 Quote
Super User Hammer 4 Posted January 31, 2023 Super User Posted January 31, 2023 I have the Irod that Tom mentions above. I can tell you that it's A great rod for tossing 6" Hudds. Quality in this rod is well above it's price point, and I highly recommend it. I have a Diawa Tatula 300 on mine, but the Cardiff will work just fine. Quote
Super User ATA Posted January 31, 2023 Super User Posted January 31, 2023 4 hours ago, TNReb said: Tactical Bassin recommends the IMX Pro 966 swimbait, but I can't find anyone with an experience with that rod or the 965. I also realize they're making their money by linking to what's sold on TW. That rod is very parabolic and I would using it for glides with treble hooks. I think curado 8' XXH is perfect for the job. I paired that with Curado DC 150 but you can paired that with Curado 200. Great combo and it is match as well and price is very nice. Quote
Lucky6 Posted February 6, 2023 Posted February 6, 2023 G Loomis conquest 905 Calcutta conquest 200 in low gear Dream of a combo for hud 68s Quote
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