Combo for 2"-4.5" underspin swimbaits

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

I'm back again with another combo setup question. 

 

So I'm now beginning my research for a dedicated small swimbaits/underspin rod and reel. I feel like this is going to land me a spinning combo or maybe a BFS type deal, not too sure for this particular application. 

 

I live in southern Ontario Canada so I find myself using an underspin alot more these days so I may be interested in a dedicated combo for this now since I have so much confidence in this lure nowadays. Definitely not looking high end for this, actually looking for something on the cheaper side, but quality. I think I want something a bit softer, but still need a bit of power to help me in the grass. 

 

Where do I start?

[Obi_Wan]

Ive used this one for river fishing here quite a bit, but I'm taking one to Canada this year.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lew-s-Xfinity-XJ-6-Medium-Action-Spinning-Fishing-Rod-and-Reel-Combo/155659016?from=searchResults

 

I also like the BPS Carbonlite 2.0 reel with a M or ML rod.  Hard to beat if you don't want to spend too much.

 

Denali AttAx is another good rod.

[A kid from Canada]

I fish my underspins on a casting rod. Quantum Smoke S3 Medium Xfast rated 1/4-3/8. Fishes more like a ML as you could probably tell by the rating and has some good flex in it. Paired with a Tatula SV, shallow spool and 15# braid. Also use this combo for light cranks. Not sure if that's budget enough or not but it is quality and versatile enough for different applications so it makes it worth it to me. 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

35 minutes ago, A kid from Canada said:

I fish my underspins on a casting rod. Quantum Smoke S3 Medium Xfast rated 1/4-3/8. Fishes more like a ML as you could probably tell by the rating and has some good flex in it. Paired with a Tatula SV, shallow spool and 15# braid. Also use this combo for light cranks. Not sure if that's budget enough or not but it is quality and versatile enough for different applications so it makes it worth it to me. 

This sounds like what I'm looking for. Your setup can still cast a small underspin a decent enough distance?

[casts_by_fly]

There is a big difference between a 2” keitech swing impact and a 4.8 swing impact fat. The 4.8 is nearly a half ounce on its own. A 2” regular body is going to be about 1/16 oz.  If you want to throw all of that on one rod, then you need a spinning rod. If you can narrow your range a little or be more specific, then you can almost certainly get there with a regular casting rod. The swing impact fat 2.8 is about 1/8 oz. If you’re putting that on a 1/8 head you’re at a quarter total weight (plus the blade) and in good shape for a medium power casting rod. If you took that up to a 4.8 and a 1/4 oz head you’re be at 3/4 oz and still in good shape. 
 

I like my falcon finesse jig for this weight range and what you’re talking about, though I don’t know the cheaper bucoo version.  The expert version is awesome though at $200. Knowing what I know about the action on this rod, if I had $100 for the rod I’d definitely try the bucoo. 

[A kid from Canada]

3 hours ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

This sounds like what I'm looking for. Your setup can still cast a small underspin a decent enough distance?

I'm pretty happy with the distance, it's a whippy rod and flings them well. I bank fish alot with that combo. 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

8 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

There is a big difference between a 2” keitech swing impact and a 4.8 swing impact fat. The 4.8 is nearly a half ounce on its own. A 2” regular body is going to be about 1/16 oz.  If you want to throw all of that on one rod, then you need a spinning rod. If you can narrow your range a little or be more specific, then you can almost certainly get there with a regular casting rod. The swing impact fat 2.8 is about 1/8 oz. If you’re putting that on a 1/8 head you’re at a quarter total weight (plus the blade) and in good shape for a medium power casting rod. If you took that up to a 4.8 and a 1/4 oz head you’re be at 3/4 oz and still in good shape. 
 

I like my falcon finesse jig for this weight range and what you’re talking about, though I don’t know the cheaper bucoo version.  The expert version is awesome though at $200. Knowing what I know about the action on this rod, if I had $100 for the rod I’d definitely try the bucoo. 

Yea your very right on this one. So let's say this is more for a 2.5" to maybe 3-3.5". 

[casts_by_fly]

58 minutes ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Yea your very right on this one. So let's say this is more for a 2.5" to maybe 3-3.5". 

 

In that case and assuming you're using heads up to a quarter ounce or so my recommendation would be a for a ML XF spinning rod, something rated for 1/8-3/8 or maybe 1/8-1/2 (which might push to a medium).  I was throwing a Keitech 3.3 on a 1/8 head on sunday with a medium baitcaster (1/4-5/8) and while you can do it, you're pushing down to the lower limits of lots of casting reels and especially budget based ones.  This is bread and butter territory for a spinning rod and you can get plenty of combos at any price point that will do it.

 

So the real question is what budget do you have in mind?

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

Again remember I'm in Canada here by I'd like to keep it around $200 for the combo. I could be talked into spending a touch more if it really makes a difference.

[casts_by_fly]

that's about $150 USD and gives you plenty of options.  I like shimano spinning reels and at the 'entry' price point on rods I really like the SLX lineup.  The SLX  7' ML is rated 1/16 to 5/16 on an extra fast.  If you're sticking to the lighter side of jig heads that would be a good shout.  The SLX M at 3/16-5/8 would handle the full range you're talking about.  I'd throw a 2000 size Sahara on it and be done.

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

3 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

that's about $150 USD and gives you plenty of options.  I like shimano spinning reels and at the 'entry' price point on rods I really like the SLX lineup.  The SLX  7' ML is rated 1/16 to 5/16 on an extra fast.  If you're sticking to the lighter side of jig heads that would be a good shout.  The SLX M at 3/16-5/8 would handle the full range you're talking about.  I'd throw a 2000 size Sahara on it and be done.

I just found the slx M at 3/16 - 5/8 on FB marketplace for $85 brand new! Might go for it

[GetFishorDieTryin]

What really matters more then the size of the bait, is the weight range of the jigheads you are most likely to use.  

[GetFishorDieTryin]

If you have 200$ to spend, spending more money to get a sensitive rod is the way to go, especially for swimbaits.  SLXs are ok, but even without the breakage issues, IMO theyre just mediocre.  While the blank is good quality 24t blank, its still 24t.  Compare that to a Fate Black which not only is far more comfortable in hand, its 30t blank is more sensitive for 60$ and they dont have the breakage issues the gen 1 SLXs. Midrange about 120$ the I would say go for the Ark Honey Badger, you get a 40t blank which is outstanding for the price and Ark has good customer service overall if you do manage to break it.  At the higher end of 150$ would be the Daiwa Tatula 7" M F.  The Tatulas are probably one of the best rods for the money on the market.  I dont know what kind of blank they use, but its plenty sensitive, extremely comfortable and light in hand, with excellent tapers and balance.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

For a reel Daiwa is the way to go IMO if youre spending 100$ or less.  @60$ Daiwa Regal is over an ounce lighter then a Shimano at an equal or higher price point and just as smooth for practical purposes.  Exceler is 100$ which and you get a 1pc thread in handle as opposed to a hex nut.  Shimano Nasci is a good choice, if you dont mind the extra weight.  Personally I favor Daiwas lighter weight and lower gear ratio when it comes it to swimming a keitech or rockvibe.  MIravel just debuted recently, but so far it looks like its the reel to beat @120$.  Shimano has never had a sub 8oz 2500 or 3k reel for under 200$ until now.

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

Yea I've heard that new Shimano reel is supposed to be legit. 

 

So many choices! I'm looking at that 13 fishing fate, it's available at my local shop where I am in Canada my local stores don't have Ark, Dobins etc

[MN Fisher]

On 4/25/2023 at 7:53 PM, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Shimano has never had a sub 8oz 2500 or 3k reel for under 200$ until now.

 

4 minutes ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Yea I've heard that new Shimano reel is supposed to be legit.

I've got a Miravel 2500 and while I haven't gotten it on the water yet - bass season doesn't open for 16 more days - bench-testing has been very promising.

 

If you want to save a bit - Digitaka has the 2500 for $116 - no tax or shipping charge, but being JDM getting warranty repair if it needs it is questionable.

[Big Hands]

I don't think is a universal best rod/reel/line choice for a bait like the underspin with a plastic paddle tail even if we're talking about a specific size/style of bait with a specific size, weight and style of underspin jig head. 

 

A 3/0 flashy swimmer with a 4.8" Fat Swing Impact weighs about .7 oz. You could certainly throw that with a M/F spinning rod with 8 or 10 lb line in open water situations. But. you might also be throwing it in and around brush piles and grass, and if you think you're going to pull a bass through and out that stuff with that same rig, you may find out otherwise. 

[Bdnoble84]

On 4/25/2023 at 1:22 PM, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Again remember I'm in Canada here by I'd like to keep it around $200 for the combo. I could be talked into spending a touch more if it really makes a difference.

Medium action fenwick eagle 6’6” and a 100$ reel will get you close if you really want a baitcaster. Will work well for 1/8oz and up swimmers and can double for jerkbaits, small spinnerbaits, etc.

i had a LEW’s lfs on a fenwick eagle and 20lb braid. It worked just fine for the presentation you are talking. If you are going 1/16 oz and 2” paddletails though. You either need a high end bfs setup or switch to spinning.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

19 hours ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Yea I've heard that new Shimano reel is supposed to be legit. 

 

So many choices! I'm looking at that 13 fishing fate, it's available at my local shop where I am in Canada my local stores don't have Ark, Dobins etc

The Fate Blacks are pretty good, but I think 13 may be discontinuing them, so you should be able to get them at a steep discount, theyre 60$ at TW right now and theyr worth it.  I would just avoid getting 1 longer then 7'1.  The casting rods longer then 7'1 can feel a bit tip heavy.  

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

So just to be a bit more clear I'm definitely going spinning with this as this will mainly be for a 2.5" - 3" underspin. 1/4oz pretty much. 

 

Again I'm in Canada so I don't really wanna order this online cause shipping and boarder charges will blow this budget. 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

I found at my local shop a 13 fishing omen black 3, 2 PC 7'3 M. It's regular $179 on for $89. Anyone got anything to say about this line of rods?

[Big Hands]

I'd lean toward a Daiwa Aird-X rod and Daiwa Fuego reel on either side of this TBH.

 

Spinning:

AIRX701MLFS

Fuego LT2500

 

Casting:

AIRX701MFB

Fuego CT