Rod for Keitech swimbaits?

[TNcreekfishing]

Hey all, hope everyone is having a good day.  So I’m trying to devote myself to building confidence in smaller soft swimbaits.  Specifically baits such as 3.8 keitechs and zman minnows which are 3 inches.  I will be using ballhead jigs and Zman finesse heads in the ranges of 1/8-3/16oz.  I fish a lot in rivers and larger creeks and primarily targeting smallmouth in waters that typically run from shallow-7 foot at the deepest.  My big question is about my rod power and action.  I know with lighter weights like I intend to use, a spinning setup is more appropriate and I was wondering if the one I have would work for this technique.  It is a tatula bass spinning rod 6’10 M/XF model #TTU6101MXS. Specs are on the ML side which is good for the lighter weight but I’m concerned the XF action would cause me problems.  Will this setup work or is the monkey gonna get me?? Thanks for the input guys!

[Brian11719]

I'd go with a medium light for those minnows and a medium heavy for a 3.8 keitech so in this case I guess that would put me right at a medium / fast spinning rod. Action tends to be one of those things where you will ask 5 people about it and will likely get 3-4 different replies. For me it comes down to whether or not I'm going through plastic. So as an example most of the time I'm throwing an easy shiner (similar to that minnow) on a texas rig type setup where it isn't exposed. In that case I like a ML power with an XF action to help get through the plastic BUT if I'm throwing something like a wacky senko or traditional ned rig w/ the hook exposed fast is enough for me. Fast also seems to be enough when you get into heavier power (eg. medium heavy and above) but I'm sure someone reading this will disagree and give you a completely different opinion. Thing is they can both be right and ultimately it comes down to what works for you. That setup seems fine to start with for the swimbaits you mentioned if anything maybe try it out for a while and then adjust as needed...I also wouldn't limit myself to swimbaits that could also be good for a drop shot or hair jig among others...

[TNcreekfishing]

@Brian11719

awesome details brother and thank you for the input.  I’m basically just wondering if it’s gonna benefit me tremendously to go for a fast action rod over the XF.  I haven’t fished this rod yet so I don’t know what it handles like.  

[new2BC4bass]

Hahaha.  My OG Tatula 7'2" MHR is said to be great with Keitechs.  I purchased a few 3.8s to try.

[JN94]

If you're using exposed, light wire hooks, I'd use a ML, mod fast. If you're using heavier wire exposed hooks step up to a M or MH. Fast actions work as well but for the lighter wire stuff I prefer a mod fast action to help with landing the fish

[Choporoz]

15 hours ago, TNcreekfishing said:

 but I’m concerned the XF action would cause me problems.

What sort of problems?

 

You already have a rod that is rated for the weights you are going to use. 

Try it. 

Nothing that any of us say here will be 1/2 as important as how it feels and performs...to you.

 

Things that will matter to you...such as castability,  hook 'set-a-bility', fish control-ability.....all will depend on how you use it....what line you use, etc.  Try it....let us know

[Bird]

I throw them on a Dobyns Sierra 6'9 med fast.

Like one poster said, when I throw Zman diesel minnows I go to MH casting gear.

[casts_by_fly]

I'm using the 6'9" Zodias ML/F with 10 lb braid for exactly what you're describing.  I wouldn't want heavier and I don't prefer longer.

[redmeansdistortion]

I'm using a Palms Rera Kamuy 6'9" ML.  It's a Japanese steelhead rod rated for 3-10g, absolutely awesome for smaller soft swimbaits and ned rigs.  My favorite is the 2.8" Keitech Fat Swing Impact on a 1/8 head, great in the rivers and lakes alike.

[Brian11719]

btw @TNcreekfishing I actually own a medium extra fast custom lite rod that I picked up on sale (I'm a sucker for rods  and reels on sale) and one more thing I'd point out is even though I usually go with a MH F spinning rod for flukes this particular setup can be really fun to throw a soft jerkbait on if you want to give it a lot of action....swim worms also seem to do well on it (I like the mag2 and ultravibe).

[GetFishorDieTryin]

The vast majority of MLs will be underpowered, especially with the 3.8.  There are some stout MLs, Shimano and MB that can do it, but IMO a mainline M power 1/8 or 3/16-5/8 is the way to go.

The Tat 6'10 XF will work, but I really like the 7" M F over the 6'10.  I dont think the XF action will cost you any fish, the sweet spot for that rod is just smaller and wont handle the upper ranges as well as a F, IME anyway.  The 7' M really feels like a ML and essentially it is.  Its rated 1/8-3/4, but the 3/4 is very optimistic IMO, 5/8 is about topped out for me.

[Dye99]

I use a Megabass Flyssa for the smaller swimbaits. Okashira/sparkshad and a IMX pro 862 for the larger Keitechs but I rarely throw anything over 3.8