Swimbait Rig

[SCarter]

Ok guys .. need opinions. I am ordering my first swimbaits (Mattlures) and have to put together a rig. I am thinking about using either a Shimano Catala 300, Calcutta 200, or Cardiff 300 mounted on an All Star Titanium 7' MH. I've found some goods deals on the reels and have the All Star as an extra. Looking to see what other people are using.

[Supermat]

Between those 3 reel options I'd definetely use the Calcutta 200. The other sizes will overpower such a small rod and I've personally burned up a Catala throwing swimbaits. That's not to say it didn't land a bunch of big bass for giving up but still, it failed prematurely. Your rod is not necessarily the ideal rod to throw but since you're beginning go with what you've got instead of blowing tons of money in an experiment. Just keep in mind that if you tangle with a top-end fish that you're going to be a little undermatched, apply as much pressure as you can and don't let her get turned away from you and you'll do just fine.

Matt

[lubina]

I have been using a Cardiff 301 for over a year now w/o complains, I have to say it is lighter than the Calcuta. The rod is probably just OK for the Mattluers BB but thats about it, if you are planning to grow with swimbaits you will need a real SB rods. I like Okumas, Shimano Crucial and Daiwa L & T.

[fourbizz]

If you are only going to throw Matt's baits (which isn't a bad choice ) your rod will work. You don't NEED a heavier rod, but it would help. The okuma MH, crucial mh, or Redington RFXC 76121, would be optimal. The okuma and shimano are designed as swimbait rods, and though they are designated as MH they are better suited for those baits than "traditional" MH.  But a 7' worm rod will get the job done. Need proof? I caught this (my first swimbait fish) on a Matt Bluegill and my 7' Lamiglas MH

[Mikey]

thats an awesome bass !! what do really reccomend? I've caught a lot of 10 lb. + bass, but this swimbait has thinking "real" trophy. upshot if you could pull the trigger on the best set-up. I would like to know it. thanks in advance !

[BucketmouthAngler13]

I've just started using Matt's swimbaits on a Okuma Guide Select 7'11" Heavy (from tip to tip) with a Browning Siz Rivers LP WS reel. The Okuma rod is great, very light for its size, and its only a hundred bucks. I havn't cought a bass on it yet (havn't had the chance) but I plan to come spring time.

[fourbizz]

If I were to have only one swimbait rod, it would be a Shimano Crucial Heavy. Its a 7'11" inch rod that will handle matt's and baits up to about 6 ounces. With baits bigger than that, I use a 7'6" Okuma Guide Select Extra Heavy it can throw the biggest of them. For a reel, I prefer the Shimano Calcutta 400B. I also have a Cardiff 400 and it does the job, its just not as smooth. I have other swimbait rigs, but those work pretty well.

[Lightninrod]

I use a 7', 6" Kistler Extra Heavy or Heavy LTA Helium for my Matt's baits with a Calais 200 reel.  For the heavier swimbaits, I use the Okuma Heavy swimbait rod and a Calcutta 300 reel.

Dan

[Alpster]

I am building a G-Loomis BounceBack 8' Swimbait rod. I have a Calcutta 400 to make my swimbait rig. I can't wait to try it. I will be ordering some Mattlures soon.

Ronnie

[Redsyn]

Hey Ronnie,

I have a G-loomis backbounce SABBR965C rod Paired up with a Calcutta te 401. How is this set up for swim baits? I originally bought it for calico bass fishing of the party boats here in Los Angeles and I would like to know if this would be good for swim bait rod.

[Alpster]

Redsyn,

I chose this setup from recomendations from several swimbait websites and a couple of the swimbait fishermen on this site. I have not fished with it yet, as the rod is still under construction and it's 18 degrees here.

Ronnie

[mike bat]

i have a redington swimbait rod coming real soon ..... before that i have a okuma hevy 7ft6 swim bait rod /// these are the sticks ill be useing .... then for the time being ill be useig a cArdiff 301  .... well untill i can grabb that calcutta  ;D