Okuma Guide Select B Swimbait Rods / A-Rig Rod Discussion

[JN94]

Looking for opinions/thoughts here. I currently throw all my swimbaits and A-rigs on a 7'3" Zodias that's rated up to 3oz. I've been told that a longer rod on these heavier baits helps with fatigue. I've noticed after throwing an A-rig all day I definitely have some soreness in my wrist. Will a longer rod help this? Found this Okuma rod that's a 7'9" and rated 1-3oz. Was thinking of making that my A-rig rod and using the Zodias for just swimbaits. Anyone have any experience with this rod?

[Jig Man]

What helps me is a lower gear ratio reel.  I keep some 5:1 reels just for this.

[T-Billy]

@JN94 I have that rod and it does ok with a-rigs, but I prefer the heavier rated one. The extra backbone takes a lot of work out of throwing it.

[Bigbox99]

It won't hurt but a different casting technique is needed with heavy baits to reduce wrist and forearm fatigue.  You really shouldn't cast these heavy baits with the same wrist and forearm intensive casting stroke as normal bass baits or you will wear yourself out.  For baits over 3 oz (your weight range for fatigue will vary) I use a casting technique I call "bend and send".  I put the rod over my shoulder and to cast I let the weight of the bait preload the rod from the motion of placing it over my shoulder and cast by pulling down on the rod butt and pushing the reel seat up and forward with my other arm using my shoulders to put in power and rod loading as a spring while my butt grip arm pulls back to rotate the rod parallel to the right arm.

[JN94]

54 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

It won't hurt but a different casting technique is needed with heavy baits to reduce wrist and forearm fatigue.  You really shouldn't cast these heavy baits with the same wrist and forearm intensive casting stroke as normal bass baits or you will wear yourself out.  For baits over 3 oz (your weight range for fatigue will vary) I use a casting technique I call "bend and send".  I put the rod over my shoulder and to cast I let the weight of the bait preload the rod from the motion of placing it over my shoulder and cast by pulling down on the rod butt and pushing the reel seat up and forward with my other arm using my shoulders to put in power and rod loading as a spring while my butt grip arm pulls back to rotate the rod parallel to the right arm.

Good point. I pretty much only sidearm/roll cast with lighter rods so I've got a habit of doing the same when stepping up to larger rods. Have noticed there is for sure a difference with your technique vs the roll cast on these heavier lures. I'm sure keeping that in mind will go a long way regardless of rod length 

[JN94]

Anyone have an A-rig rod that they like in particular?

 

[webertime]

A longer handle will help your wrist as well.  That rod should be fine.

[PBBrandon]

4 hours ago, JN94 said:

Anyone have an A-rig rod that they like in particular?

 

I have a Dobyns Mike Bucca 835c and love it for A-rigs. Doesn’t get talked about enough but it’s worth every penny over the Fury.

 

I also toss A-rigs on my 7’2” H+F Daiwa BLX and the shorter handle does make it harder on the wrists. It’ll still sling em though.

 

like @Bigbox99 said above, it’s about the casting technique more than anything. I also think a swimbait handle is necessary for a dedicated A-rig rod.