need advice on swimbait rod length and power

[RatONaStick]

Hi folks

I'm looking to throw some swimbaits this year, particularly Matts bluegill/baby bass and the 6" Storm pearl swim shad. Being in NC, I don't see the need for anything larger, at least not yet.  I would consider myself pretty green when it comes to swimbaits, I have thrown some of the small Storm swimbaits(3" to 4") with success so I wouldn't consider myself a total newbie to them.

Anyway, I'm looking at the Okuma Guide Select swimbait rods and am kinda unsure about which length and most importantly which power to get. I see they make rods in both 7' 6" and 7' 11" lengths and powers from MH to XH.

I have done some searching and there does seem to conflicting opinions about which power to use with what. I know I've seen some reviews that said the MH is ideal for baits like Matts Bluegill and the like, then I read people recommending the heavy power rod for baits like these. So which is it? Would the MH be more suited to these baits or would I need a Heavy? Is there an advantage to one over the other?

What about length? Is there a preference for one over the other?

I really don't see the need to throw anything larger than these baits and if I do I'll end up buying another rod/reel specifically for them.

Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

Brandon

[fourbizz]

If you are positive that you will never move up to heavier baits, go for the 7'11 MH, if there is a chance you will end up throwing bigger stuff get the 7'11" H.  Its a great rod for the price and customer service is excellent.

[RatONaStick]

4biz

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

[Lightninrod]

For Matt's baits, I use either a Heavy or Extra Heavy, 7', 6" Kistler LTA Helium rod.  I use the Okuma Heavy for my heavier swimbaits.

Dan

[BaitMS]

I recently got the 7'11'' MH for the same application. I went with the 7'11'' over the 7'6'' because I want to throw some larger crankbaits (rapala dt10 and 16 and Dorman DD22s). I felt the 7'6" would have too fast a tip for this.

Go to calfishing.com and look around if you haven't already. The website has many reviews on rods, reels, and baits.

Reading the reviews helped me with my decision.

Look at the forum too.