Thinking about using big swimbaits (Mattlures)

[David P]

Hey guys, I'm thinking about making the move and getting a rod and reel that is capable of casting Baby Bass Mattlures and the Bluegill ones. I live in California, and the only way I've seen 10lb bass bite, are on bluegill and other large swimbaits.

I'm getting sick and tired of seeing big *** bass, and never getting one to even show a bit of interest.

What's the cheapest rod / reel that I can get that can cast these things with ease and will work well with anything from the Baby Bass up to the blue gill... ?

When I say cheapest, I dont' mean a piece of junk, I want the cheapest Decent/Good rod / reel, I don't need the best, but I don't want stuff breaking on me either..

Thanks all!

[Randall]

You can throw Matt's baits on heavy action rods or most medium heavy rods that lean to the heavy side. I use an old 7 foot Mitchell Fulcrum heavy action rod which is no longer being made. If you are looking to save money any heavy or medium heavy that is rated for  1oz or better baits that has plenty of back bone but some bend most of the way down the blank will work. You want some bend pretty far down the blank to keep the fish from throwing the baits. I don't like rods with a fast tip for swimbaits. If you want to spend around $100 dollars you can just buy an Okuma Guide Select rod and you can use it to throw other larger swimbaits as well if you get the ones rated for larger baits. Another rod that I think would work well with Matt's baits for a little less is the Bionic Blade that is on sale at Bass Pro Shops for around $55 dollars right now. Get one of the models rated for two ounces and you should be fine.

[David P]

d**n, I want to get a combo for under $75 but looks like that wont' work. Maybe I'll have to wait another pay check before I start fishing swimbaits  >

[wickyman]

Okay.  Here is my personal opinion.  If you want to get a rod, and reel combo, for 75 or less, hit your local wal-mart.  Get yourself a 7ft. Shakespeare rod, I have and IM7 intrepid, though I doubt you will find those, unless you are lucky!  You want a medium heavy action, and they don't usually run nearly as high as the super high end poles!  Next you can get a cheap rhino baitcasting reel for like 20-30 bucks...  It will work for now, and then you can upgrade it later.  Or just spend 100 bucks total, and get a nice abu garcia!  I think out the door, my abu was like 75 bucks and change!  Not a bad price at all!  I have a 5600cl rocket.  Great reel for the money!  Fishing on the cheep is very hard, I too am a broke fisherman!  I don't have a lot of money, and the money I do get, goes to fishing!  I was just lucky enough to be handed a free pole, and the respect, to know how to fish it right...    

Most people will tell you to wait until that next paycheck, and it will be more worth it!  To each their own!  I think my whole combo would have cost about 125 and change if I would have paid for it all...  I was lucky!  Also, check yard sales for gear, sometimes that is a good way to find nearly new poles, or reels on the cheap!  

[Raul]

Matt 's swimbaits are hardly what I could call a "big" swimbait, you can fish them with a H power flipping stick but for larger swimbaits a H flipping stick is not going to cut it, if you are going to jump from the cliff into swimbaiting get a rod capable of handling most swimbait weights ( 1-5 oz ).

[Raul]

Yo ! Daiwa Heartland casting rod ----> 60 bones at TW plus free shipping !.