Damiki dark angel swimbait rod ????

[Big Bait Fishing]

has anyone used this swimbait rod , seems pretty good if it can cover 2-10 oz. swimbaits , kinda like a Rogue . this is it , the extra-heavy one at the bottom http://www.***.com/descpageCRODDAM-DDAC.html

[Branuss04]

Haven't used them.  Why not spend an extra $25 and get a loomis? Or buy a Dobyns and then buy a couple swimbaits?  Plus I don't like pink!!!

[Big Bait Fishing]

Haven't used them. Why not spend an extra $25 and get a loomis? Or buy a Dobyns and then buy a couple swimbaits? Plus I don't like pink!!!

to tell the truth , i think loomis and dobyns swimbait rods aren't what i would ever consider . i want a split grip rod that covers the full spectrum of swimbait weights and sizes . i was considering an Okuma or a Powell , but then i'd have to buy 2-3 rods plus 2-3 reels to go with them , i don't see that as practical on my budget . if i got 1 swimbait rod , i can buy 1 reel and have alot of $ left over for purchasing swimbaits . i know alot of people like g.loomis and dobyns , i've never used one but don't want to . i was hoping for feedback from some one that has used one , oh well , maybe i'll get one anyway and then post how good (or bad) it is .....  

[FR0G]

When it comes to having a rod that covers all of your needs, its nearly impossible. I have the Okuma 7'11" XH, and it does a pretty good job of working all the swimbaits I own well. The pistol grip is awesome, and provides more comfort when launching big baits. I have used anything from a baitsmith to 9" punkers on this rod and it does well. The new dark angel looks really great, but I just can't see past spending that much on a rod, when Okuma makes excellent rods for much cheaper. You also cannot beat their warranty service. I got a brand new rod for just the cost of shipping. I believe it was around 16 bucks. They may not look as flashy as the dark angels, but they get the job done. You'll eventually want to get different combos for each different swimbait you chuck. It just makes life a whole bunch easier. Plus, you won't need to re-tie so often 8-)

[fishntime]

To be Honest I have yet to buy a swimbait setup, but the monkey is defintely on my back and I also saw that Damiki.  And I have to say that it might be worth the money, considering that you can throw anything from 2 to 10oz. on this one rod.  Just my opinion.. ;D

[Big O Tires Angler]

I really don't think you can lose on the Damiki swim bait rod...it's $210 and 8' long! Not to mention the warranty that TW offers on those rods is pretty awesome IMO.

[fourbizz]

Haven't used them. Why not spend an extra $25 and get a loomis? Or buy a Dobyns and then buy a couple swimbaits? Plus I don't like pink!!!

to tell the truth , i think loomis and dobyns swimbait rods aren't what i would ever consider . i want a split grip rod that covers the full spectrum of swimbait weights and sizes . i was considering an Okuma or a Powell , but then i'd have to buy 2-3 rods plus 2-3 reels to go with them , i don't see that as practical on my budget . if i got 1 swimbait rod , i can buy 1 reel and have alot of $ left over for purchasing swimbaits . i know alot of people like g.loomis and dobyns , i've never used one but don't want to . i was hoping for feedback from some one that has used one , oh well , maybe i'll get one anyway and then post how good (or bad) it is .....

WOW

[mike bat]

i cant say i have ever used these rods ,,, so i cant be certin ... but IMO a rod cant cover that much ground and offer effective preformance in each weight class .... for instance a rod rated for 8-10oz baits wont prefrom well when tossing a 2oz bait ... just my opnion but to cover that much ground and get the preformance you will need at least 2 different rods ... you cant tell me one rod will cover all that ... dont get me wrong im sure you could fish all the different weight baits on one rod ,, but each rod will have a certin weight area that it will preform best ...

[Redlinerobert]

Crazy range on this rod for sure, I'm very curious to see what it feels like.

[Big Bait Fishing]

Haven't used them. Why not spend an extra $25 and get a loomis? Or buy a Dobyns and then buy a couple swimbaits? Plus I don't like pink!!!

to tell the truth , i think loomis and dobyns swimbait rods aren't what i would ever consider . i want a split grip rod that covers the full spectrum of swimbait weights and sizes . i was considering an Okuma or a Powell , but then i'd have to buy 2-3 rods plus 2-3 reels to go with them , i don't see that as practical on my budget . if i got 1 swimbait rod , i can buy 1 reel and have alot of $ left over for purchasing swimbaits . i know alot of people like g.loomis and dobyns , i've never used one but don't want to . i was hoping for feedback from some one that has used one , oh well , maybe i'll get one anyway and then post how good (or bad) it is .....

WOW

never thought you would hear some one say that they have no interest in G.Loomis and Dobyns ?????  

[Chad.]

Sorry to hijack, but to any one with experience here to you what is the different between a okuma swimbait rod and say a loomis or 200 plus swim bait rod not trying to be a smartass, its a serious question. Will ot be overall fit and finish, weight  that crisp feeling what about the sensitivity, does it really matter.

[mike bat]

you have quiet a few questions there ... why not pm fourbizz he will have solid info for ya ... he knows swimbait gear

[fourbizz]

Thanks Mike, since I am bored to tears, I will answer Chad and PG's questions, well, at least give them my opinion, if not an answer, lol.

PG, i know plenty of people that dont want a dobyns, hell, I am one of them. I also know many people who wouldnt want a GLoomis swimbait rod, for the most part, those are guys that havent fished them. I havent fished as many big bait rods as some guys but more than most people.

All models of Gloomis including the back bounce salmon rods

All models of Okuma

All models of Powell

All models of Shimano Crucial

All Dobyns except the 795ML

Redington Back Bounce

Fig Rig (forget which model)

2 Custom Wrapped Graphite USA rods

Compre 7'2" Muskie rod

Daiwa Heartland

mmmmm there might be a couple more here and there.

Through fishing these, there is absolutely NOTHING that can EFFECTIVELY handle 2-10ounces. I would be willing to say that that claim is BOGUS. You could definitely find a rod that works well for a range of baits and there are a few rods that are very versatile.

The Okuma 7'6" H, Loomis 955, and Crucial 7'11" H are great "all around" rods for trout imitating baits. This is to say that you can MAKE the baits at either end of the spectrum work on these rods, but they will not perform all that great.

--------I am furious to realize now, after typing all of that, to see that you only wanted a review of the damiki, and were uninterested in help selecting a different rod, I cut that reply and then realized how much time was wasted, so I pasted it back in case it can help someone else-----------

Chad,

That is really a tough question for me to answer concisely. I'll be first to say that the Okuma 7'6" rods are not only a great beginner/budget rod, but they are just plain good rods to boot. I have owned a few, and sold them as I replaced their niche with a more high end rod. I have, however, retained my Okuma 7'6" XH because I just plain love that rod. In the three years that i have abused it, the cork has completely faded and all the filling has come out, so i wrapped it with electrical tape, the finish on the wraps has cracked and yellowed, the butt cap has been super glued back on, ive knocked the tip insert out no less than 6 times, and the hook hanger broke off.  With the exception of MAYBE the cork, I wouldnt chock any of that up to shoddy wormanship or material, just flat out abuse. I dont coddle my stuff, i fish it hard. It is the best mass market rod available for the bait that I build.

Is it all that sensitive? No not really. How important is that? Depends. The baits that I fish on that rod are either topwater or reaction baits, but I have put plenty of fish in the boat with it using slow moving, deep, plastics. Worth every dime of $99 or whatever they are these days.

When I won my first Tourney, I decided I wanted something to show for it, not just blow the money on booze and women, so I picked up a GLoomis 955. Would I have spent $245 of my 9-5 money on it? No I WOULDN'T have. But when I won my second T i bought the 956. And after fishing those rods for the last year, I would absolutely spend "real" money on them. Why? No one great glaring feature of awesomeness, just the all around package. Seriously lighter than an Okuma. Im not one of those "swimbaits wear you out" weiners, but its a nice bonus. Breathing donkey sensitive. If shes staring at it in 25ft and flaring her gills, you feel it, lol.  Is that necessary with topwater or fast moving baits? Absolutely not. Do those nice THDUNK bites on a soft plastic suddenly feel stronger, maybe, but those mushy, dead, or slacky sensations that I used to wonder about, well I find myself swinging on them and coming up with a fish a little more often. Another bonus. Those two Loomis rods that I mention also feel 100% custom tailored to two of my mainstay baits. There is not a better Wake Jr. rod than the Loomis 955, and I've fished a bunch of them.

So is it worth it? Variables. Whats $245 to you? I make good money, but that not chump change either. How often are you gonna use it? Im chucking swimbaits more than most people, so its worth it. Do you know that you are gonna stick with the big bait game?

You can get a great Okuma/Cardiff combo for $200 and have the tools you need. You can spend more and have nicer tools.

[.ghoti.]

Thanks for the well thought out post, fourbizz(le).

Swimbaits are something I want to experiment with next year. I have the reel; a Millionaire 253. I've already ordered a 4 bearing handle, carbotex drag washers, and bearings to replace all the bushungs. it will be a smooth cranking machine before next season. I just need the rod. Sounds like an Okuma might be just the thing for a newbie swimbaiter.

Now, how about a list of your dozen must have swimbaits. Since I'm in Illionois, how about smaller baits; say four ounces or less. That will let me pick the right power and action rod. At this point in the game, I will need to concentrate on one size range, and one rod to fit that. I can always expand the gear collection if I decide that swimbaiting is something I want to pursue further.

Cheers,

GK

[Hooked_On_Bass]

Now, how about a list of your dozen must have swimbaits. Since I'm in Illionois, how about smaller baits; say four ounces or less. That will let me pick the right power and action rod. At this point in the game, I will need to concentrate on one size range, and one rod to fit that. I can always expand the gear collection if I decide that swimbaiting is something I want to pursue further.

Cheers,

GK

Good question! I would like to hear some opinions as well.

[mike bat]

you must have a mattlures baby bass and blue gill ... these two are a must for you ... i live in WI ,, the mattlures work really good here ... hud offers a 6inch bait that should work fine too ( i havent baught one yet but they look killer ) ... 3;16 baby wake i will have 2 of these for this season ,,, again KILLER BAIT ....other than that there are tons of smaller options out there ...id suggest getting a few different options ... topwaters ,, some hard bodys ,, some softys ... really you just never know what the bass want till you try ... but for the price and preformance the mattlures baby bass series is a must have ...  

[Big Bait Fishing]

i guess my topic is gone , huh ??? . thanks  

[slomoe]

Nobody will be able to answer your question as the rod just came out. Give it a few months, or just get one and write a review.

[Dan:]

Nobody will be able to answer your question as the rod just came out. Give it a few months, or just get one and write a review.

I was just going to type that out.

[Branuss04]

Thanks for the well thought out post, fourbizz(le).

Swimbaits are something I want to experiment with next year. I have the reel; a Millionaire 253. I've already ordered a 4 bearing handle, carbotex drag washers, and bearings to replace all the bushungs. it will be a smooth cranking machine before next season. I just need the rod. Sounds like an Okuma might be just the thing for a newbie swimbaiter.

Now, how about a list of your dozen must have swimbaits. Since I'm in Illionois, how about smaller baits; say four ounces or less. That will let me pick the right power and action rod. At this point in the game, I will need to concentrate on one size range, and one rod to fit that. I can always expand the gear collection if I decide that swimbaiting is something I want to pursue further.

Cheers,

GK

3:16 soft baits (Mission Fish, Minnow,etc)

3:16 wake jr.

6in Hudd

7in M.S. Slammer

Mattlures of anykind

8in Triple Trout

8in 2X4

i guess my topic is gone , huh ??? . thanks

Your welcome

[slomoe]

Nobody will be able to answer your question as the rod just came out. Give it a few months, or just get one and write a review.

I was just going to type that out.

too slow ;D

some small/medium size swimbaits I've had luck with:

baby wake

7 inch slammer

mission fish

I'm still very new to the big baits but if I can catch fish on these, anyone can. ;D

[Chad.]

Sweet answers fourbizz, very helpful thread I don't think ill be getting into big bait fishing for a few years.

[mike bat]

has anyone used this swimbait rod , seems pretty good if it can cover 2-10 oz. swimbaits , kinda like a Rogue . this is it , the extra-heavy one at the bottom http://www.***.com/descpageCRODDAM-DDAC.html

i just wanna adress you ,, this is your post ...  before you do anything rash ... you need to think about what you need your rod to do ... the dark angel may be able to cover that range ,, but i highly doubt it ... my suggestion for you ,,, think about the size/weight of the baits you want to toss ... also consider the price of the baits ... once you buy a combo you will need baits ... if you need a budget combo for a beginer ,,, bizz hit it ... get the okuma big bait spec and a cardiff ,, you can score this combo for around 200 ... thats the exact combo i have .... for the swimbaiting i do around WI its perfect .... im not tryin to dog the dark angel ,, it just hasnt been provin as a good rod yet ... that worries me ... the okuma on the other hand has been used for some time now .... also it seems to be a great stick for the money ... as bizz said i also ran mine through the ringer ... she is still catching bass ... so just stop and think about what you need and want ... then as you are doing here get some feed back and buy your rod ...   good luck fishing and good luck on the rod  ;D