another swimbait rod question

[247bassin]

I had posted a question about a big swimbait rod a few days ago and got some great advice.  However, the swimbaits have been made and they are significantly lighter than the builder had anticipated.  They are only 2.8 and 2.9 ounces.  I am sure that this changes things with the rod and I am sure that the rod will be cheaper since I can get something that is rated for a 3 ounce lure instead of 4 ounces.  What can you all reccomend for me with the new found weight of the lures?  I am looking for something as cheap as possible.  I was thinking about a Ugly Stick that was made for the bigger fish like the Steel Head rod they build.  Would that work if I could find one that is rated for that weight?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Even though Steelhead are a good size fish, a steelie rod isn't designed to throw big, heavy baits. You want something 7'6" or longer, with a lot of backbone and a fast, soft tip. Maybe something like this: http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Heartland_Big_Bait_Special_Casting_Rod/descpage-DHBBS.html

[Big Bait Fishing]

if i were you , i would not want to get a rod that i am gonna throw baits on that will be at the max end of a rod's rating , that said , the diawa rod Mike suggested would work fine .....

[247bassin]

Ok...I always thought that rods worked better at or close to their max.  Kind of like bows...they are at their peak performance at their max draw weight...

[247bassin]

What about a reel?  I was thinking about just using one of my Extremes, but should I buy something that is a little tougher?  I don't want to tear up my Extremes, I love them.  I was thinking about a Ambassador.  Maybe buying a cheaper end Shimano off the flea market on here.  What would you guys recommend as far as reels?

[Hammer 4]

I agree, I would'nt get a rod that maxes out on those #'s..The Okuma 711H is rated for 2 to 6 oz's and will throw 2.5 oz baits pretty good. I have thrown 2 oz to 5 oz baits with mine. The rod goes for 109.00 shipped from TW.

As for the reel, I use a Chronarch 101 which is fine for bass. I have it spooled with 55lb braid which has a diameter of 10-12lb mono, so it holds enough line for bass. However, if something like a big striper were to take my bait..I might be in trouble, due to getting spooled. In that case I would opt for a larger capasity reel, the Curado 300 would be my choice.

Espeacilly if you intend on using 20-25 lb fluro, or mono..lower line capasity reels just don't hold enough line when your get hit on those long cast's.

[247bassin]

I have caught more stripers over 15#s with 12 pound mono and a small baitcasting reel than I could count.  I have lost a few of the bigger fish, but have caught the majority of the fish that I hook. 

[Big Bait Fishing]

I have caught more stripers over 15#s with 12 pound mono and a small baitcasting reel than I could count. I have lost a few of the bigger fish, but have caught the majority of the fish that I hook.

you just answered your own question about what reel to use  :

[NewAngler]

Even though Steelhead are a good size fish, a steelie rod isn't designed to throw big, heavy baits. You want something 7'6" or longer, with a lot of backbone and a fast, soft tip. Maybe something like this: http://www.***.com/Daiwa_Heartland_Big_Bait_Special_Casting_Rod/descpage-DHBBS.html

That there is a fine rod. I have the salmon/ steelhead rod rated for 1-8 oz. It's exceptionally light for a "cheap rod."  I can bet that if you get into throwing swimbaits, you'll start tossing some 4 and 5 oz baits.

[247bassin]

The stripers I have caught were all caught on 1/2 ounce jig heads and a white grub or a hollow bodied swimbait, not a 3 ounce hard bodied swimbait.  I need something that will hold up to me throwing a big heavy bait. 

[Hammer 4]

Get the Okuma I suggested, unless you want to spend more $$$..

[Big Bait Fishing]

as for which reel to use , check out the Revo Inshore . this reel holds 175 yards of 12 lb. line , has alll the drag you will need and is smooth and very solid ......