Swimbait Showdown: Okuma Vs. Carrot Stix

[mr.mallard]

ok. under the bass resource advice im reconsidering my rod choice. i am going to use a 4:7:1 bps pro qual. I want to be able to throw the spro bbz shad in slow and fast sink(around 1 oz._, the spro bbz 6'' trout (around 2 oz.), but would also like to throw traps and maybe fat johns and DD22s with this. the two rods im looking at now are the Okuma big bait casting rod in 7'6'' med heavyMy link

and the E21 Carrot Stix Wild Cast Rod 7'6" Heavy My link

[Packard]

I am not a fan of either. Why are you fond of these?

[deep]

I don't think one rod is going to do everything you mention... not very well anyway. I'd get a heavy powered cranking stick for your regular bass crankbaits, and the 4" BBZ. And a medium heavy powered swimbait stick for your little 6" swimbaits.

While I haven't fished either of the rods, the Okuma does get very good reviews as an entry-level swimbait stick. Tackletour did a swimbait rod showdown which featured the Okuma guide select rods. You might want to find and read that. JMHO

P.S. the 6" BBZ jr floater weighs 2 oz... the fast sink version weighs around 2.5 ozs IIRC.

[webertime]

I've done everything you are looking to do with a 7'6" C-Stick LTX and it was pretty good at them. I understand the current model C-Sticks (Wild/PG) have a bit softer tip than the previous versions. I had a MH Wild for about a week and the hook hanger drove me nuts (short drive) although it was a really nice feeling rod.

The Okuma does get really nice reviews as well.

As a 3rd option (GOOD ONE TOO) look on ebay for Quantum PT Swimbait rods (7'9" or 7'11"). I have the 7'9" and it is sick, more moderate action than either of the two you mentioned, so it will do better with the DD22's. I have thrown 4" and 6" Spro's, 6" Hudds, Matt Bluegill and Perch (soft), Black Dog Shellcracker and Lunker Punker, as well as the 7" Tru Tungsten swimbait. Handled all of them with no problem. Best of all they are $40-$70 depending on what they are asking for them now (reg. $200).

[stkbassn]

I've owned the 7'11 Okuma MH and it was a great rod. It's the best swimbait rod you will get for $100. I don't like the handle on the the 7'6 though, I hate that plastic cap on the end...just looks cheap to me.

I've not handled the Quantum that was mentioned but it looks nice for the price too.

I doubt you'd be disappointed with either but I don't know about throwing big cranks with them. I never tried with the Okuma.

[=Matt 5.0=]

Lamiglas Excel. End of story. Made in the USA and is one hell of a rod. Throws the 6 in BBZ perfectly, Bill Seimental helped design the rod. LOVE mine.

http://www.***.com/Lamiglas_Excel_Bass_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-LEBSRC.html

[mr.mallard]

looked at it. loveeee it. what power

[gobig]

I use swimbaits alot and you are going to have a hard time trying to throw cranks on a swimbait rod. They are two different worlds.

As for the Okuma rods they are great swimbait rods. I have found them to be as good as many of the much higher priced rods. Their warranty is excellent and a pain free process. If for some reason you break a rod(had one get bit by a rod locker) They will replace it for the cost of shipping, no questions asked.

I was throwing my 6in baits on a phenix Ultra Swimbait 7'11''MH but I recently switched to a Lamiglas Excel XL 735-C. I really like the way this rod casts and I have had no problems with hooking up on fish. This is also a good frog rod. It has a lower price point around $100. I have this rod paired with a Curado 300.

[gobig]

Looks like Matt beat me to it. I got side tracked in the middle of my post.

[Greed]

This thread is relative to my interests. I'm looking at my e21 Heavy Wild Black and I have 'some' issues with it. It performs well with 1.75-2 oz lures but it can't handle the 2.5oz baits that I'd like to throw later on. The rod is only rated for lures upto 2.5 oz so I'm not dissappointed per se, I just need another swimbait rod.

I ordered a heavy action Okuma big bait rod so that I may have a true big bait rod. I believe the Carrot Stik that I have is more of a froggin' rod and maybe for some 1oz swimjigs.

[Hooligan]

I've had the new C Stix Wild in my hands (the XXH rod) and the swimbait rod is just that; a superb big bait rod. I'm rather fond of it, compared to rods costing nearly twice as much. I still prefer my Loomis to it, but ounce for ounce, the WB is a fine rod.