Swimbait Setup??? 2025
utahbasser reply :
so i'm getting the swimbait "itch" and i am gonna spend some money and get some bigger swimbaits. the biggest one i plan on throwing is the Spro BBZ-1 slow sink trout. it weighs 4 OZ and is pretty big so i need to get a big rod and reel.
i'm just wondering what a good rod and reel set up is for swimbaits. i'm going to be throwing swimbaits smaller than that usually, but just thought i would ask what everybody else is using...
thanks, tight lines
Branuss04 reply :
Get a G-Loomis 956 with a Calcutta 400TE
Raul reply :
If I were to purchase me a new big bait combo without getting broke in the process I would certainly look into those Okuma big bait rods ( $109 ) and a Simano Cardiff ( $109 ).
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Okuma Guide Series and Cardiff 301
Before that, I was throwing them w/ a 7'6" H Carrot stick. Rated up to 2 1/2oz, but threw 3 oz baits just fine.
Tin reply :
A 4'6" Ugly Stick Ultra-light with 30 pound braid 8-)
slomoe reply :
I have a question....
I was re-reading fourbizz's article and he mentioned using the okuma 7'11" MH for the wake jr and baby bass. Also TT did a review of the rod and said it could handle the shellcracker, all of which are above the rods rating. I was wondering where this rod would really top out at. The largest lure I have thrown on this rod is the 7" slammer and baby wake and I was thinking about getting the tru gill and some of the other lures mentioned above but didn't want to max out the rod and have it snap......I'm thinking it would be fine, and that it comes down to casting comfort and distance. Any thoughts?
Sorry if I'm highjacking..
Raul reply :
QuoteI have a question....I was re-reading fourbizz's article and he mentioned using the okuma 7'11" MH for the wake jr and baby bass. Also TT did a review of the rod and said it could handle the shellcracker, all of which are above the rods rating. I was wondering where this rod would really top out at. The largest lure I have thrown on this rod is the 7" slammer and baby wake and I was thinking about getting the tru gill and some of the other lures mentioned above but didn't want to max out the rod and have it snap......I'm thinking it would be fine, and that it comes down to casting comfort and distance. Any thoughts?
Sorry if I'm highjacking..
Here 's the deal, the rod being MH, H or H cost the same don 't they ? well if they cost the same why not getting a rod that can handle the most weights regardless of whomever fishes with what.
Okuma 7'11" MH ---> 3/4 - 3 oz
Okuma 7'11" H ----> 1 - 6 oz
Okuma 7'11" XH ---> 2 -10 oz
You really don 't need a "swimbait" rod to cast a 3/4 oz swimbait, any regular MH rod can cast it, nor you need a "swimbait" rod than can cast a 1 oz bait, any regular H rod can cast it, the problem begins when you want to cast bigger than 1 1/2 oz.
If I were to get me a swimbait rod like right now looking at what swimbaits I have I would spend in a rod that will allow me to fish what I 've got and still have a little extra weight capacity in case I want to purchase some heavier baits, my pick would be the Okuma 7 '11" H.
slomoe reply :
Can you tell I'm regreting not getting the H instead of the MH ;D
Don't get me wrong, its a great rod but those big baits don't seem so big anymore...
Thanks for the quick reply Raul, Hopefully it helps the OP choose the right rod for him.
Raul reply :
I know what you mean, you got the MH thinking it would be the one, and then you find out that with a max cap of 3 oz you are barely scratching the surface.
S*t like that happens my man.
You can put it for sale at the flea market and then get a H or XH. 
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
The wake Jr. is right around 3oz, just a tad more (3.1 according to the site, BB is 3.2).
In the grand scheme of things, it may be at the top of the rod rating but if you lob the bait instead of trying to "flick" it, you will be perfectly fine.
Fishing Rhino reply :
QuoteA 4'6" Ugly Stick Ultra-light with 30 pound braid 8-)
What? I was thinking more along the lines of a 14 surfcasting rod with dental floss.
bpm2000 reply :
the XH is pretty beefy and overkill if u are just tossing wake jr type baits IMO. I do like it for BBZ tho.
kayl. reply :
QuoteOkuma Guide Series and Cardiff 301Before that, I was throwing them w/ a 7'6" H Carrot stick. Rated up to 2 1/2oz, but threw 3 oz baits just fine.
I'm planning on picking up the same combo, Okuma rod + Cardiff 301. What rod do you have? I'm looking @ the 7'11" H.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I have the 7'6"H, 1-5 oz
Love it.
fourbizz reply :
QuoteI have the 7'6"H, 1-5 ozLove it.
Best all around swimbait rod in the entry level prices.
I might re-write that article to reflect my current tastes and newcomers to the swimbait rod marketplace. If there is a demand for it anyway.
I wrote that so I wouldnt have to reply to these kind of posts and pm's anymore ;D
Big Bait Fishing reply :
im going to be getting the okuma 7'11'' swimbait rods if tackle wharehouse re-stocks them soon . i plan on getting the XH, H, and MH rods . gonna put ABU GARCIA REVO S's on all three . and i think im also gonna get a powell medium heavy swimbait rod to use for light stuff like worms and drop shotting .
FR0G reply :
Okuma XH 7'11"
Shimano Cardiff 400
That is the best budget combo in my opinion. The Okuma rods are a great value for the money, and have awesome warranty. My Cardiff has held up so far, and I like it. I toss my 8" Hudd with no problem. Handled 9" Punkers with ease, and I use it occasionally to throw a 6" Baitsmith.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
QuoteOkuma XH 7'11"Shimano Cardiff 400
That is the best budget combo in my opinion. The Okuma rods are a great value for the money, and have awesome warranty. My Cardiff has held up so far, and I like it. I toss my 8" Hudd with no problem. Handled 9" Punkers with ease, and I use it occasionally to throw a 6" Baitsmith.
what kind of line are you using ????
FR0G reply :
25lb P-Line CXX
Big Bait Fishing reply :
does that line have alot of memory ? it just seemed wiry and stiff but my tackle store guy says to use it cause it has terrific strength for swim bait fishing . do you use it as a long leader tied to braid as your main line ? your feedback is appreciatedQuote25lb P-Line CXX
btw , have you used ANDE mono for swimbait applications ??
Chad. reply :
Quotei ABU GARCIA REVO S's
Line capacity, line capacity,line capacity.
Trick Worm reply :
Bass pro shops has a big bass combo that looks like it would do the trick
Branuss04 reply :
Quotedoes that line have alot of memory ? it just seemed wiry and stiff but my tackle store guy says to use it cause it has terrific strength for swim bait fishing . do you use it as a long leader tied to braid as your main line ? your feedback is appreciatedQuote25lb P-Line CXXbtw , have you used ANDE mono for swimbait applications ??
Yes it does have lots of memory but it is STRONG!!! No leaders when your throwing big baits. Just use it straight up!!!
Big Bait Fishing reply :
is that why alot of people use ''can'' baitcasters , to hold more line cause the bigger mono's are so thick ? , what about power pro braid in 30# , or do you think the fish will shy from the swimbait cause of visibility issues with the braid ?? btw , yes , i'm soaking up all the info i can , i love it !!!
Chad. reply :
Quoteis that why alot of people use ''can'' baitcasters , to hold more line cause the bigger mono's are so thick ? , what about power pro braid in 30# , or do you think the fish will shy from the swimbait cause of visibility issues with the braid ?? btw , yes , i'm soaking up all the info i can , i love it !!!
Hmm i'm not going to lie to you i have no experience with swimbaits, but it seems to me 30lb braid is a little thin it may dig considering you will be casting heavy baits, for casting and flipping i go no less than 50 and like 65 second enless you will be fishing gin clear water imho it doesn't matter thats just me. Plus your bait will be moving unless you dead stick it you can even opt for a 30lb flouro leader which should be fine with a uni-uni
Big Bait Fishing reply :
QuoteQuoteis that why alot of people use ''can'' baitcasters , to hold more line cause the bigger mono's are so thick ? , what about power pro braid in 30# , or do you think the fish will shy from the swimbait cause of visibility issues with the braid ?? btw , yes , i'm soaking up all the info i can , i love it !!!Hmm i'm not going to lie to you i have no experience with swimbaits, but it seems to me 30lb braid is a little thin it may dig considering you will be casting heavy baits, for casting and flipping i go no less than 50 and like 65 second enless you will be fishing gin clear water imho it doesn't matter thats just me. Plus your bait will be moving unless you dead stick it you can even opt for a 30lb flouro leader which should be fine with a uni-uni
yeah , i fish pretty clear water and the fish are highly pressured , the lake is pretty small compared to most lakes . i want to use a low-profile baitcaster , that's why i want an alternative to huge mono line and a soup can baitcaster . i think ill go with 30# power-pro for swimbaits under 3 ozs. and 40# for heavier swimbaits . but i think i will definetly try some 25# cxx for leaders , tied on my 30 and 40 # braid . yeah , i love the uni-uni knot for my line connections to each other.
Chad. reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteis that why alot of people use ''can'' baitcasters , to hold more line cause the bigger mono's are so thick ? , what about power pro braid in 30# , or do you think the fish will shy from the swimbait cause of visibility issues with the braid ?? btw , yes , i'm soaking up all the info i can , i love it !!!Hmm i'm not going to lie to you i have no experience with swimbaits, but it seems to me 30lb braid is a little thin it may dig considering you will be casting heavy baits, for casting and flipping i go no less than 50 and like 65 second enless you will be fishing gin clear water imho it doesn't matter thats just me. Plus your bait will be moving unless you dead stick it you can even opt for a 30lb flouro leader which should be fine with a uni-uni
yeah , i fish pretty clear water and the fish are highly pressured , the lake is pretty small compared to most lakes . i want to use a low-profile baitcaster , that's why i want an alternative to huge mono line and a soup can baitcaster . i think ill go with 30# power-pro for swimbaits under 3 ozs. and 40# for heavier swimbaits . but i think i will definetly try some 25# cxx for leaders , tied on my 30 and 40 # braid . yeah , i love the uni-uni knot for my line connections to each other.
Be careful of the line digging in the spool and your line stopping but the momentum of a 3 oz bait is still there say bye bye worse an 80 dollar lure.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
yeah , i think there is always some risk taking when your throwing a swimbait(that weighs 3 oz. or more). your tackle is only as good as your weakest link . experimentation is the key to the whole ''right tackle set-up'' .
Branuss04 reply :
If your really going to use braid for swimbaits, especially the big ones you told me your going to throw
DO NOT USE 30# or 40# BRAID!!!!!!!!
Look at the line diameter of 30# braid, it's equivalent to 8lb mono. 40# being 10#. Why would you throw 6 oz baits on that.... seriously???? If your absolutely set on braid, do yourself a favor and avoid embarrassment and stick with 80# and use a leader. but please do not use 30# or 40# braid for chucking big baits. That's STUPID!!!!!
Rant done :-X
Big Bait Fishing reply :
QuoteIf your really going to use braid for swimbaits, especially the big ones you told me your going to throwDO NOT USE 30# or 40# BRAID!!!!!!!!
Look at the line diameter of 30# braid, it's equivalent to 8lb mono. 40# being 10#. Why would you throw 6 oz baits on that.... seriously???? If your absolutely set on braid, do yourself a favor and avoid embarrassment and stick with 80# and use a leader. but please do not use 30# or 40# braid for chucking big baits. That's STUPID!!!!!
Rant done :-X
so you think 25 or 30# mono is stronger than 30 or 40 # power pro braid ? btw , you got a PM...........
FR0G reply :
Quotedoes that line have alot of memory ? it just seemed wiry and stiff but my tackle store guy says to use it cause it has terrific strength for swim bait fishing . do you use it as a long leader tied to braid as your main line ? your feedback is appreciatedQuote25lb P-Line CXX
It has memory, but I change out my line every couple outings, so my line doesn't get used a long time. I don't use braid for my swimbait setup. I like having the stretch of mono. You can also use Triline Big Game. Its super cheap and you get a ton of it at walmart. You have to get a round baitcasting reel if you want to toss the big swimbaits. Low profile reels don't have a ton of line capacity, so they are not really that great for swimbaits. Never heard of ANDE mono though.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
QuoteQuotedoes that line have alot of memory ? it just seemed wiry and stiff but my tackle store guy says to use it cause it has terrific strength for swim bait fishing . do you use it as a long leader tied to braid as your main line ? your feedback is appreciatedQuote25lb P-Line CXXIt has memory, but I change out my line every couple outings, so my line doesn't get used a long time. I don't use braid for my swimbait setup. I like having the stretch of mono. You can also use Triline Big Game. Its super cheap and you get a ton of it at walmart. You have to get a round baitcasting reel if you want to toss the big swimbaits. Low profile reels don't have a ton of line capacity, so they are not really that great for swimbaits. Never heard of ANDE mono though.
this is the ANDE mono - http://www.tackledirect.com/anmon.html
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