Big Swimbait Beginner Questions 2024

Adam Markley reply :

Hello everyone, I live outside of Philadelphia and am wondering if anyone in Pennsylvania has had any luck on big swim baits? I am intrigued by these bigger baits, and am thinking about picking up a dobyns 795 paired with some sort of 300ish reel. Looking to throw Bullshads, s-waver 168s, hudd 68s, Megabass Magdraft 8”, gantrelles, and some rats. Will the dobyns 795 get the job done as a beginner Swimbait rod for throwing most of these baits? Any tips/suggestions appreciated. Or if there’s any baits I may have missed that are considered must-haves or staple swimbaits. Thanks

BadBasser reply :

I'm an Ohio boy preparing to try the big baits this year. Check out KeepinItReelFising on youtube. He is from NJ and fishes the big baits. He is a great source of info for non-western swimbait fishing. Good luck.

Dirtyeggroll reply :

The dobyns 795 will do the job well with those baits.

Big swimbaits are mostly hype. Prepare for a much lighter wallet.

Snakeheads might like those big swimbaits which could be fun.

TBAG reply :

Interested in the replies to this thread.

I'm starting to be intrigued by them too and would like to hear others input.

Adam Markley reply :

On 2/7/2020 at 9:44 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:

The dobyns 795 will do the job well with those baits.

Big swimbaits are mostly hype. Prepare for a much lighter wallet.

Snakeheads might like those big swimbaits which could be fun.

This was my fear, I was looking to start off with a few mid-priced baits to cover the bases. A glide, soft body swim, hard body, and maybe a top water. Was hoping to not break the bank with a few of the baits I mentioned.

On 2/7/2020 at 9:38 PM, BadBasser said:

I'm an Ohio boy preparing to try the big baits this year. Check out KeepinItReelFising on youtube. He is from NJ and fishes the big baits. He is a great source of info for non-western swimbait fishing. Good luck.

Yeah I’ve seen other guys throwing them up north, and it just looks like a blast. I’ve watched some of his series on swimbaits, but I should probably go back and re-watch.

Bassjam2000 reply :

On 2/7/2020 at 10:59 PM, Adam Markley said:

This was my fear, I was looking to start off with a few mid-priced baits to cover the bases. A glide, soft body swim, hard body, and maybe a top water. Was hoping to not break the bank with a few of the baits I mentioned.

Yeah I’ve seen other guys throwing them up north, and it just looks like a blast. I’ve watched some of his series on swimbaits, but I should probably go back and re-watch.

You’re right on with this thinking, three lures can cover everything you need to do. It is a myth that swimbaiting is expensive, anyone that tells you that has either not delved into it or was not smart about it. The lures are generally higher quality, and last a lot longer whereas conventional bass fishing nickels and dimes you to death. An s-waver, an ms slammer, and a Huddleston is a very good starter kit for about $100 that covers all the bases, and the 795 will handle them all nicely. Of course losing them regularly will get expensive which is why your rigging, knots, line etc and all the little details are very important when chucking large baits for large fish, be mindful of these things and you’ll rarely lose them.

Adam Markley reply :

On 2/7/2020 at 11:25 PM, Bassjam2000 said:

You’re right on with this thinking, three lures can cover everything you need to do. It is a myth that swimbaiting is expensive, anyone that tells you that has either not delved into it or was not smart about it. The lures are generally higher quality, and last a lot longer whereas conventional bass fishing nickels and dimes you to death. An s-waver, an ms slammer, and a Huddleston is a very good starter kit for about $100 that covers all the bases, and the 795 will handle them all nicely. Of course losing them regularly will get expensive which is why your rigging, knots, line etc and all the little details are very important when chucking large baits for large fish, be mindful of these things and you’ll rarely lose them.

Appreciate the response, this was along my lines of thinking. Couple questions - slammer 7 or 9 inch and any color recommendation? Same with the hudd 6, 8, or 68 special? Also, should you directly tie to these baits or use a bait clip?

Bassjam2000 reply :

Loaded questions there. I fish swim baits from 5-7” only because in the waters i fish 5+ pounders are few and far between. Most swimbaiters will recommend the 9 inch slammer, I use the 7 incher. I use clips myself, except on the paddletails, but it’s a personal preference. Where are you located?

Adam Markley reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 1:23 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

Loaded questions there. I fish swim baits from 5-7” only because in the waters i fish 5+ pounders are few and far between. Most swimbaiters will recommend the 9 inch slammer, I use the 7 incher. I use clips myself, except on the paddletails, but it’s a personal preference. Where are you located?

I’m up north outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never thrown anything big before, but the potential of hooking a monster has me intrigued to say the least. I’d have to agree that I consider a 5 pounder a very rare fish around me as well.

Bass Ninja reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 1:34 AM, Adam Markley said:

I’m up north outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never thrown anything big before, but the potential of hooking a monster has me intrigued to say the least. I’d have to agree that I consider a 5 pounder a very rare fish around me as well.

If its a monster you want, reading through the thread about what lure caught your biggest fish of 2019 is interesting. A lot of big fish over 5lbs caught on regular lures. My PB of 6.5lbs was caught in October using a Walmart spinnerbait. If you want to throw swimbaits, throw swimbaits. If its monsters you want, I think there is a lot more important things to consider before you think about lure choice.

PhishLI reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 1:34 AM, Adam Markley said:

I’m up north outside of Philadelphia. I’ve never thrown anything big before, but the potential of hooking a monster has me intrigued to say the least. I’d have to agree that I consider a 5 pounder a very rare fish around me as well.

Around here, L.I. NY, 8 pounds is a monster. 5 pounders are not an everyday thing by any stretch but I get enough of them. Personally I'm sticking to smaller swim baits in the 1.5oz through 4.5oz range. Up to 6" max, but more like 5". My brother just got a Deps 250 and a few others in that size and weight range. In my circle a few guys, but one in particular, do quite well swimbaiting. That particular guy is a bit of a wizard though. He has the ability to divine water and find fish with any bait. I've never seen anyone like him. But he does great on baits like the Ganteral jr, Tiny Klash, 7" Slammer, and even on an old school AC plug. He's not throwing any really big baits. We have a lake that holds some 14"-16" crappie and they even hit those lures. So do the Walleye. It's crazy to see it.

All of my best fish from last season, and a few were tanks, came on small paddle tail swimmers between 3"-5". I know that trend is likely to continue. Swimbaiting is just a challenge to catch one on something different and big. It's definitely not an end all for me. Although it could happen, it's probably not your most likely path to catching the fish of a lifetime, IMO. But the idea of it is fun. Think of it that way and remain realistic in your spending on it. I know a few guys that have absolutely lost their minds buying this stuff. I've already spent too much on it and I'm not even close to those dudes.

On 2/7/2020 at 1:42 PM, Adam Markley said:

I am intrigued by these bigger baits, and am thinking about picking up a dobyns 795

I have the 795. I would've gotten a Daiwa DX MH instead, but I can't transport it easily at 8' long. The 795 fits in the truck though, so I went with that. If you go with a 795 use mono and tone down the drag when throwing treble hook baits to compensate for it's stiffness.

JediAmoeba reply :

I live an hour and a half north of Philly in the Poconos. They don't work - you will never catch a fish.

Adam Markley reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 4:57 AM, JediAmoeba said:

I live an hour and a half north of Philly in the Poconos. They don't work - you will never catch a fish.

Have you actually thrown big baits up there in the poconos and had no luck, or are you trolling?

JediAmoeba reply :

There was supposed to be an upload but the site is being weird....

Adam Markley reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 3:27 AM, PhishLI said:

Around here, L.I. NY, 8 pounds is a monster. 5 pounders are not an everyday thing by any stretch but I get enough of them. Personally I'm sticking to smaller swim baits in the 1.5oz through 4.5oz range. Up to 6" max, but more like 5". My brother just got a Deps 250 and a few others in that size and weight range. In my circle a few guys, but one in particular, do quite well swimbaiting. That particular guy is a bit of a wizard though. He has the ability to divine water and find fish with any bait. I've never seen anyone like him. But he does great on baits like the Ganteral jr, Tiny Klash, 7" Slammer, and even on an old school AC plug. He's not throwing any really big baits. We have a lake that holds some 14"-16" crappie and they even hit those lures. So do the Walleye. It's crazy to see it.

All of my best fish from last season, and a few were tanks, came on small paddle tail swimmers between 3"-5". I know that trend is likely to continue. Swimbaiting is just a challenge to catch one on something different and big. It's definitely not an end all for me. Although it could happen, it's probably not your most likely path to catching the fish of a lifetime, IMO. But the idea of it is fun. Think of it that way and remain realistic in your spending on it. I know a few guys that have absolutely lost their minds buying this stuff. I've already spent too much on it and I'm not even close to those dudes.

I have the 795. I would've gotten a Daiwa DX MH instead, but I can't transport it easily at 8' long. The 795 fits in the truck though, so I went with that. If you go with a 795 use mono and tone down the drag when throwing treble hook baits to compensate for it's stiffness.

Appreciate the info phish. I was thinking about staying on the “smaller” ends of these baits for the same reasons you’ve outlined. Would you recommend the 795 or shop around a bit?

On 2/8/2020 at 5:04 AM, JediAmoeba said:

There was supposed to be an upload but the site is being weird....

I was gonna say don’t get me discouraged aleady haha. I have a cabin up the Poconos in promised land state park. I planned to throw some bigger stuff up there this year.

JediAmoeba reply :

I throw a few big baits. Up here you will lose some to pickerel- so anything you throw, be prepared to lose it.

PhishLI reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 5:05 AM, Adam Markley said:

Appreciate the info phish. I was thinking about staying on the “smaller” ends of these baits for the same reasons you’ve outlined. Would you recommend the 795 or shop around a bit?

In the price range of 100$-130$ the DX and the 795SB are solid choices. I just see the 795 as more of a single hook rod. But that's just my observation. You need to understand that enthusiast forums tilt towards recommending the "ideal" anything. The 795 is do-able with treble baits for sure, just not ideal. I prefer throwing them on my brother's DX MH. It's not an ideal larger single hook stick but's close enough for me and deals with treble baits better than the 795. Either will suit your purposes. For practical purposes I chose the 795. We can adapt to anything. The wizard I referenced in my previous post has very little in the way of a fishing budget. He fishes with specifically incorrect, for what he throws, 20+ year old hand me down gear and out fishes everyone I've ever known. So don't let my suggestion tangle you up. Get what you can afford, or as in my case, fits in your vehicle.

Bassjam2000 reply :

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through, I have a different rod with a true fast action for those... but that's just like my opinion man

Adam Markley reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 5:30 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through, I have a different rod with a true fast action for those... but that's just like my opinion man

Yeah I think the 795 is the ticket. I’ve heard most people say it has a softer action tip which is what I’m looking for. Most of the baits I’m looking to throw are treble hooked, but it seems like it could handle the occasional soft swim bait requiring a harder hook-set.

On 2/8/2020 at 5:20 AM, PhishLI said:

In the price range of 100$-130$ the DX and the 795SB are solid choices. I just see the 795 as more of a single hook rod. But that's just my observation. You need to understand that enthusiast forums tilt towards recommending the "ideal" anything. The 795 is do-able with treble baits for sure, just not ideal. I prefer throwing them on my brother's DX MH. It's not an ideal larger single hook stick but's close enough for me and deals with treble baits better than the 795. Either will suit your purposes. For practical purposes I chose the 795. We can adapt to anything. The wizard I referenced in my previous post has very little in the way of a fishing budget. He fishes with specifically incorrect, for what he throws, 20+ year old hand me down gear and out fishes everyone I've ever known. So don't let my suggestion tangle you up. Get what you can afford, or as in my case, fit in your vehicle.

Think I’m going to go with the 795, I drive a small suv and like you said it seems more practical. Now I just need to pull the trigger on the whole

set up. Im probably going to start with a 7” slammer, gantrelle jr, s-waver, and a big paddle tail or two. Thanks

Michigander reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 3:27 AM, PhishLI said:

I have the 795. I would've gotten a Daiwa DX MH instead, but I can't transport it easily at 8' long. If you go with a 795 use mono and tone down the drag when throwing treble hook baits to compensate for it's stiffness.

On 2/8/2020 at 5:30 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through,

Well you two have conflicting opinions. I'm in the market for a 795 to throw trebles and single hooks.

Please continue to debate. Why do you say what you say? Or is Dobyns' quality control all over the place? Lolz

WRB reply :

You will catch nothing using swimbaits in the wrong location.

Swimbait rod selection isn't that difficult. Use the rod makers suggested lure weight as a guide by adding the low and high number and dividing by 2 and don't use lures over that nominal weight.

Top single hook swimbaits require more power to get a good hook set then lures with treble hooks. Treble hook lures can only be used effectively in open water, not in cover.

The belief you can tie on a big Swimbait and catch big bass isn't true.

Dobyns makes a good Swimbait rod and so does Irod and others.

Tom

PhishLI reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 5:30 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

The 795 has a mod-fast taper, it is absolutely ideal for treble hooked lures and underpowered on weedless paddles you have to drive a hook through, I have a different rod with a true fast action for those... but that's just like my opinion man

That's cool. Mike Bucca agrees with you. I differ. I own and use the 795 and don't find it's taper as moderate as I'd like for treble baits, so not ideal for me. It's not real fast but it ain't real slow either, man. I made adjustments after several shakeoffs and I'm good for now. If I'm out on the boat I'll be throwing those same baits on the 806sb or the DX MH.

Bassjam2000 reply :

Everyone’s got their own idea of what is ideal for all different aspects of fishing, go with what you got confidence in.

PhishLI reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 9:45 AM, Michigander said:

Well you two have conflicting opinions. I'm in the market for a 795 to throw trebles and single hooks.

Please continue to debate. Why do you say what you say? Or is Dobyns' quality control all over the place? Lolz

The ideal treble hook rod and the ideal single hook rod are two different things. Is there a rod that straddles that line perfectly? I dunno. The rod I fish with the most when I wade is the lowly one three omen black II 7'3" MH. I have no problem driving home a 6/0 Owner Beast hook through a Beast Coast Miyagi with that rod. The FR795SB is a barbell compared to it. I'll have no problem with the 795 and single hook baits. None.

Michigander reply :

Well, I'm goin for the 795 and if I start losing fish on trebles or singles, at least I know my technique is working and I can get a second rod to compensate.

Bassjam2000 reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 9:45 AM, Michigander said:

Well you two have conflicting opinions

I’m not following you about what’s conflicting about what i said, I personally find the 795 perfect for trebles and a little softer than I like for driving single hooks home, specifically weedless ones where a big ‘ol honkin hook has to be driven through a thick plastic body and then into the fish. I have not thrown exposed hook paddle tails on that rod but I have a feeling it would probably do ok for them.

Michigander reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 10:03 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

I’m not following you about what’s conflicting about what i said, I personally find the 795 perfect for trebles and a little softer than I like for driving single hooks home, specifically weedless ones where the hook has to be driven through a thick plastic body and then into the fish. I have not thrown exposed hook paddle tails on that rod but I have a feeling it would probably do ok for them.

Phishl said to make adjustments for trebles because the rod was too stiff and you said it was ideal. That didn't seem to align by my reading. I was really curious why you differed.

Bassjam2000 reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 10:06 AM, Michigander said:

Phishl said to make adjustments for trebles because the rod was too stiff and you said it was ideal. That didn't seem to align by my reading. I was really curious why you differed.

I see, my bad, the rod blank is somewhat parabolic which helps keep fish pinned.

Michigander reply :

Has anyone successfully used inline singles on swimbaits? Truthfully, I don't care much for trebles.

On 2/8/2020 at 10:08 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

I see, my bad, the rod blank is somewhat parabolic which helps keep fish pinned.

Oh, that makes me want it more!

VolFan reply :

Hudd 68 (not weedless), 7" Slammer, and Deps 175 or SWaver and you will catch fish as long as you know how to fish. If you're not sure, fish the slammer at night on windblown shorelines and grasslines. Go ahead and burn your wallet.

CXX in 17 lb for those baits btw.

Mr. Aquarium reply :

Buy a few baits and learn them. Don’t jump in and buy a bunch of baits. Figure out what works for your style. You can get big fish on “cheaper baits” don’t need to jump the hype train with pre orders and bait drops. You don’t need the most expensive baits to be cool. It’s over rated. Buy what works for you. I have a good amount of baits. But only a few makers I buy from.
swimbaits are another tool. Some guys are swimbaits only. That’s it. I still fish conventional gear.

WRB reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 10:37 AM, VolFan said:

Hudd 68 (not weedless), 7" Slammer, and Deps 175 or SWaver and you will catch fish as long as you know how to fish. If you're not sure, fish the slammer at night on windblown shorelines and grasslines. Go ahead and burn your wallet.

CXX in 17 lb for those baits btw.

Deps 175 weighs 3 oz's, is expensive ($110) and I wouldn't use anything less 25 lb Armillo using a 6 power Swimbait rod.

Tom

Jig Rookie reply :

On 2/8/2020 at 9:47 AM, WRB said:

Treble hook lures can only be used effectively in open water, not in cover.

Tom

This is absolutely not true--Tom, I thought you were a fan of Tactical Bassin? OP, go check any Tactical vid on swimbaits from the last three years or so; they explain the difference between open-water glides (i.e. Deps 250) and COVER glides (i.e. S-Waver 168). Essentially, cover glides have a narrower glide and react well to rod twitches/quarter-turns, which make the bait have jerkier glide motion, perfect for darting them in and around cover.

Also, your bluegill/crappie profiled wake-and-cranks are literally designed to excel cranking and bumping them off wood, stumps, etc. in water 3-foot or less. This'll be my third season with the below wake-and-crank (it's on its third rattle can job too), and all I do is throw it in and around wood. Thing's so beat you can still see the old hook rash beneath the new paint job (repainted a few weeks ago, still iced out up here so haven't fished yet this season).

So OP, you can definitely throw trebles (and glides are actually DOUBLE trebles) in cover.

This is the same lure, double-sided (I paint most of my big hardbaits two-sided, for example this one is crappie/bluegill. I've got Perch/rainbow, and Perch/crappie painted baits as well. They all get bit). For reference, this is a 5.5" lure.

Jig Rookie reply :

Also OP, EBay has a seller, "Caricaburu Tackle Co," who sells cheap 8" glide blanks (the look of them is reminiscent of a Hinkle Trout, I guess you might as well call it a knockoff). You get 5 of them for like $20, come with tails and fins. You have to paint them yourself and add your own splits and hooks, but the glide on them is pretty good--not super wide and smooth like say a Deps 250, more akin to an S-Waver 168. Just a heads up if you ever wanted to give yourself a cheap winter project to relieve the cabin fever.

Bassjam2000 reply :

@Jig Rookie who makes that crappie wake?

Jig Rookie reply :

@Bassjam2000 The company is Valley Hill, the bait is called "BoogieBack". My buddy got it for me on a Japan trip a couple years back, and I can find like ZERO info on the thing. I've found one YouTube video (in Japanese), and I found the site online, but it's all Japanese also. So they are available for sale through the JDM, but good luck finding great info on them otherwise. The thing is a SLAYER though--my most productive swimbait by far. One night session I caught eleven fish on it in under four hours, from 1.5lbs to a 5.43, my PB at the time. It was painted black with purple stripes at that time (black rattle can, purple glitter nail polish).

Bassjam2000 reply :

Ah well, looks like it'd have a similar presentation and action as shellcrackers which I have a few of

Jig Rookie reply :

YES, exactly like a Shellcracker (I don't have any, but know plenty about them). That's an apt comparison.

WRB reply :

Cover being grass, wood you bump carefully but treble hooks on swimbaits isn't any different then crankbaits and snag weeds easily. You try ripping a big Swimbait to clear off weeds? ...it doesn't work like a lipless trap.

If feel comfortable chucking big treble hook swimbaits into weeds go for it.

Tom

Jig Rookie reply :

So wait, laydowns, submerged logs, submerged beaver spots aren't cover?? Then what crazy nonsense is Matt Allen talking about when explaining "cover glides"?

But he's right, OP: do NOT try to throw your trebled baits in grass mats, will not work. Thanks Tom.

salmotrutta reply :

Get the 795. Pick up some wake baits and fish at night. 7" MS Slammer,Bull Wake,Spro Rat 50 and a G2 Shellcracker will fish well on the 795SB .My Best word of advice is to fish these baits at night.Once you start night fishing you'll never want to see daytime again.The big girls come out at night.

MassYak85 reply :

795 will work well for what you're trying to do, the true upper limit of the rod is about 4oz. I think the only thing you might struggle with is 68 weedless hudds. The rod is a true mod-fast action and will load up a fair amount, which is nice for treble hooks, not so much for jig hooks, but it's still a fairly beefy rod compared to what you're used to and can drive home exposed jig hooks fine. I fish a lot on mine, up to 8" Meatheads, 9" Slammers, Swaver 200's, but you can tell you're working the rod a bit.

Like others said, there's a lot of hype around swimbait fishing because of the allure of bigger fish. It's not a magic bullet you have to know your waters and learn how to find fish just like conventional lures, but when you find the right combination of conditions those bigger baits will reward you. It can be a grind though at times, especially starting out. But starting small will give you confidence and let you know if you like it or not, it's not for everyone.

WRB reply :

On 2/9/2020 at 5:56 AM, Jig Rookie said:

So wait, laydowns, submerged logs, submerged beaver spots aren't cover?? Then what crazy nonsense is Matt Allen talking about when explaining "cover glides"?

But he's right, OP: do NOT try to throw your trebled baits in grass mats, will not work. Thanks Tom.

I was replying to the statement to cast 9" slammer into wind blown grass lines.

The overlooked Weedless Swimbait is 3:16 Mission Fish IMO one of the best weedless swimmers available in several sizes and colors.

There isn't a agreed to defination of what cover vs structure is. To me a wooden boat dock or any tree is cover, anything that grows in or on the water is cover. You cast big Swimbait with 1/0 to 2/0 trebles into snags you going to hang it up.

Tom

MassYak85 reply :

On 2/9/2020 at 10:30 AM, WRB said:

I was replying to the statement to cast 9" slammer into wind blown grass lines.

The overlooked Weedless Swimbait is 3:16 Mission Fish IMO one of the best weedless swimmers available in several sizes and colors.

There isn't a agreed to defination of what cover vs structure is. To me a wooden boat dock or any tree is cover, anything that grows in or on the water is cover. You cast big Swimbait with 1/0 to 2/0 trebles into snags you going to hang it up.

Tom

Yea slammers around grass are a nightmare. However I have found if you twitch them through sparse to moderately dense lily pads they can do surprisingly well not getting snagged.

Jig Rookie reply :

On 2/9/2020 at 10:30 AM, WRB said:

I was replying to the statement to cast 9" slammer into wind blown grass lines.

The overlooked Weedless Swimbait is 3:16 Mission Fish IMO one of the best weedless swimmers available in several sizes and colors.

There isn't a agreed to defination of what cover vs structure is. To me a wooden boat dock or any tree is cover, anything that grows in or on the water is cover. You cast big Swimbait with 1/0 to 2/0 trebles into snags you going to hang it up.

Tom

Ah, I misunderstood, and didn't take into account the different ideas of cover. You're right, there isn't an agreed definition. Definitely agree about the big baits and those kinds of cover (also have heard great things about the MissionFish, thanks for that heads up).

Apologies, thanks for clearing that up.

TBAG reply :

**edit**

I posted this before seeing MassYak's reply, lol.

Ok, so I've got a Dobyns 795 and am a beginner swimbait angler and will be fishing 90% out of a kayak.

I fish several smaller lakes, creeks and rivers and really want to fish more weedless swimbaits like the Huddleston 68 deluxe weedless (also open to other good weedless baits).

Am I going to have a tough time with hooksets with the 795 out of a kayak with the weedless baits? If so, whats a better rod choice?

PhishLI reply :

On 2/9/2020 at 10:24 PM, TBAG said:

Am I going to have a tough time with hooksets with the 795 out of a kayak with the weedless baits?

No. In this case moderate fast isn't anywhere near moderate like a dedicated crankbait rod. During actual fishing a little delay can often be a good thing as you're less likely to rip the bait out of the fish's mouth if you jump the gun on the hookset. The 795 has plenty of backbone, and quickly enough, to drive the hook home. Plenty. I lost exactly 2 big fish last year throwing larger profile weedless rigged swimmers on 6/0 superline hooks. An Owner Beast hook is like a finishing nail with a point. I caught plenty more on the same setup. It's far lighter and and only slightly faster than the 795. You'll be fine. So will I.

Adam Markley reply :

Appreciate the detailed responses guys. I think I’m going with the 795 paired with a Cardiff 300 for a super-budget friendly combo. Or, should I spend a bit more and get a lews superduty 300? Also, I’m looking to grab an s-waver 168, 7” slammer, some sort of bluegill bait (gantarelle, shell cracker etc), a hudd 68 special, and maybe a spro-rat. These baits listed “should” cover most of the basic techniques behind throwing the big swimbaits right?

Thanks,

Adam

PhishLI reply :

On 2/10/2020 at 1:05 AM, Adam Markley said:

Or, should I spend a bit more and get a lews superduty 300?

Superduty Wide spool.

Bassjam2000 reply :

On 2/9/2020 at 10:24 PM, TBAG said:

Am I going to have a tough time with hooksets with the 795 out of a kayak with the weedless baits? If so, whats a better rod choice?

The answer to this question needs context, specifically what lure and what line. I wouldn’t dare tie a 7 or 8 inch rising son and its monstrous 10/0 or 12/0 hook on my 795 with mono. A smaller megabass magdraft or keitech impact? Maybe.

WRB reply :

My suggestion using swimbaits under 3 oz you can get by with rods rated 1 to 5oz.

If you are contemplating using swimbaits with top hooks that exceed 2 1/2 oz to 5 oz use Swimbait rods rated 2 to 8 oz or XHeavy.

Rod length depends on your preference, 7'9" to 8' are common in entry level rods.

Sitting in a kayak the long rods will not be easy to cast.

Reels, Shimano Cardiff 300 series is a excellent entry level choice.

Line, Sunline Defier Armillo 25 lb /.016D, 165 yard spool fills a 300 size Cardiff. Good casting line and strong enough for swimbaits, wakes, glides, rats between 1 to 7 oz.

I alway suggest going up in Swimbait Rod power because you have a wider range of lures and you don't want to be under powered.

Tom

MassYak85 reply :

On 2/9/2020 at 10:24 PM, TBAG said:

Am I going to have a tough time with hooksets with the 795 out of a kayak with the weedless baits? If so, whats a better rod choice?

You'll want to consider what line you're using too. If you find you aren't getting the hook planted you could switch to braid to leader which IMO kind of acts as a step up in rod power in this case. Straight mono at the end of a long cast I think you're gonna lose fish. I fish 20lb copoly but that's strictly treble hook baits. If I was using mine for 68's I'd go braid to leader personally.

Harold Scoggins reply :

Go for it!

MassYak85 reply :

@Harold Scoggins My kayak definitely rocks back and forth a bit casting an 8" Hudd lol, not for the faint of heart when you're also fighting waves.

WRB reply :

Haven't talked to Butch Brown for awhile and regard him as the top Swimbait bass angler and he uses 20 lb / .016D Seagaur AbrazX FC line. I don't trust FC line or respool my reels every other trip and use Armillo because it has superior knot strength IMO.

Braid with leaders is risky using big swimbaits.

I realize Matt Allen uses 65 lb braid with 30 lb Sunline FC100 leaders and Bill Siemantel uses straight 30 lb Maxima Copoly line. Line choice is whatever the angler has confidence in using.

Tom

Ogandrews reply :

I have not spent a lot of time throwing big Swimbaits but I do throw 7.8 keitechs as well as 6-7” osprey tournament talons a lot while musky and pike fishing and have had amazing success with them for bass as well. It might not always be your best option, don’t be afraid of big baits. I live in Minnesota and the two biggest largemouth of my life were on musky baits, one on a 9” weighted suick jerkbait and the other on a pounder bulldawg which is 14 oz and 16” long. If you guys are looking for a good jig hook swimbait rod for baits up to 7-8 oz look at the st Croix legend tournament musky big nasty, 9ft heavy but it’s a musky rod so a lot more power than a regular heavy swimbait rod but still really light weight wise. I have one with a tranx 500 I use for big blades for musky and it doubles as a swimbait rod when i feel like bass fishing. I also fish from a kayak a lot of the time and I have no issue throwing musky lures over a pound with a 9’ or 9’6” rod so don’t be afraid of throwing regular Swimbaits with an 8 footer, best piece of advice would be to throw over your shoulder as much as you can side arming it will rock your boat a lot more and you have to use a lot more effort to toss the big baits

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Big Swimbait Beginner Questions 2024

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