[aofisher]

I should probably post this as newb on Swimbaitnation (or something like that) but I forgot my passwaord there. Anyhoo, I am looking for a rod below $200 that could be used for light swimbaits and also more conventional tackle (1/2 oz to 2oz). Here are a few that I am contemplating:
-Zillion 7'4" extra heavy: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Team_Daiwa_Zillion_Swimbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-DZLSB.html
-Phenix recon 7'6" heavy: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Phenix_Bass_Recon_2_Casting_Rods/descpage-PBRCR.html
-Phenix M1 7'8" heavy: http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Phenix_M1_Casting_Rods/descpage-PMOC.html

Thoughts on these rods? Other suggestions?

 

[mrwigglestheworm]

Contact KoldKut

That is all. 8)

 

[golden rod]

Okuma

 

[aofisher]

Okuma

Every newb swimbait angler and their mothers fish the Okuma. I want to feel a little special without spending $900.

 

[golden rod]

oh you're an elitist . Congrats! Clearly fishing an Okuma would cause you to not cathc quality fish.

 

[Oyey]

I like the Mojo Bass swimbait rod... still may be a bit heavy for what you are looking for, but damn that rod fishes nicely.
The 7'9 heavy is great, but it looks like the 7'11" is more rated to what you want... I have only fished the 7'9" and I highly approve. I fish a lot of my swimbaits on a Dobyns, Mike Long Signature 7'9" and the Mojo bass rod fishes nearly as nice... for 1/2 the price.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Mojo_Bass_Casting_Rods/descpage-SCMJCR.html

 

[boondock]

I rod has a few good options
I have a Fred's crank I use for 6"bbz and other trebled baits to 2oz range
Wouldn't use it for hudds or single hook apps.
Phenix makes good rods
Go 7'6"+

 

[aofisher]

oh you're an elitist . Congrats! Clearly fishing an Okuma would cause you to not cathc quality fish.

Damn straight! It’s not how successful you are. It’s how good you look while pretending to be successful. Very important lesson in life, my friend. K, seriously, the Okuma seems to be a bit heavy according to the research I have done. I am not looking for broomstick. I want a rod that can be used for jerkbaits most of the time and small swimbaits maybe 20% of the time.

 

[aofisher]

Thanks Boon and Oyey. I'll look into those.

 

[boondock]

Damn straight! It’s not how successful you are. It’s how good you look while pretending to be successful. Very important lesson in life, my friend. K, seriously, the Okuma seems to be a bit heavy according to the research I have done. I am not looking for broomstick. I want a rod that can be used for jerkbaits most of the time and small swimbaits maybe 20% of the time.

I rod 7'11" crazy crank is $$$ for that
Long casts with the extra length

 

[Oyey]

I think the Mojo Bass 7'11" may be a bit heavier than the I Rod...

Golden looks pretty cute when he is successful... when he skunks, the man is absolutely hideous

 

[mrwigglestheworm]

Goldie fishes? I thought all he did was.........troll

(see what I did there, Golden? :biggrin1: )

 

[golden rod]

Well the only reason I said Okuma is cause it seems that they are a little softer than what they are rated at......and the price isn't bad. I didn't knowBut, I would go with whatever that gear snob Boon says, he has more gear than most pros.


I know you would never lower your elite standards to the gutter of Okuma but this sounds like a decent review. Wonder is Swimbait has this one, he seems to like Okuma.

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/rods/okuma_gs-c-761MH/index.html

 

[VolFan]

Do the Zillion. I have an older Cielo that is the same blank. It is perfect for what you want, very sensitive for fishing plastics, jigs, etc, but with enough softness in the tip to cast lighter baits and add some cushion for trebles. It's a great stick.

 

[aofisher]

Well the only reason I said Okuma is cause it seems that they are a little softer than what they are rated at......and the price isn't bad. I didn't knowBut, I would go with whatever that gear snob Boon says, he has more gear than most pros.


I know you would never lower your elite standards to the gutter of Okuma but this sounds like a decent review. Wonder is Swimbait has this one, he seems to like Okuma.

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/rods/okuma_gs-c-761MH/index.html

Elite? Me? Not. Blue blood flows through my veins. Blue as in blue collar, not nobility blue. I did take another look at the Okuma line after you suggested. I thought about this one in 7'3" and 7'6":
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Scott_Martin_Signature_TCS_Casting_Rods/descpage-OSMC.html

I guess I am not really looking for a swimbait rod. If I wanted a swimbait rod, I think I would go for the Dobyns, which Oyey already suggested. It got great reviews by Tackletour. When I properly graduate to swimbaiting, that would be my fist pick. I currently use a MH St Croix Premier for my bigger jerkbaits and small swimbaits. It's a bit too stiff and too fast for jerking action but I don't jerk my lures much anyway. It's also not suited for 2 oz lures but it does throw them. All I wanted was just an upgrade on the Premier. By "heavy" I meant both the action and the weight of the rod. I'm looking for a rod that I can pack in the car and carry on foot. I don't carry more than 2 rods when I'm on foot: one rod that can be used for jigging and one rod that can throw the bigger jerkbaits and small swimbaits.

The 7'11" rods suggested by Boon and Oyey seem like great options for what I originally described: enough give for the jerkbaits and enough power for the small swimbaits. It's something that I had not quite considered. I think I am leaning toward the Zillion. It's light and compact enough for my purpose. It may be a little stiff for jerkbaits, but that's probably OK.

 

[aofisher]

Do the Zillion. I have an older Cielo that is the same blank. It is perfect for what you want, very sensitive for fishing plastics, jigs, etc, but with enough softness in the tip to cast lighter baits and add some cushion for trebles. It's a great stick.

Probably what I'll do. Thanks.

 

[VolFan]

It is a wonderful rod, if you don't like it, I'd probably buy it from you.

 

[VolFan]

PS- I also have an Okuma...don't hate. It is what it is...

 

[golden rod]

Señor, AO. You know I am just yankin yer chain. On being a snob.......a FOB could never be a snob. #rules :lol:

 

[aofisher]

Alright, here is proof I ain't no elitist snob: I just went to Walmart and got some supplies for camping/fishing this weekend. Then I pulled the trigger on the Zillion. Thanks for the inputs, guys.