Big Swimbait Set Up Advice

[ChuckS]

I’m looking for a recommendation on a reel and rod for throwing big swimbaits.

I’ve been throwing smaller swimbaits, mostly Fat Keithech 4.8 and 5.8 over the past year using a Curado K and either 20 or 25lb Seguar. This past weekend, I decided to up my game, and started throwing the 6.8 and 7.8 Fat Keitech.

The problem is that with the bigger swimbaits and a ½ oz weight, a good cast about empty’s the Curado K spool of 25lb fleuro.

I’m partial to Shimano, and have been looking at the 300 Curado HGK, but at 10.8 oz, it seems like a pretty heavy reel. I also like a faster reel. Faster the better as far as I’m concerned. Once they’re hooked, I want to get them to the boat. I’ve been using an 8.5 gear, and the HGK is only 6.6:1.

Currently throwing a Dobyns FR795SB, but thinking about getting an FR 806HSB. The 795 has been great for the smaller swimbaits, but I lost several fish this weekend because it didn’t have enough ass to set the hook with the bigger baits. At least that’s the excuse I’m using.

Also interested to hear other options in the 100-150 dollar price range.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice.

[jiggerjake]

Curado 300e,Tranx 300 are both over your budget.Not much out there from Shimano in that price range for a 300 size reel. Maybe have a look at a Lew's Super Duty. Never mind, I see the GX3 is a 6.1 $149.00

[1Cast 1Fish]

A bit over budget but I love my Tranx

[diggy_]

Tranx 7.6:1 HG is actually heavier than the Curado if weight is a factor, cost near 100 more and is 39 inches per turn

The 6.6 Curado 300 is 35 inches per turn

The Curado 300 is 1 inch lesser than your Curado K XG (36 ipt), but more spool capacity, weight, and more room to grow if you want to use bigger baits later.

[krindgen]

My advice would be to up your budget slightly. Also think there are a couple Lew's Super Duty wide spools on the FS page for a decent price. If you put one in your hand the "wide" thing isn't that bad, slightly bigger than a 200 size spool. Using a lower end reel for slinging those big baits could end up prematurely killing a cheaper reel.

[ChuckS]

Probably should have been clearer in my original post.

I’m good with the cost of a Curado 300.

The 100-150 refers to the cost of the rod. The Dobyns Fury sells for 129. Was wondering if there were any other rods out there in comparable price range.

[krindgen]

The Powell Endurance 795 would work. Sort of a flipping rod with a parabolic taper.

[diggy_]

You can look at the iRod Genesis 3 swimbait rods $150

[Milehibird]

Honestly, I picked up a Dobyns 795, and I didn't like it. $149.99, iRod Genesis III is really a great line of rods. I have the Genesis II in the Jr. Swim (783sb) and Large Swim (794SB), and they cover everything I could think of throwing unless I get into the really big stuff, but we don't have bass that will eat 12" hard swimbaits.

[1Cast 1Fish]

Take a look at the Temple Fork Outfitters GTS Swimbait rods, I am pleased with it and use it with A-Rigs and big swimbaits. I think they are around 150.00

[MattVT18]

The Powell Endurance 795 would work. Sort of a flipping rod with a parabolic taper.

I really like my Endurance 795 for swim/glide baits as well as larger scroungers. It can do a bunch of different things.

[krindgen]

I really like my Endurance 795 for swim/glide baits as well as larger scroungers. It can do a bunch of different things.

I had one, sold it, but think I'm gonna get another to try as a flipping rod. I like the slightly lighter tip for flipping compared to the pool cue 775. Especially in the new Endurance the 775 is stout.

[Wackyjig]

That 300k will serve you well for what you throw. My question is, why are you using 20-25lb line for swimbaits? Are you fishing timber or grass that requires the extra line size? If you're not I'd suggest dropping to 14 or a little heavier. That'd let you use a standard curado and not spool it.

Also, what type of depth are you fishing these swimbaits? Is it all shallower 12' or less type of stuff or are you fishing down deep with them? Makes a big difference in what you need out of a rod for swimbaits.

[ChuckS]

That 300k will serve you well for what you throw. My question is, why are you using 20-25lb line for swimbaits? Are you fishing timber or grass that requires the extra line size? If you're not I'd suggest dropping to 14 or a little heavier. That'd let you use a standard curado and not spool it.

Also, what type of depth are you fishing these swimbaits? Is it all shallower 12' or less type of stuff or are you fishing down deep with them? Makes a big difference in what you need out of a rod for swimbaits.

Lots of wood. Some grass. Right now, I’m fishing them Texas rigged. Sitting in about 15 feet, throwing into about 5 feet and dragging them down wooded or grassy points. Been catching good fish with 5.8 Keitechs, and an old 7’6 H/F Carrot Stixx E21 and an 8.5 Curado. It sets the hook hard, and gets them up and out quickly. My experience is if they get you hung up in the wood, then they’re gone.

I need to learn to fish them shallower and deeper. Just starting to get serious about these things.

[siubasser]

The Dobyns Fury 806 is a beast and you cant beat the price. Take a look at the Tatual 300. A little more line capacity over the Curado and comes in a 5, 6, 7 and 8:1.

[MattVT18]

I had one, sold it, but think I'm gonna get another to try as a flipping rod. I like the slightly lighter tip for flipping compared to the pool cue 775. Especially in the new Endurance the 775 is stout.

Yeah, I just bought an Endurance 775. Not sure I like it that much. You're right about being stiff. I'll try to find something it's good for. The 795 is a really nice flipping or deep jig rod. It can do almost anything.