hey

im thinking about getting a rod/reel combo just for swimbaits. What should i get? I fish mostly Matt's baits. The bass and bluegill. I saw on his site that he recommended the Okuma Induron 400 and the guide select rod. Should i get this or do you recommend something different? Which rod should i get? I plan on getting maybe a 9'' slammer and mayber a few more baits in the range but like i said i mostly fish the bass and bluegill. Also this year there is a new model for the Induron its is IDx or something. Is this model better than the original or do i need to try and find an original?

thanx

Try a Shimano Crucial Rod and Shimano Calcutta. Can't go wrong.

I agree Crucial rod and a Calcutta 300TE unless the baits are smaller like Matts baits then you could get away with a Curado and the lighter Crucials.

Stumpy: I've been throwing one or the other of Matt's baits since early last summer. Since they weigh so little compared to other swimbaits, a Heavy or Extra Heavy, 7' rod of just about any type should work. I use a 7', 6" Kistler Heavy casting rod for mine. I have that Okuma rod for my heavier swimbaits but it's 'over-kill' for Matt's baits IMO.

Dan

I would get a loomis, Lamiglas or Rogue

all depends on your price range man.

For what you are describing, a solid well priced combo would be Okuma Guide Series MH with a Cardiff 300A. That would cover the mattlures gill and the Slammer really well. If you wanted to go heavier, you could get the Okuma Heavy action instead of the MH.

If you want to spend some bucks, there are quite a few good rod options and a Calcutta 300TE would match up nicely with whatever you pick.

If you haven't looked at the rod review page, take a look at:

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/rods.html

For the baits you are going to throw the Okuma Guide Series MH is the perfect rod and was designed for these exact size and weight baits. As far as the Induron reel they did upgrade to the IDX. The changes they made are much better then the orginal. On another note I would use the IDX 250 instead of the 400. It holds plenty of line and is a bit lighter and smaller then the 400.

so a MH rod is good enough for the slammers also?
thanx for the replys

The MH is perfect for slammers

what length rod do i need?

>what length rod do i need?

7' will work but longer is better...........:) !


Dan

A longer rod in the right action will help to get the max. distance out of each cast. It will also move alot more line when you set the hook on a long cast. Sounds like 7'6"-8' in a medium heavy action will match up good with the smaller baits. As for reals I recently got a cardiff 400 and like it a lot. The smaller 300 size might be better for your application. I'm sure the calcuta is a better real. For now I'm happy with the cardiff. I'm sure you have already read it but if not be sure to check out Robs articel on swimbait tackle on this site.