Do you guys have any tips to lobbing out a lot of those big swimbaits? Alot of the time I just get a huge splash, which probably scares of the bass.... Also, I seem to not be able to get distance, I can out cast a 4 oz swimbait on 20 pound line with a 1/2 jig on spinning tackle? What gives?

Just wanted to know if I was doing something wrong, or if I'm just retarded. :-)
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Go big or go home!

Sometimes the splash isn't a bad thing. It creates attention and usually will get the fish to at least look at the bait even if it is spooked at first.

For distance, well thats going to take some practice. Using the right rod, reel and line will help. I like to sidearm cast a lot for distance. It keeps the bait lower to the water and that can help cheat the wind. Try different techniques until you find is whats best for you. Practice makes perfect :)

What is your swimbait set up?

Jake J

http://calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/jakej/

My setup is an Okuma Guide Select MH rod (7'11") which can handle baits up to 4 ounce. Reel wise, Abu Garcia Ambassadeur spooled with 20 pound Berkley XT.

Rod is a little bit light, but it gets the job done.

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Go big or go home!

Maybe you need to get a rod with a little more backbone. I had a 7'11" Okuma Heavy action and it was perfect for the smaller swimbaits like Matt's baits. Maybe you should move up to the Heavy or XHeavy, a little extra backbone might get you the extra distance.

Jake J

http://calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/jakej/

Hi Eric,try this, it should help some, although when a 6oz. chunk of anything hits the water it's gonna make a splash, just how big, well, that you may be able to control. Right before the bait hits the water, stop the spool with your thumb AND lift the rod high. That will help soften the splash a bit. Important though is to stop the spool FIRST,then lift the rod(high).You are effectively taking the slack out of the line and halting (to a degree) the bait's forward momentum. With a bit of practice on the timing, you should improve the size of the splashdown. BEST OF LUCK!!!! - Alex

I much prefer it when a woman leaves me, for then I know the mistake is hers. - Charles Bukowski

Thanks for the tips guys. I went out yesterday and tried a kind of side arm cast and it helped get distance in the wind. Alvo69, your idea did reduce the splash once I got the hang of it.

I am also planning on upgrading and buying a heavier rod soon, once I get the money.

Thanks again.
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Go big or go home!