Quick question guys, I am looking at the Okuma big bait rod. (Heavy Action) for throwing baits like Mattlures Bluegill and Baby Bass and Storm Swimbaits. I am fishing mostly for fish 3-7 lbs because I live in NH. I am curious if this is too stiff of a rod for these baits. Let me know what you think. I am not looking into spending alot for a rod because this is not going to be a technique I plan on being my go to. Thanks in advance guys, I really enjoy this site.

Hi Tyson,

For those style and size baits, I would consider something a little lighter. Maybe take a look at the St Croix Avid AC80HF or the Lamiglas Big Bait Special. I personally throw baits like those on my Rainshadow SW967's which have a more parabolic action.

-Rob

If your planning on throwing swimbaits on the rod exclusively than I woud go with robs choice of the rainshadow cause he surely knows more about this kind of fishing than I can ever hope.

I do use the lamiglass big bait rod though for throwing mattlure baits as well as the mission fish which I believe are similar in weight the storm baits you intend to toss. I also like to use the rod for flipping the hyacinth and really matted up vegatation its a solid stick. No clue on the st. croix but I do know the lamiglass is a quality stick.

Okuma also makes a Med Heavy swimbait rod that I use with my smaller baits. It almost seems like they were designed to throw 5in swimbaits. I pare them up with 250 sized Indurons and am very happy with my small swimbait set ups. I do upsize when bed fishing though.

tyson i live in southern mass. and target the same size fish as you.don't be afraid to throw bigger baits the will attack them just as much as a larger bass.get the heavy or xheavy.you will not be disipointed in the result of throwing the larger baits.plus down the road when you get the larger baits you will be prepaired.

Skippy... What's your e-mail address? Mine is talvanos@hotmail.com. I am curious about this, only because you fish the same area as I do. Every year I like to try to concentrate on a technique and this year I want to work with Swimbaits. If possible, I am curious to some of the fish you catch, and some of the baits you are using. Like I said, I am just nervous to throw a 10" trout bait all day, if nothing around here is big enough to take the bait in. I just want to pick your brain I guess. Thanks

I have another question in this case... I have read that Okuma makes a MH Swimbait rod now. Where can I get one of these? I looked on there website and the only reel "Swimbait" rods were in H and XH. Thanks. Any more advice is appreciated!

that's a good question. I saw the prototype and it looked like a nice little Slammer rod. Somebody cough up the info

Tackle Warehouse has the MH rod I beleive. It is more parabolic than the H or XH but has enough backbone to throw 4 to 5 ounce baits. I know some guys are using it for the Hudd. It differs in that it doesn't have the split cork butt section like the H or XH. Just like Matt said, it is a great rod for the wood or lighter baits like Matt's Bluegill. They are $89.99 at Tackle Warehouse. Although they currently do not have them up on the site, I beleive that if you call and tell them you want that rod, they have them in stock. They are still Lifetime warranty and have all top end Fuji components.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/styleproducts.html?styleref=33

Scroll down to see it:

"Okuma Big Bait Rod 7'6" Med Hvy"

"In Stock 2/25/05"

Dan

Dan,

That's for the XH. Like I said, if you are interested in the MH, call Tackle Warehouse directly.

I guess this particular rod is in high demand right now, i just called TW and they did have one left. From what I've heard it's a great option for the smaller swimbaits and the light wood baits like Monster Jacks and Slammers, i'll give you guys a first hand report when i receive it which should be in a couple of days. :)