I have a calcutta 400, and i am looking for a rod to put it on. I have about $200 to spend and i was looking for something to throw to pond bass in the 1-4oz range. I have been using 12lb on a flipping stick that is 7'6 but i want a specialized set up. I want to hear some input on the type of rod, the action, the make, the company, the length, the weight, the whole 9.. I want to know why or why not i should get one rod over the other.

Also, i was really trying not to go heavier on line than 15lb test. LoL i come form a long line of guys that like to play fish, my dad who has personally caught 4 bass over 8lbs with 4lb test line or less.1 fish was 9.6 on 2lb! Anywho, i feel like i wouldnt be bass fishing, i would be saltwater fishing. Does anyone else feel this way abou thier line weight? doesnt it inhibit the bait action and cant the fish see it? Sorry for so many question.. i should have started another thread.

Shimano has come out with the Crucial roda again and they have a Swimbait rod that should handle the weight that you are looking for. I have caught several big fish on light line. My biggest is 8 1/2 on 5#. I believe that sometimes light line can make a big difference, depending on water clarity and fishing pressure. With some baits they work better with the right line rating. I personally drop shot with 5# but never anything over 10#. It all depends on cover and water clarity.

I like to fish for carp w/ 4lb line I have got a few in the 15+ range on it! But when it comes to bass I usally wont risk it especially in the Delta :+

So what would be the best rod? How is the lommis compare to the okuma or shimano or lamiglass in the swimbait category for what i want?

Why dont you check out Rob's rod reviews so you get to know abit more about the rods and decide what is good for you.

PS I would not suggest using any less than 20lb line for 5"+ swimbaits you will be pissed when you loose them and even more pissed when you break off a BIG fish

So i checked out all of the reviews, and i really like the Okuma, the lamiglass, and the Loomis. I will mainly be throwing 7-9in plastic baits w/ the occasional MS slammer or castaic trout. Im looking for sensitivity, very light weight, and something that has the backbone to really drive it home. So what is the expierience that you guys have had with any of these?

Okuma rod wise has made a big fan of me ,these are very nice rods for the money.I havent had an okuma reel yet but i hear from others that the Induron is a great reel .
tight line, brian