No, it wasn't on the cast. I did it at home and it was entirely my fault. In fact, it took alot of pressure to break, and I don't see this rod breaking under normal conditions. I like this rod for lighter 7" rubber swimbaits. It'll handle the weight of 9" swimbaits, but it feels a little akward compared to a heavier composite rod.

Oops I forgot to read the part of your question about wood baits. I think the wood baits are lighter than the rubber and feel very nice on this rod. It's a little stiff for a bait with trebles, but it throws 'em like a dream. Very effortless.