What types of rods is everyone using for throwing large swimbaits? I want to start using them but not real comfortable with the baitcasters yet. Should I wait till I've got a little more experience with them before I go throwing big swim baits?

woodsac,
You can certainly use a spinning rod. Fish Chris does it with great success. You might ask him on his site www.trophybassonly.com what sort of setup he uses.

My rod recommendations are on this page:
http://www.calfishing.com/freshwater/big_wood/troutplug02.html

I think people get hung up a lot on swimbait rods for bass because bass rods are traditionally not nearly heavy enough to throw a big lure like a 9" swimbait. Ocean rods are designed for this, and now finally some manufacturers are offering real swimbait rods and not just some 7 foot heavy wanna be swimbait rod. Rogue Rods, All Star, Graphite USA, Phenix. Check the link :)

Rob, thank you!! Outstanding article. Answered some other questions I had as well.

I understand the concepts of "you get what you pay for" and "use the right tools for the job". But I also know that I would rather fish with what I have then not fish at all! I was looking at the BPS Catmaxx rod: 8' 1pc MH 1-4 oz. Do you think that would be a good starter with the right reel and line? Thanks for all the help.

Those are interesting rods. The good thing is they are one piece. I'd have to see one to tell if they were worth a darn.