So I went in to buy the Okuma swimbait rod (XH) for throwing Hudds and came across an Okuma Celilo CE-C-761 7'6" H Salmon Boat Rod 12~25 lbs 1/2~6 oz 8+Tip 1 on clearance for $25.
I knew it would work better than my flippin stick for my Rago Rat, Matt's Baby Bass, and Charlies but I also figured I could throw at least upto 9" Slammers with it. My question is if anyone knows whether it could handle the 12" Slammers or the new XX Slammer series.

I also picked up a new 301 Cardiff for these rods and was wondering if the drag on the new model year still needs to be replaced per "Cardiff Mods" post or if they have already been improved by Shimano to use as is (at least until the warranty is up).

Thanks!

I have the Celilo except in the 7'10" length. This is a sweet rod for 9" slammers and the other baits you mentioned. Your 7'6" will be great as well. I feel that using the 7'6" Celilo for the XX or 12" Slammer might not be quite enough rod, but will be way better then a flipping stick. If your fishing the XX or 12" Slammer over vegetation you might want to use the XH Swimbait rod, if your fishing it more on top in open water the Celilo will be fine. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for the info. I did get a chance last night to throw the rat at the neighborhood pond to see how the new setup would work. It throws the rat and 1 oz River2Sea Bottom Bouncers very well. I feel it will work nicely for the 9" Slammer but probably not anything bigger. I also feel this rod may work nicely for my LC 128 Pointers.
I'll be throwing the rat this weekend on the Delta so hopefully I can hook-up and get a reel feel for the action.

One sidenote. I felt like I couldn't get the drag on the Cardiff 301A tightened down enough. May just be my inexperience, time will tell.

I have an old ver of Cardiff 301, I was told by Shimano that the drags are different.