As an avid angler, fishing for bass with swimbaits is consistently a rewarding experience. The challenge of getting a big swimbait bite tests skill and equipment.
Choosing the right swimbait rod is important for successful swimbait fishing. It dramatically affects how well you fish with swimbaits and can make your day on the water enjoyable. In this post, I will share my experience and recommendations on finding the best fishing rod for swimbaits.
Understanding the Importance of a Swimbait Rod
Before I dive into the specifics, it is crucial to understand why a dedicated swimbait rod is necessary. Swimbaits can be larger and heavier than traditional lures and require a specialized rod to handle this unique characteristic. A swimbait rod gives the angler the power, sensitivity, and control to work and manipulate these larger baits effectively.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a SwimBait Rod
Power and Action: The power and action of a rod play a significant role in determining its suitability for swimbaits. The rod's resistance to being bent is referred to as power, while the rod's designed bending location is referred to as action. A medium-heavy to heavy power rod with moderate to fast action (rod bend is in the top quarter of the rod, near the tip) is generally recommended for swimbaits. This combination allows for the proper casting distance and the backbone to handle larger fish's weight and fight.
Specific Types of Swimbaits: My go-to rod for soft plastic swimbaits is medium-heavy power and fast action. I use a heavy or extra-heavy power with a fast to extra-fast action for jointed or hard-plastic swimbaits. The difference is that the jointed baits I like to use are heavier and require more attention and finesse when casting and reeling them. Higher power and faster action custom fishing rods are unmatched, handling heavier swimbaits and the larger fish that choose them.
Length: The length of the swimbait rod is another important consideration. Longer rods, typically 7 to 8 feet, offer increased casting distance and better leverage when fighting fish. However, shorter rods around 6 to 7 feet can provide better accuracy and maneuverability in tight spaces. The choice of length largely depends on personal preference and fishing conditions.
Material and Construction: The material and construction of the rod directly impact its durability, sensitivity, and weight. Graphite and carbon fiber rods are commonly used for swimbaits because they are light and sensitive to gentle strikes. Look for custom fishing rods with quality construction and components crafted to withstand the rigors of casting larger baits and battling hard-fighting fish.
Handle and Grip: A comfortable and ergonomic handle is essential for extended fishing sessions. Find swimbait rods with good grips like cork, EVA foam, or carbon fiber. These materials give a stronghold and lessen tiredness when holding longer rods. The best swimbait rods have longer grips and handles.
Often overlooked but important is the leverage you need to generate to work these baits. Some fishermen prefer full grips on their swimbait rods for better control, but I've found that it reduces maneuverability and balance.
Go for a split grip; you will not be disappointed. Splitting the grip reduces the weight and makes the rod much easier to cast and retrieve. This is one of the biggest reasons to go with a custom swimbait rod builder, as they will know precisely how to get the perfect weight and balance for the type of swimbait you use.
Recommended SwimBait Rods
Based on my personal experience and extensive research, here are some highly regarded swimbait rods that have consistently delivered exceptional performance:
Sawgrass Bois D' Arc 8'0" Magnum XH: This rod combines sensitivity, power, and fast action, making it hard to replace. This rod has the finest components: NFC HM blanks, REC components, and premium cork. These premium components make this a go-to swimbait rod for most conditions.
Dobyns Champion Extreme HP Swimbait Rod: Known for its exceptional sensitivity and strength, this rod is designed to handle the heaviest of swimbaits. It offers a good balance between power and finesse.
Sawgrass BCS1 Bass 8’0"Magnum H: A high-end option for serious anglers, this rod offers unparalleled sensitivity and responsiveness. Its lightweight design allows for comfortable and precise lure manipulation.
The best swimbait rod is easy to find when you work with custom rod builders who can learn about how you fish and the types of swimbaits you have the most success with. When you get a custom swimbait rod, you will get a high-performance customized fishing rod that will fit perfectly.
The Bottom Line
When fishing with swimbaits, having the right rod can significantly enhance your chances of success. To effectively control and use bigger baits, you need a special fishing rod for swimbaits. This rod should have the right power, action, and length.
Consider rod material, construction, handle, and grip to ensure a balanced and comfortable fishing experience. The mentioned swimbait rods are great, but it's important to try different options and find what works for you.
Please note that I have based the recommendations mentioned in this blog post on personal experience and research. Prices and availability of the mentioned rods may vary.
