Thinking About Trying Something New - Advice Desired

[rps]

Based upon a number of articles and postings to this board, I am thinking about learning to fish a swim bait for bass, striped bass and walleye. The big walleye and an odd striper or two are in the upper river, especially in the Spring. Big browns also hang out there. A little later in the year, big bass and walleye are in less than 10 feet of water.

Spro and Savage appear to make excellent 6 and 8 inch swim baits for less than $20. They appear to weigh 2 to 4 ounces in that size range.

The advice I seek would be this:

1. What rod under $200 would handle throwing this size bait? Why?

2. What test line would you suggest, 12 to 20 pound? Would you use a braid with an Alberto knot flouro leader?

3. Does the technique exist/last long enough to make it worth it?

I would enjoy reading your opinions. Thanks in advance.

[Feathers and Fins]

The advice I seek would be this:

1. What rod under $200 would handle throwing this size bait? Why?

St Croix TIC80MHF 8' MH Fast 1 14 - 30 1/2 - 2 7.3 7 $ 180

2. What test line would you suggest, 12 to 20 pound? Would you use a braid with an Alberto knot flouro leader? 15lb Seagar Florocarbon

3. Does the technique exist/last long enough to make it worth it? From Mid March to Late May and then from October to end of November

As for Baits and I will probably regret this DOA 310 PEARL, 430 Original and 431 Trout. Also AC Plug or Castaic Trout.

The DOA has been one I do not talk a lot about but I have them and love them for stripers they catch fish simple as that.

[Gavin]

DOA makes some good stuff, used quite a few if there baits when the folks had the place in Tampa.

[Big Brown Trout]

well I would suggest a flyrod and some of these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itvzJqL0mw0

but my opinion is a little biased.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think before I made an investment in a new rod I would try the 6"on a heavy worm rod. I assume of couse that you alraedy have at least one?

[rps]

I think before I made an investment in a new rod I would try the 6"on a heavy worm rod. I assume of couse that you alraedy have at least one?

My worm/jig rod is a MH TFO Gary Loomis, fast action, 7'3", rated for 8-17# line and 3/8 -1 ounce baits. I just bought it actually. Hoglaw tied a good one for me, but I bought inferior components (I did no know this at the time) and three different guides have broken at the thread. I got tired of repairing it.

[moguy1973]

If you want a fun time with a swim/wake bait check out the Black Dog Shellcracker G2. It's a blast to fish. $20 on TW.

[Big Brown Trout]

I agree with Wayne, however I don't know how people sleep well with putting more than three dollars on the end of a fishing line. Call me cheap but I don't like spending more than a buck to find where all the trees are. That said best of luck with it RPS.

[cart7]

Before dumping money into a new rig of a fishing style that you may or may not like after trying it a few times, I'd like over you're current rod arsenal and see if you don't have something already. Just about any 7' mhvy-hvy action rod would work or even a flippin rod for that matter.

[MOsmallies]

I'm looking for a similar setup for A-Rigs and 1-3 oz Swimbaits. I've settled on this combo and now I just need to go buy it...

7'6" Heavy Falcon Bucoo Micro Guide Umbrella Rig Rod

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Falcon_Bucoo_Micro_Guide_Casting_Rods/descpage-FBMC.html

Lews Super Duty Speed Spool SD1H (6.4:1)

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Super_Duty_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-LSDS.html