Best Big Swimbait Rods For Beginners Under $250!

Рет қаралды 25,945

Жыл бұрын

I get questions about what rod guys should get if they are just now getting into big swimbaits. So today, I go to The Hook Up Tackle, and grab some great rods for under $250!
Products in this video:
Megabass Levante Leviathan Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
IRod Jumbo Swim Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
IRod Large Swim Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
IRod XL Swim Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Daiwa Tatula Swimbait Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Daiwa Rebellion Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Daiwa Tatula Elite Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
St Croix Victory 7'10 Heavy Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
St Croix Victory 7'10 XH Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
St Croix Victory 7'10 XXH Rod:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
St Croix Bass X Swimbait Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Dobyns Champion Rods:
www.tacklewarehouse.com/searc...
Dobyns Fury Swimbait Rods:
www.tacklewarehouse.com/searc...
Okuma Guide Select Rods:
www.tacklewarehouse.com/searc...
Follow me on Instagram:
geoffreythe...

Пікірлер: 139

@justonemorecast 6 ай бұрын

I have the tatula rod. It was the only one I could find locally designed for swimbaits. It works great for magdrafts and 160-180mm glides, and I also throw an a-rig on it.

@stripervince1 8 ай бұрын

I'm using a st croix legend glass 7'2 heavy spinner and a daiwa dogfight 5000 reel for my swim and glide baits. And my bait cast set up is a daiwa prorex 400 with a 10'2 skeet reese retractable glass big swimbait double trigger rod. Fantastic rod. Great video by the way. Subbed to your channel. Even though I'm only a striper fisherman

@TheWaymont 2 ай бұрын

The Daiwa 7'3" swimbait rod is killer for chad shad and S-Waver 168. Really nicely put together. Great taper.

@brianlee9074 Жыл бұрын

Good video King 👑. I just bought that Okuma Guide Select sb rod, paired with a Komodo reel. 🤞🤞 First time sb combo. ✌🏻😎🎣

@ryanjofre 13 күн бұрын

I scored a Leviathan like new from a local guy for $150(he used it twice). I’ve never used a swim bait before. I’m psyched. I’m just gonna use 6” Magdraft, Savage Gear Bluegill and maybe a 10” Magdraft to start.

@lgonzalez8635 10 ай бұрын

Medium action catfishing rod. Super moderate bend and rated 1-10oz. Big guides, tough as hell and plenty of great rods on the market for $100. And the butt ends are longer too.

@justinshaw8594 Жыл бұрын

I can say for myself, the okuma guide select rods are fantastic. I love them.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

They are absolute classic rods and still get the job done!

@mleytevidal 7 ай бұрын

Looking to get in to the game here. Your videos are all so helpful. I’ve got a Lexa300 I was going to put on Levante Leviathan but am curious if that would work for baits under 2oz? I imagine most baits I’ll be throwing are 1-3.5 Oz . Would love any suggestions around this combo or if I should look at other rods instead

@ryanjofre 13 күн бұрын

I scored a Leviathan like new from a local guy for $150(he used it twice). I’ve never used a swim bait before. I’m psyched.

@deliciouspeanut6572 Жыл бұрын

One video idea I’d have is just like how to operate a large bait that many of us haven’t really used. What’s the right cast cadence, how do you make the best glide turns, hookset with hard vs soft. That kind of stuff. Whatever you choose, I appreciate your content!

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Sounds good! Thanks for the feedback!

@rickyrodriguez9831 Жыл бұрын

I use the 7’9 Heavy Tatula Swimbait rod max 6oz and it can short toss 250s and I easily overhead bomb citizen 7s and K9s

@bassnakshi Жыл бұрын

Great info, Geoff. I've been using the Daiwa Tatula 7'3" matched up with a Shimano Scorpion MD to throw Slide Swimmer 175s, Joined Claw 178s and Bassroids for LMs and SMs. As you'd mentioned, it's got a nice parabolic action to allow the bait to glide easily and to delay the hookset on treble hooked baits. The split grip version has a handle just long enough to tuck under the arm pit but short enough to not get in the way if you want to twitch using your wrist. I especially like that it's got a secondary screw nut on the foregrip to secure the reel to the seat. I may look into one of the ferruled rods you mentioned for when I go for heavier gear. Thanks!

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear that those tatula rods are legit!

@Straight_Kash Жыл бұрын

I ended up getting the Combat Stick ND180/Wake Bait rod and it’s siiiick! Use it for the PB Rat, Jointed Claw, Tempest Bluegill, even the Deps Evoke Zero top water! Love the rod!

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

That’s an awesome rod from what I’ve heard!

@azfishkid Жыл бұрын

2 rods I would like to add is a savage gear squad around 170 and the six Gil brute I have both and love them

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Nice! Glad to hear a positive statement for those rods as well!

@istaycatchingfish2552 Жыл бұрын

What reel size and color wise would pair up well with the extra heavy St. Croix Bass X rod? I'm assuming spool it up with 25lb Fluro?

@MrJesus100 Жыл бұрын

The irod are great for the price. I’m a Cali boy that grew up fishing saltwater calico bass. I used to use Phenix saltwater bass rods then when Matt came out with the irods I started to fish them. I have the kaimana bass rods and all the swimbaits rods when I got into fishing swimbaits for calicos then freshwater. But now I’m exclusively fishing the gen 3s for everything saltwater bass. I use the bama rig special rod for 1oz lead heads and 4”-7” paddle tail swimbaits like hammers and the SP minnow

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Yeah, those genesis 3 rods are great for the price and cover a wide range of applications!

@PythonDad Жыл бұрын

I haven't caught a fish doing this yet, but the XXH Victory is very fun to throw the faster sink 8 inch Savage Gear RTF trout which iirc is 4.75 oz. I definitely recommend getting something beefier for the 10 inch which weighs a full 8 oz even though it's "in spec." I got the iRod jumbo swim for those types of baits and it's great.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Nice! Glad you’re liking the Victory rod for the soft baits!

@tycampbell5623 Жыл бұрын

Is the dobyns furry swimbait rod better for soft swim baits or hard treble hook glides

@Hoveyish Жыл бұрын

Do you have any input on the iRod Jr Swim? Looking for something to throw Swavers and Arashi Glides on! Thanks!

@thetravelingmongo Жыл бұрын

He’s a king for a reason👑

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Haha thanks for watching!🙏

@maxcole3930 Жыл бұрын

I can say the diawa rods are great! I have a 7'9" heavy, rated to 6oz. It has worked great for big soft baits. Biggest bait I've thrown was 10" magdrafts which is 6oz & it handles them just fine, I throws 7" citizens & 8" magdraft & difiants 210's perfectly. I think 3-5oz is it's sweat spot. I haven't thrown alot hard baits on it so I can't honestly say how it is constantly with them. But it drives in 8/0 & 10/0 swimbait hooks like butter

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Nice! Glad to hear the tatula rods are legit for people!

@kenmccarthyfishing Жыл бұрын

👏👏Awesome job Buddy ❤️🤙

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!🙏

@VinceNiergarth Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@bassinbilliards6279 Жыл бұрын

I've really enjoyed my 8' Dobyns Swimbait Rod paired with a Curado 300. It's light for how big it is and handled every Largemouth I swung on with ease. Honestly gonna use it for salt water too.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Nice! Hear nothing but good things about the dobyns rods!

@bassinbilliards6279 Жыл бұрын

@@crazybassfisher It's the only one I own & comparing Zodias or Expride I really like it. It's very sensitive for the price.

@richshackelford5793 Жыл бұрын

Great job Geoff

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@lachlanthomas981 2 ай бұрын

Trying to decide between the 2-8oz Levante and 1-6oz Phenix M1 swimbait rod. Would primarily be for hard body baits of the smaller and mid-size variety. Feel like the Phenix would be a better bet but any insight or recommendations would be appreciated, thanks!

@davejolly582 Жыл бұрын

I have the Daiwa Rebellion 7' 11" SB rod and I'm loving it sop far. Super lightweight, nice soft tip for getting some good casts. Been throwing S waver 168s, 6" and 8" magdrafts, and gantarell jrs with it and it handles them all really well. Great rod for the money

@davejolly582 Жыл бұрын

Btw im considering picking up either the 7'3' or 7'6" H rebellion for a dedicated 6" magdraft rod. Anyone have experience with either model?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Crazy how light that rod is too! I’ve only heard great things about the rod too!

@kellymoore4517 Жыл бұрын

@@davejolly582 What line are throwing on that 6" magdraft?

@davejolly582 Жыл бұрын

@@kellymoore4517 20 lb Sunline Sniper at the moment as I sometimes throw heavier baits with this rig, I think 15 or 16 lb would be ideal for strictly throwing the 6" magdraft though.

@tonyreed1727 Жыл бұрын

What do you think about the shimano slx swimbait rod

@bryanknatz6067 4 ай бұрын

Do you find the irods too stiff or do they have a nice parabolic bend to them? Looking for a rod to throw tiny clash and/or 8 inch magdraft. Thanks

@FreedomFishing 6 ай бұрын

Have you guys had any of the BassX Swimbait rods come back with the same reel seat issue that the split handles have? That second gen BassX is clearancing everywhere because of that issue, and I'm wondering if it's worth the gamble.

@jasoncarr5867 Жыл бұрын

Just got the dobyns fury 795 and an Abu garcia maxtoro combo for swimbaits, glide baits etc I cant wait to try them both ive heard good things about the dobyns but never a thing about the maxtoro technically it's a musky rod but its pretty parabolic I think itd be a good small glide bait rod lol

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Nice setups! Should be able to get the job done!

@jasoncarr5867 Жыл бұрын

@@crazybassfisher dobyns no doubt but the Abu Garcia I'm skeptical about it's 7ft rod that's rated 1-4oz the only reason I got it its because it'd fit in an SUV and it was $49 at the time with a $150 reel on it 😂

@The_Bass_Stunters Жыл бұрын

Hey brother definitely do a vid of what size reels, brands and why you go with those models also line. If you haven’t already covered this in-depth.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rsWji9uI18fFhKc.html

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

That’s a video I did talking about choosing the right size reels!

@DaoongVang Жыл бұрын

What’s the best softbait rods for 6-7inch citizens/battleshads from price range 150-250$

@M.Redsky Жыл бұрын

the Levante Leviathan XXH can throw soft? If not well, why? I don't understand the subtleties of hard vs soft and what to look for in a rod that throws them.

@pdoty13 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this!!! Can you do reels next?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Will look into doing reels soon!

@dfishin4083 Жыл бұрын

I have been trying to find the specs on the tatula 7,3 vs 7,9 and I am wondering is the difference in length all in the length behind the reel seat or is it longer along the guides. Thanks

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Both, longer handle and longer rod section

@John_D2 Жыл бұрын

I wish they would have put a few more guides on the bass x.The fury rods and legit tk and k9 rods. Nice work on the vid.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that the Fury rods are legit!

@justinmayer9973 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video! I'm in the market for a soft swimbait rod and was looking closely at the St. Croix Victory rods. I'm looking to throw 7 inch cititzen's, 8 inch gtrout's and 9 inch battle shads eventually. Which of the Victory swimbait rods would you recommend? Thanks

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I would suggest the XXH rod since you’re gonna fish 7-9” baits. That rod will drive the hook home when fishing the WCZ baits!

@justinmayer9973 Жыл бұрын

@@crazybassfisher appreciate you Geoff, tight lines.

@lilhito9498 Жыл бұрын

Another good one is a Major Craft Days, it’s rated up to only 3 oz, but I read somewhere you can throw 250s on it

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Oh nice, I’ll have to check those out too!

@Johnnyboy_. Жыл бұрын

Is there a rod that can do both ??? Soft baits and hard ?

@cgrfishing2373 Жыл бұрын

Hey bro, quick question for ya, I'm barely getting into throwing those balams 245 and 300 and I would like to know what's the best and lightest rod and reel combo for those baits, been seeing those japanese fisherman handle their rods like it's a finnese rod

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Those guys definitely like their shorter rods, 7’3-7’9 XH/XXH rods with a 200 size reel or so. Rod wise, it’s tough to find a really parabolic, short rod here in the states that is XH/XXH for the big baits. Reel wise, they like Antares MD style reels or Calcutta Conquest 200/300 size reels

@ericreid2645 Жыл бұрын

I recently bought a Dobyns Champion XP 795 swimbait rod. Do you think that's a decent starter rod for Jackall Gantarells and Gantarells Juniors, Baitsanity Explore Gill and 5inch Bull Gills, S Waivers and 6inch Mag Drafts? I fish big ponds and small lakes mostly but maybe 2 or 3 times a month get out on my homies boat and fish the bigger lakes. Definitely a rod for hard baits only I yhink

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Yeah, the 795 should definitely get the job done with the baits you mentioned!

@mauritobias8759 Жыл бұрын

AWESOME VIDEO AS ALWAYS DUDE 🤙🤙🤙MY WALLET IS BURNIN IN MY POCKET ✌✌✌

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!🙏

@badzr2 Жыл бұрын

I have zero complaints about the rebellion rod

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Awesome to hear!

@danmartinez6439 11 күн бұрын

What’s the best rod for a DRT

@tannerstephens8109 Жыл бұрын

What are a couple example baits you would throw on the leviathan?

@PythonDad Жыл бұрын

If it were me, stuff like the Gancraft 230, R2S S Waver 200, Savage Gear magnum Shine Glide, Baitsanity Explorer (and probably the Antidote too, but you could also fish it on something lighter), etc. Basically any big--but not giant--hard baits.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

A lot of hard baits in the 4-6oz range would be great. Lunker punker, Deps 250, Klash 9, 8-10” magdrafts, Gan Craft 230 would be example baits that I would throw on it!

@raytubach8988 Жыл бұрын

@@crazybassfisher you made my day when you started out with the Leviathan. It was a rod I was curious about it but it was out of stock for a long time so when I found one I snatched it. Really glad I did. We have gar in my lake and I’ve been able to hook a couple over 3’ but haven’t landed one yet. Sorta happy about that…

@andrewvolcom11 Жыл бұрын

Do any of those rods u mention have double seated guides all the way up?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I don’t believe any of them do actually, just single foot guides

@bassguido Жыл бұрын

Irod gen III 👍

@bassassinmaster Жыл бұрын

Would you be able to find out exactly how long the handle is on the mega bass Leviathan, reel seat to butt length?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I believe it is 18” from reel seat to butt length

@corvette_jake7225 Жыл бұрын

Imma be honest, I've just been using a bass pro fish eagle casting rod in medium heavy or heavy and they seem to work fairly well for only $80. Never felt like they were lacking anywhere

@Hoveyish Жыл бұрын

I've been using a Bass Pro Tourney Special 7'6" Heavy for glides and it seems to work just fine!

@corvette_jake7225 Жыл бұрын

@Hoveyish the bass pro brand rods aren't as bad as everyone keeps telling me. I've recently purchased a few expensive rods, and the only difference I've noticed is the weight. Sensitivity feels about the same, but the expensive rods are a bit lighter.

@Hoveyish Жыл бұрын

@@corvette_jake7225 I just handled some of the Carbonlite models and they are light as can be and the reels are very nice! Even the heavier sizes! Not bad for a $200 combo!

@dirtydfishin1578 Жыл бұрын

What do you think about the phenix m1 inshore 8’2 heavy

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I heard it’s a pretty solid rod, I think it’s more on the faster side rather than being parabolic though, I could be wrong on it though

@colemangroh5921 Жыл бұрын

Sick vid Geoff. I’m looking for a new rod to throw the WCZ Citizens. Do you have any recommendations. Pricepoint doesn’t matter to me. Thanks and fish on man!

@dupont24x Жыл бұрын

XXX Orochi Leviathan

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

For the citizens, I would recommend the LDC XH Workshop rod, Leviathan Alpha Soft Swim H/XH, the Megabass Orochi XXX Leviathan, or the ST croix Victory XH swimbait rod.

@colemangroh5921 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the response! I’ll definitely check some of those rods out and make a decision.

@Jon-nz3dm Жыл бұрын

Just a heads up, Bass X are covered for 5 years, while the Victory line and higher have the 15 year warranty. I just got a Victory actually and was locking down a reel, not paying much attention and had the lock nut upside down somehow and completely ripped the entire lock nut thread piece off the blank LOL. Good thing I bought it from my work so I'll just return it.

@liamcastelo4826 Жыл бұрын

I remember them levante rods were $200plus tax last year 😅 now it’s the only rod in that line up that retails $250+tax

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Yeah, crazy the jump!

@d10dozerman2 Жыл бұрын

They are over priced and had/have a lot of breaking issues. Don't underestimate the Daiwa Tatula $100 or the Rebellion$200 rods, they are Great rods for the money. Like most of MB stuff IMHO it is over priced. A lot of people are brand bias to a point. I have different brands of rods and reels. A lot of it comes down to your budget and how much $$$ you want to fork out.

@davidsagastume3700 Жыл бұрын

What about Phenix swim bait rods, are they any good?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard good things about the M1 swimbait rods yeah!

@michealbutsko9912 Жыл бұрын

When did levante rods go up ? No more 200 $ line up from Megabass ? Bummer

@5.7.0bassin2 Жыл бұрын

was that 15 yr warranty on the bass x just for the swimbait do you no or all the models

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I believe all st croix rods have that 15 year warranty

@tou291462 Жыл бұрын

What would you recommend for a deps 250?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

The Megabass Levante Leviathan would be the best rod for sure!

@oflofl7177 8 ай бұрын

the crack at 13:15 💀💀💀

@karlpost8674 6 ай бұрын

I was looking for this Comment to see if anyone else heard it. Haha

@albertojvel Жыл бұрын

I’ve heard Ben say in another video that the Leviathan “will throw your I-Slides and Slide Swimmers”. Do you think he meant the full size 262/250 or the 185/175? I’d love to have a rod that can throw the 2oz-6oz weight class. I have a Dobyns Fury 806 that works great up to 4oz but once I hit that 4.5oz-5oz range it gets gooey

@tryptaman4315 Жыл бұрын

Levante. Levante and leviathan rods are different. Ones made by megabass

@ChairmanMeowBurger Жыл бұрын

@@tryptaman4315 Leviathan is a specific rod in the Megabass lineup. Levante and Orochi both have one.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

The full size baits will handle great on the Leviathan rod, anything in the 5-7oz range will work with it!

@albertojvel Жыл бұрын

@@tryptaman4315 I assumed people would assume I meant Megabass Levante Leviathan since that’s what’s actually in this video. I’ve been told Leviathan brand rods like the omega are pretty sick tho, but I’m just tryna keep the cost down for now

@davidkrumme216 Жыл бұрын

The 13 omen blacks are the best rods under 300 bucks. Unless you go custom

@rogercastle2434 Жыл бұрын

How do these rods work with Rats?

@skiyarr22 Жыл бұрын

What’s a good and affordable rod that I can throw a deps 250?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Either the Megabass Levante Leviathan rod or the IRod XL swim or the ST croix Bass X XXH rod

@skiyarr22 Жыл бұрын

@@crazybassfisher thanks my guy!

@ReelAZMatt Жыл бұрын

I wish that Megabass Cookai casting rod was only $250! Wow is that thing sweet.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Those rods are so cool haha

@Nick_88 Жыл бұрын

I will never not shut up over how salty I am that the Okuma Nomad Xpress rods are discontinued as far as I know. 4 piece swimbait rods that come in a Heavy and Extra Heavy, are super super comfortable in the hand, and retailed for like $110 and often went on sale for like $90 - $85. They seriously gotta bring them back or some other brand has to pick up that concept cause I hate having to fit swimbait rods in my Toyota Prius C. They were truly one of the most underrated rods for guys who travel alot or just a general entry level rod.

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Interesting, wonder why the discontinued the rod? There needs to be more affordable travel rods on the market!

@justinshaw8594 Жыл бұрын

Can you do a video on reels?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I can definitely see what I can do!

@willembry5469 Жыл бұрын

I know they’re over $250 but I had to ask… Leviathan Omega vs Low Down Customs?

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Both are great options. The only thing about the Omega I didn’t necessarily like was that they are a little softer than I expected. Great parabolic action for loading baits on the cast and keeping fish pinned, but feels under powered when fighting bigger fish. Other than that, they are both great rods to go with

@DrinkWetPoopFishing Жыл бұрын

i find it funny that a rod in the 150 range is considered cheap. My most expensive rod is a piscifun and its still less than one hundred dollars.

@calheugel1883 Жыл бұрын

What’s your favorite soft bait rod < 450$

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Currently, I have a custom soft bait rod that I love that isn’t made anymore but those Leviathan Alpha Soft Swim rods are legit for being $360!

@duanecovert2885 Жыл бұрын

Reels next plz

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Will try and get on it!

@swedishfish2543 Жыл бұрын

Bassx handle length is too short at 14"

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

I actually believe the Bass X swimbait rods have 16-17” handle lengths.

@supfoo3638 Жыл бұрын

No Dobyns champion?!

@LetsGoGregg Жыл бұрын

Snubbed- 13 Fishing Bang for your buck $160 for either 8ft swimbait rod.

@jeffmorand4796 Жыл бұрын

You can throw most baits with most rods, within reason, no need to have 6 rods for every type of bait u throw, unless your fishin for money and then your getting help or given the rods for sponsor exposure. DO NOT FEEL LIKE u need 50 rods to fish, a little sick of the specialization and promotion, nothing personal to u, this is my general feeling of the entire industry, cheers

@crazybassfisher Жыл бұрын

Absolutely, but, it’s nice having the right rod for the right situation/bait.