I think the Big Bait Special is a Japanese Diawa rod (they have a reel too) but big baits to them are 1 1/2 ounce "swim baits" if you can call them that. I don't think they'll be right for our US big baits. Stick with the Loomis stuff or some of the new "Swim Bait" rods that are out here. I like my Crucial rod 7' 11" heavy seems to be a good all around rod but I still love my Calcutta rods!!