I was just wondering what you guys use for throwing the big Castaic swimbaits and other trout immitations. Those are big baits to be throwing with bass gear, I was thinking something more like a jig stick is what guys must use. And also, do you get short-bit a lot on those big baits or do they usually inhale the whole thing? any info will be apreciated.

You may have read it already, but here is my take on the subject in general. There are some rod recommendations there as well:

http://www.calfishing.com/freshwater/big_wood/index.html

Thanks for the excellent bit of info Rob! In the rod section you mentioned that you have two Rainshadow 976's. I searched for it online but could'nt find it.. The closest thing that I found model # wise was the following: SWS967 8'0" 1 15-25 MOD-FAST MED/HVY $58.84. Is this the blank that you meant?

I'm currently using an old Loomis factory rod (PMR 932C 7'9" 1/2-5 12-25#) I think the rod was built for salmon fishing. I've been using this rod for calico fishing and throwing stuff like Hammers, etc.. It has a parabolic action but it's got a little too much backbone -- I think? (I've also used it for albocore.. lotsa fun!)

Anyway I want to get into the swimbait thing a little more seriously and I've been thinking about getting a rod wrapped. I'm looking for something that is "well rounded" for throwing a variety swimbaits.. Could you recommend other blank manufacturer's / model #'s? Also have you seen Phoenix's "Big Bait" rod? What do you think about it? Thanks!

The 976 was a typo, you are correct, it's SW967. This is a good all around rod. Another would be the Calstar 800XL. For factory rods, unfortunately I just haven't seen very many of them to know what's good or bad. I don't go into very many tackle stores up in the bay and the ones I do go to don't have a very big rod selection. Some brands to check out: Loomis, Allstar, Wade's Rods, Rogue Rods, Graphtec, Graphite USA, Phenix ... Whatever you get, I'd always recommend something 7'10" or 8'.

Where can I buy a rod with my name on it? What model # would you suggest of the Wade's Rods?

Tight lines,
Wade

Swimbait.. This might be kind of an anal question but.. what kind of guides do you recomend for a swimbait rod? Does it really matter? I'm thinking about slappin on Fuji SIC's.. also if you don't mind me asking.. What do you have on your Rainshadows? Thanks!


Wade.. most rods with names on them are custom wrapped. There are many shops in the Socal area that build custom rods.. If you want to put your name on a rod that you already own it should cost you no more than $20.. and most shops that build rods should be able to do this for ya.

I have Fuji guides. If I remember right, I just asked the guy to give me the middle of the road guides. Not the super expensive but not the cheapies. I do like a silicon carbide tip top since that's where most of the friction is. Brian made both of my rainshadows for me, maybe he knows the exact model.

what reels do you guys use with those rods I have a 8 foot loomis I use for ocean, but it has a newell on it. The rod throws the Osprey good but the calcutta 200 I put on it feels a little to small, any suggestions

I know I could get a custom done or for that matter do one myself. I just thought it would be cool to find a production rod with my "company" name on it, especially if I really liked the action.

Tight lines,
Wade

I'm partial to longer rods as I'm throwing from the shore most of the time. I use a G Loomis GL2 1085 and a Calcutta 400 with 25lb. I've used the same rod for just about everything in both salt and freshwater. It is a 9' cork handled trigger stick. It's great! I've also got an 8'6" stick that I'm not sure what the blank is. It's a bit heavier and I'm using 25 or 30 on it.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced rod...you MUST check out the Graphtech rods. They are available at most tackle shops here in Southern Cal as well as in all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. They have a GREAT selection of rods that would work well for the BIG stuff!

I hope this helps...

Darin

I tried throwing the 9" castaic on a 2oz flippin stick and NO way. The rod is not stiff enough. I ended up with a Shimano Calcutta 820-XFA rod and love it. the 400 reels are also the way to go.

I use a Lommis BBR964C, BBR965C, and BBR966C. Also A CTE-400 with 20-30lb Big Game. CTE-300's are great for the smaller baits.

Thats my recomendation.