Hi
I'am new to big bait bassing and i need some advise before buying my first rod. Did anyone tried the rod recommended by Tacklewarehouse: Daiwa Heartland S Salmon Back Bouncing, Jigging Rod?
It's a X Heavy, Regular action 7'9" 1 piece rod , rated for 12-30lbs and 1-8 oz. Price is around 60 $.
Fuji reel seats, Aluminum Oxide guides and a classic cork 20' handle.

Thanks for your help.

"bass" regards

frenchbasser

I like the Shimano Calcutta series rods, for smaller swim baits Cl812XFA, for a little larger ones I use the CL815XFA. These have done really well for me with 7" ospery on the 812 is a perfect match.

Here is my review on the rod:

http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/rods/diawa_big_bait_special.html

For the price, it's solid. Plus you can use it for other stuff like frogs, rats, and heavy carolina rig. If you have 150 to 200 bucks to spend, I would probably get something a little more high quality. In this price range though, I don't think you can beat it.

Hey Rob,

I have a question regarding a rod for the 12" Slammer. I saw in your reviews that you use the Rainshadow SW967 for most of your big bait applications. Would you recommend the RS for something as big as the 12" Slammer? Is this a pretty solid rod and how does it load up with such a big bait? Thanks!

E-man. Rainshadow SW967 works so-so with the 12" Slammer. 12" Slammer is around around 4 to 5 oz so it loads up pretty good. The other thing is, with the 12" I use the stock hooks which are thicker than gammie hooks, so you need more hookset on the bait. I throw the 12" on my rainshadows mostly because I don't have two heavy duty rods. If I had another 800L or soemthing like that I'd be using that.

Rob,

Thanks for the insight. I'll look into the 800L or maybe the 80Mag for throwin the 12" slammer. Whichever I can get a better deal on. :) Thanks for the great advice & website!

Emmanuel

Rob, just wondering why you use the stock hooks? Have you tried the Gammie 4X black? I know tacklewarehouse can get them up to 5/0.

I don't really like those 4x or 5x or whatever hooks because they are so thick and kind of small for the size. I got a pack of 4/0 4x strong hooks a while back and never used them. I don't understand hook sizing exactly because a 3/0 VMC is bigger than a 4/0 4x strong gammie? I also don't like the shiny/thick hooks very much in general. It just can't look normal to the fish. Plus, I don't need that strong of a hook for bass fishing really.

If you just get a metal file and sharpen the stock hook, it's all good. If gammie ever comes out with a 5/0 round bend treble in bronze I'd be stoked. There's been talk about it but they haven't come out yet.

Thanks for the explanation. I haven't tried the big gammies yet. Was just noticing that they had them.

I've played around a little with the Matzuo sickle trebles and I like them. They run a little smaller then the gamm round bend, but they're available in some bigger sizes. I've been using 1 red sickle treble up front and had pretty good success. It really looks likes the gills are flaring out as the bait comes in. I don't know if that's natural, but it's different.

Me and my three friends have all bought heartlands and we love them to death. They are strong rods and have a good feelin with swim baits
I have ever big swim bait off of tacklewarehouse and it works great.

Hi
Great job with the rod review , i just ordered the rod from TWH. I'll let you know the results.
By the way, did you know that the european LM bass record is only about 10 lbs. Unfortunately, we don't have any florida strain bass here. What is the US nothern strain record??
Thanks for the great advice & website!
frenchbasser