Enthusiast-Grade Swimbait Rods (and you don’t need to wait for “the drop”)
As swimbait culture has gained more widespread appreciation and acceptance, the tackle options for specific big bait presentations have proliferated. You no longer need to decide if you’re going to use your flipping stick, a converted musky rod, or something from the saltwater world to fling your expensive gliders, rats and wakes.
Now, it seems, just about every major rod manufacturer has at least taken a preliminary entry into big bait tools. Many of them are quite good and well-respected. At the same time, part of the allure of swimbait culture is supporting smaller or niche manufacturers. Fortunately, several of these companies don’t make you wait on “a drop” or know a secret handshake or password to spend your hard-earned money. If you’re looking for a rod that supports one on the companies endemic to big bait world, check out these three options:
Huddleston Deluxe Casting Rods
Ken Huddleston is a legend in the swimbait world, with countless double-digits to his company’s products, and now there’s an 8’ XH made specifically for his baits (although it’ll clearly work for others, too).
The KGB Chad Shad is one of the hottest gliders out there, both in the original model, and also the newly-released resin version made in collaboration with SPRO. The company also offers 7’11” heavy and extra-heavy rods made for enthusiasts.
Eric Gomez has two separate swimbait series available – one for throwing hard baits, one for soft baits, both with ultra-premium components and blanks.
Of course you need to find the right rod for the applications you utilize, but don’t forget to support the companies that understand and promote the best aspects of swimbaiting technology and community.
