Ok so I'm going to take the plunge and get a decent swimbait setup and get some swimbaits when I do my taxes here shortly.. But I have some questions before spending that kind of money on a single specialized setup, what is a good affordable rod? Is a faster or slower reel speed preferred? What are some good reel choices for throwing swimbaits? And finally what swimbaits are best for numbers? What swimbaits are better for size? And which swimbaits should I avoid like the plague?

As of right now I've been looking at some huddlestons and the bull shad baits but I know there's more companies I just haven't found

Thanks for all the help

Need to know what kind of lake/structure/water clarity/depth/cover you will be facing to give the best answer but...

Keitech fat impact 5.8s on a 1/2oz jighead are a good start that won't break the bank. I throw them in slightly stained water up to 12 ft deep. I also like to put on a 1oz jighead and bounce them along bottom 20-30ft deep. They also work great doing a stop and go over the top of grass. Most of your fish will be at minimum 2lb. Have caught them 8lb and beyond.

Top shelf 5inch baits are a good choice as are huddleston grass minnows for a bit bigger profile. For hard baits, BBZ 6" shad is another good one and so is an MS Slammer 9".

I like a dobyns 764c or 804c Longer rod for longer casts. Either will handle all the baits mentioned pretty easily.

High speed reel is a must for me. You will want to pick up that slack quick but actual fishing involves turning the handle slowwwwwww

I'm using a denali kovert 7'8 extra heavy with a daiwa tatula 6.3 i like the slower gear ratio better In my opinion the best hard body swimbait for the money is the river2sea s-waver amazing action and has caught numbers and big fish for me. As far as other swimbaits its reaction innovations skinny dipper on a 3/8 jig head or the jerry rago 999 is great as well

Mark perry's swimbaits are really nice looking and have a great action. Plus they are locally made and by a fellow tffer. Apt and fns both have them I believe.

If you want to throw swimbaits like the Cali guys you need a big rod, for throwing 6"-8" Huddlestons, 3:16's, Slammers, Deps, etc. Dobyns has high quality rods, slow reels are the ticket. 5:0:1 or anywhere in the 5's, for baits like the Hudd it's all about how slow you can roll it and you will have more torque and drag. Daiwa Lexa 300 is a great reel and very popular because of the performance and price of the reel. The Okuma Guide Select is a great starting rod, can handle big baits and very affordable.

Has anyone used a musky rod for the big swimbaits?

+1 On the Okuma Guide Select rod Diawa Lexa or Shimano cardiff or calcutta for reels low gear

Any other suggestions?

I think HT Swimbaits, Pro Swimbaits and Top Shelf all make a great soft swimbait. I am always amazed at the stuff 3:16 turns out and really enjoy the conversations I had with Mickey. Both Ht and 3:16 are local companies. I make my own but to me when I see what those other guys are kicking out its hard to say mine are even in same league.

If you are looking for a great swimbait rod with other multiple uses the Megabass Orochi XX Leviathon is great. It will not feel like an 8' rod. It has double footed guides the length of the rod as well.

If you are more budget minded the Daiwa Tatula TAT741HFB is a great rod for 5" and under soft plastics. For an incredible deal you need to look at the new Daiwa Swimbait DXSB series. Absolutely amazing for $100 and come in 8' with 4 different actions, MH, H, Xh. and XXH. X=Can handle weights up to 12oz.

For reels I am using the Daiwa Tatula HD200.

Brando, are you about to start throwing swimbaits for the first time? If so, don't buy a new setup for it, use a flipping stick and a reel with a large spool. I throw osprey 6" tournament talons and Huddleston's with my flipping stick and a curado. Watch some vids from Matt Allen at tacticalbassin.com he's got loads of info on swimbaits.

Well I've thrown the smaller swimbaits like the lake fork series but haven't thrown the big heavy swimbaits

Not a musky rod but I do use an 8ft Loomis Salmon rod.

Big Bite Baits Cane Thumpers on a keel weighted Owner 4/0 Hook work for me. You can swim them, lift and drop, etc. Great action, they are cheap and can be picked up at any Academy.

For the soft rubber line through swimbaits what line is best? my limited experience you start ripping them up pretty quick a few snags or hook sets. thanks.

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