I have a full length swimbait rod but like you sometimes I need to keep what I take down to a few choices and all under 7 feet.

The 6'9" LTA Medium-heavy Kistler may be the best overall rod in the Kistler lineup but I feel like it is a litle soft for the swimbaits you described. I use the 6'9" LTA Heavy and it has worked well for me.

• Action: fast
• Power: heavy
• Lure Wt: 1/2 - 1 oz
• Line Wt: 14 - 25 lb
• Handle: 9 inch with soft foam butt cap
• Length: 6 ft 9 in

They have upgraded the LTA rods with the new Fuji grip and guides and they are sweet.

I am not sure if the 1 oz upper rating is stout enough for your needs but if it is then this is one sweet rod that you can use for several different applications.

Topher,

I think you're thinking of a different shad...the one I'm using is the SMALL 4.5'' one. It's not heavy at all!



SlideR,

I like that idea...I'll take that one under advisement as well! Thanks man!!!



Shookie,

Leave it up to you to banter with me using a picture link that�s broken�.Ahh, what comedic relief you are!

It works for me...

You just need a better computer... whatever happened to that mega-machine that broke a year ago?

For throwing swimbaits 3/4 to 1 1/2 oz, I have had good luck with using a Falcon Cara 6'10'' Grass Rod. Rod has the power to hook and turn good fish but doesn't act like a pool cue. This rod is nice because you can also use it to pitch a 1/2 oz jig and throw some frogs as well.

Dink,

Thanks man, that's also a darn good idea! One of the back-up uses I need this rod for is topwaters...so that'll work wonders!

Shookie,

The old puter still doesn't have a pulse. Remember, the one I'm viewing it on now is YOURS! LOL!!!

I know, enjoy it...

Let us know which one you go with. Good luck choosing. The medium action is capable of setting the hook on a long cast especially when using trebles. It wil also load up like you want because I like the same when throwing swimbaits. Also capable of throwing topwaters, but for frogs you may need a heavier action rod. Hope this helps.

Enjoyed our conversation SB, feel free to contact me anytime you want sir !. Good luck !

Same here Carl, it was a pleasure! I've put that little secret trick you gave me to work...I think it'll be the key this weekend!

Falcon Lowrider LFC-5-17MH 7ft. Excellent for LFT swimbaits, 5 to 6 inch Money Lures, Matt Lures. Sorry I know you said 6'10" but I think you'll like the way this feels.

Have the 70M MH Blank scaled to what you want, custom made with Hendrix Rods. Interested, let me know.

Evv,

Yeah, I do like that rod...I've thought about it for other uses in the past. I just can't get it in the car without closing the door on it! LOL!!

Streak,

You may want to look at the old Castaway 6'10" Grass Rake. It is an old standby for several anglers that are limited on length.

http://www.castawayrods.com/Merchant2/me...;Category_Code=

I had one, but gave it to a friend that had originally given it to me. He wanted to pay me, but heck, he gave it to me, so why? Heavy rod, but it does have some tip and ated for lures as light as 3/4. If you can find an OLD Grass Rake, they were rated to 1/2 oz., I think. They do have a little tip to them. But that miht work.

Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I also own one of these and it is a great rod as well. It is a heavier action rod, but would be better for frogs. Just another option to tangle your mind with. I have found that it is very hard to choose and it is often easier to just buy them all. LOL

BB,

Yeah, thanks! LOL!!! I find it's always nice to have a couple of thousand opinions even if I know which direction I'm leaning.

Fishing is a learning sport...you can never have "too much" information!