Any recommendations on a swim bait rod and reel setup? I�m going to BPS and Cabela's this weekend to buy a new reel and 2 rods. I have a Abu Garcia reel I bought from Dicks Sporting Goods last march that was on sale (blue/gold) model. I don�t have a rod for it and I was thinking of using it for bass and stripers. While I�m there, I plan on picking up an Abu Garcia Ambassdeur record reel and another swim bait rod.

As for a rods, I want something around $100-150. I know BPS has the RCX Power series rod 7�6� swimbait on sale for $89 and I absolutely love the cork handles. Also Skeet Reese, Allstar and Shimano have swimbait rods around my price range. I could go higher on the rods if I down grade on the Abu Reel.

What do you guys use for your swimbait rod setup?

p.s. I posted this in the rod and reel section but have yet to get any replies. I figured since I mainly fish for bass I would post here.

I use a Revo stx and Kistler Helium Rod. My other setup is a revo s and a skeet reese rod (jig/worm model). The latter combo has served me well in tourneys and is just the right backbone and tip to chunk em. You want a rod that will have a faster tip and MH with it feeling more Heavy than MH.

Depends on how heavy your swimbaits are. If you're talking up to 1-1/2 oz then there's lots of rods available at BPS/Cabelas that you can look at. If you're going into the 2 oz and up category, you may not find much at those stores that can handle them.

Personally, I'm a fan of Dobyns rods - the SS735C for smaller baits, and the 795ML and 795SBMT for bigger. Contact the Tackle Smith, aka Late4Lake, and see what he can do for you. It would be worth your time to ask