One of the more lethal artificial baits a California angler can have in their tackle box is the Swimbait. A versatile bait that can be used in many different scenarios from fresh water to saltwater, from rockfish to calico bass! The swimbaits hookup ratio can be improved by a multitude of different ways. From the swimbaits length and color to the speed of its retrieval. Anglers will switch out dozens of different colors and sizes looking for that bite. Even change the style of their retrieval from a fast wind back, to a slow retrieve with a couple twitches in between.
But the seasoned swimbait angler doesn’t just think of the presentation of the swimbait but the whole package. From the conditions, reel, line, hook and rod! Having the right gear when pitching swimbaits can be the difference between a successful day on the water or a big fat skunk! In this review we will be discussing our favorite rods specifically for swimbait fishing.
Our top picks!
Dobyns Rods Fury Series
Lets start out with the lower end of the spectrum but with the quality still up to par, the Dobyns Rods Fury Series. A sensitive light rod that is perfect for swimbait pitching at a reasonable price. Made of a graphite blank and equipped with a Fuji reel seat with Kevlar wrapping, this rod also has an AA grade cork grip for comfort and longevity. The fast action model works great in the 8lb-17lb class and has enough back bone for quick hook sets but sensitivity to really feel the swimbait paddle through the water column. The Dobyns Fury series is a great swimbait rod that works well for the angler on a budget.
Budget: $
Rating: 92.5/100
Abu Garcia Fantasista
If you frequent our site you know we love Abu Garcia and the products they have to offer. The Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier is no exception, we fished this bad boy all day for spotted bay bass and even halibut and this rod worked like a charm.
The 7ft medium heavy is made of 24-ton carbon fiber graphite made this one super lightweight swimbait rod. The EVA power grip was comfortable and provided a comfortable grip even when wet. We used a heavy 40lb braid backing on this rod and the titanium oxide stainless steel guides held up to the job with ease. The guides show no signs of line abrasion and we have been fishing it for 7 months now. The only con we have for this rod is that it is one piece, so if you don’t have a large car or travel a lot it can be a little difficult. As for fishing, its amazing. We highly recommend the Fantasista and it’s definltey worth the price tag.
Budget: $ $ $
Rating: 96.5/100
Okuma SBX
The Okuma SBX is a great swimbait rod with a lot of high end finishes but at a medium range cost. The SBX is made of 24/30 Ton ultra responsive carbon blank with Okumas unidirectional fiber reinforced rod tip. The guides are the Zeus premium series made of titanium and are said to be 43% lighter then stainless steel guides. Equipped with a Fuji trigger reel seat and an impressive limited lifetime warranty. We like this rod and all the extras on it with the mid range price tag make this one of our favorites. Highly recommended and no cons to report for this rod, take a look and see for yourself.
Budget: $ $
Rating:95/100
Phenix M1
We love Phenix Rods and have a few of their models in our arsenal, we have also reviewed a few other rods from Phenix before, click here if you haven’t seen it already. The M1 is another great model by Phenix, specifically the Medium Light model. Made of carbon fiber nanotube technology the M1 has great strength and sensitivity for guide your swimbait through structure and strong hook sets. The M1 is equipped with EVA grips and Phenix designed reel seat, at a mid range price this rod has everything you need for a successful day of swimbait pitching.
Budget: $ $
Rating:96/100
