The Best STARTER Big Swimbait Rods!? Best Bang For Your Buck!!

Today CJ and I cover a topic that we get asked about a lot, and that is what is the best swimbait rod for getting into swimbait fishing! Now, it is very easy to go down the money pit rabbit hole of swimbait fishing and drop a lot of dough on high end gear so in this video we highlight some of the best bang for buck rods for beginners and break them down so you can see which rod fits your needs. I hope this helps those of you that are tapping into the world of swimbait fishing!
Products In This Video:
St. Croix BassX Heavy Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
St. Croix BassX X-Heavy Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
St. Croix BassX XX-Heavy Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
IROD Genesis III "Jumbo Swim" Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
Daiwa Rebellion 7'11" Heavy Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
St. Croix Victory 7'10" XX-Heavy "SB Brutus" Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
IROD Air "Bailey Swim" Swimbait Rod:
thehookuptackl...
Megabass Levante "Leviathan":
thehookuptackl...
Megabass Orochi XX "Leviathan":
thehookuptackl...
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[@MetalRunner4]

youtube bass fishing needed videos like these. Breaking down tackle and gear in detailed discussion. Awesome vid

[@deliciouspeanut6572]

Grabbed a Bass X from you guys when the Bassmaster sale was on. Finally got to throw it yesterday and caught two swimbait fish. Rod was fantastic. Thanks guys.

[@BrownBaitCo]

Just made a big order from you guys last night it has already shipped! Thank you so much. Will be doing a video unboxing it and giving yall a few shout outs

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business! 👊🍻

[@terribleatfishing]

thank you for this. I am in the market to get a swimbait rod and have been doing so much research. Company customer service is crucial for me to make a choice.

[@bantoldude]

I got my first ever hit on a big swimbait yesterday on my BassX throwing a baitsanity gill glide!. Just started last year and I can't wait to land one!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome man! Keep at it!! 👊🍻

[@bantoldude]

@@thehookuptackle_usa just stuck my first big swimbait fish earlier beating the bank throwing the Antidote in the Bluegill pattern! I'll be posting on Instagram and I'll give you guys a shout out!

[@bantoldude]

@@thehookuptackle_usa Geoff got me into swimbait fishing but your shop made it happen for me. You guys opened up a whole new world of bass fishing for me 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 looking forward to more sick baits from your shop! 🔥🔥🤙🤙

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

@@bantoldude so dope dude! Excited for you!

[@MegaNate831]

megabass levante leviathan is single handedly my favorite rod. I have to disagree with The Hook Up Tackle with them stating its a hard bait only rod. it handles Citizens 6/7's 8inch Huds with no issues. I actually prefer it over my Dobyns Champion xp. Just my 2 cents. Dont let you thinking its a hard bait only rod deter you from picking up this rod it kills it with the plastics as well.

[@icantcatchsalmon]

The only thing if heard is the handle is quite short thats the only thing thats making rethinking not to buy the rod

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

@@icantcatchsalmonhope you have taken a chance on the Levante leviathan God it’s a killer rod!

[@ryanbowers5799]

I own three different models of the levante. Hand it to someone who doesn’t know and tell them it’s a $400 rod and they would bat an eye. The best bang for the buck of any rod on the market. Incredible blanks, feel and build quality.

[@bretton696969]

Speaking of the Megabass Leviathan models reminds me of another rod company - Leviathan Rods. Pretty sure you guys started selling them no too long ago. They make stellar swimbait rods at around the same price point as the Orochi line up. They're made with Northfork blanks, the legacy of Gary Loomis. I have a few of them and they're great. They just sell out super fast so you usually have to wait to get one. It's worth the wait in my opinion. Great video dudes!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

They also make great rods! 👍🍻

[@flynnryder7798]

what are your opinions on the new slx swimbait rods?

[@anthonymcgee8933]

Great video!! I just got into Big swimbait fishing. I purchased a St Croix Bass X and Okuma Guide Select swimbait rods about a month a go. I think they are both great values for the price. Fishing just started here up north in Michigan, so I'm looking forward to throwing some Mag drafts, Osprey Talons, the big Kietechs and the Bucca Bull Shads!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I hope you have a great season man! 🍻

[@chriscabral4342]

What about the Dobyns 795,806 Fury?

[@Michaelpruis]

Those rebellion look so good... not sleeping on that irod styling either! Megabass is just art... doesn't count

[@brianlee9074]

Good stuff Ben. I'm loving that Rebellion/Levante range for a new stick. Thanks for the review. ✌🏻🎣

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@burningheart86402]

The iRod Bailey’s Swim is the jam, I love mine. Also the Bama Rig throws smaller baits in the 2-4oz range well too.

[@andrewsliz9156]

Way to stuff if a rod not a mod fast at all

[@burningheart86402]

@@andrewsliz9156 I haven’t found it to be the case for me, mine feels just right to make effortless casts with the good amount of load up.

[@ericpettyfishing]

Just ordered a 7'10 extra extra heavy BassX. Very excited to try it out

[@kylemayer8486]

Bought the rebellion to see if I liked throwing glides, ended up throwing an a-rig on it and was pretty impressed with its versatility.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It does make a dope a rig rod!

[@kadintomsich5762]

I have the levante 7’10 and I was wondering if I would be ok to throw a 8inch magdraft or if I should fish a glide or neither. If you could respond that would be much appreciated

[@John_D2]

I noticed the bass x went light on the guide count but. I guess it has enough.

[@phengmoua4266]

Just what I needed

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Sweet! 🍻

[@randyjob5769]

I held a St. Croix bass X heavy at a local shop, I was so impressed with the way it felt I bought it just to have another swimbait combo, feels amazing for 150$ imao

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed! 🍻

[@codycantrell2780]

I have this rod too and it’s been awesome for smaller glides and A rigs

[@KenSwizzy]

My Orochi XX Leviathan came in yesterday from you guys and the details on the rod is amazing can’t wait to test it out in the water! Going to be paired with a Antares DC MD🔥

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome! Thank you for your business! 👊🍻

[@BD1JR]

What rod would you recommend for 6"-8" , 2-6oz. glide baits from the Leviathan down??

[@suicidebites4082]

I'm going to get my self a Mojo Bass and the Shimano SLX combo this weekend for starter swim baits for this summer bass fishing. Anyone know how many lb test should I use? I don't want to use braid not my style and i'm not fishing pike or snake head in heavy vegetations.

[@nandogolfer]

What rods did you recommend for 6" soft swimbaits? You mentioned another video, but didn't see the link....

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

Great video made me think that I should try it here in Michigan

[@roberts.2413]

I'm from Michigan , it works !

[@JoseMartinez-dq4km]

@@roberts.2413 where you from or where do you fish

[@roberts.2413]

@@JoseMartinez-dq4km Calhoun County , usually lakes near my house

[@mcdrmtt]

This video is OUTSTANDING

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching my friend! 🍻

[@aaronthompson9210]

Perfect timing I’m looking at the Evergreen International combat stick 7’8 XH for magdraft or I-slide.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

That’s a great one too!

[@deancurlee9373]

Hey Ben and jeff would the Levante leviathan be good for a big mag draft ?

[@FilipinoBMW]

I can vouch for the IRod Air Bailey. Also underrated or does not get a lot of publicity. Tossed Magdraft Freestyles, 6&7" Citizens, Gantarel, Dowzswimmer 220, 8" Hudd ROF5, and 4oz wakebaits. It is a versatile rod as mentioned, not as parabolic as like a DC806 but not stiff like a DC807. Good in-between rod and is lighter than either of those two mentioned.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👊🍻

[@briangodbold2536]

Can you launch/throw far distances with the Depps 250 without destroying your shoulder are back? this rod looked so cool and light...thanks

[@FilipinoBMW]

@@briangodbold2536 it doesn't have a long handle compared to like the two Dobyns I mentioned, so full send is tricky. TBH I rarely do full sends with 5oz baits and higher. I adhere to keeping arms and elbows close to body and do more of a turn-and-lob that I picked up on a Tactical Bassin video they put out I think 2-3yrs ago on how to throw swimbaits without killing your shoulders. Ain't gonna get crazy distance, but you'll have the endurance to fish much longer.

[@Milehighsnake98]

@@briangodbold2536 The iRods are awesome. I have the Large swimbait rod from them (as well as the Jr Swim) which is rated 4-10oz. It'd throw the 250 just fine.

[@maximogutierrez1008]

@@Milehighsnake98is the geneses III large swim (3-6oz) a safe bet for both reps 250 and 8” hudds? Also I see they have an xl swim/x heavy for 3-10oz and also the bailey swim is the same. It’s so hard trying to figure out what would work best in my scenario

[@Side85Winder]

I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to rods and ended up with a swimbait rod for my tranx 500. I don't think it's what I am after, you mentioned in the video rods to throw 6" and smaller but didn't link it anywhere.

[@tristinh1240]

Yo cj where’s the video for the 6” or less setup been trying to find it

[@Thepondguy85]

Love y'all's videos

[@KriticullCTRL]

Got my Orochi XX Leviathan from you guys and can't wait to use it! It may be priced higher, but it's the way to go for versatility with the big swimbaits and only wanting one rod to do the job.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business! 👊🍻

[@aojigman]

Awesome and informative video!! I just got into throwing big topwater baits. Megadog, mega pompadour, Depz NZ Crawler , etc. What is your recommendation for these? Thanks!!

[@chefmatt6299]

Can any of these work as a good flip/punching rod too? Thinking the Rebellion maybe?

[@FreedomFishing]

Have you guys heard of any reel seat problems with the BassX swimbait rods, like the less powerful rods in that 2nd gen BassX lineup have had?

[@M.Redsky]

I'm new to this but fascinated. What are the characteristics of a swimbait rod? you mentioned taper and grip. What about those aspects makes a swimbait rod? What other qualities should it have? would you advise these for musky fishing?

[@scottsinclair9525]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@matthewgonzalez5019]

Man thank you so much guys for making this video so I just recently got into big Baits I’m throwing the adusta silent blaster I just purchased another one from you guys and can’t wait to see more colors in that bait but a bait like that what kind of rod would you guys recommend and Line I mainly wanna fish glide baits and that a silent blaster Man that is a great bait so glad I purchased it after I watched your video Very unique sound

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for your business! Any of the rods that I mentioned for glides in the 2-4 oz range will work great on that Adusta!

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

I am lost, looking to get a rod for 6.8" and 7.8" Keitechs and other similar sized soft baits. I will eventually buy hard swimbaits, plan on fishing the rod with 25lb fluorocarbon. Also plan for smaller A-rigs. Just no idea what to get still.

[@gstixfishing9746]

So many great options!

[@erylopez9235]

The leviathan is one that sells out pretty quickly! Any word on ETA for this rod? Maybe a boogie swimbait rod guide that the hook up tackle recommends next ft the king himself!

[@juliancruz695]

Does the reel make a difference

[@lamontgray6015]

I use a Xtra Xtra heavy musky rod as my swimbait rod thinking of getting an mega bass swimbait rod tho

[@FLAWDAMANFISHING]

I wish I would’ve seen this vid earlier😂 I picked up a mojo musky and it’s so stiff

[@RyanSmith-fb8rf]

What are your thoughts on the Shimano Expride B 7’6 extra heavy for fishing soft Swimbaits in Florida like 6-7” WCZ Citizen’s 8” Magdraft and 3:16 soft Swimbaits ? Just looking for a rod for soft Swimbaits in the 3/4oz to 3oz baits fishing braid to leader. Would you go with this Expride or do you recommend a different rod for these baits? I already bought the Expride but could still return it and get something else. I’m just questioning the durability of the Expride and if you think a specific rod would work better. I like the 7’6” length. Your thoughts are appreciated

[@skylerbrycesmith]

I’m just now getting into the swimbait game and this video was extremely helpful! Tons of people recommend the Dobyn’s Fury also. Is there a reason it didn’t make your list? Just curious.

[@Mila808g]

Dobyns makes a great rod all around

[@skylerbrycesmith]

@@Mila808g yeah, I have a few of them now lol

[@robertgutierrez7243]

What's a good spinning rod for swim bait/glide baits under 3 ounces?

[@semtexnick]

Megabass Levante Leviathon, Orochi Leviathon, or G Loomis IMX PRO 966C?

[@unclegreg7535]

I'm just impressed you grew that beard back in since Sunday's episode 😁

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

All that Orion 😜🍻

[@RHINOIDING]

Where's the link to the video for 6" swimbaits? I'm likely going to be mostly chucking 6" magdraft, 5-6" weedless soft baits, and some 6" glides up to say 2.5 ounces on the top side, and some rats

[@kehlervaughn5522]

With the bass x extra heavy would I be able to throw 8inch soft plastic baits on it

[@Milehighsnake98]

iRod has probably the best variety of swimbait rods that are affordable. $150 for an 8' swimbait rod to throw an 8-10" Huddleston is amazing.

[@kenbrown5449]

Will the Orochi XX Leviathan work as well with the lower weights as well as the higher end weights? I guess I'm asking if there is a sweet spot for this rod or is it great across the board. I've got up to 2oz (Rebellion/Killer Code) 4oz (older St. Croix SB / P5 TeqBac) but looking to justify the Orochi (other than that it can handle hard and soft baits). Thanks for your time! Loving the content!

[@te6688]

how does the Conquest 905c stack up versus the new P5 Mark 56? Are either of them versatile enough to throw both glides and weedless swimbaits?

[@greghiday]

Great video. Looking for a rod in the 150 dollar range to throw 6 inch magdraft and small glides. Just getting started and love the content you are putting out.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching! 👊

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

When bank fishing: 8ft 6 with a Round reel 200 or 300 size. The long bow 😋 🎣 Go BIG or Go home!! When kayak/ boat fishing: 7ft till 7ft 11 with round or low profile reel (shorter rods) as long as its capable to handle the heavy baits. 😎🎣 Canon balls for breakfast Power 150-200 gram, maybe higher 200- 230 gram Action Regular till moderate fast Braid to leader 50 - 80 lbs this can be (must) a steel trace wire if you are in Pike land like us Europeans. This does NOT affect the bait btw

[@eronocampo8014]

Any low profile recommendation reel for this rods ? I'm thinking antares dc but it's already sold out in your store. Thank you

[@luiscarrillo6205]

Guys one question, new in fishing here, I already have 3 rods (light spinning for senkos) medium and mh for jerk airs and crank baits. I just buy a tranx 301 so I want a fishing rod for small hard swimbaits + mag draft 6 or 8 and not sure if that same rod can flip to

[@JoseGarcia-ik2cg]

what rod do you recommend for a shimano tranx 400 for swimbait rods to throw nlbn swim bait 1oz - 3 1/2 oz

[@MikeTurkeyy]

I am kind of in between the Bass X XH and a dobyns fury 806. Any recommendations between the two?

[@DontsaveJlaff]

What rod do you recommend for a hard bait 7oz with treble hooks? Because most XXH are broomsticks.

[@roberts.2413]

I've been throwing baits like the Beast Creep and Magdraft Freestyle on a Dobyns 795 with a braid to leader combo because in my opinion it lacks the power needed to consistently set the hook throwing it on straight floro which would be my preference. Basd on the comments from the video , do you guys at the Hook Up Tackle feel that the XH 7'10" Fast action St Crioux Victory rod could get the job done throwing straight florocarbon ?

[@jonahtorres4407]

What reels would you recommend around the $250 range for throwing 2-8oz swim/glide baits ?

[@BravoJoe604]

Great video

[@incomedrainer]

What is the video title with the rod mentioned for 6" swimbaits or the magdrafts?

[@jaredkaros699]

Would the bass x 7’10” be a good all around striper bass rod from the surf?

[@istaycatchingfish2552]

Throwing 2-6 oz hard baits would anyone pair a spinning reel instead of a bait caster? If so what size reel?

[@xxxxxxx3760]

Cj didnt put the link at the top of the screen

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

He really sucks at that actually…

[@eddieetheridge8085]

Can The IRod Handle Wildbeat Swimbaits And Megabass 262 Baits

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Ben I need you to restock the T.S. Black Jack sir. Lol Damn I think I need that OrochiXX Leviathan though lol….

[@PHATBASSASSASSIN]

What would be your go to reel ? For these glide baits ? I have a tranx 300 it’s a 5.8 gear ratio 30 inches Per turn

[@ryanschembri4139]

scorpion md 300 which is basically the same thing as a tranx 300 with a 8:1 gear ratio, i prefer faster reels for glidebaits. heaviest bait i with it throw is like 6oz

[@efrainsandoval6480]

Can you link the video for 6 inch swimbaits

[@samhartwig4640]

TS destroyer blackjack or casino. Break the bank is always the way to go🤫

[@Jx7ceyo]

Ben I have a question regarding the Antares DC MD I have been eyeing it but will it handle heavy baits and if so up to what size do you recommend throwing on it or can it handle and also it being XG will it affect that as well?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s a big bait reel

[@Jx7ceyo]

@@thehookuptackle_usa I'm looking to pair it up with a Deps Huge Custom H3S-73RF that I got as a gift I think that would be a super sexy setup!

[@keyairaskeys862]

wheres the video for 6'' and under lures

[@kodyverbal7683]

Love my Megabass levt. Things a bad ass!!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed! 🍻

[@BravoJoe604]

Great video buddy

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnjenkins52]

I am trying to decide between the daiwa lexa wn 300 or the curado 300 so I was wondering which y’all would recommend or if there’s any other better options for around $200 or under

[@erylopez9235]

Maybe a tatula 300 if you don't spending the extra cash. That is the reel I'm considering for 6oz baits like the slide swimmer 250.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Tatula 300 is badass. TranX is badass. I would strongly urge you to consider one of those for a little extra money - they’re a lot more reel!

[@roberts.2413]

if you go with Shimano you are better off with a Tranx 300 over the Curado 300 , I've fished both extensively

[@lawrencewilliams6923]

QUESTION: can anyone recommend a rod for launching roughly 1-5oz hard treble swimbaits? im debating between the SLX 7'8 heavy fast 2-8oz (favorite looking), the st. croix mojo bass 7'10 heavy fast 1-4oz, and the savage squad 8' heavy moderate fast 1-4 oz (though i think its kinda ugly). any info or recommendations would be a huge help.

[@drewbies6605]

Check the reel seat on the savage gear! It may have a “palming grip” reel seat which has a completely different trigger on the handle. Just FYI

[@chris_2413]

So I think I’ve narrowed down my mag draft 8” as a bass x rod but what about the 10”? I don’t think I really got a clear conclusion.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Leviathan or the big bass X rod (XXH) would be good!

[@MichaelRomero]

The Daiwa Rebellion is an amazing rod for the price 🤫

[@brandonhernandez5504]

That’s normal prices dawg 😂 reasonable would be in the double digits

[@djjackson4592]

I am considering entering the big swimbait fishing and was looking at the St. Croix BASS X 7’ 10” Heavy casting rod. When looking at the reviews, several people complained about reel defective seat issues. Has anyone experienced this?

[@drewrw21]

The swimbait models have a different reel seat so it is not impacted

[@deluxsundial]

Do any of these rods have a lifetime warranty?

[@lipsnatcher7483]

Do y'all fish a snap on the Megabass Gong? or tie straight to it?

[@gstixfishing9746]

Put a snap on it

[@shawnhicks9838]

I own everything conquest in existence

[@matthewlucas8245]

Can the lighter st.croix bassX rod throw an a-rig well?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Lighter a rigs absolutely. The XH will do better for full size/heavier a rigs

[@sergiorodriguez889]

Well here I go!! I've been at this for almost 60 years now...my advice is simple!! Save your nickel,but high end!! In a year you'll have a dozen 150$ rods hanging in the garage that you'll never ever use AGAIN!! commit fully, you'll be gooder than you think in no time. 12$ latte's, 400$ Jordans?!?! Yeah!! You can do high!!!🤑🤙🤙🤙🤙❤️

[@bloodcat12]

Any of these make decent Big M 7.5 rods?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Orochi Launcher is the one for that

[@eddgutierrez5811]

I have a budget of 50 to 100 $ only

[@eckharttolle-nq7qu]

St Croix are so good - most sensitive rods on earth

[@eddgutierrez5811]

I've been fishing for ever and 140+$ is still too expensive for me

[@pelagicprincesses6123]

Liking the St. Croix warranty. Can’t stomach the price and sub par Megabass customer service.

[@marcuslucarelli2329]

I’ve personally had great experiences with Megabass customer service. They’ve replaced every rod I’ve called them about and I’ve fished the em’ for years. If the rod i broke they happen to be out of , they’ve even given me other models to compensate.

[@randyjob5769]

@@marcuslucarelli2329 I had to ask Ben to harass them before they would reply to me, but after that it went pretty well

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

You have to make decisions that are best for you. I would put Megabass customer service at the top the list, so I’m not sure what your experience was?

[@sheaffergrubbs6056]

If the rod works great.... what does it matter what it cost.

[@chrisbrown1295]

5.45 minutes before we get to the meat "YAWN"

[@jeremyduncan9165]

Geoff is going to be mad at you

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

What’s new? 😜🍻

[@phengmoua4266]

Was up guys

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Sup sup! 👊🍻

[@bobbybaker5304]

What would be the limit for a Tequila Baccarat as far as big swim baits?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

4-5 oz

[@troycote4503]

These are good rods period! Not necessarily starter rods.

[@shawnhicks9838]

Get in the game? TRANX ALL DAY