What ROD, REEL, LINE SETUP to use for different SWIMBAIT types??? (How To & Tips)

Chris Zaldain goes over the specific rigging and rod, reel, and line setups he uses with different swimbait types.
My Website: zaldaingerous.com
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Links from this specific VLOG:
Swimbait Rod: bit.ly/SwimbaitRodXH
Swimbait Reel: bit.ly/ConceptA3
Swimbait Line: bit.ly/SeaguarINVISX
Chris' Sunglasses: bit.ly/ZaldaingerousSunglasses

[@danielkinn782]

Swimbaits aren't your average Lures. It's a whole mindset. Most people buy setups and toss it s couple times and put it away for something they have more confidence in. You have to know, believe, that you'll get bit eventually. You can go DAYS without a bite, then BOOM, you have your new PB. Its an amazing feeling. Just keep at it, build confidence and keep throwing them.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Very true 🤘🏽

[@richiekamtan9209]

Facts! 💯

[@0906danny]

Thank you brother, that’s exactly my situation and I’m about to change it🤙

You can get a pb deep cranking, ripping a lipless, or even a jig. There's no reason going days without a bite that's just asinine.

[@danielkinn782]

J Hof depends....whats your pb? If yours is a 5 and I want to catch a DD then a swimbait is the better option.

[@KCMWM]

This video is why you’re gaining traction and people like your instruction. You don’t just push product and describe 20 different ways to fish a particular style. You keep it simple and reinforce the most important aspects of the style you’re teaching. Much appreciated. Great content👍🏻

[@gpharned]

Thanks Chris. You always give great honest advice!

[@bmiller8255]

Thank you for helping us all out. Your the best at what you do that’s why we all ask you about it. Good luck this season!!

[@benjimorris3494]

Thank you for the juice and simplifying this for us trying out bigger swimbaits!

[@joshlanham4885]

Great timing on the video I just got a tranx 300 and was wondering what line to use on swimbaits up to 4oz 👊Thanks Chris

[@PSPSALES]

Thanks neighbor ! We all appreciate you taking time to "dumb it down" for us ! I've just got 1st 13 reels, and so far, I'm super impressed ! Keep that awesome content coming, and good luck this season !

[@johncure8268]

Great content Chris, when I think of big swimbaits your name comes to mind first!

[@randywunderlich6315]

I’m a newbie to this swim-bait world… thanks for the straight talk!!! Much appreciated…

[@jackstein5486]

Very thorough analysis of your recommended setups. Thanks for clarifying the size reels and line as well.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thanks for watching, Jack 👊🏽

[@jamesbailey8790]

Great info, just what I needed to watch. Just ordered my first swim bait rod. Was trying to decide on a ratio for a reel. Thanks

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad I could help. Good luck 👊🏽

[@raidernai6646]

Thanks Chris, good explanation on the line and how it impacts action.

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽

[@Boren2Fish]

Thank you for this! Struggling on the soft baits…

[@raytubach8988]

Perfect, Chris. Your simple deconstruction of this process takes the intimidation out of it for a beginner. I especially like that you show how much your line choice affects rod action. Killer job bro!..

[@Zaldaingerous]

🙏👊🏽

[@kenmccarthyfishing]

Thank you Chris,incredible job 👏👏👊

[@TheUltralightLife]

Awesome content look forward to what else you got coming!

[@seanhaugen2492]

Just getting into the big swim/glide baits. Just bought a Shimano Curado 300HG and Dobyns 8’ Heavy with Seaguar Abrazix Floro. I like the setup.

[@mattquinlan4629]

Outstanding amount and depth of information. Thank you

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edpelkey7798]

Great info Chris thanks for sharing 👏

[@davidhughes8574]

Thanks for the great content! I bought the swim bait setups you recommended, and I am going to try the two rods only approach. I will be fishing from my kayak any advice. Thanks

[@jerodjmoore]

Super informative guy-love your videos. Believe you were parked outside of Runnings in Plattsburgh last year with a puppers. Too nervous to say hi as you appeared to be rigging up. Man I learn a ton from you all and you with these swimbaits are setting me up for spring and summer on Champlain!

[@joshwagner8468]

As always super awesome video. Let's freaking goooo

[@BoomingBuckeyes]

One of the best how to setup for swimbaits. Guntersville fish are in trouble now.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Get ‘em 👊🏽

[@KiddNCoop]

Always great giving this type feedback to the anglers

[@Zaldaingerous]

I’ve got at least one tip video a month lined up for 2023 so if there’s anything specific topic wise that you can think of that would help everyone, let me know?

[@TheReelDeal57]

@@Zaldaingerous Hey Chris, I fish Lake worth and Eagle mountain mostly, I started watching and subscribed to your channel for 2 reasons, I’m going to start using big swim baits more, and my daughter went to school with your wife in Azle, and she was talking about Trait one day being a pro angler. (Megan Mcraven) I live in River oaks and my fishing buddy’s, Travis and Shane work @ TBW, I would like to meet you one day, I would like to know which knot your tying as well. Take care, god bless Rich

[@janosczovek8524]

Excellent love this information thanks 👍

[@Josey4u]

Nice Chris. Awesome as always. Give'em the wood bro

[@troycote4503]

I know the Omen is better than the Defy but the second version of the Defy 8 ft 2 to 8 oz Swimbait rod has a really nice soft tip very similar to my Dobyns. I love it. It got me my PB a month ago. 8 lbs 24 inch in Massachusetts. It's incredible for a hundred bucks.

[@marcuskerns2740]

Great video and info thank you

[@DirkDigler209]

Thanks for the information brother I’m so sick of just jig fishing on the Delta I doubt I’ll catch very many or have very many places to throw it but I just got a couple big glide baits big soft baits I’m gonna go ahead and give them a try this next couple months on the delta while it’s cold thanks for the tips

[@Zaldaingerous]

Good luck! I need to get back out to the Delta this year. It’s been too long

[@StephenByrd-tg7dm]

Very interesting!

[@scottstafford3550]

Videos are awesome. Just to be sure. I can throw 6 inch mags on the Omen Heavy rod? Thanks. Scott

[@JohnathanShepherd-bb8qq]

I just bought the a3 today and am looking for a good rod like this for it I’m adventuring into the big swim bait and glibebait lures rn

[@PHATBASSASSASSIN]

What do you use when your dock fishing like with your new daingerous swimbait

[@jensendesguin490]

Hey Chris, I’ve been wanting to get into swim bait fishing and I just picked up some of the bass mafia 6 inch dangerous swim baits and I wanted to know what kind of reel and rod would you recommend for bank fishing in Florida?

[@CT393]

Good info! Just wanted to follow up and ask, do you ever use braid/braid to leader for swimbaits? Are you confident you can throw most of your stuff on 25lb test?

[@14GundamWing]

That Hogfather tho 😍 Matt's an awesome guy!

[@Zaldaingerous]

He is 👊🏽

[@spencermarch9425]

You’re an angler I look up to Chris thank you for all your detail it really helps out a lot. I am a folsom recreational fisherman love to throw spinnerbaits jigs and swimbaits Dropshot ect typical reservoir guy…. What’s your opinion on throwing that 6 inch mag and 8 inch mag on folsom lake? As you probably remember we have 1-4 inch size pond smelt and smaller 3-4 inch threadfin shad but also have trout and Kokanee… I’m tired of throwing the small swimbaits and dropshots, do you believe that Magdraft could be a good option? Thanks brother 🙏🏼

[@joshuasouthern3435]

Thanks for the information, I just brought my first few big swim baits due to watching your videos.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Hope you catch a few giants this season on them 👊🏽

[@BrockBoettcher]

LOVE SWIMBAIT VIDEOS

[@Zaldaingerous]

Then this is the place for you 👊🏽

[@thomasbade3792]

Hey Chris, any thoughts on big pike? Would you use the same setup? Thanks very much!

[@greghiday]

Great video Chris. Been trying to decide on which swimbait setup to get. This video helps a lot.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad I could help!

[@umtyapt8]

Thanks for the content Chris! How are you setting the drag? Does it depend on the bait (glide vs boot tail or wedge)? It looks like most of the time you are grinding them to the boat as fast as possible so I’m guessing pretty tight drag but does that change at times?

[@Zaldaingerous]

Always crank the drag down tight. Hit the fish hard and keep her coming to the boat

[@dariantfishing]

Thanks for the help man. But question, could I get away with 17 pb flouro with a 7 inch/2.2 ounce glide bait?

[@InfamousKiddXD]

New subscriber just found your channel, I just got into Swimbaits I mainly bank fish ponds or lakes. Got a daiwa coastal 200 hs and the dobyns 795swb Black braid 40 lb with a 25 invsxz leader

[@Zaldaingerous]

Send it 👊🏽 it’s addicting once you get that first big bite

[@marcuskerns2740]

All my other rods are G.looms what are your thoughts on the G.loomis swimbait rods?

[@princezephra]

can you use braid for large swimbaits? or would it be to risky due to braid being able to dig into the spool?

[@AgiDaKinG]

For someone looking to get into big swimbait fishing what are your top 5 baits you’d recommend to start off with here in Texas?

[@Zaldaingerous]

You need 3 in Texas. Bass Mafia Daingerous unloaded 6” and 7”. Both rigged with 7/0-9/0 screw lock belly hooks. Fish them in the Texas timber, rocks, and grass with confidence all year. And a Tater Hog Father, especially in April May June

[@austinholden2826]

What do you think about the rival glide bait by googan baits?

[@dragonsnatch1146]

Those defy rods are great bang for your buck , I put a hurting on a 20lb yellow tail at the island till a sealion grabbed it at the boat lol.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Wow haha that’s awesome

[@dipster14]

The swimbait pro himself! What do you think of 13 fishing Bamf shad?

[@Zaldaingerous]

I’ve thrown the bamf Shad but have not caught one yet. To me it’s best during prespawn when the water is still 55-62 degrees. Because it’s a slow beautiful consistent wag

[@kobepincombe5430]

Awesome video Chris! For those 2-3oz trebled swimbaits do you think a 1-4oz rod would throw them better or a 2-8oz. I’ve heard mixed opinions on sweet spots of rods and this and that! Thank you!

[@Fatenarr]

Was going to ask that same question….

[@michaeldudas7584]

@@Fatenarr Me also! Alot of swims and glides are in that weight class. Thanks

[@Zaldaingerous]

Yo Kobe, I always say go with the heavier rod. I’ve lost several key fish on the lighter swimbait rods. If the heavy rod feels too stiff, load it up with a stretchy mono. Old school Pline cxx is good stuff for swimmers

[@terryjarvis6544]

What are your thoughts on using a snap for the glide baits? I've heard of some pros using them. And also what are your thoughts on using a braid to floro or braid to mono setup?

[@Zaldaingerous]

I use a snap with glides. It helps give it a side to side action. I’ve snapped several swimbaits off with braided line on the casts. Big swimbaits need some cushion

[@Franny_the_Fisher]

Also make sure you swap the snap out from time to time cause the metal does wear out from casting inertia and the gate will open on you, happened to me with an over 50 musky on a glide last year right at the boat, $300 and the fish of a lifetime gone, I know musky harbor more power than bass. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, I usually swap them out every month

[@tigers3321]

Grabbed a Tatula 300 from Dream Catcher and they gave the rod for free at Christmas! Question, what mine brand do you prefer and what size/type swivels? Still a newbie but using some starter glides and Burritos. Appreciate ya!

[@Zaldaingerous]

For line brand, I prefer Seaguar and mainly their Invisx fluorocarbon

[@jessecooper9795]

Give em the wood! 💪💪🏆

[@jeremyboudreaux9313]

Chris what is your thoughts on braid to leader whether mono or flouro?! And I've had bad luck with the FG knot with mono leader... I've made a cast and lost the leader/lure with only a loop left at the end of my braided line... any tips or clues about this will be greatly appreciated

[@Zaldaingerous]

I’ve snapped several swimbaits off with braided line on the casts. Big swimbaits need some cushion

[@jeremyboudreaux9313]

So you always use either straight flouro or mono?! My frustration is the connection knot on such a heavy bait but is there a way to combat this I.E. different connection knot or is using straight flouro/mono best

[@jeremyboudreaux9313]

Thank you for taking the time to reply bro

[@davidhale3516]

Any particular knot/s you prefer for bigger baits? I use the uni and I also use braid but from seeing your other comments it looks like I need to be using straight flouro or mono

[@Zaldaingerous]

I’ve been using a Double Uni Knot lately. If I’m not doing a Double Uni, then I’m doing a San Diego Jam, but pretty much all Double Uni with my big baits.

[@ciscoamaro2772]

Do you tie directly to the bait or do you use a snap swivel, Norman speed clip

[@billysteppig8513]

Seems Like for the Lower Budget guy they could also plan on using one of these setups for an A-rig as well? Kinda Plan for 2 different pattern setup ups for the Season?

[@Zaldaingerous]

Excellent a-rig rod, the 8’ heavy swimbait rod

[@andrewmalvar4616]

What is the name of the shad glide bait you have on your extra heavy rod in the video looks really nice

[@Zaldaingerous]

www.shop.taterhogcustomlures.com/HOG-FATHER_c49.htm

[@raytubach8988]

@@Zaldaingerousoh wow Chris, that’s an investment right there! A little outside my comfort zone financially but it makes me ask - do you actually fish with a $160 rod or do you have a higher end/custom rod you use?..

[@Jiggsaul]

Bro take me fishing! I live in Fort Worth! Let’s go!

[@leonardantonio8500]

Wait a minute !! Was that the shark knot you were trying in the beginning ?

[@codyspurlin4362]

What glide bait did you have tied on and what's your favorite one

[@Zaldaingerous]

That’s a Tater Hog and it’s my favorite

[@InfamousKiddXD]

The black omen rod is discontinued what other combo do you recommwnd

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I like a 7'3 hvy. With floro for magdrafts and 6" keitechs

[@rgonzalezjr1994]

What size hook for the 6” keitechs??

[@mw8270]

I can tell by this jazz cats shades that he just demands respect and sends it

[@hiphopinfo93]

6 inch Magdraft would work better on the heavy right?

[@frickemup]

Yea! But If I’m getting what he’s saying, you can soften a X heavy by spooling Mono! Then you could throw a 6” Mag on a X heavy!

[@stewboyslabs1578]

What’s your favorite setup for smaller swimbaits around an ounce or so like your 6 inch daingerous swimbait?

[@stripervince1]

Wat is the bait youre tying on in the begining

[@muskyvictim]

Should I change to 20 # fc from 20# braids , on my tatula 300?

[@Zaldaingerous]

The braid is a little too stiff, you want some give with those big trebles but more over, it’ll give you a headache if it backlashes.

[@ulysses_gonzalez8840]

Do you have any future plans to create your own line of swimbait rods with 13 Fishing?

[@Zaldaingerous]

😈😉

[@bobnijaman23]

Where I live we have to use braid because of pike and Muskie would 50-65 pound braid work well or should I go 80

[@Zaldaingerous]

Consider using 60-100lb fluocarbon

[@seantobin8547]

Do you not want a more parabolic rod for the glides appose to the swim baits?

[@Zaldaingerous]

Yes, parabolic rod with double footed guides are better for the glides with multiple trebles

[@Danyang1]

Would you use the h or the xh for something like a deps 250?

[@Zaldaingerous]

XH for glides

[@Danyang1]

@@Zaldaingerous thank you! Loving the content and information! Now rewatching again you listing that particular bait for the XH. Thank you for the reply and interactions with your fans

[@Bassmaster12234]

W vid

[@andrewnorton3932]

I fish Clear Lake and Berryessa a lot and haven’t had the best luck on swim baits. In your experience, what colors have worked best?

[@Zaldaingerous]

Trout colors or anything with a white belly

[@danielkinn782]

Trout and Hitch colors and send it!

[@andrewnorton3932]

@@Zaldaingerous you gotta do a seminar at the sportsman’s expo in Sacramento

[@Zaldaingerous]

@@andrewnorton3932 I would if I had the time, but my schedule is nutty for 2023. I committed to a crazy amount of content for this channel in between Elite tournaments. But if there’s something specific you want in a how to video - let me know? I’ll make it happen on this channel

[@raytubach8988]

@@Zaldaingerous just a follow up on how/where to cast and the retrieve of each class of bait. I never really know if I’m doing it right with the big glides

[@FISHINGWITHDRACO]

would the heavy rod be good for you 7 inch swimbait or 6?

[@Zaldaingerous]

I prefer a jig rod tbh but it can work

[@zach0924]

Man I would love to see you do a video with the Roman made mother. I know you got that in your boat lol

[@Zaldaingerous]

Haha I do have one but tbh, I have never fished it. It sits in my office at home

[@zach0924]

@@Zaldaingerous bust it out lol, I’m just curious to see you fish it, in a 25 minute video lol, or the mother chaser 😂😂😂

[@Shawn_Lai]

What SB rods from 13 are available now that Omens have been retired? I know the defy but then the HD series in Muse but they arent SB rods...

[@Zaldaingerous]

My favorite swimbait rod right now is the 7’9 Heavy Muse… top hook swimbait, line thru, some of the lighter glides. Still using the Omen 8’ for heavy glides

[@Shawn_Lai]

@Zaldaingerous thanks Chris! I was wondering what happened to the core swimbait rods in the Omen line since the next lineup is in Defy series. Hopefully we see a refresh in Omen series or a Zaldangerous Swimbait Series? 😁

[@jarodriddle4095]

What brand of monofilament would you recommend

[@Zaldaingerous]

No specific brand for mono just make sure it’s 25lb test

[@danielkinn782]

Which ever one YOU have the most confidence in

[@joshuasouthern3435]

Do you think a googan squad muscle rod can handle those 1-2 ounce swim baits? Or do you think a angler should just go ahead and invest in a dedicated swim bait rod?

[@jakehigdonfishing]

hey man i don’t have the muscle but i have started throwing swim baits on a 7’6heavy throwing bull shads and it hasn’t given me any trouble it’s 2oz maybe this will help

[@joshuasouthern3435]

@@jakehigdonfishing thanks for this comment, this will be my 2nd year fishing I’ll have to look into one of those!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Most swimbait are going to weigh a little more. If you plan to really throw swimbaits, you might as well get one dedicated setup. That’s what’s good about the 13 rod, it won’t break the bank and it’s exactly what you need.

[@atamagashock]

@@jakehigdonfishing it will throw 1.5oz, but most swim baits, atleast real swim baits are 3oz+ and you’re definitely gonna want a legit swimbait rod. But you can throw a 6” mag draft on that rod. I throw it on a 7’3 heavy. But I have a Daiwa rebellion 7’11 1-4oz for those 6-7” baits. I’m getting a TS destroyer baccarat or king of baccarat for those 4oz+ swim baits. Haven’t decided which one yet

[@AgiDaKinG]

The biggest bait I throw on my muscle rod is the 6” magdraft but I feel that’s maxing it out lol

[@austinlivaudais210]

Why does my magdraft always spin around when I try to throw it?

[@bradleyhavard8955]

Let's goooo

[@Zaldaingerous]

🤘🏽👊🏽

[@austinholden2826]

I use 20lb fluorocarbon for throwing swimbaits is that a good size?

[@Zaldaingerous]

20lb Seaguar Invizx is perfect for most swimbait conditions. If you are fishing around stumps or really really big fish, hop up to 25 👊🏽

[@austinholden2826]

@Zaldaingerous alright thanks

[@JordanGonzales-]

What is the name of that glide bait

[@GillRaker79]

Does anyone know what that knot is called in the beginning?

[@Zaldaingerous]

Double Uni - I’ll put a video out on it at some point

[@JimmyBraswell]

Do you ever use a snap?

[@Zaldaingerous]

I use a snap with glides. It helps give it a side to side action

[@GymRat339]

You forgot about stripers tho, this is only for largemouth obviously. Stripers like these big baits super fast so I use an 8:1.

[@austinholden2826]

My swimbait setup is the 13 fishing 8" defy black swimbait rod and the lews super duty 300 , but I feel like I need another rod for different swimbaits

[@Zaldaingerous]

That should get the job done just fine 👌

[@jesseboyden3119]

Mann when are u releasing those glasses. I've been waiting a year lolol

[@Zaldaingerous]

They’ve been out? bit.ly/ZaldaingerousSunglasses

[@andrewkrall8388]

swimbait daddy

[@Zaldaingerous]

Ayyyyy 🤘🏽

[@Native20559]

Great video but some qualifications need to be made regarding the use of mono with larger swimbaits. Using mono with swimbaits, particularly BIG expensive swimbaits, can be a dangerous, risky proposition. The stretch alone , particularly when you backlash, can cause unexpected expensive break offs. Add to that, the wear on the line from a single outing alone, can necessitate a complete spool replacement of your line. Using a better line like a composite is a much better choice; better wear and tear resistance, less frequent risks of break offs, no need to replace all your line, only the part that’s worn can be cut off! In a lot of cases especially with top water baits, the better choice is still to go with a good braid attached to an 18-24” section of your favorite leader material, ideally mono for topwater baits that’s replaced frequently. Just my two cents.

[@Zaldaingerous]

You believe it’s better to cast a big bait with braid over mono? Braid will break off MUCH more on a cast than mono. Mono provides cushion for your cast, braid does not.

[@Twangtown7]

Oh hey, I see the Magdraft rippoff!

[@blind_eye_fishing]

Most 6 ratio 300 size reels turn more inches per turn than average 7 ratio reels lol. You actually lose some of the torque and advantages you had with say a 200 size reel in 6 ratio. I'd prefer a high 5 ratio or one that turns 25 to 28 in pee turn over the 34 to 37 in per turn you get with most 6 ratio 300 size reels.

[@macking4942]

what hat is that

[@Twangtown7]

Are you going fishing or skiing? LOL.

[@earniederboven5100]

Seems almost like a catfish rod....

[@dirty_863]

Sold out to 13.... Smfh

[@Zaldaingerous]

Maybe you should watch the whole podcast. I didn’t sell out, you are just misinformed. I’m PROUD to work with this company and the products they are building.

[@2quack]

Lol, you're confusing.

[@alexm1841]

Is English not your first language? This video was spot on.

[@ziggylarkdust]

there's really no reason for a baitcaster to even have a foregrip

[@andybales7318]

My swimbait setups are simple...NO LEADERS....1-3 oz baits 25lb. Sunline Super Natural mono or 20lb. Big Game...over 3 oz...30lb. Sunline Super Natural or 25lb. Big game....there's not a bass in the world that will break those lines, and the very minimal stretch in higher pound test is just enough to help keep the fish pinned...the price is right, to change out a few times/year...many use braid..many use fluoro..many use braid-leader, and many use mono...keep it simple, as overthinking it will lead to less fish & more headaches..Fish don't care