The Best Swimbait Rods of 2024, Tested and Reviewed - Outdoor Life
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From the first time I saw a 15-inch bass eat a 9-inch glide bait I've been fully addicted to swimbaiting. I've since caught new PBs and witnessed the savage predatory instincts hardwired into bass of all sizes. In my short swimbait career, I've learned that when you're exclusively throwing big baits, it's essential to capitalize on every rare opportunity at a memorable fish. One missed bite or the fish that shakes loose could have been that double digit you've been hunting. That's why the right swimbait rod can be so important. They're also necessary for the basic task of throwing unusually heavy baits, which can range in weight from 1.5 to 13 ounces or more.
I spent the spring throwing a wide range of soft and hard baits on nine swimbait rods to find their ideal lure weight rating and evaluate their casting performance. I also photographed each rod's action and measured handle length to help you compare them. Then I interviewed Mike Gilbert of Working Class Zero, who provided insight on choosing the best swimbait rod for you.
Here are the rods I've tested so far, and I'll be adding to this list as I procure more rods.
Premium Rods
Budget Rods (Under $200)
How I Tested the Best Swimbait Rods
The goal for my testing was to find each rod's ideal lure weight range and provide specs you can use to compare the rods. I also included feedback based on my experience fishing and catching fish with each rod.
Specs
I counted guides, measured rods, and measured handle length from the bottom of the reel seat to the end of the handle. You'll find these specs in the key features section of each review.
Lure Weight Rating
Manufacturer-provided lure ratings range from dead on to way off, so I conducted a casting test to find my recommended lure weight range. I cast weights that ranged from 1 to 6 ounces while noting the feel and ease of casting each weight. I also cast each rod with various swimbaits ranging from a 6-inch Magdraft to Deps 250.
Action
I put the rods in a rod holder and attached a 5-pound weight suspended 24 inches from the rod tip. I then snapped a photo of the rod's bend to demonstrate its action. This is important because rods that bend deeper into the blank are best for treble hook lures, and rods with a faster action are best for single hook baits.
Accuracy
I set targets at 30 feet and 60 feet and made five casts with each rod at those distances using a lure in the middle of the rod's weight range. This test aimed to evaluate the rod's close-range accuracy for throwing lures around docks and cover.
Distance
Sometimes you need to bomb a cast down a weed line or wall to cover water quickly. I did that with a lure in the middle of each rod's weight range while evaluating the distance and how easy it was to achieve a long cast.
Fishing
I spent time fishing the swimbait rods to learn their nuances and to hopefully put a few fish on them. I fished a variety of baits on each rod, including my own hand pours, Grow Design Works Flag, 86 Baits Doomrider, DRT Klash 9, Working Class Zero Citizens, Megabass Magdrafts, Deps 250, Baitsanity Explorer Gill, Baitsanity Explorer, River2Sea S-Waver, and a three-piece PB Rat.
Read Next: Best Baitcasting Reels
Best Swimbait Rods: Reviews & Recommendations
Leviathan Omega Swimbait, Heavy
Key Features
- Length: 8 feet
- EVA, full grip
- Line Weight: 12 to 30 pounds
- Recommended Lure Weight: 2 to 6 ounces
- Handle Length: 17 3/8 inches
- Number of Guides: 8+tip
- All double-footed Fuji guides
- Lifetime warranty
- Price: $340
Pros
- Can cast a wide range of lure weights
- Good balance
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Well finished
Cons
- Daiwa Tatula wiggled a bit in the bottom reel seat connection (Shimano Tranx fit perfectly)
The Omega is light and well-balanced, which makes it a joy to cast big baits all day. I've found the ideal lure weight for this rod is 3 to 4 ounces, so your Klash 9, 8-inch Madgraft, and Jointed Claw 230 are all in the sweet spot. But it will easily cast lures in the 2-ounce range and up to a Deps 250. With baits around 6 ounces, you can feel the rod balance shift forward, but a hand at the end of the long handle helps offset the shift. Also impressive was that I could make accurate, short casts with a 6-ounce bait and long over-shoulder bombs. Speaking of long casts, this rod loads up and then launches a bait with very little effort.
I also really appreciated the handle's length and grippiness. The length is great for leverage on long casts, and it fits perfectly under my armpit during the retrieve. The Omega has a fast tip, but it also bends deep into the blank when under load. That action is ideal for working a glide and keeping treble hooks pinned in a fish's mouth. If I could have only one rod for throwing a glide, this would be it.
Read Next: Best Bass Fishing Rods
G. Loomis IMX-Pro 904C SWBR
Key Features
- Length: 7.5 feet
- Cork handle
- Line Weight: 12-25 pounds
- Recommended Lure Weight: 1 to 3 ounces
- Handle Length: 13.5 inches
- Number of Guides: 10+tip
- The first two guides are double footed
- Fuji K-frame guides
- Price: $390
Pros
- Accurate
- Great for skipping
- Can fish a variety of lure types
Cons
- Limited to light lures
- Not the best for distance casting
This is the ultimate rod for throwing 6- to 7-inch swimbaits around docks. It's effortlessly accurate and great for skipping too. It throws 1- to 3-ounce baits well but can also throw a 4-ounce lure. It has all the quality build Loomis is known for and the performance you'd expect from a premium rod. The handle length is just long enough to use under my arm, but too long for it's shorter length.
I've found the action is a great compromise between a single and treble hook rod. I haven't pulled a treble yet and haven't had issues setting Beast Hooks up to 6/0. If you're in the market for a rod that can handle heavier baits, also check out the 8-foot, heavy IMX-PRO Swimbait (IMX-PRO 966C SWBR).
Megabass Orochi XX F10-80XX Leviathan
Key Features
- Length: 8 feet
- Cork, full grip handle
- Line Weight: 20 to 40 pounds
- Recommended Lure Weight: 2 to 8 ounces
- Handle Length: 16 inches
- Number of Guides: 9+tip
- All double-footed Fuji Stainless SiC guides
- Price: $325
Pros
- Versatile action
- Good handle length
Cons
- Some anglers might not like its stiff tip section
The Megabass Orochi Leviathan is a rod that can fish a 9-inch glide or Beast-hooked bait. It has a powerful butt section that helps it set Beast Hooks, but it also bends deep enough into the blank to make it forgiving for treble hooks. I fish around a lot of hydrilla and use that powerful butt section to rip baits through the grass.
I found it doesn't throw baits under 3 ounces exceptionally well, and its sweet spot is in the 3- to 5-ounce range. I've also thrown lures up to 8 ounces comfortably. This rod isn't as accurate or light as the Leviathan Omega, but it is more versatile. If you're looking for a premium rod that can fish a wide range of baits, the Orochi Leviathan is a great option.
Shimano Zodias (ZDC79XHA)
Key Features
- Length: 7.75 feet
- Carbon Monocoque handle, split grip
- Line Weight: 14-30 pounds
- Recommended Lure Weight: 1 to 3 ounces
- Handle Length: 13.25 inches
- Number of Guides: 8+tip
- The first four are double-footed guides
- Fuji Alconite K Semi-Micro Guides and a Fuji SiC tip
- Price: $240
Pros
- Sensitive
- Quality components
- Light
Cons
- Handle length is shorter than most traditional swimbait rods
This rod can comfortably throw lures in the 1- to 3-ounce range, so if you're a new Chad Shad 180 owner or a 6-inch Magdraft diehard, this rod will work for you. Like the Daiwa Rebellion, the rod's balance hinders its ability to cast anything heavier than 3 ounces. I'd describe the action between fast and moderate, making it versatile for various lure types.
The Zodias has traditional bass rod ergonomics, which can be positive or negative. When throwing big baits, I tuck the handle under my armpit on the retrieve, reducing fatigue. The Zodias doesn't have a handle long enough for the armpit tuck, so you'll hold it like a traditional bass rod, which can be a plus if you're used to those ergos.
Budget Swimbait Rods
Dobyns Fury 806HSB
Key Features
- Length: 8 feet
- EVA handle, full grip
- Line Weight: 20 to 40 pounds
- Recommended Lure Weight: 1 to 6 ounces
- Handle Length: 14.25 inches
- Number of Guides: 12+tip
- The first seven guides are double footed
- Price: $140
Pros
- Sensitive
- Fast tip helps with accuracy
- Great for mid-sized treble hook baits and smaller single hook baits
Cons
- Not ideal for baits over 5 ounces
I've been fishing a Fury 806HSB for over a year, and it's been a staple in my rod lineup. I've found this rod is happiest around 4 ounces and can cast lighter baits really well. I routinely fish a 6-inch Magdraft with the Fury 806HSB, then swap to a heavier glide without skipping a beat. I find that 6 ounces is my comfortable max, but it can throw 8 ounces on a lob cast.
It has a classic hard bait action with a deep parabolic bend. That action helped me land several barely hooked fish and drive trebles through the roof of 6.8-pound bass. The handle length might be short for some, but it's still long enough to comfortably fit under my arm. I've used the Fury 806HSB to make accurate short-range casts, and sling long casts down weed lines. If you're in the market for an affordable rod for treble hook baits, this is one of the top options to consider.
St. Croix Bass X (BAC710XHF)
Key Features
- Length: 8 feet
- EVA handle, one-piece grip
- Line Weight: 14 to 30 pounds
- Recommended Lure Weight:
- Handle Length: 14 ⅝ inches
- Weight:
- Number of Guides: 7+tip
- The first two are double
- Price: $128
Pros
- Comfortable handle
- Great action for treble hooks
- Accurate lure weight rating
Cons
- Not recommended for jig or Beast Hooks
This is one of the most impressive budget rods I've fished. It's perfect for throwing a 4-ounce bait, and it's one of the few rods where I've found the manufacturer's lure weight rating is accurate. It's definitely a hard bait rod with a deep parabolic bend. Despite its soft action, it has a powerful butt section which I really like for fishing around grass.
