Falcon T7, st Croix, JT. TUCR, Quantum,…all make some very nice rods for your application. You can easily get 20 different recmendatiions from everyone.
I say start with what rod you were using and what would you change about it. I like up to 8’6″ for plastics and blades. Med. Light to about 5/16oz jigs pending plastic size. Med. Fast or extra fast tip can make a difference in feel and control.
I use a 7’2″ Fenwick Elite Tech rod with medium power and fast action that I really, really like for casting swim baits and I’d highly recommend it. Like Randy says though, there are many good ones on the market and not everyone prefers the same length rod. There are many reels that will work just fine too, but before you buy one, it wouldn’t hurt to do some research. There are many articles online about reel retrieve speeds and what works well for swim baits. When choosing a reel, also take into consideration its weight. It may seem like a small thing now, but casting a heavy reel all day can really take a toll on your wrist.
The sport shows between now and this spring are great places to get good deals rods and reels.
Limit creek smoothie….. best pitching rod for the money imho.
I have a couple really nice g loomis rods that cost 3x as much but aren’t any better.
“Limit creek smoothie”
X2.
“Limit creek smoothie”
X2.
Aren’t those more a ML/M rod?
OP is chucking swimbaits, typically heavier and I’d assume if he’s casting over trolling also going for big distance, which would probably mean more length. Then you get into power to set a hook from distance, sensitivity, etc.
The thread “how big of baits can we go” had some good info as well I believe.
You’re right Nick…I saw “pitching” and didn’t look closer. Yea, the Smoothie is rated ML and does a great job up to 1/4 ounce, really excels at 1/8th and 3/16th ounces.
SR
I really like my StCroix 7ft MLXF Tournament Series for both pitching jigs and Blade baits using 6lb braid. Fishing the river depending on current I may go up to 10 braid to get more drift in low current.
As previously mentioned, “The Smoothie” by limit creek really is a premiere rod. I used to do a lot of walleye fishing on a lake where we pitched very light jigs to shorelines loaded with stumps. Could feel everything. Highly recommend. GREAT customer service as well.
a MLXF should be no problem with Walleye sized swimbaits. My vote goes to the 7′ 6″ Eyecon MLXF. I have two I bought from Hedquist a couple years ago and they’re great. I still have my 6′ 3″ rods, but they don’t get used nearly as much as the longer brother.
I’ll disagree, I’d definitely want a M power at least for swimbaits. Can chuck those things a country mile and at times my MLXF rods feel a lil wimpy for hooksets on casts to long away. I do use mono though so ??
. I do use mono though so ??
There ya go, need to match a rod to the application. Stiffer rod to take the stretch out faster
How heavy is your typical swimbait?
Perhaps the OP could chime back in and define exactly what he’s throwing. 
I’ll disagree, I’d definitely want a M power at least for swimbaits. Can chuck those things a country mile and at times my MLXF rods feel a lil wimpy for hooksets on casts to long away. I do use mono though so ??
I can see your point, but I will only use an XF when using a ML, which should help a little in this scenario. I guess it boils down to how fast the rod transitions, not necessarily the power of the rod, in my mind. Hard hooksets are definitely easier in a M rod. At the same time, sometimes I find myself setting the hook like I’m bass fishing. Specially when it’s a ways out, like you said.
Thanks for all the replies! I like to throw 3/16 oz with 4 inch swim baits. Usually use braid with a FC leader.
My definition of swimbaits is a bit different. MLXF may be just fine, ML would give more flex to get er out there compared to M.
3/8’s ounce or less and the Smoothie will be great….anything more and you need to go to ML or M.
I always run braid so no issues with hookset….the smoothie with 6# Suffix 832 is a killer combo for pitching or live bait jigging. I think it’s the ticket for the fine Dr.
3/8’s ounce or less and the Smoothie will be great….anything more and you need to go to ML or M.
I always run braid so no issues with hookset….the smoothie with 6# Suffix 832 is a killer combo for pitching or live bait jigging. I think it’s the ticket for the fine Dr.
Nailed it. Love this combo
Thanks everyone. I’ve lived and fished in MN my whole life and never heard of Limit Creek. How is THAT?! That Smoothie sounds intriguing. No local distributors in my neck of the woods. Might take the “leap of faith” and order one. I feel better doing that on a $90 rod than a $300 rod!
A few years back I was tossing a big rippin rap from shore on the river and I hooked into what I thought was a world record walleye, battled and battled this fish. Turned out to be a big sheep head hooked in the belly. As I tried to pull it out of the water my Limit creek pole snapped in two. Went from damn upset to down right pissed off. Thankfully the Limit Creek crew shipped me a brand new rod after I mailed them my snapped pole and a check to cover the shipping on their end. GREAT customer service and a great product. You wont be disappointed!
Best thing you can do is get into the store and try each rod on for feel. Everyone is different, it’s up to your arm to figure out which one to like.
Elite techs are awesome, I prefer the 610mlxf bass version over the walleye version up to about 3/16, anything over id opt for M power. Overall river fishing I’d typically always say go M power, too many big fish in their that you’ll get beat up on a ML with. Can’t beat the handles on those rods.
Many people love the st.croix avids, and mojos in that price range.
Okumas are making their way into the market.
I’d grab a pile of rods in that price range in store, and handle em side by side. Have done it many times myself. You’d be suprised how little your arm follows the price tag.
Yeah, just order the Limit Creek. You’ll have it in 2 days at your door and won’t be disappointed. They are sold in a few small shops here in town but inventory could be limited. Their service is phenomenal if you have any issue.
I agree with nhamm but I would order the smoothie and then bring it into Joe’s or somewhere local to compare.
3/8’s ounce or less and the Smoothie will be great….anything more and you need to go to ML or M.
I always run braid so no issues with hookset….the smoothie with 6# Suffix 832 is a killer combo for pitching or live bait jigging. I think it’s the ticket for the fine Dr.
Do you run a leader with this set up
I run a leader in clear water….usually 8# floro. When the river dirties up I don’t worry about a leader as much. I usually always run them when fishing lakes.
i use a 6’8″ st crox mojo bass for pitching. its a “bass” rod but uses the avid blank and i can’t tell the difference between the two and its cheaper. its medium with a fast tip. i love it.
i also have a 7′ HMG fenwick that i really like too.
Smoothie is great. I own every limit Creek rod they make, except ice models.
Love their rods for the larger eyelets. Freeze up less often, and I can pound my rod on my outboard to break the ice. I flat out quit using my mlxf eyecon. Hate those tiny eyelets.
3/8’s ounce or less and the Smoothie will be great….anything more and you need to go to ML or M.
I always run braid so no issues with hookset….the smoothie with 6# Suffix 832 is a killer combo for pitching or live bait jigging. I think it’s the ticket for the fine Dr.
Am understanding you correct that you are running the 6# (2 lb mono equiv)?
If so, what impact would it have in this situation jumping up to a 10# (4 lb mono equiv) or a 6/20?
I have always run 6/20 on my walleye rods, but looking to add something for casting/pitching this year.
Here is mu current set up, I mainly fish swimbaits about 80-90% of the time if I am chasin walleyes, I have this combo dialed in and its an absolute dream to fish with. I have a 7′ Thorn Bro’s MXF Predator blank, torzite guids and syncork handle. I pair it with a Shimano Ci4 with 10 lb suffix 832, and about a 18″ uni-uni of 30# flouro. Lately I found the B Fish N H20 jig in 5/16 oz with a 3″ Z-man Minnow-Z paddle tail to be about as perfect of a presentation as it comes. and for Color, if they don’t bite white, I don’t want to catch them. Later on in the year I move to a baitcasting combo with a 3/4 oz Strike King swimbait jig head and a 4.8″ Kalins Sizmic Shad Paddle tail.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>tbro16 wrote:</div>
3/8’s ounce or less and the Smoothie will be great….anything more and you need to go to ML or M.I always run braid so no issues with hookset….the smoothie with 6# Suffix 832 is a killer combo for pitching or live bait jigging. I think it’s the ticket for the fine Dr.
Am understanding you correct that you are running the 6# (2 lb mono equiv)?
If so, what impact would it have in this situation jumping up to a 10# (4 lb mono equiv) or a 6/20?
I have always run 6/20 on my walleye rods, but looking to add something for casting/pitching this year.
Yep, 6# braid is what I usually run. I go up to 8# for pitching and throwing small cranks and don’t feel a difference.
The suffix line is pretty tough….you’ll be hard pressed to have a fish bust it off.
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