All,
A customer has requested me to build them a rod for throwing upto 4oz glide baits. Only problem is, I've never thrown a glide bait before. For those of you that throw them often, what are you looking for in a rod? What kind of blank would you recommend using for throwing some of these baits?

Thank you!
Lee

What is the target species?

Target species will be largemouth bass.

Without doing any digging, hard to recommend a specific blank... but think of a glide bait like a huge crankbait. Most glide bait guys want a parabolic rod that will load deep and keep fish buttoned up during the fight. I've seen recommendations in that weight range for NFC's SWB 807 or 808 (although I would lean 807) as well as the NFC bounce back blanks. Most of the feedback I've seen on the NFC swimbait blanks is the sweet spot is around the middle of the weight range (which is very wide on the NFC blanks). Other recommendation that might be more accessible with all the supply chain issues is Phenix swimbait blanks or MHX swimbait.

I have quit a bit of experience with Swimbaits, Glide Baits, and Alabama Rigs growing up in Oklahoma and going to college in Arkansas. I would recommend taking a look at the American Tackle Bushido Swimbait SWB710/12-25 Blank. This will be perfect for what you are looking for.

Theron, would you be concerned about throwing a 4 oz glide bait on that rod? It looks like the rating is up to 3oz.

Lee, I don't think you'd have a problem with Theron's recommendation.

Lee the SWB710/12-25 is perfect for this application. If you feel more comfortable not overweighting the blank there is the 15-30lb class in this model rated for a 4oz bait. I use these blanks for big glide baits and swim baits due to the fact that there is a more parabolic bend without such a fast taper. Some of those glide baits and swim baits can get pricey. It is not uncommon to see some of the custom models going for more than $100. So having the proper equipment for technique specific application is crucial to work these baits properly. It is also not very fun losing fish or breaking rods. I have learned for these mistakes and the Bushido SWB710/12-25 has not let me down!

Theron or Ancelmo, would either of you feel the SWB710/12-25 would make for a good punching rod blank. Specifically for 1.5-2 oz (weight/lure) total weight punching heavy hydrilla mats? Trying to understand the versatility of this blank outside of swimbaits considering the power and parabolic nature.

Ancelmo, what size of glide baits do you typically throw on the SWB710 /12-25? What would you consider it's "bread and butter" for glide baits?

Thanks,

Lee

Big lures use big hooks which require a good deal of pull applied to the bait quickly. Soft/slow action rods are not much good for setting big hooks.

I just built a NFC 807-1IM and it handles a 3 oz glide with no problem. My buddy just built a similar rod but used the new NFCnNeo XH. Both rods are 8' and handled a 3oz bait but the NEO has a softer tip. This might be a good thing for a treble hook bait.

Thanks everyone for your replies!