I'm adding a casting rod to my arsenal to replace a cranking rod that's too action specific and I could put that reel to good use. I recently was gifted a 7' MHF Zodias spinning rod pairing it with a fuego lt. From what I've read online, it would be my most sensitive rod but better suited for reaction baits. So I'm thinking I could get away with mid shallow cranks, squarebills, jerkbaits and popmax/walk-the-dog baits. I've also got a Dobyns Fury 703sf which I've been using for ned rigs and more finesse applications, shakeyhead, dropshot, small swimbaits. Thinking I can double duty both applications.
I've narrowed my search based on finding the above mentioned rods and the Abu Villain 2.0 7'3" MHF in the $150-$200. Although the Abu will be way more sensitive, I think the action and length are too close to my Dobyns Fury 735c. I'll be using it for 4" paddletail swimbaits, swimjigs, chatterbait, dragging football jigs and biffle heads typically in the 3/8-1/2oz range, maybe as low as 5/16oz because grabbed some santone texas finesse jig on BF.
Help me decide: the skipping jig has piqued my interest because of the length and I fish from a kayak alot. 7'3" is really the front runner based on price and versatility and the Abu really intrigues me because of the TT review and I've read plenty of threads on how its an underrated rod. I could also save a bundle and go with it a Fury 734c, but I'm looking to upgrade on the sensitivity, weight and versatility. I can't locate a 734c Sierra, I have found the 663c and 664c in that range but I'm concerned about the rod length and castability.
