SoFlo bass freak seeking 7' 6" heavy veggie casting rod for long romantic boat ride in swampy jungle

[hawgenvy]

In the market for a heavy power (but light weight) casting rod with medium fast to fast action, and under $300. Intend to spool up 50 pound braid (maybe 65). The intended use is for casting soft swimbaits or Horny Toad type baits far as I can with accuracy to bring back over heavy greenery, negotiate big-trailered spinnerbaits and bladed jigs through reeds, and also for pitching soft plastics and jigs into reeds and pads. You know, Lake Okeechobee stuff. I have a Dobyns Champ 735c which is a great rod, but I want to add to my arsenal something longer and with a bit less fast action for casting farther easier. I also have a Powell 3D Mag 8-foot heavy and fast stick for punching floating mats but it's a bit of a beast for other applications. I also like the idea of a medium/fast tip for pitching jigs as long as it has a nice heavy backbone, as I think the slightly slower action might actually load up for the set and keep big mamas pinned better than an XF. I was looking at the Okuma Helios HS-C-761H which is 7-6 and looks pretty darn good on paper. I'm interested to hear if anyone has fished with the Helios and can tell me about it; or, of course, if anyone has other advice for other brands. Hoping some of you guys have things to say. Thanks in advance for words of wisdom!

[tbone1993]

You have a punch rod so I would say dobyns 765flip. Still in the process of reviewing it but so far its awesome. That being said its more of a flipping stick than something I would use for horny toads and spinnerbaits.  It sounds like you're looking for two rods not one lol 

[hawgenvy]

1 minute ago, tbone1993 said:

You have a punch rod so I would say dobyns 765flip. Still in the process of reviewing it but so far its awesome. That being said its more of a flipping stick than something I would use for horny toads and spinnerbaits.  It sounds like you're looking for two rods not one lol 

Thanks, man. Maybe so.

[tbone1993]

1 minute ago, hawgenvy said:

Thanks, man. Maybe so.

Maybe a 764/734. I don't own one but that they might fit the bill. 

[hawgenvy]

1 minute ago, tbone1993 said:

Maybe a 764/734. I don't own one but that they might fit the bill. 

Have a Champ 734, but need much heavier for the jungle, but with some tip. Thanks, though.

[Bluebasser86]

Have you looked at the Okuma TCS series? They offer a 7' 6" H mod-fast/fast or a 7' H mod/fast that would probably both suit your needs depending on your preferences. I have one of the Mat Daddy TCS punching rods and it is very nice!  They're the Scott Martin Signature series rods too so you know they were designed with Florida and vegetation in mind. 

[hawgenvy]

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Have you looked at the Okuma TCS series? They offer a 7' 6" H mod-fast/fast or a 7' H mod/fast that would probably both suit your needs depending on your preferences. I have one of the Mat Daddy TCS punching rods and it is very nice!  They're the Scott Martin Signature series rods too so you know they were designed with Florida and vegetation in mind. 

Sounds promising. TCS slightly heavier than Helios line? Not sure of materials quality, weight, or geometry differences between TCS and Helios. Probably I could be happy with either of the 7'6" models. Appreciate your input, Bluebasser. Thanks!

[Bluebasser86]

7 minutes ago, hawgenvy said:

Sounds promising. TCS slightly heavier than Helios line? Not sure of materials quality, weight, or geometry differences between TCS and Helios. Probably I could be happy with either of the 7'6" models. Appreciate your input, Bluebasser. Thanks!

From the Okuma website;

Helios 7' 6" H MF/F

5oz, 3/8-1.5oz lure, 12-25lb test, 10 guides + tip, 40 ton carbon blank, ALPS Mini guides, Zirconium guide inserts, EVA handles, PAC Bay Minima reel seat

Scott Martin Signature Series TCS 7' 6" H MF/F

5.4oz 1/4-1.5oz lure, 14-30lb test, 11 guides + tip, 30 ton carbon blank, ALPS stainless guide frames with aluminum oxide inserts, EVA handles, C-40X carbon reel seat

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/DHC7-761-CAHFS-primmus-review.html

 

[Catt]

irod IRA754C Air

length: 7' 5"

lure: 3/8-1 1/2

Power: Heavy

Action: Fast

http://www.irodfishing.com/category-s/114.htm

[hawgenvy]

Thank you so much, guys!

[hawgenvy]

Decided on the Okuma Helios 7'6" H MF/F and will mate with a Lew's Tournament Pro G 8.3:1 spooled w/ Seaguar Smackdown 50 lb braid. Thanks again, gentlemen!