Which rod for smaller swim baits (and maybe punching)

[NorthernBasser]

Deciding between these rods at the moment. Wanna be able to throw smaller swimbaits like Ospreys Talons, and Big Bites BB Kicker and Suicide Shad. It could also double as a punching rod, if possible.

 

I was looking at the Falcon BuCoo SR 7'3" heavy/fast. 

 

Or, Dobyns Fury Casting Rod 7'3" Mag Heavy (735C).

 

I have no experience with Falcon rods. I do have 2 Dobyns (lighter models) that I really like. 

 

Both retail for the same price. Any thoughts? Thanks..

[CroakHunter]

That Bucoo is gonna fish closer to a medium heavy than a heavy. Not sure on the weight of the swimbaits you mentioned but id feel comfortable throwing a 1 ounce bait on my 735's

[Angry John]

The 735 has an extra fast tip at least in the champion series.   May want to stick to smaller jig hook baits if you find that's the case like the Matt lures soft bluegills top hook.  Might be OK for the hud shad also.

[Further North]

Mot being much of a swim bait guy, I have a question:  When you say "smaller swim baits", I think of fairly light lures, and when I read "punching" I think fairly heavy.

 

Would one rod be good at both?

[NorthernBasser]

20 hours ago, Further North said:

Mot being much of a swim bait guy, I have a question:  When you say "smaller swim baits", I think of fairly light lures, and when I read "punching" I think fairly heavy.

 

Would one rod be good at both?

Honestly, the only 'swimbaits' I've thrown up until now are the smaller ones like Keitechs. 

 

I wanna start throwing larger ones like these:

 

 

Dobyns lists the Fury 735C as a "Frogs, Pitchin' & Flippin', Small Swimbaits" rod. That's why I figured I could use it as both. 

[J Francho]

The TCS Mat Daddy is another really good option.  I really like this rod since it pretty much does anything in the 1-4 oz. range:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html

[NorthernBasser]

35 minutes ago, J Francho said:

The TCS Mat Daddy is another really good option.  I really like this rod since it pretty much does anything in the 1-4 oz. range:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html

Never held an Okuma before, but I've heard good things. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm intrigued. 

[Catt]

If ya already comfortable with Dobyns why change?  ?

[NorthernBasser]

3 minutes ago, Catt said:

If ya already comfortable with Dobyns why change?  ?

Good point. I've just heard a lot of good things about the Falcon's and I like trying new things. 

 

I used to be strictly a Shimano guy. But last year I gave Daiwa (Tats) a hard look, and I'm glad I did. Now I have as many Tats as I do Curados.

 

I am leaning towards the Dobyns, though. 

[Further North]

1 hour ago, NorthernBasser said:

Honestly, the only 'swimbaits' I've thrown up until now are the smaller ones like Keitechs. 

 

I wanna start throwing larger ones like these:

 

 

Dobyns lists the Fury 735C as a "Frogs, Pitchin' & Flippin', Small Swimbaits" rod. That's why I figured I could use it as both. 

Thanks. 

[Dangerfield]

I vote 735, because I'm super biased and bought one for those exact techniques. I cast a couple of small hard swimbaits, Spro Rat30 and BBZ-1 Shad, although they're more like wakebaits TBH. I wanted the 734 but my local shop didn't have any, I primarily use mine for all types of jigs. I'm going swap out the FC Sniper, soon for some braid when froggin season arrives.

[Catt]

21 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

Good point. I've just heard a lot of good things about the Falcon's and I like trying new things. 

 

I used to be strictly a Shimano guy. But last year I gave Daiwa (Tats) a hard look, and I'm glad I did. Now I have as many Tats as I do Curados.

 

I am leaning towards the Dobyns, though. 

 

Falcon's are legendary I just don't like EVA grips ?

[NorthernBasser]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

 

Falcon's are legendary I just don't like EVA grips ?

Totally agree. It's been years since I've had a rod with foam handles, and I didn't care for them. I figured they've gotten better with newer technology? Maybe not though..

[Catt]

39 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

Totally agree. It's been years since I've had a rod with foam handles, and I didn't care for them. I figured they've gotten better with newer technology? Maybe not though..

 

My son & grandson have Lew's rods, they still the same, keeps your hands wet all the time!

[Dangerfield]

have you tried the Winn wraps from TW?

[optimator]

I use my 735C

[Angry John]

On 6/21/2018 at 11:08 AM, Further North said:

Mot being much of a swim bait guy, I have a question:  When you say "smaller swim baits", I think of fairly light lures, and when I read "punching" I think fairly heavy.

 

Would one rod be good at both?

I consider small swimbaits, under 2 oz.  Few decent choices in that area the two small Huddlestons, the hud gill and the smaller Matt lures gills.  Tons of hollow body baits in that weight range and the mid size keitechs like the 4.8.  I again would focus on the single hook baits with an extra fast rod and braid would not be first choice.  A second spool with braid for frogs would be the best choice.