Dedicated Chatterbait Mini Max rod

[FryDog62]

Looking for suggestions on a baitcasting rod for tossing 1/4 and 3/8 oz Mini Max Chatterbaits. Not too concerned about budget at this point, just trying to get the right action. Ideally would like to also use the rod for T-rigs, but not critical.  
 

Top of mind, the slightly softer tipped  Dobyns Sierra line up comes to mind in maybe 703, 733, or possibly 734. Not set on Dobyns but the action of that rod is somewhat unique.  I have an Alpha Angler Chatterbound for bigger (1/2-3/4oz) Chatterbaits and Spinnerbaits. 

What else are people liking for the Mini Max? 

[A-Jay]

 I’ve decided to start out fishing the mini max on a St Croix LTB (older version) 7 ft MH Mod Fast graphite stick.  6 – ish speed reel and 12 lb FC (Tatsu or InvisX).

Don't fish the 1/4 oz.  3/8 & 1/2 oz only. 

So far so good.

btw - change out the clips on that bait. 

?

A-Jay

[NorthernBasser]

Check out the Kistler Feel N Reel in MH/Mod Fast. 

 

Edit; I wouldn't use these for Texas Rig tho. But they also make great squarebill/medium crank/lipless rods. 

[FryDog62]

41 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 I’ve decided to start out fishing the mini max on a St Croix LTB (older version) 7 ft MH Mod Fast graphite stick.  6 – ish speed reel and 12 lb FC (Tatsu or InvisX).

Don't fish the 1/4 oz.  3/8 & 1/2 oz only. 

So far so good.

btw - change out the clips on that bait. 

?

A-Jay

Yes, Decoy Egg Snap 1.5 ?

[Eric 26]

Although I haven’t had a chance to use the rod yet I have a 7’-0” Okuma TCS medium plus. It has a soft tip but a good amount of back bone. I’m thinking this rod should be perfect for the smaller mini max.

[a1712]

ALX OXIM Agent, I find it to be about perfect for the Mini Max. Softer tip, not spongy, good back bone, and sensitive. Brian. 

[T2DM]

 

 

 

Caught this plus a few using Mini Max with a Dobyns Kayden 714C. I really like it for Mini Max and Jackhammer. Specs on this rod does not make sense for chatter baits but it works really well for me.

It's "fast action" but more of a mod fast MH action.

 

 

[T-Billy]

No experience with the mini yet, but I'm a big fan of my Ark Essence 7'4" MH R for throwing keitech's on 1/8 - 3/8 heads with 2/0 or 3/0 hooks. It's pretty much become  a dedicated rod for that. The Dobyns Kaden 744 is a close second for the same thing. Pretty much identical in power, with the Ark having a little softer tip, and a bit slower taper. I would expect either to work well with the mini, offering a soft tip, with enough power to move fish out of moderate cover, especially the Ark. 

[Fishin Dad]

11 hours ago, A-Jay said:

 I’ve decided to start out fishing the mini max on a St Croix LTB (older version) 7 ft MH Mod Fast graphite stick.  6 – ish speed reel and 12 lb FC (Tatsu or InvisX).

Don't fish the 1/4 oz.  3/8 & 1/2 oz only. 

So far so good.

btw - change out the clips on that bait. 

?

A-Jay

 

10 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

Yes, Decoy Egg Snap 1.5 ?

What is wrong with snaps?  I have only fished them a few times last year.  Caught bass and some big pike without issue.  What snaps should I use and why?   Thanks fellas.  

[A-Jay]

11 hours ago, A-Jay said:

 I’ve decided to start out fishing the mini max on a St Croix LTB (older version) 7 ft MH Mod Fast graphite stick.  6 – ish speed reel and 12 lb FC (Tatsu or InvisX).

Don't fish the 1/4 oz.  3/8 & 1/2 oz only. 

So far so good.

btw - change out the clips on that bait. 

?

A-Jay

I had one open up on me the other day,

lost a good one.

As mentioned the Decoy 1.5 is a smaller version of what's on the jackhammer and I have not had any problems with that one.

https://youtu.be/v8eHndsrxTE

A-Jay

 

[ChrisD46]

*Regarding the Mini-Max : I can not see throwing the 1/4 oz. version as that seems too light for anything but about 12" ~ 16" of water ... Conversely , I see the 1/2 oz. version as being too heavy , so I have only bought the 3/8th version to try . That is also the size that seems to be sold out or low in inventory where I see the Mini-Max displayed in stores. 

[casts_by_fly]

My falcon expert finesse jig gets my smaller chatterbaits including the mini max. Great rod for that. 

[Derek1]

5 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

My falcon expert finesse jig gets my smaller chatterbaits including the mini max. Great rod for that. 

Yup me also. And  smaller. spinnerbaits 

[FryDog62]

53 minutes ago, Derek1 said:

Yup me also. And  smaller. spinnerbaits 

How would it be as a secondary use for lighter Texas rigs - 3/16-3/8 oz? I'm thinking a bit too moderate action... 

[Derek1]

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

How would it be as a secondary use for lighter Texas rigs - 3/16-3/8 oz? I'm thinking a bit too moderate action... 

it’s even better with finesse jigs and light t Riggs. That’s what it was made for. 

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

How would it be as a secondary use for lighter Texas rigs - 3/16-3/8 oz? I'm thinking a bit too moderate action... 

 

28 minutes ago, Derek1 said:

it’s even better with finesse jigs and light t Riggs. That’s what it was made for. 

it’s made for finesse jigs and I use mine for light wire swim jigs in addition to lighter chatterbaits and lighter spinner baits (3/8 and down). For me, the cover and how you’re fishing it would determine what else to do with it. The rod was designed for more open water rocky highland lakes.  It’s not a rod I’m going to grab as much in the summer when the grass gets thick. I’ll throw it with a lighter swim jig around docks and patchy grass with 14 lb mono. It’s not a rod I’d want to make 30 yard casts across a grass bed and work a big worm hook through. I don’t think it would have the power to set a thicker hook at distance. Trebles no problem. I’ve set into bass at 30 yards and it’s a great rod to keep them pinned. 
 

I haven’t fished it yet, but just feeling the cara swim jig rod tonight I think it would be a great option too, and it has a bit more power up the rod if you want to throw Texas rigs. I’m going to run it through the paces over the next two weeks. 

[waymont]

I mostly throw the 1/4oz MiniMax. I've become quite the pro with it, catching lots of fish and some really nice fish too. My favorite setup with them is a Loomis 852 JWR, braid to 12lb FC leader. Steady retrieve, hopping it off bottom, reeling fast and letting it drop for a second are the three best retrieves with it. If I want to throw the 3/8 I go up a power in the rod, everything else stays the same.

[FryDog62]

I have narrowed to these 3 rods (Mini Max primary use, light Texas-rigs second):

• Dobyns Sierra 703c
• ALX Zolo Dream
• Falcon Expert

I have a credit at an online retailer, seeing what availability they have might determine final choice. 

 

 

[GReb]

27 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

I have narrowed to these 3 rods (Mini Max primary use, light Texas-rigs second):

• Dobyns Sierra 703c
• ALX Zolo Dream
• Falcon Expert

I have a credit at an online retailer, seeing what availability they have might determine final choice. 

 

 

I was going to buy the Dream last month but bought the Ikos Buzz instead after talking to Alex. He said they are virtually the same rod except the zolo is made in USA. I haven’t fished it much yet but you can save $100. 
 

Falcon Expert is a great moving bait rod. I have 2 Expert Head Turner which is what I throw all 3/8 oz chatterbaits on including the mini Max. Incredibly versatile rod thanks to its action. 
 

[jdr99a]

I bought the lews signature series chatterbait rod. I fish 3/8 oz jackhammers and mini-maxes almost exclusively on it. I love the rod and wouldn’t change a thing about it. It’s a 7-3 mh and it’s been perfect for me. I’ve thrown a few tx rigs, spinner baits and paddletails on it and it’s performed very well. I think it was $179 or so. 

[Bass Rutten]

I use a 7ft st croix avid x med/fast for the minimax, it's got enough power for pitching small creatures/worms. I find it pretty versatile, makes a decent topwater rod too. It's discontinued but still available on st croix's retired page (microguide warning).

[corey90]

phenix recon 7'1 mh

[Columbia Craw]

Kaden 735CB

[NorthernBasser]

Was throwing the Mini Max today on my 6'10 MH/MF Legit Design Stand Out rod. Normally I'm going with straight fluoro for my bladed jigs. But this setup had 30# braid to leader. Was very pleased with it. 

[Dumbbassanglr]

I’d go loomis 842 mbr