LionHeart

When I saw the title I planned to recommend the 704. Dude, just get another. It is a super versatile rod. The 3 power would also be a solid choice for those lighter baits you mentioned. When I hear 3 power Dobyns I think finese gear

Shimano Curado MH is a pretty stout spinning rod.

So you already own a few ML and Med spinning rods? Why not just use one of them? Serious question.

Buying a specialty item like a swim bait rod wouldn't be my recommendation if you only own 2 other rods. With 3 rods total, each rod needs to be pretty dang versatile. I'd also consider a Heavy power rod in the same category (exclude Dobyns). Unless you really fish in some thick stuff, I wouldn't go with a Heavy power rod even for jigs. A good Medium Heavy can do the job, and is more versatile IME. Having said that, if you know for sure that tossing swim baits is something you'll do enough to require a dedicated rod for, sure, do it. Just ask about my experience buying a dedicated 10XD rod.

I'd go Tatula. For $100? Easy choice.

There are plenty times IMO when distance matters. Especially when fishing from the bank. I'd say 40 yards is a pretty good ways for most lures. Something like a 1/2 oz chatter bait or lipless, a bit closer to 50. 50 yards is quite a long cast. What Catt said above, that's pretty awesome. I've got a ways to go before getting close to those numbers in distance or accuracy.

Yep, they are excellent rods. IMO as good as the original version, and I was glad to see the switch to full cork handle. I prefer the new reel seat also.

Just looked at the specs. 1/8-3/8 for med heavy? On what planet? I'd go handle the rod in person and decide for myself based on the ole' bend the tip on the carpet test.

Usually if I am using a bait that is too light to load the rod properly, my cast will end up to the left of where I wanted it to go. I know, I know, that can be all about release point but generally at least for me it's a good indicator. Does this seem to be happening to you also?

Really tough to give advice without more info but generically you just need practice. Don't expect to jump in after not fishing for decades and be able to cast in the wind without backlash. Are you using a 'budget' reel? This will make you backlash more, no way around that. Using a medium rod that loads more easily may, may help. The reason is because if a rod is loading properly, the rod does the work of throwing the lure instead of the novice angler trying to do all the work. Novice casting technique typically is condusive to backlash.

I meant to say since the Tatula guides were too small, it made the choice easy. If I didn't use a leader knot, or they both used the same guides, it would be a super tough choice.

I own the Trap Caster model. Very pleased with the rod. Very light and fairly sensitive. The moderate fast tip makes it very versatile from light Texas rigs to crank baits( although I would prefer it a tad more moderate for cranks) , great for lipless though, 3/8 oz spinnerbaits and chatter baits, although I feel 1/2 oz would be the limit, it can totally do it. Not much it can't do except for big single hook bottom baits. If the price is even half way decent, jump on it.

That's tough. Both excellent rods and I'd have a tough time choosing. For me it would come down to guides. The new Tatula I owned had micro guides 7'6" med heavy although I was talking to a guy on the forum and he swears that some have mid- micro guides although I'd verify that if I were you. Why does this matter? If you don't use braid to leader, it doesn't. If you do, the guides on the 7'6" will pass an FG knot, but not well enough for my liking. It was a deal breaker for me. Shame, because it was a fantastic, fantastic rod. I was so glad Diawa went with a full cork handle and changed the reel seat on the newer Tatulas. Much improved IMO. The Ikos will not have this issue. I must say, the new Tatula rods can be had for a good price on Ebay, so there will be a slight difference in price vs the Ikos but not much. For me, it would be Ikos Promise 7'3" vs Tatula 7'6", and again since the Tatula had micro guides, the choice would be clear. I own a couple of custom ALX rods and they are great rods by a great company. In fact I will likely own more. If I had a gun to my head on which rods are more sensitive I may have to say the Tatula but to my hands they are real close. The Tatula rods seem a tad more balanced (if you care about that). Not that the ALX are what I'd call tip heavy. But if you handle both rods side by side, you will notice a slight difference.

Dude I don't understand at all

First off, do you mean pitching? Or will you actually be flipping? They are two different techniques and preferably use two different rods. Also, medium heavy and heavy refer to rod power, not action. Action would be: Fast Moderate fast Moderate etc. Not ranting, but words have meaning.

What do you mean by eyelet?

How is the med heavy rated to 1 1/4 and the heavy tops out at 3/4?

Cool. Thanks dude

So refined means smooth bearings and worm gear? Or basically that every moving part is smooth? Seriously asking.

I don't see any advantage. I set spool tension to let the spool have just a smidge of play and call it good.

I hear the word 'refined' all the time when describing a reel. Pardon my ignorance but what do you guys mean? Always wondered.

Got kids?

Kid I did not understand a word of what you just said. ?

I have learned that I only use about 1/3 of my tackle any given time I go fishing. If I'm on the bank I only carry two rods, and lugging all that tackle around is a no-go. I bought an oversized camo fanny pack at Cabelas a couple of weeks ago and just wear the waist strap around my chest. It holds several bags of plastic, a small Plano box for terminal tackle, and more reaction baits than I know I'll use if I'm being honest. When I'm walking the bank, mobility trumps all.

I'd say lower-mid tier. This doesn't mean bad by any means.