LootyDjibouti

Looking for a rod for single-hook moving lures (spinnerbait, chatterbait, buzzbait, etc.). Want to stay $150-ish. I fish from a kayak (if that matters) on small, shallow, dirty South Jersey lakes. Lots of target casting. I'd like a rod that's relatively versatile for a variety of these, though I know full well one rod won't do each perfectly. I usually stick to 3/8oz. I've mostly fished braid to leader due to a lack of rods and wanting the flexibility that comes with that. But could be convinced to go straight fluoro. I've scoured the forums for feedback/research (thanks) and here's where I stand. Seems like I can't really go wrong with any of these but curious for any last-minute thoughts or if I'm missing something. St. Croix Mojo Bass 7'0" MH/MF "Spinnerbait" Rod (MJC70MHMF) Dobyns Sierra 704c or 734c (I see a lot of folks recommend the 7'3" over the 7'0"...) TFO Tactical Bass 705-1 SB or Tactical Elite Bass 705-1 SB (MH/M's) TFO Tactical Elite Bass MBR 735-1 (MH/Fast) Falcon Lowrider All-Round 7' MH/MF (LFC-7MH) TIA y'all.

Do all Ark series rods use micros? Curious as I use a lot of braid to fluoro. I was doing some light reading on the Invoker Pro IVP70MH-G (7' MH/MF composite) as well as the Essence of the same blank. They're listed as shallow cranking rods but I've seen folks who love those particular rods for single-hook moving lures, which is actually what I'd use it for as well. The Tharp series gets positive reviews on here too. Glad to hear you like it.

Monitoring... I'm struggling a bit with a Dobyns FR735C, which I know has a strong reputation.

Tried out my new FR 735c frogging on the kayak the other day. Gotta admit I struggled. Felt really heavy on my wrist. But I’m sure my technique also sucks which doesn’t help. I can walk topwater spooks easily on lighter rods so I’m not completely lost. Gonna keep at it but monitoring this thread.

This interests me about the Invoker Pro. I’m looking for a rod for those applications and fish from a kayak in small lakes and personally prefer 7’ to the 7’4” B-Hittay or 7’4” TFO Tactical Glass I’m also considering. Plus “stupid light” is a nice plus vs the relatively heavy B-Hittay. Clearly I need to get these in my hands but there’s apparently zero ark retailers around South Jersey according to their website. Always funny when you buy a rod for one thing but it ultimately finds a different purpose for you.

Scouring the forum for feedback on this rod and glad to see you like it. I fish from a kayak and am in the market for a single-hook moving/reaction lure rod so to speak. That 7'0" appeals to me also as I fish mostly small lakes in south jersey. I know it's not optimal but a rod that can handle chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, swim jigs all at least decently would be huge.

I just “accidentally” bought one thinking it was a normal rattle trap. I’m in south jersey also so this is kinda funny. I’ll give it a shot and fish it over some grass I guess.

Sounds like you really like the 734C for those applications? I have a 705CB and enjoy that rod, so I'm considering another Dobyns. What type of line do you go with? I fish from a kayak so I'd prefer a rod that can handle each of those at least decently well as opposed to multiple rods for the techniques you listed. Currently using my first baitcaster, an SLX MH/F and am losing more fish than I'd care to admit. Thinking about composite rods but have never fished one. I feel like I'd go with a 6-speed as I tend to reel too quickly but just my preference.