So, this Daiwa Tatula 7'2 MHRB 1/4-1 oz, 10-20 lb casting rod I have. Will it do well as a 1/4-3/8 oz swim jig rod? Looking for a dedicated use for it and a 8.1:1 reel.

Guess I'm looking for a top water rod.  If the Daiwa won't work I'm considering the Dobyns champion 734. What would be the best choice?

Yes it will be fine for swim jigs because a 3/8 ounce swim jig actually weighs close to a half ounce  with the trailer it should work out fine.

For me, either one is too long to make a good topwater rod if your thinking of walking baits or poppers.

 One of the best walking bait, spinnerbait, buzzbait and chatterbait rods out there right now is the Witch Doctor Surman 50G.

 Just a great reaction bait rod and cheaper than the Dobyns.

 

I own that rod and to me it would be great for swim jigs.  I use it for 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs exclusively, if the handle were an inch longer it would be nearly perfect.

 

It will cast 1/4 total weight lures just okay, but adding a trailer helps a bit.

 

I have 3 of these rods and love them... 1 for swim jigs, 1 for chatter baits and 1 for spinner baits...

I use that exact model and use it for swim jigs, it does well. It is currently the "do all" rod in my lineup. I have it tasked with everything from jerkbaits to whopper plopper 130s, spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, paddle tail swimbaits etc. etc. Basically anything over 3/8 oz that doesn't require the beef of a jig or frog rod. Eventually I'll get more technique specific combos but currently I am maxed out for rod storage space in my kayak. Eventually it will get broken down into a topwater/jerkbait, swimjig/bladed jig/spinnerbait, and cranking setup. But currently what I do most is spinnerbaits and swim jigs and that is what I feel it does best with. 

Well if it’s anything like the zillion rod it is much faster and more stout then the dobyns 734. 

Big 'un and Short Fish. Thanks for your advice. I will give it a try. Thanks,  Very helpful. I do have 1 more question. Allot of people (opinions on the interweb), think the Daiwa Tatula rods fish heaver then rod specs. The 721 HFB is rated 12-25 lb and 1/4-1 1/2 oz. Would this rod work for a heavy punching rod? would like to try before I go spend a chunk on a nice rod. Thanks. 

9 hours ago, nwstripper said:

Big 'un and Short Fish. Thanks for your advice. I will give it a try. Thanks,  Very helpful. I do have 1 more question. Allot of people (opinions on the interweb), think the Daiwa Tatula rods fish heaver then rod specs. The 721 HFB is rated 12-25 lb and 1/4-1 1/2 oz. Would this rod work for a heavy punching rod? would like to try before I go spend a chunk on a nice rod. Thanks. 

I have that one as my jig rod. In a pinch you could probably punch but IMO it is not really beefy enough for it. I wouldn't go over the suggested rating, I feel it's pretty accurate. 

thanks