Not sure if this goes in Fishing Tackle or Fishing Rods, Reels, Lines, and Knots but here goes.

 

I recently found a Westin Hypoteez ST swimbait in my cupboard that I forgot about because I don't usually fish swimbaits. The rod with the highest lure weight rating I have is my Dobyns Fury 734c (lures from 1/4oz to 1 oz), but according to the packaging the lure weighs one and 3/8 oz. Would I generally be okay casting it on this rod or should I avoid it until I get something that's better able to handle the weight? The rod is paired up with 30lb braid, if that makes a difference at all. Like I said, I never fish swimbaits unless it's a little paddletail on a swimbait hook.

 

Thanks!

 

 

If you're going to fish bigger baits a lot, you should get a more appropriate rod. If you're just wanting to fish this one lure some, the rod you have will be fine. Just don't try to muscle it when you cast, use a more gentle lob cast. Also, big baits and braid, especially lighter braid, don't mix well. Don't be surprised if you make a cast and see you lure snap off and fly away. 

It’ll probably be fine, until it’s not. 

 

That’s a lot more weight than the max for that rod. Big baits require dedicated gear. 

As originally suggested, with a smooth lob-cast, you should be okay.  It will not be ideal, but should be manageable.  Casting distance won't be as far or accurate as you would get with a more suitable rod.

 

I have exceeded the ratings on my rods by a larger margin than you're suggesting and gotten by.

Title says 735, body states 734. In either case can you? yes, would you want to? probably not, more so with the 734. In a pinch, sure, on an ongoing basis, I'd find a sturdier stick to do that with. 

ps: no knock on Dobyns sticks, I'm a fan.

As someone who has multiple Fury 735c's ..1 3/8 is a bit much for it. The sweet spot for that rod is 1/2-3/4. It will fish down to a 1/4 and up to 1oz fine, but not ideal.