I have a swim bait that is 1.6oz (1 3/4oz) and my biggest rod maxes out at 1 oz can I still throw it?

Yes, I was throwing a 1.4 ounce savage gear swimbait on a 7'6" medium heavy rod, no problem.  Maxes out at 1 ounce.  Throws that bait like a champ.

If your rod is longer it should be good, just be careful.

Yes, you can, but make sure you lob cast instead of whipping or snapping the rod so you don't add any additional strain to it. 

9 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

Yes, you can, but make sure you lob cast instead of whipping or snapping the rod so you don't add any additional strain to it. 

This^