My son turns 13 in September and I’m getting him a new rod. Looking for a kind of jack of all trades rod for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, paddletail swimbaits (like a B5 or largo Shad), etc. 

 

Planned to get him a Dobyns Fury 734c but thought what the heck, let’s see what others say on my favorite forum. 
 

Any other suggestions in that price range? 
 

FYI, he already has a Bucoo Herm that he throws small whopper ploppers, squarebills, and wacky senkos on. So, although the Falcon bucoo is always a good suggestion in this price range, I’m going to pass on that one this time. 
 

 

5 minutes ago, Cbump said:

My son turns 13 in September and I’m getting him a new rod. Looking for a kind of jack of all trades rod for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, paddletail swimbaits (like a B5 or largo Shad), etc. 

 

Planned to get him a Dobyns Fury 734c but thought what the heck, let’s see what others say on my favorite forum. 
 

Any other suggestions in that price range? 
 

FYI, he already has a Bucoo Herm that he throws small whopper ploppers, squarebills, and wacky senkos on. So, although the Falcon bucoo is always a good suggestion in this price range, I’m going to pass on that one this time. 
 

 

Perfect choice. If you were really nice you'd get him a Sierra !!!

Idk how big he is at 13 but the fury 734 is a heavy rod. I believe it weighs around 6.5 ounces. A lot of competitors are in the 4’s

 

Its a fine rod that does a lot well. But if your kid is on the smaller side I’d lean towards a shorter, lighter rod

2 minutes ago, GReb said:

Idk how big he is at 13 but the fury 734 is a heavy rod. I believe it weighs around 6.5 ounces. A lot of competitors are in the 4’s

 

Its a fine rod that does a lot well. But if your kid is on the smaller side I’d lean towards a shorter, lighter rod

Any suggestions?

11 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Perfect choice. If you were really nice you'd get him a Sierra !!!

It’s possible! Dobyns gives a pretty good discount. 

Maybe a Kaden 714c?

Why not one of the new Daiwa tatula  XT rods?  

TW still has the Abu Fantasistas on sale and ALF has a few Legend Tournaments and Expride As on sale right now.

5 minutes ago, MiceNReets said:

Why not one of the new Daiwa tatula  XT rods?  

Sorry. I left some information out. 
Here are his current setups:

 

Light TopWater/Popping/wacky senko: Original Daiwa Fuego, Falcon Bucoo “Herm” 6’6” MH moderate fast

 

Horny Toads/Buzz Baits/bigger top water: Daiwa Fuego CT 8.1, Daiwa Tatula XT MHF

If he likes the Herm and you don't want another Bucoo, then why not a lowrider?  Only another $30 and you get cork and upgraded components.  The 7' All round fast would be a great choice for what you describe.

Lowrider, Tatula cork handle, Mojo, ALX Ikos. All good rods for a fair price. 

 

Sierra is a nice step up if wanting Dobyns. Never even held a Kaden but the action is supposed to be very fast. Sierra is more moderate which would be good for techniques mentioned. 

16 minutes ago, GReb said:

Lowrider, Tatula cork handle, Mojo, ALX Ikos. All good rods for a fair price. 

 

Sierra is a nice step up if wanting Dobyns. Never even held a Kaden but the action is supposed to be very fast. Sierra is more moderate which would be good for techniques mentioned. 

I use Sierra micro because I use 50 lb Sufix 832 for everything with no leaders. The softer action is better with braid. Since I go by line diameter which is 12 lb for that line I also use it on medium fast rods. I throw Ned rigs on it with no problem. No spinning rods for me. Call me Bubba!!!

23 minutes ago, GReb said:

Lowrider, Tatula cork handle, Mojo, ALX Ikos. All good rods for a fair price. 

 

Sierra is a nice step up if wanting Dobyns. Never even held a Kaden but the action is supposed to be very fast. Sierra is more moderate which would be good for techniques mentioned. 

Which alx ikos? 

 

Reason for no lowrider or mojo Is I have both of those already and I want him to have something different that’s just his. 

11 minutes ago, Cbump said:

Which alx ikos? 

 

Promise. 

1 hour ago, GReb said:

Promise. 

Is the only difference in the two promises the length? 

3 hours ago, Cbump said:

It’s possible! Dobyns gives a pretty good discount. 

Maybe a Kaden 714c?

I like my 744 Kaden alot for spinnerbaits, paddletails, swim jigs... I think the the taper speed of the Kadens gets WAY overstated. Just your typical fast action. The 744 actually has a fairly parabolic bend and is excellent for single hook moving baits. Sweet spot is 3/8 - 5/8 IMO.

Is a $160 Ikos worth It over a $90 fury or $126 Sierra?

I have a Fury 734, 733, 703, and 705cb. To me, the 734 feels heavy.

 

I have a Sierra 734 and don't think it feels heavy. The Fury 734 is my least favorite even though a lot of people seem to like them. 

4 hours ago, Cbump said:

Any other suggestions in that price range? 
 

Shimano slx, diawa tatula, dobyns fury line  is excellent, at that price point everything honestly feels amazing, if you want some cheaper options I really like the diawa arid x and Shimano sellus are good rods. I'd say it boils down to whatever is on sale or the cheapest, I don't think you can be dissapointed with any of those choices 

1 hour ago, Cbump said:

Is a $160 Ikos worth It over a $90 fury or $126 Sierra?

I think a Sierra is a good buy at $126. Not so much at the $189 I paid for mine. Mind sharing who has them at that price?

Dobyns for law enforcement/military. 

3 minutes ago, Cbump said:

Dobyns for law enforcement/military. 

Right on. Glad to hear they do that. Thanks for your service.

1 hour ago, Cbump said:

Is a $160 Ikos worth It over a $90 fury or $126 Sierra?

No idea.  Check out the reviews on TW.  Looks like they are very well thought of.

 

I don't know what is the best rod in the $130 range.  Personally  I like my Falcons and Tatulas, but if you want to try something different, check options by 13 Fishing, Ark, iRod, TFO or maybe a Denali AttaX or Fenwick HMG or Lew's TP-1 Black.  Lots of options for those willing to give them a try.

 

Don't know anything about TFO rods, but they have a pretty good reputation in the fly rod sector for giving good bang for the buck.

 

6 hours ago, MiceNReets said:

Why not one of the new Daiwa tatula  XT rods?  

For that price point, these look great. TW does have some models in stock already.

 

Another GREAT one coming in at only $130 (cheaper on sale) is the Ark Randall Tharp Honey Badger Series. Definitely should be priced higher IMHO. 

For what you described, Daiwa's 'regular' action MH rods are A+. Really forgiving tip. The tatula elite 7'4" version is a go-to for me for deeper squarebills, spinnerbaits, etc. Throws topwater really well too.

 

Pretty sure that same action exists across multiple price points.

 

 

33 minutes ago, txchaser said:

For what you described, Daiwa's 'regular' action MH rods are A+. Really forgiving tip. The tatula elite 7'4" version is a go-to for me for deeper squarebills, spinnerbaits, etc. Throws topwater really well too.

 

Pretty sure that same action exists across multiple price points.

 

 

I agree with this. I have one of the original 7'2" MH Reg Tatula rods and it is an awesome, versatile rod. I use it for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, Dark Sleepers/Sleeper Gills and 5"-6" paddletail swimbaits but you could definitely throw t-rigs, crankbaits, heavier top waters and who knows what else. One of my favorite rods.

That’s exactly what It would be for.