I’ve been using the Irod Gabe’s rip rap special for 1/4 and 3/8 mini max. This is a cranking/composite rod that has a really soft tip but plenty of backbone. Also can handle finesse swim jigs really well. I have only lost one fish on it so far so my hookup percentage is like 99%. 

On 5/2/2023 at 1:24 PM, FryDog62 said:

I have narrowed to these 3 rods (Mini Max primary use, light Texas-rigs second):

• Dobyns Sierra 703c
• ALX Zolo Dream
• Falcon Expert

I have a credit at an online retailer, seeing what availability they have might determine final choice. 

 

 

 

Did you end up ordering one?

 

Now that I've fished it a bit, I can confirm that the 7'2" swim jig rod (cara lineup) is a great choice for what you want.  Its a little bigger and a little faster than the finesse jig which makes it a better t-rig choice.  And its a great rod for 1/4-3/8 swim jigs.

4 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

Did you end up ordering one?

 

Now that I've fished it a bit, I can confirm that the 7'2" swim jig rod (cara lineup) is a great choice for what you want.  Its a little bigger and a little faster than the finesse jig which makes it a better t-rig choice.  And its a great rod for 1/4-3/8 swim jigs.

I ended up with the Zolo Dream. It’s been working great for mini max and 3/8 oz Spinnerbaits. In a pinch, I threw a Frittside 5 on it and it kept a 30 inch pike pinned just fine.

nice.

For anyone reading this thread looking for a glass option ; 

 

Shimano Zodias 7'0 ML Glass has been an awesome rod for mini max. I have a Shimano SLX MGL on mine and it is a joy to fish. 

On 5/2/2023 at 1:24 PM, FryDog62 said:

I have narrowed to these 3 rods (Mini Max primary use, light Texas-rigs second):

• Dobyns Sierra 703c
• ALX Zolo Dream
• Falcon Expert

I have a credit at an online retailer, seeing what availability they have might determine final choice. 

 

 

I throw them on the Sierra 703c, I find the moderate action of the Sierra to be just right for the mini max.

I've been throwing them on a Fury 705cb. I have a Sierra 704c I use for 3/8-1/2 jackhammer but it feels like too much rod for the mini max. If I was buying a rod specifically for the 1/4-3/8 mini max I'd get a Sierra 703c. It will throw them better than the 704c and would be better for ripping through grass than the 705cb.

On 5/1/2023 at 12:04 AM, T2DM said:

 

 

 

Caught this plus a few using Mini Max with a Dobyns Kayden 714C. I really like it for Mini Max and Jackhammer. Specs on this rod does not make sense for chatter baits but it works really well for me.

It's "fast action" but more of a mod fast MH action.

 

 

I’ve been using the Kaden 713C for 1/4-ounce Mini-Max. Haven’t had a bass come off yet. Using 12-lb Fluoro which is a nice pairing with rod, since it does have a bit of a faster action than dedicated chatterbait rods. 

I am using the super combat stick with a ryoga.   It does it job keeping the fish pinned.