Do you all really pay attention to this? Does it really matter that much?

What i mean is, if a rods rating is for 1\4 to 1\2 oz is it gonna hurt the rod or the action and feel that much if you throw 3\4 oz bait?

What you must be careful about is breaking the rod when you cast it. If your lure is too heavy you will overload the rod if you cast with any force. I have done this and it will break your heart.

Ronnie

Yes you could break the rod. But depending on the type of bait you could have difficulty fishing the bait correctly or take action away from the bait.

It would be prudent to follow those guidelines. The range tells you that the rod should be capable of casting the weights without concern.  Too light and the rod won't load properly.  Too heavy and well, I don't need to say anymore.

In the end it's your call and your risk.  It would be far better to get another rod whose middle range is 3/4 oz.  

It can be done, but if your rod breaks, don't tell us we didn't tell you so.  I think as long as it's only 3/4 oz you'll be allright, any heavier and you might have problems.  

For a whole day i was throwing a 2.5 oz swimbait with a rod rated for 1oz.  Probably wasn't the best idea, but it casted like a dream.