I would like to use this as a punching rod as the 7'3" length would fit well in my rod locker and I see that it's rated for up to 2 oz. Any thoughts on this rod or any other reccomendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have the 736 but I use it as my dedicated hollow body frog rod. You could use it to punch (as it has enough backbone to muscle the fish out) but I do not like the tip on the rod for that technique. But that is just my preference. The extra fast tip is great for walking frogs over mats but might give you some trouble when trying to punch an ounce or an ounce and a half bait through a thick mat.

Mike D