jordanc

Depending on what depth you would like to hit with the crankbaits you will be using you can choose to use either a smaller diameter line of a larger diameter line. For example, If you are throwing a Rapala DT10 you can get it to go a bit deeper if you downsize your line and go to 8lb test or you can make it run shallower by going up to 12 or 14 lb test. I throw a crankbait all year round here in NY and I have been using Sunline Super Sniper FC for the last 3 seasons with much success. I would recommend buying a few different brands and experiment with different line sizes as well. I fish heavily pressured lakes so I am typically using between 8 to 12 lb test for all of my crankbaits. The type of rod you buy will also be a major factor in your success with crankbaits. Good luck!

I have the dx742sf, dx743sf and a dx743c and I would say the rod to go with would be the 3 power in either spinning or casting. The 2 power feels a tad overloaded with a 5 inch senko but the 3 power will load up nicely allowing you to cast that senko pretty far. I'm not sure what type of cover you will be fishing but the 743 will give you enough backbone to turn a good fish out of cover if need be.

For small diameter braid like 10 to 15 lb test to 6 or 8 lb flouro I always go with a modified Albright knot. I double up the braid and usually make between 10 and 20 wraps. You will not break that knot and if you go long enough of a leader it will still pass through the guides due to it still being very small. If you do a YouTube search you can see Aaron Martens showing how to do it. I used to use a uni to uni before and the modified Albright is stronger and thinner. Give the other knots mentioned here a shot as well and use the one you like best.

I would highly recommend you go with a Champion series over a Savvy for any technique where sensitivity is of concern. Champion series for any bottom contact technique and the Savvy for moving baits. I personally use a Champion Extreme dx704c for all t-rigs 3/8 to 1/2 ounce and it is amazing! I've also used it for Carolina rigs and I felt it handled 1/2 ounce perfect. I wouldn't recommend going to a 5 power for the weights you mentioned unless you plan on going above 1/2 ounce. I feel that the 5 power rods (champ 705c or DX 745) really excel from 1/2 ounce up as the tip loads up better with the heavier weights where the 4 power rods (champ 704,734 or dx744) excel from 3/8 to 1/2 ounce.

Most of what has been said here is spot on, The Champion 735c is one sweet rod and can be used for a ton of techniques. If I were you I would focus on finding the best rod out of the lineup you can afford for the technique you are looking to use it for. Many rods within the Dobyns Rods lineup (Savvy, Champ, Champ Ex. and Coalition) can be used for multiple techniques but each will have a different feel in weight, sensitivity and action. As stated before about the difference between the Champs and DX's I also have the Champion 734C and the Champion Extreme 744C and I prefer the Champ for certain techniques over the DX and vise versa. What technique are you looking to get another Dobyns rod for?

Yes, The Savvy 734 would be ideal for that application as called out by Dobyns; Primary Techniques: Buzzbaits / Horny Toads / Jigs / Senkos / Small Swimbaits / Spinnerbaits

I would highly recommend a Dobyns Champion 685cb if you are trying to cast up in tight spaces or a Champion 765cb if you will casting from farther away. Both rods have enough flex and power to keep them hooked and pull them away from the docks quickly. Both of those rods are rated as med/heavy in power which is what I recommend you use for traps regardless of brand.