JDV

Check all of your guides. I've had a grooved guide that caused line fray and lots of breakoffs. Didn't realize what was the cause until the line was so weak that I literally couldn't even tie a knot and tighten it without it breaking the line.

I love my Dobyns dx702sf. Got it for $220 used in fantastic condition and love it for dropshotting. If you're planning on ned rig, all the better I'd think. Very sensitive and fun rod to fish, but I can't compare to the Loomis rods as I haven't fished those. I've definitely had a few Dobyns rods that I've not been crazy about, but this is certainly not one of them!

Super Dupers, and Panther Martins. I caught more bass by leaps and bounds in January/February here in Texas in 40-50 degree waters than I have in the Fall or Spring with anything, and on just these 2 lures. 1/8 & 1/4 oz panther martins and 1/6 oz super dupers on an ultra light rod.

I've gotten 3 rods from Amazon (Ugly stiks and Daiwa Tatula Rods that all came in flattened cardboard boxes with zero padding. Amazingly they arrived unbroken somehow, but it is pretty absurd how some package them. If not for quick shipping from Prime and free returns I definitely wouldn't do it.

Dobyns Fury 705cb is a beast. Caught 19 this weekend on a single lure on a hot crankbait bite and only lost 1 dink that I was too gentle with, and 1 other that I got back on the very next cast. Pulled in a couple 3.6 lbers, some big 2s and a lot of little guys as well and it handled the range of sizes exceptionally well. I love the casting ability and flex on that rod and it is strong, yet forgiving in a perfect balance I find. Such a fun rod especially at that price. Love it for jerkbaits as well.

I narrowed down to 3 rods, being these 2 you mention and the Irod Genesis 2 Fred's magic stick. I went with the Magic Stick, because I wanted the larger lure range 1/2-2oz of it or the Daiwa Tatula over the 1/4-1 1/2oz of the Dobyns. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices, but if you'll be using swimbaits too in the 1-1.5 oz range, things like Whopper plopper 130, etc...The Tatula will probably be more versatile for you. I've since gotten a Dobyns fury 735c on sale for $88, but haven't tested it out yet...

Agreed. For just over $100 for a Tatula SV TW, I can't imagine the increased cost/performance would justify for higher grade equipment, unless money was absolutely no concern.... Recently got a Stradic ci4 and while it is a nice reel and looks sharp, I can't honestly say it's noticeably smoother or preferred to my Shimano Nasci or Daiwa BG, both at just under half the price... Glad I tried it, and I'll certainly keep it, but it let me know I'm happy buying a Daiwa BG for $80 and saving the money.

You'll learn what you like best and prefer only after trying out lots of different options, brands, powers, actions, lengths, speeds of reels, etc... Reviews are beneficial for overall customer satisfaction, customer service when something goes wrong, and durability of product from long time users. For under $200 for a combo I think it'd be very tough to beat A Dobyns Fury/Sierra and a Daiwa Tatula CT or Fuego CT. Dobyns rods are rated well, and their customer service is top notch. Daiwa is a fantastic, reputable reel maker. Frequently available on sale you can get a Fury/Fuego CT combo for under $150. A Dobyns Sierra and Tatula for about $212 on sale is a slightly higher end option around that price point too, any combination of the 4 is going to get you a much superior rod and reel to a Mach Crush combo, however.

You can get a brand new Dobyns Sierra 703sf (7'0" 3/16-5/8oz) right now for $153. Brand new, with a 10% off coupon through American Legacy Fishing's store through the ebay mobile app to your door on Tuesday. Done and done. Ordered mine last week when it was 20% off for $136 and arrives tomorrow! I've got the 6'9 version in the 2 power (Dobyns Sierra 692sf) for dropshotting and love it. Works great for light jerkbaits as well.

I've bought all my Daiwa Tatula CTs, SV-TWs, CT Type-Rs on ebay brand new, with zero problems. Shipped and received on time, from businesses, not individuals. You can get the Tatula CTs for $85, so $99 is overpaying in my opinion. No need to pay more.

Ha, ya I recently watched it as well and thought the same thing when he mentioned the line he was using. I was thinking I only have 20lb test on my Swimbait rod and that already feels like weed wacker line to me!

Great suggestions here. My wife has this exact rod with a Daiwa Fuego, and I have it with a Tatula CT Type-R. I've got a handful of Tatula CTs and not one has had an issue yet. Looks great on the 705cb to boot, and very affordable new on e-bay

735c or 765c seem to be the best two options. Like fishnkamp says, I think the 735c will be a lot more versatile, but that is the only one of those 2 that I own so take that with a grain of salt. If you don't want versatility and just a flippin' stick, the 765 seems the way to go.

I've got a 6'9" ultra light st. croix and love it, and I'd say I could go 3" either way so it would be a preference thing. If casting distance is paramount, then maybe go 7'. If not, maybe 6'6" for convenience and working under cover, etc... I'd suggest 4lb, only bc 2 lb will give you very little margin for error on tying a great knot, and knicks or line abrasion. I really don't think the difference between 2 and 4 is going to spook bluegill and it's more a difference in margin for error. I've fished straight braid in semi clear water and still caught bluegill. I've caught a handful of ~2 lb bass on the ultralight with 4lb line with only 1 breakoff when I was lazy about retying after noticing a knick in the line. I still get good casting distance with a 6'9" ultra light and 4lb line with 1/16-1/8oz lures and a bit of piece of mind on the line strength in case something bigger than a trout or bluegill hits.

New Lake Fork Guy video?