T-Billy

Not just moving baits. My bottom contact rods gotta have some tip too. They just fish better. I have a couple XF rods, but I only use them to collect dust and spider webs.

I caught my PB LM 6lb10oz on a Berkley lightning rod, and my PB SM 6lb4oz on a BPS Pro Qualifier. That ol 7' MH Lightning Rod probably put a literal ton of fish in the boat. It was my jig rod for several years, until I wrecked the stainless guides with flouro. They put aluminum oxide guides on them now. Outstanding rods for their price point. If I were to start with a clean slate today, I'd buy the full line of Ark Tharps + a ned rod and call it a day.

I agree. I haven't seen any signature series ugly sticks lately. Then there's the question, how sensitive does a rod really need to be? I personally feel no need to buy high end. Lots of choices out there in the $100 - $200 price range that will do anything I need a rod to do, built with with quality hardware, and plenty sensitive for bottom contact. I've been VERY impressed with the Ark Tharp series at $129.

I should add, the 6# is REALLY important with the bug. Going up to 8# gets me way less bites. I think it kills the action of that little bait. It's just a tiny little beaver, so it's all about the glide on the fall, and it's so soft and bouyant, those little flappers stand up and wave when its at rest. Another big plus is it's so light and soft, they will hold it a long time. I rarely feel a bite, they're just there when I go to move it again.

TRD Bug on rock/rip rap has become my #1 cold water producer. 6# XT and either a 1/8 or 1/16 football head. I find 'em shallow often until the water hits 38 degrees. If it's calm and sunny they might be REAL shallow. Time to go hunting below 38 for me. Never had a good day below that, but I've had a few awesome days at 38. Something about that number in my area, at least for me. If they won't eat the bug off the bottom, I'll look for suspended fish in the same areas with a jerkbait or small swimbait. Seems like, if they're not holding tight to the bottom, they only want to feed upward.

I'll second this. I bought a pair of carbonlites 3 years ago. Felt cheap from the start and got geary in a hurry. They still work but don't see much use anymore. No more BP reels for me.

If you're not dead set on a Dobyns, check out the Ark Tharp series for just a few dollars more. My King Cobra has the same power as my 766 Sierra, only slightly faster, and is more sensitive and better balanced. Offshore Special should be pretty similar to a 765.

Balance matters more than overall weight to me. I balance all my rods with those slip on furniture feet filled with the appropriate amount of lead. I want them to balance on my middle finger when I open my hand. Makes a big difference in feel and reducing fatigue.

Those things fish way above their price point. IMO rod action is at least as important as sensitivity, maybe more important. I'll take a rod with a great tip and good sensitivity over a pool cue with great sensitivity every time. Dobyns excels in that regard, and the warranty/replacement plan is hard to beat. Simply a matter of personal preference. Find a rod with a blank that works for you, that has quality hardware, and go get 'em.

I'm happy with my Dobyns Sierra and Kaden rods, but my Ark Tharp rods are every bit their equal performance wise for $50 less. There are more rods from both companies in my future.

Wacky Senko.

Same here.

Found this 19" LM floating belly up last sping. Barely alive. Had a bad encounter with a muskie. I caught a 34" muskie a few weeks later that was all tore up from being T Boned by a giant.

My local Blue Heron population likes to wait until I'm directly under them before launching out of the tree screaching at the top of their lungs while I'm night fishing. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to start wearing depends when night fishing. There hasn't been an accident yet, but there's been a few close calls. ?

Cardboard tubes.... Hmm??? Got any black powder, parafin, and waterproof fuse???

I use stickbaits-lg grubs-worms-creature baits-craw baits-swimbaits-and lizards. 3/0 and 4/0 hooks EWG always just hook tip skin hooked, and heres the big difference to me. I fish them faster in more of a sluggo style w/jerks and twitches steady on retrieve. Seldom let them deadstick or sit for periods on the bottom, they move constantly and trigger a lot of strikes to keep me doing it for so many years. This is Dave's description. I've been kidding him about calling it a Dave rig. I need to spend some time with it. Sounds like it might be a great way to fish a beaver. Should have a great glide.

? Perhaps there should be a Mobasser morning coffee sticky!!!? Congratulations on enjoying your retirement Mobasser. God bless ya!!!

@Tatsu Dave will be along to explain. ? Seriously though, if you can swing it, keep the other two and buy the 8.3. Fast reels are great for taking up slack quickly when using techniques where you're moving the bait with the rod tip. Jigs,T rigs etc.

Still trying to find the perfect D Rig Rod. That new Kaden 744c might be it. Awesome tip on it.

Grandpa started me when I was 4. It's been my favorite past time ever since. Love the never ending puzzle. Learning new ways too fool 'em. The quest for a new PB. Quiet time to decompress. Fun trips with the wife and or kids. Time with my Lord and Savior out in his creation. Lots of reasons. It never gets old. After 48 years, it's still as fun as when I was a kid. There's something truly magic about it.

Agree 100%. Great abrasion resistance too.

Nope. Keep 'em both and buy the DC. Also, I highly recommend buying a new rod to put that new DC on. You're welcome.

When disassembling lay out parts in the order you removed them, facing the way they came out. Assemble in reverse order. + All the above tips.

Well........It works for dog turds so......... ?