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Hi, all. New to the forum, very sorry if this has been answered already but I can't seem to find a solid answer anywhere. I'm trying to decide between the Dobyns Champion XP 683 or 684 as my kind of all-around casting rod. I'll be primarily throwing smaller topwaters like 1/2oz walking baits, 75 and 90 ploppers, 3/8oz-1/2oz jigs, and 3/8oz spinnerbaits. I also fish primarily on small river systems on my kayak up here in MN, so I wanted to stick with a slightly shorter rod so I can cast a little more accurately in tight spaces. I've come across a lot of forums that say the power on Dobyns rods are actually one step less than they're advertised. I have a 1oz Chug'n Spook and a 110 Plopper that both weigh 1oz, so I was curious for you guys that are seasoned Dobyns owners if the 683 would handle these slightly heavier lures just fine (the 683 has a lure weight of 1/4oz-3/4oz), or if I should move up to a 684 (1/4oz-1oz). My only concern is with the 683 is that if it really fishes more like a medium, that I can't rip my jigs and spinnerbaits out of the weeds as easily as I probably could with the 684, but with the 684 I'm more or less concerned the tip isn't as soft as the 683's that when I get a bite on a topwater those treble hooks don't get ripped right outta their mouths. Any thoughts and advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks, everyone!

Hi Everyone, I am looking at getting my first casting set up. I currently have a spinning pflueger president 6530 on a 6'6 ugly stik elite medium (super smooth and light). I am fishing 95% of the time in my pond in my backyard which is about 30 yrds x 30 yrds, so not too big. I found a great deal and bought a Diawa Tatula CT 7:3:1 for $90 so I am wanting to pair it up with a rod that will give me a variety along side my spinning set up. I want to be around the $100 range for the rod. From what I have read it seems the two main contenders in that price point are Dobyns and St. Croix. However, I hear the Dobyns runs light on power and St. Croix is heavy. I will say I ordered a Abu Garcia Blue Max (Walmart) baitcaster for around $70 and did not like the set up; I ended up returning it. It was 7' med heavy. The rod felt very heavy and stiff (not sure the model exactly). I want to avoid that. Like I said, my pond is not too big and i will most be throwing stuff up to about 3/8, maybe 3/4, doubt any 1 oz stuff. I am not a fan of the longer rods so I would stay in the 6'6 range preferably. I just want some advise on the powers and what you guys think. I want enough separation from my spinning that it doesn't feel like the same rod but also I don't want something that reminds me of that Abu Blue Max (heavy and stiff). Ultimately, would it be best to find that next level rod with the Dobyns Fury 663C (M/H), Dobyns Fury 664C (H), or the St. Croix Mojo Bass Med (since it runs heavier; the heavy may be too heavy)? Any feedback, experience, or advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, let me know if you have a Tatula and how you like it. Thanks, Adam

Im 14 and Im starting to take my fishing to the next level. Im learning from YouTube channels like Glenn. I also have read bass resource religiously. Im switching my fishing arsenal over to baitcasters after about 2 years of using only spinning gear. Im a broke 14 year old and my parents are NOT helping me financially with any of my hobbies, so Im looking for a budget rod to build my arsenal around. Shimano SLX vs Shimano Exage? These will be for bottom contact lures or lures I throw a lot. To save money Im throwing my reaction baits on a Shimano Sellus, $50 dollar rod. Which has better sensitivity? Better overall quality? Not too worried about weight since Im not a all day tournament fisherman. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!

If you have seen any of my other posts, you know I'm trying to build a casting arsenal (6 rods) on a very little budget. Most of my arsenal will consist of first gen Lightning Rods but they do not have a moderate action rod as a option. This rod will be walking a spook 90% of the time, the other 10% it will be running jr. size Whopper Plopper. Looking to spend around $45-55. Please any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! If I have to go $10-15 dollars over I will, but trying not to...

I'm looking to add a jig and texas rig rod to my arsenal. I love my original Tatula rods, so I'm very interested in the new Tatula Elites. Has anyone fished either of the below? What are your opinions? Daiwa Tatula Elite 7'3" Heavy-Fast Takahiro Omori "Pitchin' rod" model# TAEL731HFB Daiwa Tatula Elite 7'1" Heavy-Fast Andy Montgomery "Skippin' jig rod" model# TAEL711HFB

So right now I have been using a 7 foot ghost crankin rod for all of my reaction baits -- (It's verry parabolic) and I've started to notice it doesn't do to well with bigger spinnerbaits and large soft swimbaits. However it does great with crankabaits (except for deep diving) and most chatterbaits. Do any of you have suggestions for a cheap extra rod that would work well for throwing these heavier reaction baits? I was thinking a 7 med heavy fast, but don't know what specific rod would be best. Thanks

I am trying to find the best price on Perfecta and Helios rods. Fishing Castle has the best price on the Perfectas, but isn't listed on resellerratings which makes me leery. Wholesale Hunter's reviews are all over the place. Definitely wouldn't buy any gun related items from them, but am hoping rods would be hard to mess up. Asked before about Wholesale Hunter, but got no feedback. Maybe I'll get lucky this time. Please don't tell me to order and report back the results. I can't afford to lose that kind of money.

I need a few rods, just getting back into fishing and my 30 year old Fenwicks don't seem like a good idea. Does anyone have any experience with these rods?