Square Bill Rod

[JCiurej34]

I have narrowed down my selection for a new square bill rod to two rods. I would like some help deciding between the Powell Endurance 695 CB and the Dobyns Champion 685 CB.I would also occasionally use the rod for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. I'm opting for a shorter rod because I wont be making super long casts since I'll be fishing closer to cover. Any help would be great. Thanks

[Quitlimpin]

I use a Dobyns 705cb and love it. If the 685 performs anything like it, I have no doubt it will serve you well.

[Gmiller]

I use the Bass Pro Shops Carbonlites, very light and you can feel every movement of the bait. Just another suggestion.

[Arv]

I've got the the Powell Endruance 695 CB. I like the rod a lot. Its light, sensitive and feels really nice in my hands. Its got a nice tip and plenty of backbone to rip trebles off of weeds. I'm not sure if its another part of the set up, but I don't think it handles small squarebills that well. Whenever I throw 1.0 - 1.5 size cranks they don't wobble/wiggle on the retrieve. Anything bigger though, its great.

[FillupD]

I'm not sure if the Champion is worth ~50 bucks more than the Powell but I use Dobyns rods and I agree with Quitlimpin, The Dobyns is a teriific rod, even the Champion Series. You can probably pick up a used Powell for around 75-80 bucks to try out. I doubt you will ever see a Dobyns in that price range. There is a reason. Plus Gary stands behind his rods, great personal customer service. $60.00 no hassle warranty if you ever find yourself in that kind of situation.

The Champion is going to be able to handle a little heavier lures (larger range) and line than the Powell. Then there is the decision, split grip or full grip? In a reaction rod, I tend to like the full grip better, but that is just my preference and opinion. Bottom contact, a split grip. six of one and half dozen of the other as the saying goes.

You can pick them apart, blank material, guide material, cork quality. Best answer probably really is to go and get each one in your hand and see what trips your trigger.

[Brian Needham]

can you also use the 704cb for squarebills?? mostly KVD 1.5s

[Bass_Fanatic]

I have never fished either rod, but I can tell you that both companies are great to deal with and make great products. I own 4 Powells and 1 Dobyns and love them all. BUT, the Powell 695CB is on sale right now at TW for a price you cant beat! If it were me...Id be all over the Powell.

[retiredbosn]

DVT just posted he has two blanks that he would give the purchaser a deal on. A custom made rod, one day hopefully

[rangerjockey]

Personally I don't like to use a crankbait rod for squarebills, It's all about deflection off wood , rocks, docks ect. When a fish jumps it in cover I want to be able to move him fast.

I use a Denali 843 jig rod . MH fast.

[Bassego]

I have the Dobyns 685 crankbait rod and love it. I mainly use it for topwater but also use it for 1.5 and 2.5 squarebills which it handles just fine. It really shines with rattle baits and any type of topwater bait. I fish from a kayak most of the time and the size and weight of that rod makes it a great combo in a kayak.

[Hooligan]

The dobyns 685 is less than even decent for a squarebill rod. It just doesn't have enough power to move fish efficiently in the situations I would generally be fishing squarebills. I really like that rid for fishing big top water baits like the Sammy and spook. It's an excellent rod for fishing 1 ounce jerkbaits like the EPG, too. It makes a great short range spinnerbait rod, as well. It just doesn't trip my trigger as a squarebill stick.