Dobyns Dx 744 Vs 743

[masterbass]

My dx 743 just broke today casting a senko w/ 1/8oz t-rig.  I was really surprised because I've never done that before.  It was my favorite rod.  I'm thinking about replacing it with the dx 744 instead.  My main use would be 4 inch senkos with 1/8oz or 1/16oz.  Should I stick with the 743 or go with 744?

[iabass8]

744 is way too much rod for those weights. I love the 743 for 1/8 oz trigs and weightless senkos. 

[masterbass]

744 is way too much rod for those weights. I love the 743 for 1/8 oz trigs and weightless senkos. 

But I see the 744 is rated for 1/4 minimum as well.  Do you really think it would be too much rod?

[iabass8]

But I see the 744 is rated for 1/4 minimum as well.  Do you really think it would be too much rod?

Rods don't perform to their peak performance by utilizing their minimum rating. I throw 1/4oz trigs on the 744 but that includes + plastic. I should be specific about the 1/8 oz weight. IF and I mean IF and ONLY IF you are throwing a 1/8 or 1/16 oz weight + a SENKO then the 744 will be perfect. I can throw weightless senkos on the 744 no problem but i prefer the 743. if the plastic is anything but a senko like a trick work/rage craw etc, then the 744 will not a good choice for a 1/8 oz and less weight.

[masterbass]

Thanks iabass.  90% of the time I'm throwing 4" senkos w/ 1/8 or 1/16th.  Occasionally I throw weightless.

[Chris at Tech]

I'd go 3-power

[GADawgs]

Sounds like the 743 is going to be a better bet for what you are going to do with it. Just my $.02

[Arv]

I would also stick with the 3 power. If anything I might consider going down to the 742 as opposed to going up to the 744. However, based on what you've said I think the 743 OK. 

[DTack]

What size line do you fish on the rod?  What size fish do you catch?

[masterbass]

What size line do you fish on the rod?  What size fish do you catch?

I use 30lb braid w/ 15lb fluoro leader.  Most of the time I'm catching river smallies around 2-3lb.  I've never broken a rod casting like that before.  Must have been a defect.  I called Dobyns and they told me to send it in for inspection.  I'm hoping they take care of this for me because I hear such good things about their customer service.  I do think this will be my favorite rod.  It has that "feel" with senkos.

[DTack]

I use 30lb braid w/ 15lb fluoro leader.  Most of the time I'm catching river smallies around 2-3lb.  I've never broken a rod casting like that before.  Must have been a defect.  I called Dobyns and they told me to send it in for inspection.  I'm hoping they take care of this for me because I hear such good things about their customer service.  I do think this will be my favorite rod.  It has that "feel" with senkos.

 

I'm very sorry, I was actually asking in order to help with the choice on the replacement rod.  Do you fish around a lot of cover?  Or do you mainly just get those (mean) smallies out into open water and current?  I like my rods to be able to cast efficiently, but the number one thing I'm concerned about a rod doing is hooking a fish, keeping it hooked, and putting it in the boat.  If you're regularly fishing for the possibility to catch 5-8 lbers around cover my recommendation may be different.