Jig Rod Question

[Piningaway462]

Hello Fisherman,

 

Basically I have  some jigs that I got last year, but I don't have a rod to use them with. they are 5/8 and 3/4oz jigs.

I emailed dobyns and told them I would like a rod that I can pitch with into cover and be good at casting and dragging along the bottom. I got an email back and they have suggested the DX 745c. which of course is their top of the line 350$ rod that is a bit steep in price for me. Does anyone have a suggestion for perhaps a rod in their champion series or another company all together that will get the job done for less than 350$, I would like to try a dobyns but I also have experience with st Croix legend tournament and mojo. also, which revo would pair well with the jig rod you suggest.  thanks in advance

[HoosierHawgs]

Anything in the MH power range w/enough back one to set the hook would be good. As for a revo, anything with a 7+ retrieve to take up slack would be good.

[Tywithay]

KLX. A 7'3" heavy is just about perfect for those jigs. They're not as pretty, but I found them to be lighter and more sensitive than the Dobyns Extreme.

[Piningaway462]

thanks for the suggestions

[smalljaw67]

Anything in the 7' to 7'6" length in a medium to heavy power and a fast action will work great. The power is going to depend on manufacturer as some will have a MH that has the same ratings as another companies H power. A 3/4oz jig with skirt and trailer is going to be an ounce in total weight and the 5/8oz is going to be around 3/4oz so you need a stout rod, and the line will come into play also, if you are using fluorocarbon or mono a fast action or even an extra fast will work but if you're using braid you may want to look at a fast or even a mod-fast action for a little give. When it comes to price range, that is on you but most rods over $100 today will serve you well, and asking which one we like is like going to BR 31 flavors, you'll get a lot of different answers. Some love Dobyns, and others it is Kistler or St. Croix, or Loomis and it is hard to make a decision when you hear the arguments why one is better than another but the truth is anyone will be great, just look and find one in the length, power, and action that you need and see which one looks better to you.

[ChrisWi]

If you want to try a dobyns get a champion, 734 or 704

[Piningaway462]

again everyone thanks for taking the time to answer!

[Chris at Tech]

If you want to stick with Dobyns, the Champion 735 deserves a look

[irnwrkr]

Check out Temple Fork Outfitter. I bought one last spring and love it.

[JGBassinAL]

If you go Dobyns Champion get a 5 power. I have used a couple KLX's and while I don't think they are more sensitive then the Champ Extreme like Tywithay, I do think they are on the same level and at a lot cheaper price. Also, the KLX is a lot more sensitive than the Champion so in the price range you are looking at I would go with the KLX as well. Or you could get a custom built in the $200 range. If I were buying one right now, which I am (even though I already have two jig rods), I would go custom if you can wait. I have one right now being built on the Rainshadow Eternity blank that's gonna come in around the $200 mark. I also have a c-rig/jig rod being built on the Rainshadow Immortal blank, which will be a little under $200. I have been thoroughly impressed with Rainshadow blanks. Especially against manufactured rods as far as price and quality goes. I like these Rainshadow blanks better than any manufactured rod I have used, which includes almost every brand out there up to the $400 range other than Megabass or G Loomis.

[Jon G]

If you really want a dobyns just use the Champion 735

[kickerfish1]

It probably will boil down to what matters to you most. Some rods are known more for balance, some for looks, some for feel, and a few combine all are some of these. You should be able to get a great new jig rod for under $200 MSRP. The next round of retailer sales will probably be around Memorial day with discounts from 15-25% bringing into play a few more options or making some others less of a financial stretch. Also if you consider going used most rods will be sold at 25 to 50% off depending upon condition and resell value.

 

When you are fishing jigs that are around 3/4 to 1 oz with trailers weight included you are going to want a pretty stout rod with lure ratings that link up. A typical 1/4 - 1 oz rod will probably not cut it and be under powered. Look for a rod that has ratings close to 3/8 to 1 1/2 ounces. If I was fishing a jig bite detection would be key.

 

I would Look at:

 

Megabass Orichi XX rods

Dobyns Champion or Champion Extremes

*** ***

Kistler KLX

ALX

Custom- If you go this route consider the wait for the rod to built and the labor for the rod ($50 - $100 typically) not to mention parts (Blank, guides, reel seat/handle, trim pieces,threads, small parts and products)

 

If you go used I would highly recommend the older GLX rods. The BCR (bottom contact rods) or FPR (flip/punch rods) would have  a few models that would be great and can be had for under $300. They are just extremely difficult to track down as most guys just won't give them up.

[Robert Riley]

I can attest to the quality of the DX745, it's the best rod I've ever used. But it is the most expensive by quite a margin too. 

[Arv]

If you stay Dobyns, definitely go a 5 power.

[DTack]

Dobyns Champion 735.  Any of the Revo will pair up well.  The Dobyns will certainly not be as light on a scale as some other rods mentioned.  However, it will balance just as well (likely better) and be more comfortable after a day of fishing.  I am concerned with how a rod feels when I fish it and how it does when I hook a fish over how it feels in hand in a store or how light the blank is.  Feel free to call Dobyns shop and ask to speak with someone who's name is on the rod, they can go into more detail with you.