Updated Rod Arsenal, Thoughts and opinions?

[Brez1623]

Hey Guys,

 

I am trying to get my rod lineup down for next season so I can be prepared to start fishing club tournaments here in Minnesota. I feel I can compete with the guys in my club and I look forward to fishing this up coming season. With that said here is what I have so far.

 

Dobyns Champion 702SF-Drop-shot, Wacky Rigs, Spybaits

 

Dobyns Champion 702C-Shaky-Heads, Small Top-waters

 

Dobyns Champion 703C (I own a 703 Fury but may upgrade to the Champion) -Heavy/Thick Cover Shaky Heads, Small Jigs, Large Top-Water, Light T-Rigs, Light Carolina Rigs, Spinner Baits, Chatterbaits. small swimbaits

 

Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 744C (own)- Jigs, Carolina Rigs, Swimbaits, Pitchin, T-Rigs, Big Worms

 

Dobyns Champion Extreme 735C (own) - Heavy Cover: Pitchin, Flippin, Frogs, Carolina Rigs

 

Dobyns Champion 705CB-Crank Baits, Mid-Deep Divers, Squarbills, Jerkbaits

 

I want a versatile six rod setup and I feel like this covers it all. If any one can give me some opinions on what I have chosen and whether or not these rods will do everything I could need. I appreciate any help and insight.

Thanks, 

Tom

[iabass8]

The champ 703 isn't a rod i would consider using in heavy thick cover. It's more of a senko/spinnerbait/shakey head rod. 

[SMITTY0045]

I think you pretty much have it all covered, the only thing I would recommend is another bait casting set up with a shorter rod, somewhere between 6'6" and 6'9", probably in a medium action rod. I think you could use this rod for top water and jerk baits. Personally I think a rod about this size will more comfortably fish those baits.

[HoosierHawgs]

On 1/16/2016 at 7:08 PM, SMITTY0045 said:

I think you pretty much have it all covered, the only thing I would recommend is another bait casting set up with a shorter rod, somewhere between 6'6" and 6'9", probably in a medium action rod. I think you could use this rod for top water and jerk baits. Personally I think a rod about this size will more comfortably fish those baits.

I would trade one of your spinning setups for this as well. 

[Brez1623]

On 1/17/2016 at 2:53 PM, HoosierHawgs said:

I would trade one of your spinning setups for this as well. 

I only have one spinning setup its the 702 SF. Also should I consider upgrading my 703 fury to the 703 champion?

[HoosierHawgs]

28 minutes ago, Brez1623 said:

I only have one spinning setup its the 702 SF. Also should I consider upgrading my 703 fury to the 703 champion?

That's on you. I don't have any Dobyn's rods specifically. I'm gonna guess that the law of diminishing returns starts to kick in pretty quick.

[HoosierHawgs]

28 minutes ago, Brez1623 said:

I only have one spinning setup its the 702 SF. Also should I consider upgrading my 703 fury to the 703 champion?

That's on you. I don't have any Dobyn's rods specifically. I'm gonna guess that the law of diminishing returns starts to kick in pretty quick.

[FlipSide]

39 minutes ago, Brez1623 said:

I only have one spinning setup its the 702 SF. Also should I consider upgrading my 703 fury to the 703 champion?

IMO there isn't enough of an upgrade to justify spending another 200+ for a very similar rod.

[Brez1623]

On 1/15/2016 at 2:18 PM, iabass8 said:

The champ 703 isn't a rod i would consider using in heavy thick cover. It's more of a senko/spinnerbait/shakey head rod. 

iabass8 do you have any input on upgrading to the champion series? I've seen you on several of these Dobyns posts and you seem like an expert in there rods.

[hawgenvy]

On 1/16/2016 at 7:08 PM, SMITTY0045 said:

I think you pretty much have it all covered, the only thing I would recommend is another bait casting set up with a shorter rod, somewhere between 6'6" and 6'9", probably in a medium action rod. I think you could use this rod for top water and jerk baits. Personally I think a rod about this size will more comfortably fish those baits.

I have a Dobyns Champ 682C that I use for weightless senkos and flukes, and for small jerk baits. I like it a lot. Fun, light, and easy to use.

[iabass8]

2 hours ago, Brez1623 said:

iabass8 do you have any input on upgrading to the champion series? I've seen you on several of these Dobyns posts and you seem like an expert in there rods.

To be honest if I were only going carry 2-3 rods I would choose the Champion line. However, if I were going to build an "arsenal" the only champion series rod I would use is the cranking rod rod. Even then a 3 powered savvy/fury would suffice. Anything bottom contact (fliping, pitching, dragging, punching, etc) I would /w the Champion Extreme and use the Savvy's for anything moving. I'm huge fan of the champ 705 cb glass so i would have to have that rod. The champion series is a good rod but it's more of a "utility" rod. It's not going to "wow" you but it does what it needs to do pretty well.