Baitcast Rod - Paralysis by Analysis!

[Rozebol]

Greetings from Wisconsin! -

Looking for recommendations on a baitcaster to throw (in order) 5” weightless worms (T-Rigged), spinnerbaits/chatterbaits/buzzbaits, swim jigs, and potentially hollow bodied baits/frogs.

I’ve done the most research around the Avid 7’ MHF and Dobyns Champion 734c Heavy/Fast (sounds like the Dobyns heavy is in line with most manufacturers MH).  That said, I want to ensure enough backbone to land the big ones, but still light enough to have fun  - not sure if M, MH or H (Dobyns) is most appropriate for my needs.

Approximately 90% of the time, I’m fishing on a 90 acre inland Wisconsin lake. The lake is mostly open with milfoil tending to grow moderately in a few area by late summer. Not a lot of downed trees, rocks, etc.

I already have the Avid 7’MM and Avid 6’8” MXF (spinning), so I feel like I have other techniques covered.

I’m at the point of paralysis, by analysis…. Basically looking for a Swiss Army Knife MH rod. Rod will be paired with Curado 201HG (currently being serviced/tuned by DVT)! So… thoughts on Avid vs Dobyns? Other manufacturer recommendations? My budget is up to $275 for the rod. Many thanks for your help!

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

It's often tough to find one rod that can do it all ~

Gary Dobyns makes a nice stick and that one is very good at what it's designed for.

A-Jay

[new2BC4bass]

Looks like you are doing a good job researching. 

Might want to give the guys at TackleTrap a call and ask about the Hammer rods.  The 7'3" Extra Heavy might work.  I've been reading some really good reviews on this line.  Picked up a couple, but haven't had a chance to fish them...only got out for a few minutes with each for some casting practice.

[buzzed bait]

that 7'MH Avid is a stout stick, the one i had was heavier power than i wanted for it.  i doubt you'd get it to load up well enough to cast the 5" senko very well at all.  i have a dobyns 4 power rod and think it too may be a little tough to load up on the weightless senko, but would probably do it easier than the avid, but would be fine for the other techniques listed no doubt.

[Logan S]

With that budget you have a lot of options.  Throw a couple more dollars at your budget and pick up a Megabass Orochi XX - Extreme Mission Type-F ($299 retail).  The EMTF is the most versatile rod I've ever used...and I've used a lot.  It's 7'5" and rated as a MH/Fast, but IMO the action is somewhere between a MF and Fast.  The EMTF is the Swiss Army knife of bass rods .  

I use mine mostly for Texas-rigs and swing-heads, but I'm not exaggerating when I say it can do almost anything well.  It's a unique rod, I've never used or felt anything like it.  Only potential downside is that it's a little longer at 7'5" than most rods, but if that's not an issue I'd seriously consider it.  Frogs might be a stretch for it, but if it's lighter cover and you're using braid I'm sure it could handle it (I like a true Heavy power for frogging so I wouldn't use the rods you listed either).  Megabass also makes the EMTF in their Levante line which is priced at $200.    

Both the rods you initially listed are also great choices, although you may consider bumping up to the LTB over the Avid since the LTB would also fit in your budget at $270.  I have several LTB's including a few 7' and 7'1" MH/F models and I love them, but I'd still say the EMTF is more versatile.  I don't use Dobyns rods, but they get plenty of positive reviews so I doubt you'd go wrong there either.

[the reel ess]

nm

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

Either choice is probably good. Only have experience
with St. Croix, not Dobyns...

Good luck there.

[Silas]

Have to agree with Logan on the Extreme Mission being the Swiss Army Knife !  

Well put!  

I have the Avid 7 MM and have used it for weightless 3,4,5 inch senkos. Did very well. 

Had an old Curado 100D and 10# Silver Thread spooled. Great Combo. 

Also as New2BC suggests, the Hammer rods look very promising and I'm looking forward to his comments on its performance. Price on those is sweet, too 

 

[rippin-lips]

I'd 3rd the emtf if it was shorter. It's a touch off on balance at 7'5. Another good choice is the Diablo spec R. I use it the most out of all my xx rods.  As for the Dobyns, the 4 power is a good choice. It'll toss a weightless senko an ok distance and work good for the other things listed. 

[new2BC4bass]

6 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

I'd 3rd the emtf if it was shorter. It's a touch off on balance at 7'5. Another good choice is the Diablo spec R. I use it the most out of all my xx rods.  As for the Dobyns, the 4 power is a good choice. It'll toss a weightless senko an ok distance and work good for the other things listed. 

I have the Diablo Spec R thanks to a fellow member.  Picked it because it is suppose to be very versatile according to Megabass advertising.  Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to fish any of the rods and reels I picked up over the winter.  Only been able to make a few practices casts with them.  Hoping to get out Sunday...the first sunny day in a week, but ain't going to hold my breath.

[dam0007]

The Dobyns CS 703 is good for those it's what im using but I'm actually going to go to the 733 FH myself. But if you're adding the hollow bodied frogs in there plus want to keep costs down Irod Genesis 2 'Fred's Magic Stick' is something else I'd look into. You can't go wrong with either. Btw Dobyns 3 power is pretty rock solid for everything you mentioned except frogs. 

[SNK]

Hello fellow Wisconsinite!

I used to own the St.Croix Avid 7' MH. I still have my Dobyns Champion 734C, and the EMTF. All great rods and all will handle what you list for the baits you plan to fish. The only bait you list that I think you may struggle with is the hollow bodied Frog. Typically, many, anglers go with a true H rod (as Logan notes above). I used to be pretty much all St. Croix, and the only reason I do not have the Avid anymore is that I went to all over 7' rods, and ended up going with Megabass and Dobyns due to their actions, feel, and looks - for baitcasting anyway, still own a number of Avid spinning rods that I enjoy a lot. 

[Poolshark]

Have you considered a g Loomis mbr 843c? welcome to the forum. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Give the Okuma Helios a look. 7' MH/F Very light, balanced, power, sensitivity at a good price $140. Will handle 5" senkos to frogs nicely. Dont be fooled by the price it will hang with  avid LTB cumara fenwick rods.

Went and took a quick snap of balance with a lighter 50e reel than the 200i

 

[smalljaw67]

I understand your needs and there is one problem, hollow body frogs. Frogs are so heavy that you can's throw them on a MH rod but if you are throwing them in heavy milfoil the MH isn't going to help if you have a nice fish on with 6lbs of grass added to it and that is why most use a dedicated frog rod or flipping stick. If you don't think you are going to be fishing slop, then the 7' MH-F rod in just about any brand you like will be fine, the Avid will work with a 5" Senko but if you are using other brands of stick worms that aren't as heavy as an original Senko, well it may take a little finesse type casting but it can be used with it. There are a ton of great rods out there in your price range and my suggestion is to get one in a 7' MH-F that you like and you'll be fine.

[Rozebol]

Hi All - Thanks for the great responses! Your comments definitely made me think about my approach for the applications on my original post. Here's where I'm at....

When I really think about how I'll use this rod (both open water/and bank with trees/overhangs, etc.), I'm thinking it might make the most sense for to target a 7' rod length. Applications, in order, are still 4"-5" t-rigged/weightless worms, 3/8oz & 1/2oz Spinner/Chatterbaits, and Jigs (I'll find a separate rod for Hollow Bodies per original post). I'll be pairing rod with a 201HG Curado. Still targeting bass as primary species, but also looking at something for Pike and Walleye on occasion. Also willing to bump budget for "the right rod".  I don't want to spend silly money, but I'm a big believer in "Buy Once, Cry Once".

That said my research has led me to the following:

1) Dobyns DX 703/704

2) Legend Elite 7'MF

3) G Loomis IMX/GLX 843 MBR, but wondering if it makes sense to bite the bullet in jump to the NRX 843 MBR (found one on sale around $395)

4) Open to any other ideas. At prices above, should I consider custom? 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Airman4754]

http://www.***.com/Lamiglas_Infinity_Bass_Casting_Rod/descpage-LIBC.html

In the 7'2" MedLt / 723 model. It's my dedicated Senko rod. It has the tip to throw them a mile weightless and it has the back bone to bury a 5/0 hook. It would be a very good spinner bait rod too. I could see it throwing square bills very good as well. It's right in the top of your price point but it's hand made in America an extremely versatile rod. I think the 3/4oz rating is low.