Looking for a Jig-Spinnerbait-Chatterbait rod

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

I broke my St.Croix Avid X (AXC70MHF) yesterday. Looking to replace it and want to use the chance to consolidate a couple of techniques (Jig-Spinnerbait-Chatterbait and smaller single hook swimbaits). I liked the Avid X but want to go for a full grip handle this time.

What is important to me:

* Weight (should be 4.6oz or lighter)
* Length should be 7 feet - 7'4
* Durability (I am a bank fisherman and I sometimes have to get through thick woods to get to my spot)
* Sensitivity: important (more for the Jigs usage)
* Price: have not decided yet but the total cost should be within 300 bucks
* Planning it to use with a 2016 Antares DC and 14 pound fluro

I am playing with the idea to use the St.Croix Gold program and get the St. Croix Legend but those rods seem to be heavier than the Avid - X, how come?)

Looking forward to hear your recommendations!

Thanks again!

[WRB]

Not St Croix, Dobyns DC734 F/H is within your budget and meets all your needs.

Tom

[new2BC4bass]

The Megabass Orochi XX Diablo Spec-R is a pretty versatile rod.  Possibly a 7'3" Heavy Hammer for a lot less.  An excellent rod with very good sensitivity, but it is a split grip.  I'm looking to add a couple more Hammer rods.  Really like the Spec-R, but a little expensive for me and wouldn't have it except for the generosity of a fellow member.

[fishnkamp]

My first choice would be a Dobyns Champion XP model DC 734C. That is a really excellent all around multi- purpose rod. It is advertised for fishing jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits, spooks, small swimbaits and more. I have a Champion XP model DC 705C and can tell you that series is extremely sensitive. I would have gone with a 735 but it will not fir in my rod box.  I use my 705 for frogs, big jigs and carolina rigs. 

 

I would also consider an Irod Genesis II IRG744C.  That will only run you $150 but the Genesis II rods fish extremely well. They are light and sell balanced. I fish several but two are spinning. My baitcaster is an awesome rod called the IRG 703CC. That is a great composite rod. I use it for square bills, traps, and cranks.

I know a  bunch of guys that really love the IRG 754C for bigger jigs, frogs and carolina rigs. They say the sensitivity is great.   

 

[freelancer27]

3 minutes ago, WRB said:

Not St Croix, Dobyns DC734 F/H is within your budget and meets all your needs.

Tom

Thanks Tom for your reply!

Is this the one: Dobyns Champion XP Full Cast Rod 7'3" Heavy 734

Just wondering what I should do with the broken Avid. St. Croix's replace program is nice (otherwise I would kind of throw 140 USD away)

2 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

My first choice would be a Dobyns Champion XP model DC 734C. That is a really excellent all around multi- purpose rod. It is advertised for fishing jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits, spooks, small swimbaits and more. I have a Champion XP model DC 705C and can tell you that series is extremely sensitive. I would have gone with a 735 but it will not fir in my rod box.  I use my 705 for frogs, big jigs and carolina rigs. 

 

I would also consider an Irod Genesis II IRG744C.  That will only run you $150 but the Genesis II rods fish extremely well. They are light and sell balanced. I fish several but two are spinning. My baitcaster is an awesome rod called the IRG 703CC. That is a great composite rod. I use it for square bills, traps, and cranks.

I know a  bunch of guys that really love the IRG 754C for bigger jigs, frogs and carolina rigs. They say the sensitivity is great.   

 

I like the Dobyns. Seems like a great choice. Just wondering what to to with the St. Croix

[fishnkamp]

Check with ST Croix on their "no questions" replacement program. I stopped using ST Croix rods and sold off my remaining ones. I just prefer the Dobyns, Powells, and Irods.  If it is similar to G Loomis, Dobyns, Irod and others, there is no time frame that it needs to be exchanged within. I broke a G Loomis and chose to wait to replace it for a year. I used a different rod for a while. It made no difference in my eligibility for a replacement. So if that is the case here, you could pick up the Dobyns and just sit on the broken rod until you have a need for a different rod. That is when I would consider doing something with the St Croix.

 

 Maybe look at your arsenal strategically. Perhaps a good spinning rod would fit you better. Then I might consider exchanging it for a St Croix Avid X 6-8 MXF. That is a good rod for Sencos, light texas rigs, shakey heads, floating worms small jigs, and much more. Just  a thought.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, freelancer27 said:

Thanks Tom for your reply!

Is this the one: Dobyns Champion XP Full Cast Rod 7'3" Heavy 734

Just wondering what I should do with the broken Avid. St. Croix's replace program is nice (otherwise I would kind of throw 140 USD away)

I like the Dobyns. Seems like a great choice. Just wondering what to to with the St. Croix

Dobyns uses S/H for split handle and F/H for full handle, C for bait casting, 73 = 7'3" and 4 is the power, to me 4 is closer to MH+ compared to St Croix rods. Avid X is split handle, Avid is full handle, so you could exchange to the same rid you broke with a full handle, if you liked the  how it fished.

The DC 734C F/H is a very good all around rod, don't believe St Croix offers an equal. I am sure The SC guys will add their suggestions.

Sometimes Gary has a few rods with flawed labels or returns that he sells at a big discount, give him a call.

 

Tom

[freelancer27]

1 hour ago, fishnkamp said:

Check with ST Croix on their "no questions" replacement program. I stopped using ST Croix rods and sold off my remaining ones. I just prefer the Dobyns, Powells, and Irods.  If it is similar to G Loomis, Dobyns, Irod and others, there is no time frame that it needs to be exchanged within. I broke a G Loomis and chose to wait to replace it for a year. I used a different rod for a while. It made no difference in my eligibility for a replacement. So if that is the case here, you could pick up the Dobyns and just sit on the broken rod until you have a need for a different rod. That is when I would consider doing something with the St Croix.

 

 Maybe look at your arsenal strategically. Perhaps a good spinning rod would fit you better. Then I might consider exchanging it for a St Croix Avid X 6-8 MXF. That is a good rod for Sencos, light texas rigs, shakey heads, floating worms small jigs, and much more. Just  a thought.

This is good advice!

My arsenal before Saturday looked as follows:

1. Spinning: Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 Medium Light and Abu Revo Inshore (good set up for finesse)
2.  G. Loomis E6X Casting Rod 6'8" Med Hvy  with Lew's 
   Lew's Team Pro Speed Spool (Jerkbaits, Ned Rig and Wacky Rig)
3. St. Croix Avid X Series Cast Rod 7' Med Hvy with Abu Garcia Revo Rocket (Jigs and small single hook swimbaits)
4. Daiwa Steez XT Casting Rod 7'1" Heavy with Antares DC (Mainly lipless crankbaits and small lipped cranks, used it for spinnerbaits as well but did not like it as much since the rod has not enough power to set the hook)
5. Bass Pro Shops Extreme 7'0'', Medium heavy, Action: fast with Metanium MGL (Use for small to medium topwater and larger crankbaits) 
6. Okuma Scott Martin TCS Casting Rod 7'11" Heavy, Lure Weights: 
   1/4-2oz with Daiwa Coastal (Glide baits and big top water)

I think I would like to make the following changes:
 

• Combo 4 should be a dedicated lipless crankbait set up, I would use the Abu Revo Rocket instead in order to be able to burn the lure over grass
• Combo 3 make a dedicated Jig, Spinnerbait and single hook swimbait combo with Antares 
  
   

Having said all of this, I am wondering if the Dobyns Champion XP Full Cast Rod 7'3" Heavy 734 is not too similar to the Daiwa and and Bass Pro. I would prefer a bit more backbone. The Daiwa and Bass Pro are more Medium power than as their rated Medium-Heavy.

Hope that makes sense

[fishnkamp]

I do not own the 7' BP Extreme MH, but I have owned 3 of the Extremes including one of the 6'6" MH fast  rods.  It is far more parabolic  rod then the Dobyns 734C in my opinion.  If I touch the ceiling with the  tip and apply some pressure it will bend down to the 8th guide. This is very much a moderate action rod despite what they call it. This is great for traps, cranks and spinnerbaits. it also fishes paddletail swimbaits like Keitechs well.  I believe you will find the Dobyns Champion XP DC 734C to be a better bottom contact rod.  

 

Do you ever travel to Baltimore MD at all? If so we have a tackle shop in Hunt Valley that stocks a lot of their rods. It also stocks a lot of Irod, Powell, and about 5 or 6 other brands.  Just a thought if you travel here for vacation, business, or crabs ! LOL

 

[freelancer27]

3 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

I do not own the 7' BP Extreme MH, but I have owned 3 of the Extremes including one of the 6'6" MH fast  rods.  It is far more parabolic  rod then the Dobyns 734C in my opinion.  If I touch the ceiling with the  tip and apply some pressure it will bend down to the 8th guide. This is very much a moderate action rod despite what they call it. This is great for traps, cranks and spinnerbaits. it also fishes paddletail swimbaits like Keitechs well.  I believe you will find the Dobyns Champion XP DC 734C to be a better bottom contact rod.  

 

Do you ever travel to Baltimore MD at all? If so we have a tackle shop in Hunt Valley that stocks a lot of their rods. It also stocks a lot of Irod, Powell, and about 5 or 6 other brands.  Just a thought if you travel here for vacation, business, or crabs ! LOL

 

Thanks again.

Unfortunately it is very unlikely that I will be able to make the trip any time soon. 'Stuck' in the Bay Area

[fishnkamp]

Oh are you in California?   If so you are very lucky guy. Gary has lots of dealers out there.  Heck the factory is located north of you in Yuba City. Give them a call and speak with Gary himself or Richard his son.Discuss the waters you fish and the lures you most want to fish.  They will be happy to help you to decide and they will hook you up with their closest dealer to you. They know who stocks the most by checking orders sent out of the warehouse. I bet if you purchase it from them it would be in your hands within a day or two.

 

I must have been confused by your favorite lake, which google found in WV.

[freelancer27]

What do you guys think about the DC 764C? 

[MDbassin]

Dobyns does make a outstanding product and there customer service is second to none. I will second the part of calling or emailing Dobyns to get help with what rod will suit you. I emailed them several times to get my arsenal set up and they were very helpful and every email was either Richard or Gary himself.

 

The best part was they were very considerate with my budget they weren't like a salesman looking at me like a dollar sign trying to sell me the ChampionXP or Champion extreme HP line.

 

They helped me find all my rods in he fury line(although I did wind up upgrading my jig rod to the ChampionXP line)

 

 

[fishnkamp]

Boy that is one rod I have never held. I think that i would give Dobyns a call tomorrow.

Here is their number.  1 (530) 671-1989 

[illinifan4152]

The 764 is much different in my opinion than the 734. Although specs are similar, it fishes much heavier/stiffer than the 734. I would not recommend it for spinners or chatters. My recommendation would go towards the 734c fh like many have suggested. Great all purpose rod.

[webertime]

Use the upgrade program to get a Legend Elite (it's going to cost the same to upgrade as it is to get a Champion).

OR

Megabass Orocchi XX   EMTF

[Puggz]

If I could have only one casting rod it would be a DC 734 FH.  It was the first Dobyn's rod I purchased and now I'm Dobyn's pro staff.  Just sayin'

[freelancer27]

2 hours ago, illinifan4152 said:

The 764 is much different in my opinion than the 734. Although specs are similar, it fishes much heavier/stiffer than the 734. I would not recommend it for spinners or chatters. My recommendation would go towards the 734c fh like many have suggested. Great all purpose rod.

 

2 hours ago, webertime said:

Use the upgrade program to get a Legend Elite (it's going to cost the same to upgrade as it is to get a Champion).

OR

Megabass Orocchi XX   EMTF

 

1 minute ago, Puggz said:

If I could have only one casting rod it would be a DC 734 FH.  It was the first Dobyn's rod I purchased and now I'm Dobyn's pro staff.  Just sayin'

Thanks guys.

That is the conundrum: 

1st: The DC 734 FH seems to be a great rod, but is it distinguished enough from my other MH rods - I prefer more of a backbone (similar to what my Avid what providing). 

 2nd: Go with the Dobyns (=260 USD) or go with the upgrade program for St.Croix and get the Legend Extreme (=270 USD). 


First world problems... 

[Jon G]

I'd go with the upgrade program and would get the Legend Elite. In my opinion the new Legend Elites are the best rod on the market. This is coming from some one who has switched from all Dobyns (I only used Champions and Champion Extremes) to St. Croix.

 

I'm going to get yelled at a lot for saying this but IN MY OPINION (remember this is just my opinion) Dobyns are a little overrated.  Sure they have a nice balance and they offer a lot of options but I think there is some better options out there for the price. 

 

I have the 7'MH Legend Elite and it is one of the most versatile rod I own. With it I fish jigs, trigs, senkos, paddle tail swim baits, swim jigs, chatter baits, spinnerbaits, and power shots. If you were to upgrade you'd be paying around $285 which is an absolute steal. I can honestly say that the sensitivity in the Legend Elite is about the same as the NRX.

[freelancer27]

4 hours ago, Jon G said:

I'd go with the upgrade program and would get the Legend Elite. In my opinion the new Legend Elites are the best rod on the market. This is coming from some one who has switched from all Dobyns (I only used Champions and Champion Extremes) to St. Croix.

 

I'm going to get yelled at a lot for saying this but IN MY OPINION (remember this is just my opinion) Dobyns are a little overrated.  Sure they have a nice balance and they offer a lot of options but I think there is some better options out there for the price. 

 

I have the 7'MH Legend Elite and it is one of the most versatile rod I own. With it I fish jigs, trigs, senkos, paddle tail swim baits, swim jigs, chatter baits, spinnerbaits, and power shots. If you were to upgrade you'd be paying around $285 which is an absolute steal. I can honestly say that the sensitivity in the Legend Elite is about the same as the NRX.

Sounds like an interesting rod!

So St. Croix Legend Elite Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy vs Dobyns DC734 F/H

Pros and Cons as I can see it:

Legend seems to have higher quality components a longer handle (which I also prefer). What are the advantages of the Dobyns?

Thanks!

[primetime]

Lightning Shock MH 7' is a great all around rod if you do not want to buy a technique specific rod. 

 

Cabela's Rods the Tourney Trail Pro is under $50, Life time warranty, same with the 40 rods and they fish much nicer than the price.

 

The New Shimano series exage is really nice, kind of a step up from the compre which is a rod I like and easy to use for a bunch of techniques. Some of the Daiwa rods are versatile as well and you can stay under $100.

 

Overall, LIghting rods have the perfect tip, handle up to an ounce, great with braid or mono, and I have yet to break one, and I break a good amount of rods do to stepping on them etc...Okuma does a good job with warranties but Cabelas will literally replace your rod regardless of price and they use really good blanks. 

 

 

[Jon G]

10 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

Sounds like an interesting rod!

So St. Croix Legend Elite Casting Rod 7' Med Hvy vs Dobyns DC734 F/H

Pros and Cons as I can see it:

Legend seems to have higher quality components a longer handle (which I also prefer). What are the advantages of the Dobyns?

Thanks!

I've fished both so I'll try and do my best to give a pros and con

 

Legend Elite: Well for one you'd be getting a $400 rod for $285. The Legend Elite has much better components. It has torzite guides and and SCV blank which is arguably one of the best blanks on the market. The handle is comfortable and is made out of high quality cork. St. Croix IMO has a much better warranty and their customer service is outstanding. The only problem I have is that they don't offer a MH rod in the 7'3-7'5 range.

 

Dobyns 734: It has a very good balance which most Dobyns rods have. It has nice cork and it is very versatile. Since it is a 7'3you are going to get a little quicker line pick up when fishing jigs in deep water and you are going to get a little farther cast due to the length  However in my opinion (again I'm not trying to offend any one I'm just giving my honest opinion) Dobyns are a little over priced for what you get.  In the $250 range I believe there are much better options. My favorite is the St. Croix LTB however they are a little to tip heavy for some. Another good option is the Kistler Helium 3's I personally haven't fished one but I've never heard anything bad about them.

 

The Legend Elite is a much better rod. You have to remember you are comparing a $400 rod to a $250 rod. The Legend Elite just has much better components, is a hell of a lot more sensitive, and has a better warranty.

 

If you don't want another St. Croix and you don't want a Dobyns the Megabass Orochi XX EMTF is another option. However, I still would not pass up on upgrading to the Legend Elite.

[webertime]

A MHF St Croix and a MHF Dobyns are as different as you can get for "MHF" rods.  St. Croix almost fishes at a Heavy.  Dobyns is a much more moderate action and almost feels like a Medium.  Deep jigs, that may make a difference.

I have owned 70mhf St Croixs AND a FH Champion 734...  They fish pretty differently for sure.

[Jon G]

5 minutes ago, webertime said:

A MHF St Croix and a MHF Dobyns are as different as you can get for "MHF" rods.  St. Croix almost fishes at a Heavy.  Dobyns is a much more moderate action and almost feels like a Medium.  Deep jigs, that may make a difference.

I have owned 70mhf St Croixs AND a FH Champion 734...  They fish pretty differently for sure.

The MH Legend Elite is a true MH and it feels like a 4 power Dobyns. 

[freelancer27]

26 minutes ago, webertime said:

A MHF St Croix and a MHF Dobyns are as different as you can get for "MHF" rods.  St. Croix almost fishes at a Heavy.  Dobyns is a much more moderate action and almost feels like a Medium.  Deep jigs, that may make a difference.

I have owned 70mhf St Croixs AND a FH Champion 734...  They fish pretty differently for sure.

 

20 minutes ago, Jon G said:

The MH Legend Elite is a true MH and it feels like a 4 power Dobyns. 

I actually prefer a stiffer rod for the applications that I want to use it for. I have 2 MH rods already that I am using for crankbaits and topwaters. I a bit more backbone will help me to better set the hook on the single hook baits.