Dobyns/shimano Frog combo

[IndianaFinesse]

I recently broke my frog rod, and I am looking to upgrade my set up while I have the excuse.  I already decided on the rod, a dobyns fury, either a 735c or a 734c.  I would normally go with the 734c, but the dobyns rods seem to have a nice soft tip which helps throw smaller baits.  Looking to mostly throw junior sized pad crashers (1/4 oz.), very rarely a full sized frog.  Which one?

 

I am much less decided on the reel, all I know is I would prefer a shimano (I can get them for 40% off and I really like them).  I have a soft budget of 100$ after the discount, but would like to spend less if possible, but I can go a little higher if I have to.  I would much rather spend less though.  It has to be very low profile and throw 1/4 ounce pad crashers with ease.  Which model would you recommend?

[fishnkamp]

I personally love my Dobyns Champion XP model DC705C. I would have preferred the DC 735C, but it will not fit in my rod box. I spoke with Gary and he said the tapers on the two rods differed and the 735C was the best choice but assured me I would be happy with the 7 footer.  He was right I love the rod for frogs, big jigs and pitching.

 

If you are considering the choice between a Fury 734 and a Fury 735 I think the 735C is the way to go.

I suggest you think really carefully of all the baits this rod will cover than give Dobyns a call. The owner and his son both love to give personal help to their customers.

 

As for reels. I know you said you would prefer a Shimano. I have no idea what your discount source can do for you, but the best options in the under $150 category would be a Citica I reel which normally sells for $149. Be aware Tackle Warehouse has the Shimano Curado I reels on sale for $149. Just mentioning it.

[IndianaFinesse]

2 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

I personally love my Dobyns Champion XP model DC705C. I would have preferred the DC 735C, but it will not fit in my rod box. I spoke with Gary and he said the tapers on the two rods differed and the 735C was the best choice but assured me I would be happy with the 7 footer.  He was right I love the rod for frogs, big jigs and pitching.

 

If you are considering the choice between a Fury 734 and a Fury 735 I think the 735C is the way to go.

I suggest you think really carefully of all the baits this rod will cover than give Dobyns a call. The owner and his son both love to give personal help to their customers.

 

As for reels. I know you said you would prefer a Shimano. I have no idea what your discount source can do for you, but the best options in the under $150 category would be a Citica I reel which normally sells for $149. Be aware Tackle Warehouse has the Shimano Curado I reels on sale for $149. Just mentioning it.

Thanks, do you think it's to stiff for 1/4 ounce frogs?  That's what I will be using it for 95% off the time.  Some larger frogs and flipping/pitching to though.

 

The 40% off is site wide, direct from shimano.

[mwh33]

I use a dobyns 735c champion paired with a shimano exsence dc 12. Works great for me.

[RichF]

Boy am I glad I don't have that discount...I'd be broke and girlfriend-less.  If it were me, I'd wait for the Curado K.  That's gonna be my new kermit caster.  The Curado I is a solid reel though and if you need it now, I'd go with that.  It should be in your price range after your sweet discount!

[fishballer06]

I'm throwing my frogs on the Sierra 735C and it has worked great for me. I wrenched some 3lb fish out with 8 pounds of grass on them with no problem. I can't wait until I hook up with a big one to see how it does. I'm confident it will handle it fine. 

 

Only having a $100 budget for a reel is tough. You get what you pay for. I'd go with a 200 size Curado.

[PaFrogThrower9]

Def go with the FR735C! You wont regret it!

[IndianaFinesse]

7 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

I'm throwing my frogs on the Sierra 735C and it has worked great for me. I wrenched some 3lb fish out with 8 pounds of grass on them with no problem. I can't wait until I hook up with a big one to see how it does. I'm confident it will handle it fine. 

 

Only having a $100 budget for a reel is tough. You get what you pay for. I'd go with a 200 size Curado.

 

5 hours ago, PaFrogThrower9 said:

Def go with the FR735C! You wont regret it!

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.  One more quick question, is the 735c to stiff to throw junior sized pad crashers?  I've never purchased a mag-heavy rod before, but the dobyns I've felt all had soft tips.

 

BTW, I got a message from a shimano rep asking where I got the discount, thinking it was from an inside source.  I wanted to clear things up and say that it isn't, shimano sponsors my club and gives the members a 40% off code to use on their site.  I think it's pretty cool to see that they're watching our forums.

[fishballer06]

15 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

One more quick question, is the 735c to stiff to throw junior sized pad crashers?

 

I can't comment on a junior pad crasher, but I've thrown a 1/4oz. buzzbait with mine and it worked just fine.

[PaFrogThrower9]

18 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

 

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.  One more quick question, is the 735c to stiff to throw junior sized pad crashers?  I've never purchased a mag-heavy rod before, but the dobyns I've felt all had soft tips.

 

BTW, I got a message from a shimano rep asking where I got the discount, thinking it was from an inside source.  I wanted to clear things up and say that it isn't, shimano sponsors my club and gives the members a 40% off code to use on their site.  I think it's pretty cool to see that they're watching our forums.

Nope. Not too stiff at all. I throw small frogs and mice on it as well as sometimes 1/4oz jigs or worms with a 1/4oz weight in front of them.

[IndianaFinesse]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I've decided on the fr735c for the rod, and I think I'm going to save a little longer so i can pair it with a curado 70.

[Mark888]

Wait for the cured k to come out, its going to be a wicked reel for sure!

[fishnkamp]

The Tatula CT I have on my Champion XP DC705C works great and would fit your needs well. That would save you a bunch of money.

[IndianaFinesse]

2 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

The Tatula CT I have on my Champion XP DC705C works great and would fit your needs well. That would save you a bunch of money.

Except I can get a curado for $120...?. And I really prefer shimano's centrifugal braking system anyways.

 

3 hours ago, Ladybass said:

Wait for the cured k to come out, its going to be a wicked reel for sure!

I really like the smaller reels, I have smallish hands and have a hard time palming the larger reels well enough for walking frogs.

[fishnkamp]

That is a great price on the Shimano for sure.

[wet_dream]

2 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Except I can get a curado for $120...?. And I really prefer shimano's centrifugal braking system anyways.

 

I really like the smaller reels, I have smallish hands and have a hard time palming the larger reels well enough for walking frogs.

 

There's one video on YouTube, I believe the user's name is ReelTest. He compares the Curado K, size-wise, and actually says it feels smaller than a Scorpion 70 (JDM Curado 70). With your discount, I'd atleast wait til I can play with the Curado K before deciding.