Dedicated Squarebill Rod - Which Dobyns?

[Dirtyeggroll]

I am looking to purchase a dedicated squarebill rod. One rod for that will work well over the whole range and for all types of cover (rocks, brush, weeds, rip rap etc.) I plan to use this rod to throw most sizes 1.0 (3/8 oz) to 2.5 (5/8 oz) squarebills including some wake baits. (I already have a rod I am happy with for throwing jerkbaits and rip baits). 

 

I've been doing a TON of searching reading and there seems to be a consensus that the Dobyns Champion series rods make excellent squarebill rods.

 

Despite the consensus seeming to be centered around the Dobyns Champion series, I cannot find consistent information as to which model is preferred between the 704CB and the 705CB. Further, I cannot seem to find consistent information as to what is preferred of glass versus graphite for these rods.

 

So it seems to come down to:

 

704CB vs. 704CB Glass vs. 705CB vs. 705CB glass as an all around squarebill rod.

 

The closest preference I have found is that if most squarebills are 3/8 oz and under then the 704 is the better option and if most are 3/8 oz or above then the 705 is the better option.

 

*UPDATE*

I think have decided on the 705.

So... Glass or Graphite for the 705 as an all around squarebill rod? (I have seen other threads for glass vs. graphite but I don’t think specifically  for squarebills)

 

**UPDATE**Summary of General Pros and Cons of 705CB vs. 705Cb Glass in this thread as of January 12th, 2018:

 

705CB GRAPHITE Pros:

-Subjectively more sensitive than the glass model

-Versatility (Is a better lipless and heavy jerkbait rod than the glass; doesn't really apply if a dedicated squarebill rod)

705CB GLASS Pros:

-Better at loading up on fish/keeping trebles pinned

-Slightly lighter

 

705CB GRAPHITE Cons:

-Slightly heavier

-Doesn't quite have the load-up/forgiveness of glass on fish

705CB GLASS Cons:

-Subjectively not as sensitive

-Not as versatile (doesn't really apply if a dedicated squarebill rod)
 

Does anyone use either of these rods to throw the sprectrum of squarebills? And can you comment your thoughts?

 

(I know ultimately this comes down to personal preference but since I don't have any way to hold and test a Dobyns rod without purchasing one, I'd like to know the consensus of the community). Thanks!

[Fishin' Fool]

Dobyns rods are slightly under power. If in doubt go heavier. I have the Fury 705CB rod. It's a nice rod for the price.

[fishballer06]

Dobyns 705CB is what you want. I have this rod in the Champion series and it's my go to for basically any moving bait. It's very versatile. I prefer graphite rods, but go with whatever material you prefer.

[Stalking bass]

3 hours ago, fishballer06 said:

Dobyns 705CB is what you want. I have this rod in the Champion series and it's my go to for basically any moving bait. It's very versatile. I prefer graphite rods, but go with whatever material you prefer.

Not to cut into the thread but whats your overall opinion on sensitivety on the 705? I'm looking for a crankbait rod also. Are you happy with it? I appreciate any info on it.

[fishballer06]

27 minutes ago, Stalking bass said:

Not to cut into the thread but whats your overall opinion on sensitivety on the 705? I'm looking for a crankbait rod also. Are you happy with it? I appreciate any info on it.

I'm very happy with it. I have 5 Dobyns Champion rods, everyone one of them is a cranking model (684, 705, 736G, 765, 805). I prefer graphite cranking rods, so you've got the sensitivity of graphite but a slower moderate action that you want in a cranking rod. 

[Dirtyeggroll]

3 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

I'm very happy with it. I have 5 Dobyns Champion rods, everyone one of them is a cranking model (684, 705, 736G, 765, 805). I prefer graphite cranking rods, so you've got the sensitivity of graphite but a slower moderate action that you want in a cranking rod. 

Do you think you are losing anything in the forgiveness of the graphite in these rods? (Have you fished the glass? What makes you prefer graphite? Sensitivity?)

[fishballer06]

5 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

Do you think you are losing anything in the forgiveness of the graphite in these rods?

Not at all. I fish with fluoro, which has a little stretch to it as well. 

5 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

Have you fished the glass?

Yes, I have the 736G rod. I hate how I can't feel anything compared to my graphite rods. 

5 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

 What makes you prefer graphite? Sensitivity?)

Sensitivity is the main reason. But weight is another big one. If I'm slinging plugs all day, saving 1-2oz on a rod goes a long way.

[Dirtyeggroll]

16 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

Not at all. I fish with fluoro, which has a little stretch to it as well. 

Got it. 

 

16 minutes ago, fishballer06 said:

Sensitivity is the main reason. But weight is another big one. If I'm slinging plugs all day, saving 1-2oz on a rod goes a long way.

My understanding is the that graphite 705 actually weighs MORE than the glass 705 so that’s actually a point against the graphite in this case. I do realize that in many cases glass rods are heavier.

 

Who knew choosing a squarebill rod could come down to such minutia?!? Haha

[rippin-lips]

I owned a 705cb and the tip was too soft for me. I actually ended up using the champ 704 for squarebills. Still has a soft tip but not as quite as much of a noodle feeling to it. The thing about fishing is we all have our preferences to what we prefer to use. 

[Columbia Craw]

Let me try and help.  Dobyns crankbait rods are rated in crankbait powers and should not be confused with the fast action rods not specifically design to have moderate actions most anglers prefer in a treble hooked bait.

 

Note that the Champion cranking series all feature full cork grips. Only the Fury has the split grip.

 

The "glass" models are actually composite rods.

 

The 704CB Glass is a very moderate action model and is designed for smaller lighter baits.  It is my least used model but when I fish finesse crankbaits on #8 this is the go to rod.  It loads extremely easy. This, to me is the only model that would warrant the description of being " whippy. "  It is very light and well balanced.  I throw 1/8 oz. Speed Traps, SK 1.5 Shallow and 100 Bandits with it.  I will use it for Normans Deep Tiny N's too.

 

The 704CB is in my opinion the best jerk bait rod in the Dobyns line up. Even though having a moderate action the tip is active and rebounds pretty fast. If I'm fishing 1.5 to 2.0 baits around rock and light vegetation this is a great rod. I also use it for poppers. The sweet spot on this rod is 3/8 oz but it will handle more. I also have the 684CB. Same features

 

The 705CB glass has tip and power.  The tip is slightly slower but it shuts off in the middle third of the blank and will move big fish. I have no qualms fishing this rod around docks, big wood or heavy vegetation. I actually like this rod when I'm fishing Lipless baits like Rattle Traps, YZ Vibes and Drums for smallies. The rod is much lighter than my SR705R.

 

The 705CB is my actual square bill rod but it is much more versatile and makes a great heavy jerkbait rod, topwater rod and a super target spinnerbait rod when you are using 1/4 or 3/8 ounce baits around trees. This model is a bit quicker in it's action and is moderate enough to keep treble hook baits buttoned up.  It still has ample power on the lower 60% of the blank to pressure bigger fish and move them away from cover.  This rod works well for lipless baits and deeper divers similar to a Normans Deep Little N. Sensitivity is really good and the rod is balanced well.  Most important, it loads nicely so casting effort is easy. I love it for wake baits.

 

Last, I have a 736CB Glass. I bought this rod expressly to throw chatterbaits but have found it to be a insane spinnerbait rod. I suppose I could throw magnum squarebills with it but I don't own any of 8.0 sizes. 

 

I like moderate actions and the "glass feel." All my previous crankbait rods were Lamiglas. I can get that forgiving power in a graphite with my Dobyns and at a much lighter weight with a more comfortable handle and balance. 

 

The model I would point you to is the Champion 705CB. I think it would be a win win for you. Good luck.

 

Doug

 

 

[iabass8]

705 cb glass is my dedicated squarebill rod. I fish a ton of rock and wood. love it. 

[scbassin]

Call Dobyns Rods they are very helpful, speak with Gary or Richard if they are there.

[Dirtyeggroll]

35 minutes ago, scbassin said:

Call Dobyns Rods they are very helpful, speak with Gary or Richard if they are there.

I called Dobyns Rods yesterday. Neither Gary or Richard were there, but I did speak with a Brent and asked about which 705CB (glass or graphite) he suggests as a squarebill rod. His first answer was that both are great squarebill rods and it comes down to personal preference. He stated that he preferrred the glass rod, because he felt it was more forgiving than the graphite rod. However, he agreed that the glass rod was not as sensitive as the graphite rod and that he prefers one of the graphite rods for his deep cranking setups so he can feel the bottom.

 

I like the idea of feeling the ticks of brush piles and rip rap and I plan to use a forgiving line (Seaguar Tatsu 15-20#), so I am leaning toward the graphite rod.

 

I've read in other places that Gary Dobyns created the graphite version because he doesn’t like glass.

[iabass8]

3 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

I called Dobyns Rods yesterday. Neither Gary or Richard were there, but I did speak with a Brent and asked about which 705CB (glass or graphite) he suggests as a squarebill rod. His first answer was that both are great squarebill rods and it comes down to personal preference. He stated that he preferrred the glass rod, because he felt it was more forgiving than the graphite rod. However, he agreed that the glass rod was not as sensitive as the graphite rod and that he prefers one of the graphite rods for his deep cranking setups so he can feel the bottom.

 

I like the idea of feeling the ticks of brush piles and rip rap and I plan to use a forgiving line (Seaguar Tatsu 15-20#), so I am leaning toward the graphite rod.

 

I've read in other places that Gary Dobyns created the graphite version because he doesn’t like glass.

"more sensitive" is a relative term . You can feel every rock on the cb glass. what you also need to understand about  the cb glass is it fishes like a graphite rod until a fish loads up and then you see the glass "bend". If i fished mid divers, traps, and squarebills all on the same rod, I would use the 705cb. Being a dedicated squarebill only, I prefer the glass. 

[Dirtyeggroll]

1 hour ago, iabass8 said:

"more sensitive" is a relative term . You can feel every rock on the cb glass. 

Great discussion being generated here!

@iabass8 have you loaded up the graphite 705CB on a fish for comparison? 

What makes the graphite a better option to include throwing mid divers and traps?

[iabass8]

1 hour ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

Great discussion being generated here!

@iabass8 have you loaded up the graphite 705CB on a fish for comparison? 

What makes the graphite a better option to include throwing mid divers and traps?

Yes I have used both.

 

The non glass is "better" at ripping traps though neither are what I prefer to use when doing that. 

[kickerfish1]

Another vote for the Champ 705 cb glass rod. Great all rounder too! I have used mine for spinnerbaits, spooks, and traps as well. Never an issue.

[npl_texas]

After thinking about it a little bit I think the 733 Champion Extreme rod would be decent.  It's listed as fast but it's a little bit slower than most but still has enough backbone for grass, etc.   I may try that out.

 

 

I have the Fury 705CB, Champ XP 735/736CB's.  The 705 has really fallen out of favor for me and I'm considering trying out a Champion XP to see the difference.  

[Dirtyeggroll]

15 minutes ago, npl_texas said:

I have the Fury 705CB, Champ XP 735/736CB's.  The 705 has really fallen out of favor for me and I'm considering trying out a Champion XP to see the difference.  

What about the Fury 705CB has made it fall out of favor?

[npl_texas]

6 minutes ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

What about the Fury 705CB has made it fall out of favor?

After fishing with other rods it just feels dead.