Jig rod for both skipping and flipping?

[smithy97]

Hey everyone - I'm looking for a rod that has a light enough tip to skip jigs under docks, but has enough backbone to pitch into some cover (thinking of sparse laydowns, open gaps in lily pads and milfoil, long grass). I would using 3/8oz and 1/2oz mostly. Lets keep the budget under the $200 mark, and length around 7'-7'4''. I've been reading good reviews on the Dobyns Fury 734. I have a Mojo Bass 7' MH Fast and don't feel it has the backbone for pitching into the cover I mentioned. Should I be using 2 different rods for these applications? 

Thanks everyone   

[freelancer27]

Try a Histler Helium 3 7-7'3 Heavy XFast. Should be close to your budget with the current 20% off. Super light and sensitive rod!

[fishnkamp]

That Dobyns is a great versatile rod and can handle that weight jig.  Sometimes a tad bit shorter rod can aid in the skipping docks, so you need to play with a few rods that maybe someone around you has.

Another nice rod choice might be an Irod Genesis II 704C.  Irod makes a nice quality rod and that will be well inside your budget at $150.  Check out the Irod website and Tackle Warehouse for the rod.

[smithy97]

These are good suggestions guys, thanks! I discovered the Dobyns 735 could work as well. I may be leaning towards Dobyns rods for the warranty, and it turns out there's a small shop near me that carries some and can order any model I want (our rod selection in Ontario isn't great). I'll keep taking any other brand ideas that you have! Also for a reel, I'm thinking a Tatula SV. 

[68camaro]

1 hour ago, smithy97 said:

These are good suggestions guys, thanks! I discovered the Dobyns 735 could work as well. I may be leaning towards Dobyns rods for the warranty, and it turns out there's a small shop near me that carries some and can order any model I want (our rod selection in Ontario isn't great). I'll keep taking any other brand ideas that you have! Also for a reel, I'm thinking a Tatula SV. 

You won't go wrong with Dobyns.

 

[speed craw]

I use the champion line up . As far as pitching and skipping two different rods for me personally . But my ideal skipping rod dobyns champion 684 heavy fast action perfect for quick acurate skips with the ability to pull the big girls out . Yes you can flip as well but usually use a longer rod for flipping . But the 684 is a very versatile rod . You can skip with just about anything however being acurate is another thing . Much more acurate with a shorter rod but im also 5 ft 6 . Andy morgan uses a 7 ft but he is also over 6ft tall. But like anything use what works for you .

[kingmotorboat]

6 hours ago, speed craw said:

I use the champion line up . As far as pitching and skipping two different rods for me personally . But my ideal skipping rod dobyns champion 684 heavy fast action perfect for quick acurate skips with the ability to pull the big girls out . Yes you can flip as well but usually use a longer rod for flipping . But the 684 is a very versatile rod . You can skip with just about anything however being acurate is another thing . Much more acurate with a shorter rod but im also 5 ft 6 . Andy morgan uses a 7 ft but he is also over 6ft tall. But like anything use what works for you .

I use a 684 Sierra and absolutely love it

[smithy97]

Never thought about the 684, I'll check those out. Would it handle 1/2oz jigs without feeling to overloaded? 

[fishnkamp]

You can always order a Dobyns from either Dobyns or Tackle Warehouse. I know of several guys I have helped that lived around Toronto. They ordered rods from Tackle Warehouse and TW ships into Canada often. 

One call to Dobyns directly and you can fin out from them who and where they have dealers up in Canada. You will find no more customer oriented bunch then Dobyns. That goes for Gary himself, to his son Richard, as well as the lady that answers the phone and the employees out in the warehouse.

 

[smithy97]

Ok this is great info. I am hearing more great stuff about Dobyns and their customer service, and their warranty. That kind of stuff is important to me, so I'm gonna give them a call and ask them some questions.

Thanks everyone for the help

[fluna]

Are Dobyns rods light? I fish from a kayak and prefer the lighter rods. Does the rod have to be at least 7'? I have never fished jigs and from reading on here seems like longer rods are preferred.

[freelancer27]

My Kistler Helium 3 7 HXF weighs 3.6 oz

[LAO162]

3 hours ago, fluna said:

Are Dobyns rods light? I fish from a kayak and prefer the lighter rods. Does the rod have to be at least 7'? I have never fished jigs and from reading on here seems like longer rods are preferred.

Several of the more experienced members jig with rods under 7 ft.  For decades

 6'6" was considered a long rod.

 

Also, considereal long rods have long handles.  That may affect your technique in a kayak..

[Dtrombly]

5 hours ago, fluna said:

Are Dobyns rods light? I fish from a kayak and prefer the lighter rods. Does the rod have to be at least 7'? I have never fished jigs and from reading on here seems like longer rods are preferred.

Definitely doesn't have to be 7 feet, though most prefer 7+, I'm one of them. I like a 7'3" jig rod. Stay with atleast a 6'6" and you'll be fine 

[iceintheveins]

I use a 7'3", MH Ike Series Casting Rod from Abu Garcia.

[LionHeart]

So you will be pitching,  not flipping?

[drewmoniz]

Dobyns Fury 735 would be better suited for heavy cover applications than the 734

[fluna]

been watching lot you tube about pitching and flipping. I have been throwing poppers and buzzbaits for many years. Trying new techniques this year

[bigfruits]

On 1/29/2018 at 12:46 AM, freelancer27 said:

Try a Histler Helium 3 7-7'3 Heavy XFast. Should be close to your budget with the current 20% off. Super light and sensitive rod!

 

i keep hearing great things about that 7'3" rod. light weight, excellent sensitivity and on the lighter side of heavy and slower side of XF. how well do they balance?

[Owen_007]

For my jig rod I use a 7' Fenwick Elitetech MH. Handles everything I do with it well, skips great, and is very sensitive and flips my jigs into cover accurately. I've pulled nice fish out of laydowns with it and have never had a problem with it. There are guys that can skip a hudd on a broom stick if they had to....I'd say it's more practice then gear.

[Scarborough817]

i would think a 734 is okay a little light for heavy cover I would also look at a fury 704 and a sierra 704 still within the price point but a bit nicer of a rod 

[smithy97]

After thinking on this a bit more, I'll be going with the Champion 705. I've never had a "nice" rod like that before (I'm used to middle of the road gear) so I decided to spend more on a more sensitive and lighter rod. The 7 ft length will be great for skipping and the 5 power will work for the heavy cover situations. If I like it, I'll grab a 735 eventually and use one for each purpose of skipping and flipping. 

[kingmotorboat]

I have a champ 735 and absolutely love it. I also have a Sierra 684 and I'll say this much, don't sleep on the Sierra. IT may have a slower action but oh man does it still have a boat load of power