Dobyns 705CB Glass

[XzyluM]

How versatile is this rod? I have read a lot of good things about it and have been thinking about picking one up for crankbaits. But since I haven't used crankbaits near enough to justify buying two or three for specific techniques, I am looking for sort of a jack of all trades rod. Some of the techniques I have been wanting to use more often are square bills, shallow and mid crankbaits and traps. I've used my MH/F rods the times I've fished square bills and traps. I usually fish water around 10' or less and sometimes as deep as 15-17'. Often around cover, but I do have a lot of ponds I fish at times with open water as well. I know this is a popular rod so I am curious what everyone uses it for before pulling the trigger on it. 

[Dirtyeggroll]

On 2/5/2018 at 12:08 PM, XzyluM said:

Some of the techniques I have been wanting to use more often are square bills, shallow and mid crankbaits and traps. I've used my MH/F rods the times I've fished square bills and traps. I usually fish water around 10' or less and sometimes as deep as 15-17'. Often around cover, but I do have a lot of ponds I fish at times with open water as well. I know this is a popular rod so I am curious what everyone uses it for before pulling the trigger on it. 

Thats about the sweet spot for that rod.

[Boomstick]

From the Dobyns website:

 

PRIMARY TECHNIQUES: Crankbaits / Jerkbaits / Spinnerbaits / Topwaters

SECONDARY TECHNIQUES: Lipless Cranks / Scrounger Heads / Square Bills

 

I would probably step up to the 735CB glass (the 7'3" version) and I would imagine it should be good rod for all moving baits if you don't mind a stiffer cranking rod (or use mono). If you are looking for simply crankbaits, I think I would go with the 704CB glass instead.

[Columbia Craw]

That model will do everything you listed and do it well.

[XzyluM]

It seems like these rods get excellent reviews from everyone. I have spent the last few days debating and researching and still haven't quite decided which model I would like. I know a lot of people use multiple rods for these techniques, but since I'm still learning and deciding which techniques I prefer with trebles, I'm looking for that versatile option that can work for multiple techniques. I was originally set on the 705CB Glass model, but the more I searched, the more people mentioned the 705CB graphite as a better option if fishing grass and cover. I would say at least 80% of the time, I am fishing grass, wood or some sort of cover. Right now, I'm leaning toward the 705CB graphite for that reason.

 

I have also been considering the E6X and Fury line as well, but the Champion line is probably where I'm going to end up. I've read the Fury can feel dead compared to the Champion and the E6X reviews are mixed.  I'll probably end up mostly tossing squarebills (Berkley Squarebull 5.5 or KVD 1.5) and lipless crankbaits (RES and Warpig) the most with this rod in the 3/8 and 1/2 ounce range.  Though I'm looking to try out the Dredgers and maybe the Rapala DT for medium divers. Topwater lures like the Sammy or Spook will probably come into play. Does anyone happen to toss light crankbaits on the MH Dobyns? I have some Bandit 100s and Footloose that might come into play as well and was wondering how the 705 would handle them. The only thing that worries me with the 705CB glass is using it for ripping grass.

 

I haven't considered the 735CB, but will look into it. I'm comfortable with longer rods and have three 7'3" for worms and jigs. I guess the reason I was leaning toward the 705CB was for easier target castings and maybe using it for heavier jerkbaits in the future if or when I decided to get into them. But I'm always up for other options if anyone wants to chime in.

[iabass8]

If you're ripping grass, get the graphite. I use the 705cb glass for squarebills and fish a lot of wood and rock. It doesn't have any issues pulling fish away from cover. It's just the slower action when it loads up makes it more of a chore ripping grass. Hard to explain unless you use it. I use a 733 savvy for ripping traps in grass. 

[drewmoniz]

I would go with the 705CB graphite, especially if you will be fishing lipless cranks around grass and/or fishing topwater baits. I have the 705CB in the Fury line and it's an awesome rod for the price. Light, sensitive, good action. If you can swing it go with the Champion line but not knowing whether or not you like a glass rod and dropping over $200 on one is risky IMO.

[5by3]

Honesty, I have the dobyns fury 705cb, which is graphite, and I don’t feel like it’s strong enough to effectively rip traps from grass. It can work in a pinch, but I think more power might be ideal. It does throw shallow to medium cranks and topwater very well though!