pauldconyers Posted June 3, 2019 Posted June 3, 2019 I have a 7.2:1 Shimano SLX reel that I am going to use in a combo setup. Not sure yet if I am going to start with 40lb 832 braid on it or 15lb InvizX FC. Now I have to decide on the rod. I want something that would be a great option for an all around rod. I am envisioning something I'd grab on my way out the door if I could only take a single rod with me and would handle most things well. Probably would throw 3/8 or 1/2 lipless, squarebills and small diving cranks, 3/8 or 1/2 spinnerbaits, probably A LOT of trick work or other plastics, 4 or 5 inch paddle tails, 3/8 or 1/2 chatterbaits, 3/8 buzz bait, smaller jerkbaits, etc. Just something that will do a lot of things well. I've got rods that do all these types of things specifically but I need a catch-all, as it were. I think I am going to go with a Dobyns, probably something in the Sierra line. I am leaning towards a 7' variety as a 7' MH with a fast action is the most common thing sold in a combo. I figured that size would give me the most versatility but I haven't closed the door on a 7'3" yet. I was looking at the 703C based upon the lure type recommendations it gives. But with how everyone says Dobyns runs a bit weaker than most a 3 power really makes me think I should look at the 704C perhaps. If I were to look at the 7'3" I would probably have the same issue between the 733C or the 734C. Does anyone have some personal experiences with these particular rods and point me in the right direction? Quote
scbassin Posted June 3, 2019 Posted June 3, 2019 In the Sierra series I have the 683 F/H & 684 F/H. I use the 683 for weightless plastics & treble hook baits up to the 10 to 12 ft depth range. I use the 684 for the other baits on your list. I also have the Champion XP series in the 3,4,5,6 power & use the 3&4 power for the baits. The blank is more sensitive & I can get a longer cast. My choice boils down to what type of cover. Back in the tree's I use a shorter rod, out on the flats with the grasses & lily pads I pick up the longer rod. It's not quite what you wanted to hear but I hope it helps. As far the weaker power compared to others I don't notice it. I guess it depends on what you are compering them to remember apples to apples. I will tell you that the Dobyns rods I have are well built & balanced. I am not tired out at the end of the day. Oh I am just an old man who has been bass fishing since the mid 60's & I don't work for anyone not even myself I just go fishing. Quote
MrSmitty Posted June 3, 2019 Posted June 3, 2019 Sounds like the 704 or 734 would be best bet. Many people feel that the 734 is the best all purpose rod in the Dobyn's lineup. If you cannot find a deal for a less than retail Sierra - look at the Champion line. You can pick up a new Champion 734C for just over $200. Quote
scbassin Posted June 3, 2019 Posted June 3, 2019 If you check on Amazon the have a 704C & 734C Champion for just over $200 with free shipping Just like MrSmitty said. It's the Champion Series is the one before the Champion XP series. I don't know what the difference is but you could call & ask Dobyns Rods at (903) 919 8028, These people are very helpful Quote
pauldconyers Posted June 3, 2019 Author Posted June 3, 2019 I'm thinking due to budget restraints I need to go no higher than the Sierra series. While I'd welcome input on the length to go with I doubt that's going to be difficult to figure out. So I guess it comes down to do I want the 3 or 4 power. Most everything points me towards the 4 but the style baits recommend for each rod points me to the 3. 3 seems awfully light to me for an all around rod, especially with Dobyns rods running a bit light to begin with. That's why I'm hoping for some people's personal experiences here. Quote
Super User WRB Posted June 3, 2019 Super User Posted June 3, 2019 For what you listed for lures the 3 power with braid will cast those lures easier and treble hook lures will be easier to land bass near the boat or shoreline. For under water bottom contact lures the 4 power. As memtioned call Dobyns and they will give you their honest answer. 1 Quote
pauldconyers Posted June 4, 2019 Author Posted June 4, 2019 So if I was definitely going braid or definitely going FC would that perhaps change which I should go with? Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted June 4, 2019 Super User Posted June 4, 2019 2 hours ago, WRB said: For what you listed for lures the 3 power with braid will cast those lures easier and treble hook lures will be easier to land bass near the boat or shoreline. For under water bottom contact lures the 4 power. As memtioned call Dobyns and they will give you their honest answer. I actually emailed Dobyns and asked which rod they would recommend. They said you can fish a standard 1.5 sized crankbait on a 703C and it's better for weightless and lightly weighted soft plastics but will work for lighter and finesse hook jigs where the 704C will fish a 2.5 sized crankbait and is better for T-Rigs and 3/8oz and 1/2oz jigs and whatnot. Given this, I would wager you're good with a 3/8oz spinnerbait or chatterbait as long as the trailer is not too heavy, but the 704C is good for a 3/8oz or 1/2oz. I went with the 704C as it was for soft plastics. It's also a solid jig rod for lighter cover applications. Quote
pauldconyers Posted June 4, 2019 Author Posted June 4, 2019 37 minutes ago, Boomstick said: I actually emailed Dobyns and asked which rod they would recommend. They said you can fish a standard 1.5 sized crankbait on a 703C and it's better for weightless and lightly weighted soft plastics but will work for lighter and finesse hook jigs where the 704C will fish a 2.5 sized crankbait and is better for T-Rigs and 3/8oz and 1/2oz jigs and whatnot. Given this, I would wager youre good with a 3/8oz spinnerbait or chatterbait as long as the trailer is not too heavy, but the 704C is good for a 3/8oz or 1/2oz. I went with the 704C as it was for soft plastics. It's also a solid jig rod for lighter cover applications. Either better for zoom worms like trick worms or ol monsters? Super fukes? Quote
Super User Boomstick Posted June 4, 2019 Super User Posted June 4, 2019 3 minutes ago, pauldconyers said: Either better for zoom worms like trick worms or ol monsters? Super fukes? Well like I said the 703C would be better for weightless or lightly weighted soft plastics and wacky rigs which is how I'd fish a trick worm, where the weighted soft plastics are better on the 704C. A t-rigged ol monster will work fine on either. Should you want to fish a wacky rig on the 704C, get a 1/4 or 3/8oz jig head and fish them on that, which will keep the weight at the bottom and will keep the soft plastic raised above the bottom so the ends can flap around freely. Glenn did a video covering that, but I can't seem to find that now. Quote
Super User ChrisD46 Posted June 4, 2019 Super User Posted June 4, 2019 17 hours ago, MrSmitty said: Sounds like the 704 or 734 would be best bet. Many people feel that the 734 is the best all purpose rod in the Dobyn's lineup. If you cannot find a deal for a less than retail Sierra - look at the Champion line. You can pick up a new Champion 734C for just over $200. +1 what he said ... Dobyns actions run a little light for rating , so don't be scared off by the 4 power . I have a Sierra 734c. and it is the best all-purpose rod I own ! Quote
gilkeybr Posted June 4, 2019 Posted June 4, 2019 I have a 704CB graphite (crankbait) rod. Its exactly what I wanted, but IMO its best suited for lures like a 1.5 or wiggle wart. I have tried 2.5 sized baits and I think they're a bit heavy. If it were me, i'd get the 4 power. Not sure how the powers carryover between the reqular rods and the crankbait rods though. Quote
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