Help picking Dobyns Sierra spinning rod

[LEWITH]

Hey guys I'm looking at getting a Dobyns Sierra spinning rod for 1/4oz- 3/8oz drop shot and 1/8oz - 1/4oz jigworm/shaky head applications. I will be running 8lb flouro leader to 15lb braid and will be fishing weedlines and in weeds more often than just straight open water.  I don't know which one to pick either the SA 702SF (medium/light) or the SA 703SF (medium).  I know depending on the manufacturer a rod can be more of less of that rating.  Which one do you guys suggest for this application?

 

Thanks!

[beezer08]

The 703SF is what I’d pick if you plan on fishing in weeds.  Dobyns rods run on the lighter side.  I have the 703SF Sierra and it’s right in between ML and M honestly. 

[LEWITH]

4 hours ago, beezer08 said:

The 703SF is what I’d pick if you plan on fishing in weeds.  Dobyns rods run on the lighter side.  I have the 703SF Sierra and it’s right in between ML and M honestly. 

What techniques do you typically use the rod for? Does it have enough backbone to get fish out of weeds? Thanks

[ike8120]

I have the 702 and 703 in the Fury line. 702 is my NED rod and the 703 is my jig/worm rod.

[cookieman]

I was recommended  by Dobyns to use a 704 sf. I fish lily pad banks with thick grass and edges. The best rod I have ever owned. Fish ned and wacky style, weighted and non. tried a frog for curiosity and worked pretty good. Started using braid again for this and is the best thing for heavy cover.

[TBAG]

I've got a Sierra 702S but I use it only for Ned rigs. For the applications you're using it for I'd go with the 703S

[newyorktoiowa57]

I have a 692 which I use for ned rigs and stream trout fishing. If you are around any kind of weeds at all it is not the rod to have. 

Gary made a video about 2 vs 3 power on YouTube.  He said that 3 power would be better if you need to drive the hook through the plastic.  

[LEWITH]

6 minutes ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

I have a 692 which I use for ned rigs and stream trout fishing. If you are around any kind of weeds at all it is not the rod to have. 

Gary made a video about 2 vs 3 power on YouTube.  He said that 3 power would be better if you need to drive the hook through the plastic.  

Awesome yeah ill definitely be working around weeds. So far im heavily leaning towards the Sierra 703SF. Thanks

[newyorktoiowa57]

2 minutes ago, LEWITH said:

Awesome yeah ill definitely be working around weeds. So far im heavily leaning towards the Sierra 703SF. Thanks

They also make that in a micro guide version. For what it’s worth, my 692 is a little more tip heavy then I prefer, in my opinion because the guides are massive. A good blank either way though. 

[LEWITH]

4 minutes ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

They also make that in a micro guide version. For what it’s worth, my 692 is a little more tip heavy then I prefer, in my opinion because the guides are massive. A good blank either way though. 

Yeah I saw that, I'm actually not a fan of microguides on spinning rods atleast in my phenix as it deflects my leader knot on every guide.  This makes it hard for me to cast distance wise and accurately so the bigger guides are a plus for me atleast. Appreciate the input though!

[newyorktoiowa57]

5 minutes ago, LEWITH said:

Yeah I saw that, I'm actually not a fan of microguides on spinning rods atleast in my phenix as it deflects my leader knot on every guide.  This makes it hard for me to cast distance wise and accurately so the bigger guides are a plus for me atleast. Appreciate the input though!

Fair enough. What Phoenix do you have? You might also look at an expride 610ml. That would be a huge step up from the Sierra. 

[LEWITH]

Phenix Feather Spinning Rod 7'1" Medium

[newyorktoiowa57]

12 minutes ago, LEWITH said:

Phenix Feather Spinning Rod 7'1" Medium

Assuming you don’t like it because if the guides? 

[LEWITH]

19 minutes ago, newyorktoiowa57 said:

Assuming you don’t like it because if the guides? 

Correct, the rod is nice but i use braid mainline with fluoro leader and it just doesnt work well with the tiny guides.  I might still use it with a all fluoro spool.

[beezer08]

15 hours ago, LEWITH said:

What techniques do you typically use the rod for? Does it have enough backbone to get fish out of weeds? Thanks

Wacky rig, drop shot, Ned rig, and lighter shaky head.  I fish more open water with it, but it has pulled smaller bass out of the weeds.  Sounds like you might need something more stout though. 

[ChrisD46]

7 hours ago, cookieman said:

I was recommended  by Dobyns to use a 704 sf. I fish lily pad banks with thick grass and edges. The best rod I have ever owned. Fish ned and wacky style, weighted and non. tried a frog for curiosity and worked pretty good. Started using braid again for this and is the best thing for heavy cover.

*I could see owning : 702SF (Ned, drop shot)  , 703sf (shakey head , MH drop shot , smaller weightless stick worms) & a 704sf (larger stick worms , weighted T-Rigs , lighter C-Rig , fishing near cover) ... Dobyns rods in the Sierra line for me are like Lay's potato chips - I can't have just one !