Dobyns Sierra or Champion

[Bass Rutten]

Looking to pick up the much heralded Dobyns 734C to use primarily as a jig rod, for anyone who’s owned both series how big of a difference is there in sensitivity between the Sierra and the champion series and did you feel the champion was worth the additional $80?

[kayaking_kev]

If you're really wanting a jig rod, the Champion 744c would be better than both of those, unless you like a little softer tip for jigs, and a more versatile rod then the 734 would be the way to go.

[Bass Rutten]

How does the 744c do at throwing 1/4oz jigs? I see it rating starts right at 1/4oz, I mostly throw 1/4 and 3/8 finesse, pitching and swimjigs.

[bunz559]

I have the 734 and it's a great rod. Although, I do not use it for jigs. I use it primarily as a spinnerbait rod. Sometime larger top water baits are thrown on it like Super Spooks and other moving baits like Keitechs. In a pinch, I'll throw jigs. I feel  the tip is slightly too soft and slow for me. I prefer my Extreme 745, 784, and Braillist for that. But if you do not have anything more powerful than the 734c for jigs, it'll definitely feel like a big upgrade. I remember when my 734 was the most powerful rod I had other than my punch rod and it was fantastic as a jig rod. That was until I tried other rods.  

[kayaking_kev]

5 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

How does the 744c do at throwing 1/4oz jigs? I see it rating starts right at 1/4oz, I mostly throw 1/4 and 3/8 finesse, pitching and swimjigs.

Not sure about the 1/4 oz, but it should throw 3/8 pretty good with a trailer. Another option to look at might be the 703c for those lighter weights. I have a Fury 703c and it's very versatile for any lure in those weights. Since mine is a Fury I mostly use mine for jerkbaits and other reaction type baits because I like something more sensitive for jigs, but I would probably throw a finesse jig on the Champion 703. If you could get your hands on a Kaden 713, that might be even better because they have faster tips, that's the only thing I would worry about with a Champion 703c and especially a Sierra 703c, is that they are too soft for jigs, the Fury 703c is faster, but doesn't have the sensitivity as those. But, since you will be doing some pitching, you might like a softer tip. I personally will throw those finesse jigs on my Xtasy 723c.

[WRB]

Check with Dobyns store (call them), they may have what you want at a reduced price!

Tom

[pauldconyers]

You would want a 735C for a jig rod, not a 734C

[nocluefisher]

Call Dobyns and ask if they have anymore of the Kadens. I have a 715C that I have a jig tied onto. 

[NJBasstard]

33 minutes ago, pauldconyers said:

You would want a 735C for a jig rod, not a 734C

 

For 1/4 and 3/8 jigs?

[junyer357]

5 hours ago, nocluefisher said:

Call Dobyns and ask if they have anymore of the Kadens. I have a 715C that I have a jig tied onto. 

I asked about them at the classic and was told they are all gone. 

[Columbia Craw]

For the weight range specified, the 734C would be a better match.  If you feel a 1/2 ounce will become a frequent player, the 744C would be a better choice.   The 744C is very fast and is a jig special.  The 735C is really nice but the sweet spot is 1/2 ounce.  It's for big line, big jigs and big fish. It's an exceptional frog rod too.  It's worth the additional investment.  Get a refurbished model if one is available.

[Ogandrews]

I don’t have champions but I do have multiple sierras and they are incredible for the price. I have both a 733c and a 735c. The 3 is great for finesse jigs up to standard wire jigs, mostly throw 1/4 and 3/8 on it. The 735 is great for heavier wire jigs like the different no jacks from dirty jigs, although it isn’t too stout of a rod to throw standard wire jigs. Definitely wouldn’t throw a finesse jig on it though. Both these rods are super versatile, the 735 is one of the best frog rods you can get for the money. The 733 I throw chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, mid size keitechs, heavier wire shaky heads, t rigged senkos, even used it to vertically fish jigging raps for walleyes before

[scbassin]

 I own a few of both the 684C & 734C. Either will work for what you ask about. The Champion XP  Is more sensitive  than the Sierra but if your looking for sensitivity the Champion Extreme is the way to go. I use the shorter Sierra's when I am fishing in the Cypress tree's & the longer Champion in the grass & on the flats fishing Senko's.

[michael1]

On ‎3‎/‎11‎/‎2020 at 9:25 PM, Columbia Craw said:

For the weight range specified, the 734C would be a better match.  If you feel a 1/2 ounce will become a frequent player, the 744C would be a better choice.   The 744C is very fast and is a jig special.  The 735C is really nice but the sweet spot is 1/2 ounce.  It's for big line, big jigs and big fish. It's an exceptional frog rod too.  It's worth the additional investment.  Get a refurbished model if one is available.

In the Champion line I agree with you on your assessment of the 734C and the 735C. I have always wondered, though, why the 734C is rated as a Heavy and the 735C is a Med-Hvy. Never made any sense to me if the 735C is supposed to be a stouter rod which it is only listed as a Med-Hvy.

[NJBasstard]

1 hour ago, michael1 said:

In the Champion line I agree with you on your assessment of the 734C and the 735C. I have always wondered, though, why the 734C is rated as a Heavy and the 735C is a Med-Hvy. Never made any sense to me if the 735C is supposed to be a stouter rod which it is only listed as a Med-Hvy.

 

This confused me too. Heres Gary Dobyns reply to a similar question on another forum.

 

I get this question a ton. There are separate rating systems in rod categories. For instance a 5 power Flippin Stick is Med/Hvy in Flip/Pitch category. A 5 power in a crank bait rod is a Med/Hvy also but in Cranking category. A 5 power in a jig rod is Mag-Hvy or some companies call it XX Heavy. It's a power house rod.  The difference between each of these 5 powers is a LOT!! But, they each have a category. It pretty much breaks down like this: Swim Baits , Flippin, Cranking or CB, and everything else. The 735 is Med/Hvy in Pitch/Flip category. We put the 735C in this category because it's truly a frogging, Pitch/Flip rod and since the 734C is not, this confuses people. I've often thought about making it a Mag-Hvy just to avoid confusion, but it fits into the Pitch/Flip category perfectly.  This is not my best explanation and maybe one of you guys can explain it better. Also, always feel free to call our shop and it's easier to explain by phone. We're always happy to talk fishing rods. 530-671-1989 THX A TON GUYS!!!!

 

 

Can't help much with the original question, but I use a Sierra 704c for 1/4-3/8 jigs. Same power & action as the 734 but with a bit less flex in the tip. Never fished a similar Champion to compare, although I'd imagine the Champion would be more sensitive.

[michael1]

17 minutes ago, NJBasstard said:

 

This confused me too. Heres Gary Dobyns reply to a similar question on another forum.

 

I get this question a ton. There are separate rating systems in rod categories. For instance a 5 power Flippin Stick is Med/Hvy in Flip/Pitch category. A 5 power in a crank bait rod is a Med/Hvy also but in Cranking category. A 5 power in a jig rod is Mag-Hvy or some companies call it XX Heavy. It's a power house rod.  The difference between each of these 5 powers is a LOT!! But, they each have a category. It pretty much breaks down like this: Swim Baits , Flippin, Cranking or CB, and everything else. The 735 is Med/Hvy in Pitch/Flip category. We put the 735C in this category because it's truly a frogging, Pitch/Flip rod and since the 734C is not, this confuses people. I've often thought about making it a Mag-Hvy just to avoid confusion, but it fits into the Pitch/Flip category perfectly.  This is not my best explanation and maybe one of you guys can explain it better. Also, always feel free to call our shop and it's easier to explain by phone. We're always happy to talk fishing rods. 530-671-1989 THX A TON GUYS!!!!

 

 

Can't help much with the original question, but I use a Sierra 704c for 1/4-3/8 jigs. Same power & action as the 734 but with a bit less flex in the tip. Never fished a similar Champion to compare, although I'd imagine the Champion would be more sensitive.

I've read it twice and am more confused then before I read it LOL

[rangerjockey]

I no longer fish Dobyns and I never throw a 1/4 oz jig , but back when I did if I were fishing a 5/16 finesse style (Eakins ) jig and a speed craw it was on the 703.

[Bass Rutten]

Thank you for the responses, since this post I have acquired a megabass perfect pitch for jig fishing.

[ChrisD46]

On ‎3‎/‎11‎/‎2020 at 1:32 AM, bunz559 said:

I have the 734 and it's a great rod. Although, I do not use it for jigs. I use it primarily as a spinnerbait rod. Sometime larger top water baits are thrown on it like Super Spooks and other moving baits like Keitechs. In a pinch, I'll throw jigs. I feel  the tip is slightly too soft and slow for me. I prefer my Extreme 745, 784, and Braillist for that. But if you do not have anything more powerful than the 734c for jigs, it'll definitely feel like a big upgrade. I remember when my 734 was the most powerful rod I had other than my punch rod and it was fantastic as a jig rod. That was until I tried other rods.  

I use the Sierra 734c.  for light wire Football Jigs (3/8th oz. & 1/2 oz.) with #15 lb. AbrazX FC line and it works well -  but you are right that for flipping jigs with heavier hooks (i.e. SK Hack Attack) you possibly will want a heavier rod . *Wildcard set up* : Try using the Sierra 734c. for 3/8th oz. & 1/2 oz. heavier hook flipping jigs with #40lb. braid mainline  on a bait cast reel . The "no give" nature of braid combined with a little forgiveness of the Sierra 734c. is a GREAT set up ! By swapping bait cast reels between FC , braid or even mono main lines can add versatility to the Sierra 734c. rod .

[newyorktoiowa57]

On 4/4/2020 at 8:59 AM, Bassjam2000 said:

Thank you for the responses, since this post I have acquired a megabass perfect pitch for jig fishing.

The new version or the old gen 1 version?  How do you like it?

[Bass Rutten]

@newyorktoiowa57Orochii xx gen 2, it’s become my most used rod, fantastically versatile, I can go from jigs n t-rigs to trebled lures, ridiculously good taper, it has plenty of power for jigs and yet enough bend to protect trebles, I throw the 110 size whopper plopper on it quite a bit and the 5.8 beast hook rigged keitech. With braid it’s a  great frog rod, can punch with it too. For a single purpose jig rod sure there’s better but it isn’t worlds apart from my nrx.

[newyorktoiowa57]

6 hours ago, Bassjam2000 said:

@newyorktoiowa57Orochii xx gen 2, it’s become my most used rod, fantastically versatile, I can go from jigs n t-rigs to trebled lures, ridiculously good taper, it has plenty of power for jigs and yet enough bend to protect trebles, I throw the 110 size whopper plopper on it quite a bit and the 5.8 beast hook rigged keitech. With braid it’s a  great frog rod, can punch with it too. For a single purpose jig rod sure there’s better but it isn’t worlds apart from my nrx.

Thanks for the mini review!

[ChrisD46]

On 3/11/2020 at 9:24 AM, pauldconyers said:

You would want a 735C for a jig rod, not a 734C

A  Sierra 734C. for 3/8th and 1/2 oz. football jigs works well as they have lighter hooks ... Standard flipping jigs with heavier hooks go with a 735c. of your choice . *Wild card is using a Sierra 734c. with braid main line .