Bait Cast bug has got me again

[lunkerboss923]

I just got into Dobyns rods and I really like them. The power thing is confusing initially, but I'm beginning to understand how it works. It seems the more expensive each series is the more options you get. I'm really liking the Shimano SLX series of reels. I'm looking to get the DC, XT, and MGL. I want to try some more rods in maybe the Sierra or Champion series. I've got the 734 and 735 in the Fury. I'm interested in shorter rods too like the 684. I'm thinking the DC would be a good distance reel. I'm not sure about the XT (how would you use it...which technique.)The MGL would make a good heavy finesse reel (to me an 1/8oz weighted senko hook doesnt feel right on a spinning rod). Help me pick a Dobyns rod and an SLX reel. Technique specific. 

 

Here is my current line up: 

 

ROD...Dobyns Colt 705cb
REEL...Shimano SLX 150 6.3:1
USE...Treble Hooks jerkbait, topwater, or squarebill crankbait

 

ROD...Dobyns Fury 734c
REEL...Daiwa Tatula 100 HS 7.1:1
USE...buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits

 

ROD...Dobyns Colt 704c
REEL...Daiwa Fuego CT 7.3:1
USE...jigs, Texas rigs

 

ROD...Dobyns Fury 735c

REEL...Daiwa Fuego CT 8.1:1 
USES...Frog, Football jigs, Heavy lures

 

Thank you 

 

 

[lunkerboss923]

A little help!!!  Anybody and suggestions? 

[Jig Man]

Your post says bait bug.

[lunkerboss923]

Cool...so you don't have any suggestions? 

[new2BC4bass]

5 hours ago, Jig Man said:

Your post says bait bug.

Yeah.  Change topic to baitcast bug, and you should get more people reading, and commenting.  Can't help you.  I only have one Dobyns rod and it is the 704CB Glass.  Have a few Shimano reels, but none in the SLX series...so again I am worthless as far as having a valid opinion.

 

**FIXED**

[lunkerboss923]

Don't know how to change topic. Oh well, it's all subjective anyway right? I've got some ideas, but I wish somebody would give me some clues of how to use each SLX model. 

[new2BC4bass]

Read all the reviews you can find.  Here are a few to get started.  Hopefully new to you.  Also search this site.

Quote

 

The SLX and SLX are revieed here.

https://outdoorsinformed.com/shimano-baitcasting-reels/

https://reelgame.com/shimano-slx-review/

SLX vsSLX XT

 

 

 

SLX vs SLX XT vs SLX DC

https://saltedangler.com/baitcasting-reels/shimano-slx-baitcasting-reel-reviews/

 

[jbsoonerfan]

I use the SLX MGL 70 for 1/8 oz texas rigs. I throw them on a 6'10 ML Zodias rod with 20 lb braid. The reel handles them great.

[NJBasstard]

It's up to the user to decide if the SVS brakes on the XT are worth the extra. Having used both of those along with a number of other Shimano reels I can honestly say it makes no difference to me. I still lean toward the simplicity of the old 6 pin VBS system and have yet to find an application where I really benefit from the SVS brakes. The only reason I own more than one reel with it is because that's all that's offered anymore. That's just me though.

 

I also own the SLX MGL and it throws a 1/8oz bitsy bug just as well as my Curado 50, 70 and Scorpion XT. Last two times I was out it's been on a 705cb for squarebills & poppers though. I know the MGL spool is the main selling point on this reel but it's also nice having a spare SLX XT spool to swap in for more line capacity and/or a different line type.

 

As far as rods go it really depends on what your trying to cover. Having two 4 powers and the 735 I'd opt for something lighter like a 683/703. 

[Tywithay]

There's not really any secrets to using each model. They all achieve the same thing, but with different braking systems. The DC is the most user friendly, because the computer controls it. The XT is the most adjustable. Regular SLX is the simplest. Depending how good your thumb is and what you're throwing, you may or may not see any difference in distance between the three reels.

[JustJames]

I only own SLX MGL for short period of time, caught a few fish then sold it to fund other reel. I sold not because I don’t like it but I have too many reels in this category (finesse, light weight, light line). It can be good for other stuffs too but line capacity gonna be a little cumbersome. For regular SLX and SLX XT, I see no different, whatever you feel like, by all means get it.   I bought reg SLX before SLX XT come out

and don’t see the need of upgrading. I use this reel for pretty much everything for heavy line category (12lb copolymer)like, top water, Jig, Texas Rig, chatterbait even weightless senko, you name it. This or SLX XT compare to Fuego, I’ll go with SLX any day of the week, lighter smaller and cast better.

The SLX DC, like a lot mentioned, this reel should be good in some type of situations like windy, skipping or night fishing if you care and worry too much about backlash. One thing to remember the more control of spool the less distance you would get. Oh!!!! actually let make it two things, this reel is nothing like other SLXs, Shimano just borrows the name to fit in lower end price category (lower than Curado), The frame is bigger and heavier, including spool compare to other SLX.

At the end I only have regular SLX left that I fish along side my Bantam MGL with no shame at all.

[Efishin]

I highly suggested Shimano and Daiwa reels. For rods, I personally dont like Dobyns rods at all. Rods I would recommend Daiwa, Shimano, Miller Rods, St Croix, Phenix, G Loomis. 

[lunkerboss923]

So the reel isn't really suited for different applications? 

 

DC ---> Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, buzzbait

 

XT ---> Worm, jig 

 

I think the MGL paired with an 683c Champion would be ideal.  

[Manifestgtr]

Couple different routes you can go if you like the slx...

 

The xt and mgl are nice little reels. I really like the mgl but the xt is the better value, imo. The mgl just doesn’t fish that much lighter from what I’ve seen. So the xt is my advice there...

 

If you’re willing to spend a little more money, the curado 70 is really, REALLY nice as well. X-ship is a nice feature and they’re cheaper than they used to be since the 70k is on the way. They’re also my favorite reels of all time from an ergonomic standpoint. I like my aldebarans more but the curado 70, scorpion 70 and engetsu 100 are almost supernaturally comfortable.

XT or Curado 70 frame...that’s where I’d go but ymmv ?

 

EDIT: weird...the 70 has actually gone UP in price from where I last saw it. Hmmm...

[Shimano_1]

On 8/6/2020 at 4:56 PM, lunkerboss923 said:

So the reel isn't really suited for different applications? 

 

DC ---> Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, buzzbait

 

XT ---> Worm, jig 

 

I think the MGL paired with an 683c Champion would be ideal.  

Any of them can be used for whatever you choose to use them for. If it's never going to be used for light baits then the mgl may not be needed. The regular slx is impossible to beat for the money. The xt is arguably worth the extra money for what it offers as well. Its all personal preference.  I fish several curado k reels and 2 slx reels and like them all. Was never a fan of the curaro 70. The slx feels smoother and easier to manage to me for a lot less money.  

[Boomstick]

I would say try a 703C or 733C and if you can swing it, maybe a Sierra. These are for finesse jigs, weightless or very lightly weighted soft plastics and square bills around grass, and can also throw a jerkbait or popper or whopper plopper pretty decently. It should pair well with a Curado DC as you'll be throwing a lot of light lures on it.

 

My oldest son has a Sierra 703C, so I can recommend it with confidence. 

[lunkerboss923]

I've owned a 703c, in fact, it was my favorite rod. However, I caught a bowfin on the rod and it subsequently broke. It was under warranty so I got a 705cb, I was fishing lots of Squarebills and jerkbaits. 705cb just made sense. I regret that decision. I felt like the 703c was a jack of all trades, more so than the 734c. But as a bank fisherman. I need a shorter rod...I'm on a budget Dobyns doesn't make 683c in the Fury line. So here's what I've decided on. 

 

St. Croix Bass X 6'8" MXF
Shimano SLX XT 7.2:1
Poppers, Spooks, Whooper Plopper, Buzzbait, Jerkbait, weightless plastic worms 

 

Eventually I'd like to upgrade my worm/jig rod...and I loved my Curado K (long story on how I lost it). Dobyns does not sell 704c in the Fury line at Academy, and I can get St. Croix, all the rods I need  at Bass Pro Shops. The 703c and 704c are Dobyns Colts, that I owned. 

 

so here's my rig...

 

St. Croix Bass X MHF 7'1"
Shimano Curado 200K 7.4:1
Jigs / Texas Rigs / Soft plastics

 

I've heard all the bashing of the St. Croix Bass X, but the price is good enough for me. I get a solid rod for a decent price. I mean we only read about the negatives. It's like the salesman for Lew's telling me they made poor quality batch of reels where all the lettering rubbed off the reel. After asking him about it, he laughed and said "oh you must have gotten one of our bad apples...and he did replace it free and shipped it free.  There's bad product in everything. I'm sure folks have had bad experiences with Dobyns. My rod broke on a bowfin. Dobyns doesn't have a whole lot of dealers in the Houston area. I live on Lake Conroe and nobody has Dobyns rods. Plus the price isn't what I'm willing to pay for Dobyns upgrade. I think these rods are more than serviceable. 

 

[Ogandrews]

I absolutely loved the Sierra 733 I owned. Super versatile rod, more of a moderate fast than a true fast and a little lighter than a MH, great for lighter wire worm hooks. Reel wise if you are looking at spending the money on a slx dc/mgl, I would recommend just getting a curado K. The K is such a dependable and well made reel, really hard to beat for the price. I have owned Sox’s and every one of them started to feel geary after a season of hard use, while my curados still felt great.

[lunkerboss923]

So far I love the SLX it feels like a working man's Curado K. I don't think I'm really all that interested in the DC, although it is cool and $10 more than a K. Something about the Curado keeps drawing me back.