Dobyns FR733c...did I make a mistake?

[thewhitelotus]

Just recently purchased a fr733c when they were on sale but I'm wondering if I should have got a 734c instead.  I fish mainly for smallmouth in open water and got the 733c to use as an "all purpose" type rod tossing 3/8 spinnerbaits, 3/8 chatterbaits w/ trailer, underspins and paddletails. Will the 733c work for this or will it be underpowered?  I haven't even taken the plastics off yet so I'm debating on trying to sell it as new and getting a 734c

[MN Fisher]

Personally - ya, I like a 4 power for spinners and chatters of 3/8 or heavier...remember the stated weight is JUST for the head...add in the hook, skirt and blades and you're close to 5/8oz...put a trailer on it and now you're over the top-end lure rating for a 3 power rod.

 

My 3 power is for jerkbaits, lipless and mid-size topwaters (Zara Spooks, WP-60, etc)

[Columbia Craw]

Those weights in open water?  You are solid.  

[FishinBuck07]

In open water for smallies you should be just fine, I would think as much as they jump and thrash the lighter rod might be better.  But then again I have been wrong before, just ask my wife!!!?

[ChrisD46]

9 hours ago, thewhitelotus said:

Just recently purchased a fr733c when they were on sale but I'm wondering if I should have got a 734c instead.  I fish mainly for smallmouth in open water and got the 733c to use as an "all purpose" type rod tossing 3/8 spinnerbaits, 3/8 chatterbaits w/ trailer, underspins and paddletails. Will the 733c work for this or will it be underpowered?  I haven't even taken the plastics off yet so I'm debating on trying to sell it as new and getting a 734c

*Both the Dobyns 733c & 734c are keepers for the techniques , lure weights , etc. stated by Dobyns . That said - any rod you feel is slightly too soft for the intended lures / technique there is an easy solution : use Braid Main Line !! ... Just by switching reels out with Mono / Copoly , FC and Braid mainlines , you can make a rod respond three different ways to what you are trying to fish .

[Deleted account]

Yeah, 3/8 spinnerbaits and chatters are going to be at the top end of the 3 power Dobyns. It will work, but if that is primarily the intended use, particularly with larger trailers or blades other than willows, I would go with the 4 power. I would keep the one you have, and get the other as well.

[badfish79]

not sure how long ago or where you ordered the 733, but maybe try to exchange it, especially if it still looks new and has the plastic on it. I ordered a champion xp from tw during the christmas sale and exchanged it a couple times for different champion xps until i found the right one for me. they honored the sale price even though the sale has long been over, and sent the rods for free as a straight exchange.