Recommend A New Graphite Square Bill Rod.

[AmmoGuy]

Have a new Zillion G 7.1 on the way, with the intent to dedicate it to a square bill rig. Need a rod for it. Let’s say sub $200, and 7’, and a nice moderate graphite blank. 
 

I’ve been tossing them on a 7’ ALX Hustler composite. Great rod for shallow/med cranks, but I think I want a little more sensitivity for my SBs. (Graphite)
 

I’d try a Tatula M/R, but I’ve got a bunch of them, and I’m tired of the cork grips coming loose, and the square triggers wear on my finger. Id like a Tat Elite, but don’t see one with quite the right specs? 

 

Toss up what suggestions you’ve got. I’m assuming a FR705CB will be one of the popular choices, I’ve just never “taken” to the Dobyns rods. 

 

TIA!

[AmmoGuy]

Nobody?

Not even a 705CB shout out? ??

[casts_by_fly]

Are you set on 7’ and moderate action?  Also, which size square bills?  I love my falcon expert for most squarebills but it’s 6’10” and listed fast action. I fish my 7’ bucoo trapcaster with most crankbaits (squarebills included) and is probably what you’re looking for.  Also listed as mf though on the slower end of it. If you’re talking about light ones like little bombers then the falcon Mansfield is a nice rod, though light. 

[AmmoGuy]

11 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

Are you set on 7’ and moderate action?  Also, which size square bills?  I love my falcon expert for most squarebills but it’s 6’10” and listed fast action. I fish my 7’ bucoo trapcaster with most crankbaits (squarebills included) and is probably what you’re looking for.  Also listed as mf though on the slower end of it. If you’re talking about light ones like little bombers then the falcon Mansfield is a nice rod, though light. 

KVD 1.5s and 2.5s almost exclusively.

 

6’10” would be fine. Just don’t really want to go over 7’. And actions are so subjective these days it’s hard to say, but I’m a believer that a good moderate action does help keep a fish pinned on trebles, so id like to stay on that side of things, but don’t need a super parabolic rod.
 

I’ve looked at the trap caster. If Omnia had them and I could get 20% off right now, I might would try one. 

[scbassin]

Your Words "I’ve just never “taken” to the Dobyns rods." The Champion XP DC 705 CB FH is a very good rod. I have The Champion XP DC 764 CB RM FH & 765 CB FH I also have a Kaden KD 610-4CB FH.  These are all excellent rods for cranking. By your statement I am guessing you have had a Dobyns rod or 2 & did not like them. I could not sleep so I decided to give a second chance

[Ski]

IM8 graphite/glass composite blank.

 

[AmmoGuy]

6 hours ago, scbassin said:

Your Words "I’ve just never “taken” to the Dobyns rods." The Champion XP DC 705 CB FH is a very good rod. I have The Champion XP DC 764 CB RM FH & 765 CB FH I also have a Kaden KD 610-4CB FH.  These are all excellent rods for cranking. By your statement I am guessing you have had a Dobyns rod or 2 & did not like them. I could not sleep so I decided to give a second chance

Hmm. The 610 Kaden is interesting. I wonder how it compares to the Daiwa “regular” actions. 

[casts_by_fly]

10 hours ago, AmmoGuy said:

KVD 1.5s and 2.5s almost exclusively.

 

6’10” would be fine. Just don’t really want to go over 7’. And actions are so subjective these days it’s hard to say, but I’m a believer that a good moderate action does help keep a fish pinned on trebles, so id like to stay on that side of things, but don’t need a super parabolic rod.
 

I’ve looked at the trap caster. If Omnia had them and I could get 20% off right now, I might would try one. 

 

In that case, the trapcaster is a good choice for what you describe.  For that matter, I'd step up to the expert lineup and get the equivalent rod in the 7' all-round.  Same base design, lighter and more responsive blank.  If you want it for more than just squarebills, the Hudson special is a half step up in power from the allround (both are rated a 5-power by falcon).  Its 7'4" and has the same 3/8-3/4 rating as the all-round.  Its physically a much larger rod- the diameter at the grips is almost twice the trapcaster- but its still very light in physical weight and has a good treble hook bend.  Good rod for KVD squarebills and what you describe, but will also throw a DT10/14 well.  I use it as my big topwater rod right now (90/110 ploppers, 1/2 oz buzzbaits).  I found its limits in that it doesn't get a good hook set on toads (nor would the trapcaster or any other rods you're looking at).

 

The finesse jig/topwater would also be a good rod for you.  The base action is MF/F and I'd agree with that, but as a Falcon 5-power it gets past the casting action quickly on a fish.  I fish it with walking baits and poppers (among other things) and haven't lost a fish on a treble on it yet.  Its also really light in weight.

[Dirtyeggroll]

18 hours ago, AmmoGuy said:

Nobody?

Not even a 705CB shout out? ??

Caught hundreds if not thousands of bass on my Dobyns 705CB Champion. Recommend 100% as squarebill rod.