Would most here advise against throwing heavier, treble hooked baits like the whopper plopper on a Dobyn’s Champion XP 734C?

[Ohioguy25]

I was really excited to get this rod as I have heard rave reviews on its versatility and balance, but I was recently told it was not ideal to throw larger treble hooked baits.  
 

I will be using this as my “do everything” casting setup, but will primarily be throwing the Whopper Plopper 90, 1/2 oz spinnerbaits/Chatterbaits, jerkbaits, buzz baits, crank baits and occasionally a medium/large sized walking bait like a spook or a popper (Rio Ricos.)

 

Currently using a 7’ MHMF Mojo Bass for these applications, pleased with it but ready for an upgrade.  Is the fast action of the Champion XP not ideal for these (esp plopper) due to ripping treble hooks out or will it work as long as I use mono?
 

If not, what would you recommend that would be an upgrade from the Mojo and a more moderate tip than the Champ? I know they make a crank bait rod (706CB) in this line but I am pretty dead set on split grip and these are only available full cork.  Thanks and sorry so many questions, trying to prepare my arsenal for spring! ??

[Bird]

Throw all my WP,s on a med action moderate.

I like a bend in the rod for these baits. Imho

[Ohioguy25]

31 minutes ago, Bird said:

Throw all my WP,s on a med action moderate.

I like a bend in the rod for these baits. Imho

Man I really want that champion ?

[softwateronly]

I would definitely throw larger whopper ploppers on a 734. That rod is a do all. I think Gary himself designed it as a spook rod. That tip will pin treble hooked fish. Set your drag correctly, drop the tip on jumping fish, and I’d expect you to land 95% of what you hook. Get the rod. It is good at most everything moving. 
 

 

scott
 

 

[Choporoz]

1 hour ago, Ohioguy25 said:

I will be using this as my “do everything” casting setup, but will primarily be throwing the Whopper Plopper 90, 1/2 oz spinnerbaits/Chatterbaits, jerkbaits, buzz baits, crank baits and occasionally a medium/large sized walking bait like a spook or a popper (Rio Ricos.)

 

Currently using a 7’ MHMF Mojo Bass for these applications, pleased with it but ready for an upgrade.  Is the fast action of the Champion XP not ideal for these (esp plopper) due to ripping treble hooks out or will it work as long as I use mono?

I use DX744 for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, WPs.  No doubt, 734 will be fine for what you want to do.  Not too sure about cranks and Ricos, but give 'em a try.  As to ripping trebles out, I really don't think that's a concern.  I believe the bigger consideration is leverage to throw the lure... whether your rod and line have a bit of give to keep them pinned so the fish doesn't gain a leverage advantage.   Mono will help in that department. 

[badfish79]

I wouldnt be afraid to use a Champ XP 734 for treble hook lures.

[Derek1]

I think you’ll be fine. 

[badfish79]

Be warned, your first Dobyns will come with a complimentary bait monkey. 

[softwateronly]

There’s a sale at A*F coming up specifically concerning dobyns starting this Thursday.  I received an email about it yesterday. 
 

scott

[FrnkNsteen]

3 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

I was really excited to get this rod as I have heard rave reviews on its versatility and balance, but I was recently told it was not ideal to throw larger treble hooked baits.  

Actually,... What was said was that a few of us that have the Champ and the Sierra 734 actually like the Sierra 734 better for those techniques because it is a little more moderate than the Champion.

 

You said you wanted something more like your MHMF Mojo, so that was another reason for the Sierra.

 

If you have your heart set on the Champion 734, then go get it. It will work for those. I just like my Sierra better for those lures

 

 

[softwateronly]

I mean you already have the mojo. If you get the champ, which it seems you have your heart set on, you can overlap most techniques and gain new ones. From my point of view, I’d lean toward this strategy. 
 

scott

[Ohioguy25]

1 hour ago, softwateronly said:

I mean you already have the mojo. If you get the champ, which it seems you have your heart set on, you can overlap most techniques and gain new ones. From my point of view, I’d lean toward this strategy. 
 

scott

Well I’m trying to keep the number of rods I bring at 4 lol, finesse, versatile spinning, versatile casting, swimbait.

1 hour ago, FrnkNsteen said:

Actually,... What was said was that a few of us that have the Champ and the Sierra 734 actually like the Sierra 734 better for those techniques because it is a little more moderate than the Champion.

 

You said you wanted something more like your MHMF Mojo, so that was another reason for the Sierra.

 

If you have your heart set on the Champion 734, then go get it. It will work for those. I just like my Sierra better for those lures

 

 

Yeah, I gotcha.....although isn’t the quality of the blank/components quite a bit better in the Champion, and wouldn’t the Sierra be somewhat of a lateral move if not possibly a downgrade from the Mojo?

[badfish79]

The blank would be the only major difference. A little lighter and a little more sensitive on the Champ. The reel seat, guides, cork are all the same. The balance should be very similar as well. My opinion, the Sierra is an upgrade from a Mojo.

[PhishLI]

5 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

I was really excited to get this rod as I have heard rave reviews on its versatility and balance, but I was recently told it was not ideal to throw larger treble hooked baits.  

Og,

 

Last year I did a number on my shoulder and knee. Because of that I was less inclined to trudge back to shore to swap rigs after I'd waded out. That issue, and because I was in puppy love with my Zillion G/Ark Essence 7'6" MH/15lb Tatsu combo, had me throwing plenty of treble baits with what wouldn't be thought as ideal. Far from it. All I had to do was adjust my drag down, and I can't remember losing a fish. This particular ARK is a crisp, fast rod. You'll have no trouble if you really have to have the Champion as long as you manage your drag for the bait you're using.

[Ohioguy25]

1 hour ago, fish_burrito said:

The blank would be the only major difference. A little lighter and a little more sensitive on the Champ. The reel seat, guides, cork are all the same. The balance should be very similar as well. My opinion, the Sierra is an upgrade from a Mojo.

Fuji on Champ, Sierra uses a different guide I believe.

[Scott804]

It'll do fine with a whopper plopper, I say go for it! I love my 734c so far. 

[badfish79]

1 hour ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Fuji on Champ, Sierra uses a different guide I believe.

Kadens use Sea Guides, but Champ XPs and Sierras should both have Fuji guides.

[Columbia Craw]

Gary Dobyns shared in an interview that the Champion 734 was designed with the Super Spook in mind.  I have two, both pre XP and one is set up with braid for top waters.  Enjoy!

[Ohioguy25]

12 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

Gary Dobyns shared in an interview that the Champion 734 was designed with the Super Spook in mind.  I have two, both pre XP and one is set up with braid for top waters.  Enjoy!

Would you put the super spook in the same category as WP90?

[Columbia Craw]

The WP 90 weighs 1/2 ounce and is a wind in retrieve. The 734 handles that very well. The Super Spook is heavier and it works with manipulation of the rod. The 734 does this very well. That model like most Dobyns has tip and power. Efficient hook sets and enough flex to keep those fish hooked up. ?